How Does Spinal Decompression Help With Herniated Disks?

Herniated disks, slipped disks, or ruptured disks refer to a problem with the discs between vertebrae. These disks are rubbery cushions that sit between the bones making up the spine. Sometimes, they push out through a tear in the annulus and happen at any part of the spine.

Herniated disks can irritate nerves, and depending on which part this happens, it can result in pain or numbness. Surgery is not necessary; spinal decompression alleviates symptoms effectively.
 

Symptoms

The symptoms depend on the location of the disk on the spine and whether the disk is pressing on a nerve. Many people show no symptoms of the condition. However, some of the symptoms usually affect one side of the body.

• Leg or arm pain – In instances where the herniated disk is in your neck, the pain will be in the shoulder or arm. If it is in the lower back, then the pain will also be in that area.

• Buttocks, thighs, and calf – The pain may shoot down your arm or leg when you sit in certain positions. It may also radiate when you sneeze or cough.

• Tingling or numbness - You may also experience radiating tingling or numbness from a herniated disk. It happens in the part of the body served by the nerve affected. It can cause weakness in muscles.

• Weakness in muscles - Muscles in areas where the affected nerve serves usually weaken. It will affect your ability to walk or hold things. You will need treatment immediately if you experience this.
   

Treatment Using Spinal Decompression

Spinal decompression is a non-invasive form of treatment that uses traction on a special mechanical or motorized table. This helps relieve pressure and pull vertebrae apart so the disks can move back into place. It helps relieve pain and pressure on nerves and promotes healing.
 

Benefits

Over time, this treatment has become popular among people with herniated disks. The reasons for this include:

• Highly Effective.

Research shows that spinal decompression is highly effective in treating herniated disks. Patients experience significant improvement with this treatment, eliminating the need for surgery. Surgery is invasive and can often result in complications.

• Improves Posture.

Poor posture will affect your spine and lead to pain. Spinal decompression realigns the spine and removes nerve interference. Regular chiropractic care in addition to spinal decompression leads to dramatic improvement of posture.

• Pain-Free.

This is a non-invasive procedure, so a patient will not go through painful recovery afterward. Depending on which part is receiving treatment, the chiropractor will strap the patient on a table. The pain-free treatment lasts between 20-30 minutes, depending on the part that needs treatment.

• Long-term.

Spinal decompression takes approximately six to eight sessions before a patient experiences significant pain reduction. Every pull directs healing nutrients into the discs, and they rehydrate the discs when they get back in place. With consistency, the therapy has significant long-term results.

For more on spinal decompression and herniated disks, call ReAlignMed in Chicago, Illinois at 773-665-4400 today to schedule an appointment.