The older you get, the more brittle and fragile your spinal discs become. Your joints also lose nutrients, leading to stiffness and a lack of flexibility. However, joint pain doesn’t only affect older people. Young adults may also suffer from this issue if they lead a sedentary lifestyle.
Many joint issues we face are due to poor posture and spinal misalignment. Thankfully, chiropractic treatments like spinal decompression provide comfort and relief from these issues.
In this article, you’ll learn more about how this treatment works, its benefits, and the types of exercises you can do to improve your mobility.
What is Spinal Decompression Therapy?
Spinal Decompression Therapy involves a chiropractor gently stretching the spine or using a traction table to relieve back or leg pain (sciatica). It also promotes optimal healing for degenerating, bulging, or herniated discs.
Decompression can be done non-surgically and surgically. It’s a safe and effective means of providing relief from chronic pain.
How Does Spinal Decompression Work?
Spinal decompression works by gently stretching the ends of the spine. This non-surgical procedure uses a traction table or a similar motorized device to relieve back or leg pain. The traction table works by creating long axis distraction in the area of dysfunction.
Over time, it takes the pressure off the spinal discs, which are gel-like cushions between the bones in your spine. By taking pressure off, you create more room in the joint space. As a result, the flow of water, oxygen, and nutrient-rich fluids is directed into the discs so they can heal.
Chiropractors conduct spinal decompression in an attempt to address the following conditions:
- Neck or Back Pain
- Sciatica (pain that travels down to hips and buttocks)
- Degenerative or Herniated Disks
- Spinal Stenosis
- Posterior Facet Syndrome or Worn Spinal Joints
- Injured or Pinched Spinal Nerves
What are the Health Benefits of Spinal Decompression?
Finding relief for severe back pain can help your sleep sound at night. Just like other chiropractic care sessions, decompressing your spine provides several health benefits.
Relieves Muscle Tension and Back Pain
If your back pain lasts several days, spinal decompression therapy may be what you need, as it helps relieve muscles tensions and spasms. After several sessions, you’ll notice significant improvement and pain relief.
Heals Damaged Spinal Tissues
During spinal decompression therapy, the machine releases vacuum-like force on your spinal discs. The process gradually removes the pressure that’s pushing the discs in your spine out of place.
Fixes Misaligned Joints for Better Mobility
Stress, smoking, and a sedentary lifestyle are significant factors that cause your joints to move out of alignment.
When your spinal discs are continually squeezed over time, they start to bulge and may burst entirely if a large amount of pressure is applied. Spinal decompression relieves the pressure off the discs and lets the spine heal.
Improves Your Posture
Muscle weakness from old age or sitting in front of a desk all day lead us to slouch and bend our backs unconsciously. Some factors that negatively affect our posture are lack of exercise.
This chiropractic procedure helps unload pressure on damaged joints and nerves, allowing you to sit and stand properly. Once the spinal misalignment is corrected, your posture will gradually improve after a few sessions.
Treats Bulging or Herniated Discs
Slipped or ruptured disks are one of the most common causes of neck, back, and leg pain. It’s most often the result of gradual tearing and wearing of the nerve fibers.
By undergoing spinal decompression, people with herniated discs recover faster as the bulging spine retracts back to its correct position.
Helps You Get Better Sleep
Aside from joint conditions, decompressing the spine also improves sleep quality and reduces difficulties caused by insomnia and sleep apnea. After a few sessions, your body relaxes, easing the muscle tension and pain that causes restlessness.
Enhances Blood Circulation
Decompressing the spine releases pressure on the nerves, encouraging increased blood circulation and facilitating a flow of nutrients and oxygen back into the spinal discs. This process sparks the release of nutrient-rich fluids that boost the body’s natural healing abilities.
Types of Spinal Decompression Exercises
Studies suggest that spinal decompression exercises effectively relieve pain and improve joint mobility. Lower-back stretching exercises target the deep lumbar stabilizing muscles to enhance your mobility.
Below are some spinal decompression exercises that can help strengthen your joints:
Hamstring Stretch
Start by lying on your back with your knees bent. Raise your right leg while keeping your hips on the floor. Draw your leg closer to your chest and hold it for 1 minute. Repeat this position for each leg.
Hip Flexor Stretch
Relax your back on a bed or bench. Then, keep your back flat while pulling your knee to your chest. Let your other let hang over on the side for 30 seconds. Repeat two times for each leg.
Lumbar Rotation
Bend your knees while lying on your back. Then, bring your knees to the right and left. Rotate as needed 15 times.
Relieve Your Joint Pain and Muscle Tension at LifeClinic
Recurring neck and back pain can interrupt your daily activities. Keep your joints strong and healthy to achieve a happier life.
Consult LifeClinic now, and ease muscle pain by undergoing spinal decompression therapy. You may also visit our website to check out our services and locations.
