The Benefits of Spinal Decompression In Edmonton, AB
Statistics show that over 80 percent of Canadians will experience back pain at some time in their lives. Lower back pain is also the leading cause of disability in the world. Back pain can be caused by injuries, accidents, poor posture, obesity and even stress. For those with chronic back pain who have not experienced much success with medications or other treatment options, spinal decompression could offer relief.
Spinal decompression is a form of traction that can relieve lower back pain. The chiropractor uses gentle stretching to change the position of the spine, which in turn takes pressure off certain parts of the spine. Spinal decompression has also been known to lessen herniated discs and take unnecessary pressure off spinal nerves. Over time, this helps increase mobility and spinal function.
Although spinal decompression is most often used to alleviate lower back pain, it can also treat bulging and herniated discs, weakened spinal joints, or damaged spinal nerve roots.
During spinal decompression, a harness is placed around the patient’s pelvis and the midsection. Then the patient is instructed to lie down on a computerized table that the chiropractor will be able to manipulate and adjust to best accommodate the patient’s needs. This chiropractic treatment lasts about 20 to 25 minutes and you may require multiple treatments over several weeks. Talk to your chiropractor about how often you should seek treatment.
The majority of patients notice some pain relief after the first few treatments, with many experiencing the most significant reduction in back pain within the second week of treatment. To help promote more effective pain relief, spinal decompression may even be used in conjunction with other treatments such as hot and cold therapies, electrical simulation, or ultrasound.
For those looking to avoid surgery and those who’ve tried more conservative methods without relief, consider the benefits of spinal decompression. However, those who are pregnant, those with recent spinal fractures, spinal infections, and severe osteoporosis are not ideal candidates for spinal decompression. Always talk to your chiropractor about your medical history before opting for this therapy.