With Spinal Decompression we stretch and relax the muscles surrounding the spine. This reduces pressure on the disc, decreasing the feeling of pain while improving blood flow and allowing for better nutrient exchange. This can enhance the body's natural healing processes and reduce inflammation around the compressed nerve.
Also known as a slipped disc or a ruptured disc, a herniated disc is a medical condition that occurs in the spine.
The spine is made up of a series of bones called vertebrae, stacked on top of each other, and between these vertebrae are cushion-like discs known as intervertebral discs. These discs have a tough, outer layer called the annulus fibrosus and a soft, gel-like inner core called the nucleus pulposus. These discs serve as shock absorbers and provide flexibility to the spine.
A herniated disc occurs when the inner core (nucleus pulposus) of one of these intervertebral discs pushes through the outer layer (annulus fibrosus) and extends beyond its normal position. This can happen due to wear and tear on the disc over time or due to sudden injury or trauma. When the herniated portion of the disc presses on nearby nerves in the spine, it can lead to various symptoms.
Reduction of Pressure on the Disc: The primary goal of spinal decompression therapy is to create a controlled, mechanical traction or stretching of the spine. This stretching can create a negative pressure or a vacuum effect within the intervertebral disc. The negative pressure may help retract the herniated or bulging portion of the disc back to its normal position, reducing the pressure on the surrounding nerves. This can relieve pain and alleviate other symptoms associated with the herniated disc.
Increased Blood Flow and Nutrient Exchange: Spinal decompression therapy can enhance blood flow and nutrient exchange to the affected area of the spine. Improved circulation can help the body's natural healing processes and reduce inflammation around the compressed nerve.
Relaxation of Muscles: During a spinal decompression session, the muscles around the spine often relax. This muscle relaxation can help alleviate pain and reduce muscle spasms and tension that can occur with herniated discs.
Promotion of Healing: By reducing pressure on the herniated disc and increasing nutrient exchange and blood flow, spinal decompression therapy can promote the body's natural healing mechanisms. Over time, this may aid in the healing and repair of the damaged disc tissue.
Depending on the location of the herniated disc, the pain can be in the neck, back, or radiate into the arms or legs. The pain is often described as sharp, shooting, or burning.
Herniated discs can compress nerves, leading to numbness, tingling, or a pins-and-needles sensation in the affected area.
If the compressed nerve affects the muscles controlled by that nerve, it can result in weakness in those muscles.
Reflexes controlled by the affected nerve may become exaggerated or diminished.
Often times the most difficult part of healing is in taking the first step. Because of this we wanted to take measures to eliminate any of the doubt or fear you may have, so we are giving free consultations to evaluate your current circumstances to see if Spinal Decompression is a good fit for you. Don't needlessly live with your pain any longer than you need to. Book your free consultation today and find out why our customers are raving about Spinal Decompression.
One of the most common causes of herniated discs is the natural aging process. As people age, the intervertebral discs in the spine lose water content and become less flexible. This makes them more susceptible to tears and herniations.
Conditions like degenerative disc disease can weaken the discs over time, making them more prone to herniation. Degeneration can result from the cumulative effects of aging, genetics, and lifestyle factors.
Acute injuries or trauma to the spine, such as those from a car accident, fall, or sports-related injury, can cause a herniated disc. The sudden force or impact can lead to the rupture of the disc's outer layer and the displacement of the inner core.
Repetitive movements or activities that involve bending, twisting, or lifting over time can contribute to the development of herniated discs. Jobs or hobbies that require such movements may increase the risk.