Ease The Pain of Spinal Stenosis with Spinal Decompression Treatment
It’s one of the most common forms of back pain, and it will be more pervasive as America’s population ages. Spinal stenosis will affect about 2.4 million Americans by 2021 according to the Dayton Daily News. A person is at the greatest risk of developing spinal stenosis after they reach age 50, but younger patients who have a narrow spinal canal may also be diagnosed with it. If you have spinal stenosis, you’re looking to ease your pain, but you’re also likely to want to avoid back surgery. One method of staying away from surgery is a technique called spinal decompression. This treatment, which is available at Total Chiropractic Care and Wellness, is an effective alternative to more invasive treatments. We want you to know about spinal decompression and how it can help relieve your back pain.
The Basics of Spinal Stenosis
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), spinal stenosis is a narrowing of spaces which results in pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. Narrowing of the spinal canal can be inherited or acquired either through a degenerative condition or other causes like arthritis, tumors, Paget’s disease or physical trauma. Spinal stenosis patients often experience a slow onset of symptoms including numbness, weakness, cramping, or general pain in the arms or legs, according to NIH. People with more severe cases may have problems with bowel or bladder functions and foot disorders.
Spinal Stenosis is usually diagnosed through a combination of physical examinations and a check of medical history. Tests such as X-rays, MRIs and CAT scans may also identify the condition.
Once spinal stenosis is diagnosed, the question turns to treatment options. In the most extreme cases, surgery may be necessary. Patients may be prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs or other prescriptions. Exercise and physical therapy can be helpful as well as noninvasive treatments such as spinal decompression.
The Benefits of Spinal Decompression
Spinal decompression can help patients with all types of conditions such as herniated discs, bulged discs, ruptured discs and degenerative disc disease. It also can be used to treat spinal stenosis.
The spinal decompression procedure is a hi-tech version of what used to be called a traction table. The decompression table moves and produces force to particular areas of the spine.
During the procedure, the spine is gently pulled apart creating a vacuum that will put discs back into place. This allows blood and nutrients to circulate better in the injured area, allowing for pain relief and healing.
Your doctor, Todd Goldman will monitor the extent of your muscle tension and the position of your spine using a sensor and a computer. These tools allow him to better target areas that are injured or where degeneration has occurred.
Spinal decompression is not for everyone. If you’re over 70, pregnant, or have severe obesity, you may have to look at other options.
Total Chiropractic Can Start You on the Road to Wellness
At Total Chiropractic Care and Wellness, we want to help you with pain management while avoiding invasive options such as surgery. Combined with proper nutrition and exercise, spinal decompression can be an important component in making you healthier. If you feel this treatment may be right for you, contact us today.
Please note that the author of this piece is not a doctor and the information in this material is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your doctor or medical professional for specific information regarding your individual situation.