Spinal decompression treatment is a type of therapy aimed at stretching the spine in order to relieve chronic back pain. There are two basic types of spinal decompression treatment, mechanical and vertebral decompression. Neither of these methods requires surgery or any other invasive type of treatment. In fact, spinal decompression treatment relies on manual techniques as well as various devices, such as inversion tables, to help to ease back pain caused by a variety of medical conditions, including herniated discs or degenerative disc disorders of the spine.
Inversion therapy is a popular method of spinal decompression treatment. With this treatment, gentle traction is applied to the spine, helping proper alignment to occur. A device known as an inversion table is generally used for this type of therapy. Inversion tables allow the patient to recline comfortably while becoming inverted, a condition in which the body is in an upside-down position for a prescribed amount of time. This method of healing has been used for thousands of years and maintains a good reputation to this day.
A massage therapist can sometimes perform a type of spinal decompression treatment. In this type of treatment, the therapist pulls on the body in such a way that the joints return to their proper positioning. This helps to realign any discs that may have moved due to overuse, disease, or injury. It is important to find a massage therapist or even a physical therapist who is experienced in this type of body manipulation work.
The most common form of spinal decompression treatment is the use of a technique known as mechanical pelvic traction. The majority of chiropractors as well as physical therapists will have the necessary equipment for this treatment method already in their offices. Two harnesses are placed on the patient's body, with one on the chest and one on the hips. The traction device then gently pulls and stretches the body so that the spine is forced back into proper alignment.
There are some new devices on the market that promise that the patient will gain relief from back pain by using these products. Before buying any new devices, the patient should speak to a medical professional in order to decide on the proper spinal decompression treatment. The type of treatment chosen should be determined by the patient's overall health, the cost of the treatment, and the reputation and effectiveness of the type of treatment ultimately chosen.