Chronic back pain affects millions of Americans, yet many people assume the only way to achieve ongoing relief is through injections or surgery.
Both treatments boast proven results, but a noninvasive, drug-free option may offer similar benefits. Enter non-surgical spinal decompression.
Non-surgical spinal decompression is an outpatient procedure that uses a specialized traction table controlled by a computer to relieve pressure from specific areas of your spine. A growing number of people are using it to manage common causes of back pain, including herniated discs, pinched nerves, sciatica, and spinal stenosis.
At HealthFirst, our team uses non-surgical spinal decompression to treat several types of back pain. Here, we explain how to prepare for your first session, what to expect during spinal decompression, and the effects many people experience.
Non-surgical spinal decompression is safe and typically well-tolerated, but not everyone is a candidate.
Before recommending this approach, we review your health history and ask about your symptoms, including:
Next, we complete a physical exam and assess your posture and spinal flexibility. If we can’t identify the source of your pain, we may also order diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI to check for herniated discs, pinched nerves, or other musculoskeletal issues.
After gathering all of the necessary information, we develop a personalized treatment plan based on your goals and preferences.
Non-surgical spinal decompression takes 20-45 minutes per session.
On the day of your initial treatment, arrive at our office 5-10 minutes early so you can fill out any necessary paperwork and share your health insurance information.
Because spinal decompression gently stretches your spine in several ways, wearing comfortable clothing is important. You don’t necessarily need to buy a special outfit, but we do recommend dressing in something that you’d feel comfortable wearing to the gym.
Feel free to ask questions during this stage of your appointment. We’re happy to explain the procedure, its duration, and what to expect in terms of sensations.
Following your intake, we have you lie face up or face down on the spinal decompression table. Once you’re in position, we attach a special harness and straps to your pelvis and torso, which work together to gently stretch your spine.
We stand at a computer console next to the table and control the table’s movements. During spinal decompression, it’s normal to experience various sensations, including mild pulling and stretching, similar to how you’d feel during a yoga or pilates workout.
Many people say it feels like pressure is being lifted, although mild soreness can occur. If treatment feels painful at any time, speak up. We monitor you throughout the entire process and make adjustments as needed to ensure a comfortable and positive experience.
After non-surgical spinal decompression, many people report feeling relaxed and experiencing less pain.
Even so, it’s normal to experience mild soreness for 24-48 hours. Rest and avoid strenuous activity for the rest of the day, drink plenty of fluids, and follow our recovery instructions.
Most people return to work and other activities the next day, but if you experience pain or any unusual symptoms, contact us immediately.
Some people experience noticeable pain relief after just one session, although this is an exception rather than the rule.
For optimal results, we typically encourage undergoing a series of 12 to 20 sessions over several months. This is especially important for conditions such as herniated discs, sciatica, and spinal stenosis.
If you’re tired of living with chronic back pain, but don’t want to undergo an operation, non-surgical spinal decompression is worth exploring.
To learn more, contact the HealthFirst office in Greenwood Village, Colorado, or Cheyenne, Wyoming, today to schedule an appointment with our caring team.
