If you have back pain, you may be contemplating back surgery as an optional pain reliever. The costs and risks associated with surgery may be preventing you from taking the leap of faith, and if so then you might want to consider spinal decompression therapy first. Let’s take a closer look at what causes lower back pain and how spinal decompression therapy can help.

The Causes of Low Back Pain

Low back pain can have many different causes. Injury, aging, muscle and/or joint problems along with a few rare cases of joint infection and disease are the root causes of back pain. Because the lower back consists of muscles, ligaments, spinal bones, nerves and tendons there are various ways to trigger pain. The spinal nerves are protected by bones or vertebrae, these vertebrae have ligament structures in between them known as discs. These discs are responsible for absorbing pressure and shock as we walk and move. However, when these discs begin to degenerate or tear, the result is excruciating pain as the nerves are left exposed. Numbness, tingling, and weakness are also common side effects of disc degeneration.

How Spinal Decompression Therapy Works

For spinal decompression therapy to be effective, patients must stick with it for several weeks. Generally, within the first two weeks of treatment you can expect relief from your symptoms. Each session takes around 45 minutes and is performed up to 5 times in one week. After the first few weeks of treatment, visits will become less frequent.

Because of the process, spinal decompression therapy is typically pain-free and even relaxing to some individuals. You shouldn’t expect to feel more pain once you begin treatment.

There are a few situations where this type of therapy may not be helpful. Typically, these include certain conditions that only surgery can restore. These conditions include:

  • A history of back surgery with screws and rods
  • Osteoporosis
  • Compression fractures of your lower rib
  • Cancer
  • Disc infections
  • Aortic Aneurysm
  • Severe forms of Peripheral Neuropathy

However, if you suffer from the following symptoms then you may qualify for this treatment:

  • Pain associated with degeneration that hasn’t responded to four or more weeks of therapy
  • Herniated and bulging lumbar discs
  • Pain from failed back surgery that took place more than six months prior

For relief from severe back pain, consider spinal decompression therapy. The sooner you begin treatment, the sooner you’ll experience relief.

Experiencing issues or pain with back? Contact Vital Health today to schedule a free consultation. We’re here to help and are devoted to your well-being. We are located in Moon Township, PA – request an appointment online or call us at 412-424-0019 today!