Back pain due to a herniated or bulging disc can be debilitating, and in the past, surgery was the answer. Today, we have highly-successful advanced technology that allows us to relieve this pain without surgery. We use a system that combines a machine with an exceptionally precise computer program for a treatment called SPINAL DECOMPRESSION.
Using this computer technology and the decompression machine, we are able to create a custom treatment plan that decompresses the spine and pulls the herniated or bulging material back into the disc. The computer program is created and supervised by one of our highly trained staff. It gently stretches and relaxes the spine in rotation, which, over time, separates the vertebrae. This creates a vacuum-like effect that pulls the soft bulging disc material back into the disc. This can not only clear up back pain, but also any pain caused by the pressure put on the nerves. For example, patients who have a herniated disc in the lower back may have shooting sciatic pain down their legs. Relieving the herniated disc will cause that pain to vanish.
Treatment time and frequency will depend on each patient’s unique condition; however, each spinal decompression treatment is usually about twenty minutes. Patients usually have treatment a few times a week, and are typically finished with treatment within eight weeks.
What is Degenerative Disc Disease?
Degenerative disc disease is not as much a disease as it is a name for the changes that can happen to the spine as we age. Our discs are made of a tough, rubbery exterior and a soft interior. They sit between the vertebrae to act as shock absorbers. As we age, the spinal discs begin to degenerate. This can cause herniated discs, bulging discs, spinal stenosis, and osteoarthritis.
Degenerative Disc Symptoms
The degeneration of spinal discs may cause no symptoms at all, and symptoms depend on each patient and the severity of their case. Pain may occur at the site of the affected disc in the back or neck. As the pain is often caused by compressed nerves, this pain can also travel to other areas of the body like the buttocks, arms, and legs. Numbness and tingling in the arms and legs may also be experienced. Pain can range from mild to severe and debilitating.
Degenerative Disc Causes
As mentioned previously, our spines can degenerate as a natural part of aging. Tears in the tougher outer layer of the disc are common as we grow older. and when the discs begin to lose fluid, they become smaller and less flexible. In addition to aging, other factors that may come into play, including obesity, smoking, repeated physical work, and injury.
If you are living in pain from a herniated or bulging disc, we will work with you to find a spinal decompression treatment plan that corresponds with your body. Instead of turning to dangerous pain medications that just cover up the problem, ask us if spinal decompression can help you!