Spinal Decompression
Spinal Decompression uses a highly specialised table to apply specific traction to the lower back and neck. At The Ashgrove Spinal Centre we have used this technique to conservatively manage a range of conditions from prolapsed (bulging) discs to lumbar spasm over a period of 15 years to provide highly effective results to our patients.
What is Spinal Decompression therapy?
Spinal decompression is a non-surgical, traction based technique for the treatment and relief of back, leg, neck and arm pain usually associated with injury to a spinal disc. During treatment, a patient will be positioned properly and go through phases of distraction (stretching) and relaxation. The injured spinal disc is placed under negative pressure and then allowed to relax, causing a pumping effect within it and the adjacent spinal structures. This effect is thought to accelerate the process of recovery from inflammation which reduces the pain threshold of the nerves in the area and improves recovery time. This pressure also loads the fibres of the disc which is an important component of disc healing as the ligamentous tissue of the disc require loading to heal optimally.
Spinal Decompression has been featured on both A Current Affair and Today Tonight.
The Ashgrove Spinal Centre’s Chiropractor, Dr Bailey, has had success with conservatively managing prolapsed (bulging) discs for over a 15 years, assisting his patients to avoid unnecessary spinal surgery. He enjoys referrals from all manner of therapist including some of Brisbane’s top orthopaedic and Neuro surgeons.
What spinal conditions are suitable for Spinal Decompression?
Spinal Decompression therapy is effective for numerous conditions and injuries. These include:
• Lumbar disc injuries (herniated, protruding, ruptured)
• Thoracic disc injuries
• Sciatica
• Centre canal stenosis
• Lateral recess stenosis
• Facet joint syndrome
Spinal Decompression has been shown to be an effective treatment option because of its therapeutic effects on the intervertebral disc. This removes tension on the outer portion of the disc (also known as the annular fibres) and adjacent spinal nerves. It allows the centre of the disc (also known as the nucleus pulposus) to assume its central position within the annular fibres. Spinal Decompression can restore the correct physiological motion to the vertebral joints and assists in correcting spinal alignment which improves your posture. Lastly, it increases space locally around the interverbral foramen (the area where the nerves come out of the spine) and increases circulation, speeding up the healing process and reducing inflammation and pain
If you are suffering from degenerative disc disease, a herniated disc or other spinal problems and you’re considering surgery, you may want to think about spinal decompression therapy first. Spinal decompression therapy has been shown effective in treating degenerative discs, facet syndrome, sciatica, herniated discs and spinal stenosis.