What is spinal decompression?
Spinal decompression is a treatment designed to relieve back pain by reducing pressure on the spinal discs and nerves. By gently creating space within the spine, this treatment can help alleviate discomfort, restore mobility and allow you to return to the activities you enjoy.
There are two main forms of spinal decompression:
- Nonsurgical spinal decompression: A conservative therapy that uses traction to stretch the spine, promoting realignment and relieving pressure on spinal structures. This is usually temporary.
- Spinal decompression surgery: A more advanced option for severe or persistent conditions. It involves removing portions of bone or tissue to relieve nerve compression and restore function.
The primary goal of spinal decompression is to reduce pain and improve quality of life by addressing the underlying source of your spinal pressure. Your healthcare provider will work with you to determine the most appropriate option based on your condition and lifestyle.
Why might I need spinal decompression?
Spinal decompression may be recommended if you are experiencing symptoms caused by pressure on the spinal nerves or discs. This treatment can help relieve discomfort, improve function and prevent further nerve damage. You may benefit from spinal decompression if you have:
- Persistent back or neck pain that doesn’t improve with rest, physical therapy or medication
- Radiating pain that travels down your arms or legs (such as sciatica)
- Numbness, tingling or weakness in your arms, hands, legs or feet
- Difficulty standing, walking or maintaining balance due to back or nerve pain
- Irritation of the spinal nerve roots (called radiculopathy)
If you’ve been diagnosed with conditions like a herniated disc, spinal stenosis or degenerative disc disease, spinal decompression may also be an effective treatment option.
Types of spinal decompression
There are two main options for spinal decompression: nonsurgical and surgical. The right choice for you will depend on how severe your condition is, the symptoms you're experiencing and how well other treatments have worked for you.
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Nonsurgical spinal decompression therapy
Nonsurgical spinal decompression therapy (NSDT) is designed to relieve back pain by reducing pressure on the spine. During treatment, your healthcare provider may use gentle traction to stretch and relax your back. This process helps take pressure off the discs and nerves, which can reduce symptoms.
There are different techniques used in decompression therapy. For example, a harness might be placed around your hips and attached to a motorized traction table that moves your lower body gently back and forth to relieve tension in your spine.
In addition to decompression therapy, other nonsurgical options may help relieve back pain, including:
- Acupuncture: Thin needles are placed at specific points on your body to relieve pain.
- Chiropractic care: Spinal adjustments realign your bones to reduce pressure and discomfort.
- Medications: These can help reduce the inflammation and discomfort related your spinal condition.
- Physical therapy: A therapist teaches you stretches, exercises and proper lifting techniques to ease pain and strengthen your back.
- Nerve stimulation (TENS): A small device delivers gentle electrical charges to relax muscles and reduce nerve pain.
These integrative medicine therapies offer alternatives to surgery and can help you manage pain while improving your quality of life. Your healthcare provider can help you decide which approach is best for you.
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Spinal decompression surgery
Decompression surgery may be a good option if you're dealing with back or neck pain, or nerve problems caused by conditions like a herniated disc or spinal stenosis . Your doctor might recommend spinal decompression surgery if pressure on your spinal cord and nerves causes severe symptoms that have not improved with medication, physical therapy, exercise and other conservative, nonsurgical treatments. The goal of surgery is to directly address the root cause of your pain by removing or repairing the parts of the spine that are causing pressure on your nerves.
Your surgical options for spinal compression may include:
- Laminectomy: This procedure removes a small part of the bone (called the lamina) that covers the spinal canal. By creating more space, it relieves pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, often caused by conditions like spinal stenosis.
- Discectomy: If a herniated or bulging disc is pressing on a nerve, this procedure removes the damaged part of the disc. Many discectomies, such as a microdiscectomy, use minimally invasive techniques, which means smaller incisions and quicker recovery times.
- Foraminotomy: This procedure enlarges the small openings in the spine where nerves exit (called foramina). It helps relieve pressure from bone spurs or narrowing that can cause nerve pain.
- Artificial disc replacement: Instead of removing a damaged disc and fusing the spine, this procedure replaces the disc with an artificial one. For certain people, it’s a great option for preserving spinal movement and flexibility.
Decompression with fusion
In some cases, decompression surgery may also include a fusion procedure. This depends on the condition being treated and the type of surgery needed. Typically, fusions are needed when there is instability, significant arthritis or compression beyond what can be relieved with a decompression alone.
For example, lumbar decompression may involve a technique called lumbar interbody fusion (LIF), which helps stabilize the spine while relieving pressure on the nerves. In the cervical spine, a common approach is anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), often used to treat disc herniation or nerve compression in the neck.. While surgery is a major decision, it can be life-changing for those suffering from severe, chronic pain. Your care team will work with you to explain your options, answer your questions and guide you throughout the process.
What are the risks of spinal decompression?
Like all medical treatments, spinal decompression, whether nonsurgical or surgical, comes with potential risks. Medications, while effective for managing pain, can sometimes cause allergic reactions or unwanted side effects. Integrative therapies may not always be effective and aren’t appropriate for every condition. Surgical procedures carry their own set of risks, including infection, bleeding, blood clots and possible injury to nearby nerves or tissues.
It’s important to carefully weigh these risks against the potential benefits with your healthcare provider. Be sure to discuss all your options, including nonsurgical and surgical treatments, along with any concerns you have. Together, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your needs and goals.
What are the benefits of spinal decompression?
The right treatment can effectively address the underlying issues causing back pain. By taking a stepped approach, your healthcare provider can evaluate your specific condition and recommend the most suitable treatment plan with the least risk. This ensures you receive the care that aligns with your needs, whether it's non-invasive therapy or a more advanced option.
With the right treatment, you can find relief and get back to doing the things you enjoy—whether it’s work, school or your favorite activities—so you can live your life without being held back by pain.
Frequently asked questions
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Does spinal decompression work for herniated discs?
Yes, spinal decompression can be effective for treating herniated discs. Both nonsurgical and surgical treatments can help relieve pain and improve function.
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Can decompression help spinal stenosis?
Yes, spinal decompression surgery can help relieve the symptoms of spinal stenosis. The procedure works by opening up the spinal canal to reduce pressure on the nerves, which can help alleviate pain and discomfort caused by the condition.
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Can spinal decompression help scoliosis?
Yes, spinal decompression may be recommended as part of your treatment plan for scoliosis when there is compression on the nerves. Both nonsurgical and surgical options can reduce pain and improve function, but it's important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best approach for your condition.