subject: Chiropractor In Charleston Wv | Spinal Decompression; A New Twist On An Old Practice [print this page] If you haven't inhabited a cave somewhere in the Afghan mountains lately, you must have heard or seen ads for Spinal Decompression therapy. This technique, a new version of spinal traction, claims to have some connection to NASA and the space program. The truth is there is nothing particularly new about utilizing traction as a treatment for back and neck problems; what is new about this incarnation is how the machines work.
Technology takes over -
Older versions of traction generally involved ropes, slings and pulleys. The patient would place their head in a sling that was suspended from a door frame and some form of weight would apply traction. In contrast, spinal decompression takes place on a special table.
The table in question is computerized and can be programmed to produce an increasing degree of traction over the course of a treatment. Each treatment takes between 20 to 45 minutes. The traction is applied in a cyclical manner, off and on, controlled by the computer, and is often regionally specific. The patient remains dressed and is connected to the table by a number of straps.
The goal, as stated by practitioners, is to create a negative pressure within injured disks in order to encourage extruded material to return to the normal confines of the disk space.
Evidence is Anecdotal -
While many practitioners and patients swear to the effectiveness of spinal decompression, no double blind studies have been carried out to date. Doctors have used spinal decompression to treat disk disorders, sciatica, posterior facet disorder and a number of other conditions. As these treatments are rarely, if ever, covered by insurance, the simple fact that patients keep coming in suggests that a reasonable rate of success is achieved.
The medical establishment in general has stated an interest in seeing proper studies conducted. Of particular interest is how effective spinal decompression is when compared to well documented forms of treatment. That said, barring specific counter-indications, such as fractures and osteoporosis, spinal decompression is worth trying for those who suffer from chronic back pain when more traditional treatments fail, but before surgery.
Practitioners and Costs -
The most common place to find spinal decompression machines is at a chiropractor's office. As chiropractors already work with the spine there is a natural fit suggested. A thorough physical exam and evaluation should take place before treatment is determined. It isn't uncommon for you to have some ultrasound therapy or manual therapy before spinal decompression. Icing may follow.
25 to 40 treatments may be recommended over the course of five to seven weeks. The price of each treatment depends heavily upon the office and can range from $35-$200 per visit. With no insurance reimbursement, this treatment can be very expensive, but worthwhile if your goal is to avoid surgery.
There are many questions to be answered regarding the effectiveness and use of spinal decompression therapy. For those suffering from chronic back pain, when used in combination with other, more traditional treatments, spinal decompression may offer some symptomatic relief.
