Does spinal decompression work?

If you are like 75-85% of all Americans, then at some point in your life, you will struggle with back pain. For some, that pain will become debilitating. Back pain can take many forms, including disc problems, lower back pain, upper back pain, sciatia and more. You may be at a higher risk for back pain if you meet any of these criteria:
# Work in a field that requires heavy lifting, lots of bending and twisting, or whole body vibration
# Smoking, no exercise, and/or are overweight
# Are over age 30
# Are pregnant
# Have poor posture
# Been diagnosed with arthritis or osteoporosis

For people struggling with chronic pain, spinal decompression may be an effective treatment, especially because it is non-invasive and non-addictive, unlike many other pain management techniques.

Spinal decompression is the use of a machine or treatment to relieve pressure on the spine. Decompression is the therapeutic elongation of the spine, but it is performed in a slow, gentle manner so that pressure is relieved on compressed vertebrae and discs. Typically, the spinal decompression table should come equipped with headphones and a monitor so a patient can choose to listen to music or even watch a DVD during a treatment session.

Spinal decompression is available at many chiropractor’s offices; but before you make an appointment, be sure to speak to your health insurance company to determine if the treatment is covered.

In addition, you may wish to speak with your primary health care provider before beginning this form of treatment to ensure you do not have an health problems that would preclude you from doing spinal decompression.