Spinal Decompression is a Viable and Non-Surgical Alternative to Surgery

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by: bsullivan
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Date: Tue, 22 Mar 2011 Time: 9:43 PM
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More and more people are seeking alternatives to invasive surgeries. The reasons vary and include everything from shorter recovery times to more cost-effective solutions.

What is Spinal Decompression?

Spinal Decompression Therapy is a clinically-tested, non-surgical, FDA-approved therapy for the relief of back and leg pain or neck and arm pain. It has an 85-90 percent success rate for many spinal conditions, including herniated discs.

The therapy produces a vacuum-like effect within the disc which accomplishes pulling the disc material which may have protruded outside the disc back into the disc, which, in turn, takes pressure off the spinal nerves and reduces pain. The vacuum also stimulates blood supply to the disc, resulting in a healing response.

Pressure and positioning combine to get the injured disc to slip back into its normal position. Therapy is performed on a special decompression table, and other chiropractic treatments, such as heat therapy and electric stimulation, are often simultaneously used.

Who Benefits from Spinal Decompression?

Spinal decompression is a choice worth looking into for people who suffer from any type of compression-related issue (i.e., leg pain, low back pain, neck pain, scoliosis, sleep disorders, spinal facet syndrome and spinal stenosis).

"Most pain is caused by pressure," says Dr. David Nygaard of Atlas Family Chiropractic in Asheville, NC. "For instance, when someone has chronic back pain, herniated or bulging discs, degenerative disc disease, or spinal stenosis the majority of cases are compression related. The extent of the compression and pinching will determine if the person is an appropriate candidate for spinal decompression."

Spinal decompression will allow irritated nerves to heal over time and to restore proper health and nerve function.

One satisfied patient at Atlas Family Chiropractic opted for spinal decompression treatments after having been in a car accident and having subsequent surgery. "Now that I have completed the spinal decompression treatments, I am completely pain free. For me - that's a miracle."

Cost Benefits of Spinal Decompression

With the rising cost of healthcare, money is also a determining factor when it comes to making a decision about your health.

At present, some insurance companies do cover treatments; while others do not. Some consider spinal decompression therapy to be experimental, but they are beginning to take a long, slow look at it as a more economical and effective option.

According to Dr. Nygaard, the typical patient will experience about 21 decompression visits which total less than $1,500. Many chiropractors will also offer discounts and an array of payment plans choices.

"Some patients may not even need to have the full 21 visits," explains Dr. Nygaard. "We can do eight or 12 visits to evaluate the condition and see how the patient responds."

Spinal Decompression versus Surgical Success Rates

Clinical studies have shown that decompression therapy can be extremely effective in treating back pain. In a recent study published in Orthopedic Technology Review, decompression therapy was shown to be 86 percent effective in treating herniated and degenerative discs. Additionally, another study published in Anesthesiology News showed that after four years, more than 91 percent of patients remained pain free.

Published success rates for spinal decompression surgery and non-surgical decompression are similar. Up to 90 percent of laminectomies and discectomies are successful according to Wisconsin spine surgeon, Peter F. Ullrich, Jr., M.D., while decompression therapy has an 86 percent success rate.

Many factors affect surgical and non-surgical treatment outcomes for back pain and not everyone with spinal compression problems is a good candidate for any particular procedure. Many individual factors, including source of pain, degree of pain, psychological condition and personal expectations, help both doctor and patient determine appropriate treatment.

For more information please visit:
http://atlasfamilychiropractic.net

About the Author

Bryan Sullivan is the Executive Vice President of Write Away, Inc. - Editorial and content firm based in Weaverville, NC. He is Editor of Grilled Magazine. He also often writes for regional & national publications about local history, farming, culture and food. He graduated with a degree in communications from Alfred University in New York State and then went on to attend culinary school in NYC where he graduated in the top percent of his class. He proceeded to work in high-end restaurants in New York City, Martha's Vineyard, MA and Naples, FL. Bryan currently lives in Asheville, NC with Liisa his wife and their Black Lab, Annie.

For more information please visit:
http://atlasfamilychiropractic.net