Spinal decompression treatment was FDA cleared back in 1996. Over the past 15 years its popularity has been rising as it represents an excellent alternative to surgery. The cost of spinal decompression is less than 5% of the cost of surgery, and the risk profile is very low.

How does it work? The popularity for spinal decompression treatment initially was for low back pain, however, as the years have gone by it’s been showing considerably good results for neck pain. The science behind spinal decompression works the same for both cervical and lumbar.

Cervical decompression is applied intermittent traction via an attachment that pulls on the patient’s mastoid process bilaterally. It is gentle with most patients falling asleep during treatment. The intermittent traction prevents the muscles around the neck to go into spasm, allowing the decompression to work. A negative pressure is created in the disc space, bringing with it increased blood flow, oxygen, and nutrients.

This may help a lot with herniated disks and degenerative disk problems. Disc pressure may be decreased and pressure may be alleviated from the pinched nerve.

Along with this, the intermittent traction can provide pain relief with spinal stenosis, which is a situation where numerous nerve roots are pinched from arthritis or tissue overgrowth. Pain relief may be achieved for months.

Therapeutic sessions usually last twenty to sixty minutes under the supervision of a chiropractor in Phoenix AZ. Individuals relax during the treatments, but even though it’s gentle it is still working. For the low back, clinical studies show it works well over seventy five percent of the time. Usual treatment series is 20-25 sessions.

The risk profile of cervical decompression is exceptionally low. It is non interventional, non forceful, and non operative.

Cervical spine decompression is often performed with other pain treatments. These may include ice, heat, chiropractic treatment, acupuncture, physical therapy, electrical stimulation, along with treatment from a pain physician.

Pain management treatment will depend on the patient’s symptoms, signs, and what the imaging studies show. It may include epidural injections, facet blocks, possibly subsequent radiofrequency ablation with an arizona pain doctor. Along with spinal decompression therapy, patients have a very good chance of avoiding surgery while being able to return to work, socializing, and doing things like playing with kids and pets.