What is Spinal Decompression Therapy or Traction Therapy?
Spinal decompression therapy and traction therapy are essentially the same thing – traction is the force applied to the spine and decompression is the result of that force.
Traction is a mild to medium force applied to the spine in order to slightly separate the vertebrae (or bones) of the spine alleviating compression on nerves and discs.
It can either be done using hands (manual therapy); or a machine. Both are available at Bolton Total Rehabilitation.
What are the benefits of Spinal Decompression?
When a patient undergoes Spinal Decompression, the following can occur:
- Less pressure on spinals discs relieving pain and encouraging nutrition to that area
- A disc bulge or herniated disc may be reduced by drawing or “sucking” the gel nucleus towards the centre of the disc (via pressure gradient created by traction)
- The tunnels where the nerves exit the spine become larger and therefore allow the nerves to “breathe” and regain proper circulation and become “un-pinched”.
- Painful or arthritic spinal joints are stretched and decompressed from the effects of constant gravity and poor posture acting on the body.
- Muscles, tendons and ligaments are lengthened and stretched in ways that are impossible with exercises and day to day movements unless you are able to fully relax and hang from a bar
- Proper circulation and nutrition to the spine is achieved by allowing a flushing of inflammatory chemicals and bringing oxygen and nutrition to the area. This encourages healing and reduces painful irritation of the nerves in the spine.
What are some general conditions that could potentially benefit from decompression?
- Neck and lower back pain, either recent or longstanding that is of a mechanical cause
- Sciatica (thigh and leg pain)
- Disc bulging or protrusion
- Nerve compression (pinched nerve)
- Arthritis of the spine
- Degenerative disc disease
- Stenosis of the spine (narrowed nerve tunnels)
If you are from the Bolton or Caledon region and looking for Spinal Decompression or traction therapy, call us (905) 951–0883 to book your free consultation today!
Reference: http://corydonphysiotherapy.com