Medications and surgery have long been the prescribed treatments for sufferers of a herniated disc. While physical therapy, medications and surgeries have some degree of effectiveness, many people with a herniated disc are forced to live with the pain. Recently, a new approach to treating those with a herniated disc has been implemented by some of the leading spine surgeons in Chennai and is gaining popularity. Spinal decompression can be the treatment that finally alleviates your back pain.
Spinal decompression, or SD as we'll abbreviate it for this article, is form of spinal traction. Normal spinal traction has been used for many years to treat herniated discs and other back problems, but has not been fully effective. Some have reported further aggravation of the spine and lumbar region. But spinal decompression, however, has solved these problems.
Spinal decompression slowly pulls the back and gradually stretches the muscles to avoid triggering a back spasm. Furthermore, SD machines monitor the patient's reaction to the treatment. If the body starts to tense up and resist the treatment, the spinal decompression machine's sensors will reduce the pull to allow the muscles to relax.
Having the ability to sense the body's muscle spasm response gives spinal decompression machines the ability to drastically lower the pressure on a herniated disc. It can even reverse disc pressure into the negative range, causing the bulging part of the herniated material back into the center of the disc and away from the nerves that cause so much pain. After a few routine treatments, the disc is repaired and healed, providing stabilization of the disc to prevent future bulging.
Spinal decompression systems, especially the more modern and technologically advanced machines, have a success rate of 80-90%. Patients who experience successful treatment report long-term alleviation and healing. For this reason, SD is by far the best option for treating a bulging or herniated disc.
However, it is crucial to note that while spinal decompression has a high success rate, it is not 100% effective. Some patients do not meet the requirements for SD therapy either because of the severity of their back injury or their overall health. Further, some patients will have such a severely damaged disc that no amount of therapy can repair it completely.
Depending on the severity of the herniated disc and other factors such as the patient's age and condition, SD treatment will vary in frequency and duration. SD treatment can be effectively used in both the cervical spine and lumbar regions. When used properly, spinal decompression therapy can give patients their mobility and independence back and allow them to return to their normal lives.
As always, practicing proper lifting techniques and doing regular back exercises and stretches will help keep your back in good shape. Consult your doctor for an exercise routine that will strengthen your back and keep your spinal column safe.
