An acute injury from playing sports or a car accident can cause immediate back pain. Poor posture or chronic conditions can lead to back pain over time. If the pain is caused by an area of your spine that is compressed, this can be helped by spinal decompression therapy. Your vertebrae are separated by discs, and these can become injured, rupture, or compress over time. If two vertebrae begin to touch because of a disc problem, this can lead to the compression of nerves in your back. The pain can be significant, and surgery may be recommended to reduce the compressed area. If you do not want surgical intervention, it is time to see how a more conservative treatment can help.

Understanding Spinal Decompression Therapy

A chiropractor works to get your spine into alignment using a variety of strategies. The techniques can include hand-held devices, specialized tables, and specific techniques to provide spinal decompression therapy. The goal is to increase the space between your vertebrae and eliminate the compression on your nerve endings that is occurring. When the space between your vertebrae is opened up, your discs may be able to heal from any damage. Spinal decompression therapy is used to prolong or prevent the need for surgical intervention.

What to Expect From Spinal Decompression Therapy

When you see a chiropractor because of pain in your neck or back, decompression therapy may be an integral part of your treatment program. You can expect to see the chiropractor a few times a week in the early stages of your recovery. Decompression techniques are done slowly, and the area is stretched while providing support to your muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Spinal decompression therapy is not painful, and you might feel relief after your first session.

When you see a chiropractor for back pain caused by a compressed area in your spine, you may experience:

• Ultrasound to improve blood flow to the area
• Stretching to increase the space between vertebrae
• Less pain because nerves are no longer compressed
• Better mobility because you do not have pain while walking
• New exercises to stretch and strengthen your back

A chiropractor can provide spinal decompression therapy that may eliminate your need for surgery to deal with a compressed disc. If you are in pain and looking for a natural alternative for pain relief, it's time to schedule with a chiropractor who can help you heal today.