What is spinal decompression surgery?

Decompression is a surgical procedure that is performed to alleviate pain caused by pinched nerves (neural impingement). In this type of back surgery, a small portion of the bone over the nerve root and/or disc material from under the nerve root is removed to give the nerve root more space and provide a better healing environment. Several conditions may cause neural impingement, including spinal stenosis, a disc herniation, isthmic spondylolisthesis, degenerative spondylolisthesis, or (rarely) a spinal tumor.

Symptoms of spinal decompression include:

Pain

Numbness

Tingling

Weakness

Unsteadiness

In severe cases, pressure on the spinal nerves can cause paralysis and problems with bladder and/or bowel function.

With globalization increased number of people are traveling to another countries to get treated abroad, here quality is the primary factor however cost involved in obtaining quality health care attention that could be surgical or non-surgical procedures is another most important determining factor. Constraints such as high costs and long waiting lists for treatment or surgery have prompted people to look at effective options. Developing countries, significantly India is turning out to be a favorite health treatment destination among people in developed countries like US, UK, etc. as India offers high quality treatment at fractional costs with minimal waiting period. Healthcare and tourism may seem contradictory but people have been traveling to distant lands for rejuvenation packages.  The effort now is to institutionalize and re-route patients to hospitals for medical treatment for all kind of healthcare areas to the extent of super specialty fields like spinal decompression surgery in India in the medical science.

To know more about spinal decompression surgery in India:

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Spinal decompression is a safe, drug-free and painless treatment for treating back pain. The treatment works on the principle that a linear force applied to the body can create a negative pressure between the vertebrae. This pressure can push back a misaligned disc into its proper place, thus maintaining the alignment which increases the normal circulation of oxygen, water and nutritional liquids into the area. Earlier treatment procedures required the patient to take harmful drugs and sometimes even undergo surgeries.

One associated technology is the Decompression Therapy System (DTS) and all decompression techniques require the patient to lie on his/her back on the decompression table with padded straps around the chest and waist. The treatment is comfortable for patients and all equipments used are FDA certified. Spinal decompression techniques have been found successful in treating physical ailments such as bulging or herniated discs, facet syndrome, sciatica, spinal arthritis, spinal stenosis, degenerative joint disease, chronic back pain and post-surgical low back pain.

Decompression technique is an effective solution for common difficulties associated with the back pain arising from damages to the vertebrae, which often cause the gelatinous material inside to flow out. The technique also reduces the strain on muscles, wrenching of ligaments and reduces the pain of arms and legs.

With more and more patients receiving decompression treatment, the credibility of this technique is increasing rapidly. The treatment is producing better results, while the cost is effective compared to other available treatments.

Before making a diagnosis, the physicians at these centers analyze the patients’ medical history and perform a thorough physical examination. To decide on the appropriate treatment, several tests including orthopedic and neurological examination are performed on the patient. For making a more accurate diagnosis, imaging tests such as X-rays and MRI scans may also be advised. The doctor then determines the treatment plan and the number of sessions required for the patient to get relief from the symptoms of dysfunction. When the therapy concludes, the therapists may advise cardiovascular protocols, neuromuscular protocols, diet therapy, and exercises to improve the mobility, strength and to avoid further injury.

During the spinal decompression process, a distraction force is applied to the spine to remove pressure from the compressed discs and nerves. The negative pressure formed at some point in decompression therapy will cause the herniated areas to retract back to the normal disc space, and allow oxygen and blood to flow into the affected areas. This would speed up the healing process. It has been seen that this treatment is effective in treating the pain associated with the bulging or degeneration of discs.  Patients who underwent this treatment have been able to return to their normal lifestyle.  Spinal decompression centers will have licensed medical practitioners including spinal decompression therapists, chiropractors, physical therapists, orthopedic surgeons, pain management specialists and neurologists. Most health centers make use of the latest technologies and equipment to provide spinal decompression services. Spinal decompression therapy, when performed safely and with clinical expertise, will highly enhance the treatment results and lead to a more rapid recovery.

Spinal decompression therapy is meant for patients suffering from back pain due to herniated disc for more than four weeks. Those having recurring back pain even after back surgery, which is more than six months old, can also make use of spinal decompression therapy.

Medical researches have supported decompression therapy as recent studies have proved it to be safer and more effective than spinal surgery. Sciatica, spondylosis, degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, soft-tissue spinal stenosis, and facet arthropathy are caused by compression of discs. Spinal decompression therapy offers the best treatment for these conditions.

A bulging or herniated disc can cause excruciating pain in the lower back portion. This can be returned to the normal condition using spinal decompression. Spinal decompression lengthens the bulging disc by placing traction. This activity helps the disc absorb the nutrients required to heal the disc. This is done by producing a negative pressure inside the disc. Thus the pain and discomfort produced by the bulging disc is eliminated.

The cost for spinal decompression therapy is only about 10% that for lumbar surgery, which makes it an economical option. It is ideal therefore to opt for spinal decompression therapy for a more effective and safer treatment involving minimum cost and in minimum time.

Spinal decompression is a growth sector within the established back pain treatment industry.  Many orthopedists, chiropractors and other types of care providers are investing themselves in decompression technology.  Spinal decompression offers care givers a chance to break the cycle of symptomatic back pain treatment and provide patients with a hope for a real and lasting cure for verified disc related pain syndromes.   Unlike the vast majority of traditional, complementary and alternative disc therapy options, which must be continued long term in order to remain effective, spinal decompression is finite in duration and generally enacts ongoing relief. 

There are many spinal decompression systems available with similar technologies vying for market share.  The most popular form of modern decompression is surely the DRX9000 unit, manufactured by Axiom Worldwide.  The 2 main competitors to the DRX system are the VAX-D, manufactured by Vax-D Medical Technologies, LLC and the AccuSpina System, developed by North American Medical Corp.  There are some differences between the systems and the protocols for treatment, but all work on the same general principles to provide pain relief.  Other forms of less technological spinal decompression include traditional medical traction, Cox Technic chiropractic and inversion therapy.

Spinal decompression works by gently stretching the spine and creating a vacuum effect in the intervertebral spaces.  This helps ease bulging discs back into place, taking pressure off possibly painful herniations.   Decompression also aids in taking stress off degenerated discs, helping to restore disc height and diameter in many patients.  Spinal decompression also helps to optimize the neuroforaminal openings, fighting off some possible sources of foraminal stenosis.  Finally, spinal decompression has shown positive results in treating some cases of facet syndrome and other types of spinal osteoarthritis.

Most patients should exhaust all more economical measures before considering spinal decompression.  This treatment is not cheap, but may be partially or totally covered by many major forms of health insurance.  Spinal decompression should definitely be a serious thought for patients facing any type of invasive herniated disc surgery.  Spinal surgery is a risky proposition and does not enjoy a very good reputation, based on usually poor curative results.  Remember, surgery is always still an option if decompression does not relieve your pain…

Spinal decompression generally takes about 1 month to complete.  The patient will often have to go to the care facility for treatment almost every day for the duration of the therapy.   Most treatment sessions take 30 to 45 minutes and may be supplemented by additional practices, such as TENS, hydrotherapy, ultrasonic heat or massage.  Once the treatment is complete, the patient should not have to return for treatment in the future, but some patients may find an occasional touch up may reinforce the permanency of the results. 

Spinal decompression is spreading all across the world as a viable noninvasive option for patients with diagnosed disc related pain and some forms of spinal arthritis.  The risks are low and the relief is real.  Best of all, there are none of the unpleasantries, functional limitations or tissue damage enacted by surgical interventions.  To learn more about spinal decompression, contact a qualified decompression care provide near you or talk to your doctor for additional information.