Spinal Decompression and Exercise as Non-Surgical Treatments for Degenerative Disc Disease
Northern Nevada Chiropractic offers special packages on spinal decompression and chiropractic treatments. Learn more now.
Degenerative disc disease is a condition that most often occurs as we age. The condition is caused by the breakdown of discs between the vertebrae of the spine, which leads to pain and limited mobility. However, there are very effective non-invasive treatments. One of those treatments is spinal decompression therapy.
At Northern Nevada Chiropractic, we focus on spinal decompression therapy and have four different tables depending on the injury or issue. Spinal decompression works by gently creating space between discs, allowing for healing and long-term pain relief without drugs or surgery. It even works for patients who have had an unsuccessful back surgery and need relief from disc issues.
Symptoms and causes of Degenerative Disc Disease
Those with degenerative disc disease experience pain and weakness in the back that often radiates out to other extremities like arms and legs. It gets worse with age, weight gain, or inactivity. It is common for those with the condition to experience spasms and intense flair-ups in certain positions depending on the pressure being put on the affected discs.
Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression – Flexion Distraction
The most common spinal decompression table we use to relieve degenerative discs is the flexion distraction table. Flexion distraction creates a negative pressure that relieves the pressure of the degenerated disc on the spine. The flexion distraction motion also maintains healthy discs through diffusing fluid in the body, allowing nutrients into the spinal discs and keeping them healthy.
Flexion distraction is not painful at all. In fact, many times patients fall asleep on the table during their 15 to 20 minute treatment time. The treatment works to take pressure off the injured spinal nerves and is a safe, gentle, and a non-adjustment procedure.
Exercise in partnership with chiropractic care to relieve degenerative disc pain
In addition to these therapies, our doctors often recommend exercises to relieve degenerative disc pain without surgery. Exercises, particularly those that focus on the core, help to strengthen and stabilize the muscles around the spine, giving your discs and spine support to carrying the weight of the body. Some of the exercises we especially recommend for low-impact abdominal strengthening are pelvic bridge and pelvic bridge with leg kick. Other exercises that are good to relieve degenerative disc pain are walking, biking, swimming, and yoga.
We encourage patients to exhaust all conservative therapies for their disc issues before considering back surgery. Your doctor will develop a treatment plan inclusive of spinal decompression using the flexion distraction table, at-home exercises, and manual manipulation. Only if no improvement is seen in three months using these conservative techniques will your doctor recommend you explore surgery options. Most patients see a significant difference with long-term impact using decompression and other non-invasive treatments.
