CAN SPINAL DECOMPRESSION HELP A HERNIATED DISC?
One of the most common questions I hear in my office is, “Can spinal decompression help a herniated disc?” In many cases, the answer is yes.
Spinal decompression is a gentle, non-surgical treatment designed to reduce pressure on injured discs and irritated nerves. For many patients, it can help reduce pain, improve mobility, and in some cases help them avoid surgery altogether.
WHAT IS A HERNIATED DISC?
A herniated disc occurs when one of the discs between the vertebrae becomes injured or weakened. The disc may begin to bulge outward, or it can develop a tear that allows some of the material inside the disc to protrude beyond its normal boundaries.
When this happens, the disc may place pressure on nearby spinal nerves or even the spinal cord itself. This pressure can lead to symptoms such as:
- Lower back pain
- Neck pain
- Sciatica
- Pain radiating into the arms or legs
- Tingling or numbness
- Muscle weakness
- Spinal stenosis-related symptoms
Many patients first notice a sharp pain after lifting something improperly, participating in sports, working out at the gym, or following a car accident.
HOW DOES SPINAL DECOMPRESSION HELP?
Spinal decompression works by gently and comfortably separating the vertebrae through controlled intermittent traction.
During treatment, a specialized decompression table slowly stretches the affected area of the spine. This creates a reduction in pressure within the injured disc and can decrease irritation of nearby nerves.
By reducing pressure on the affected structures, spinal decompression may help:
- Reduce pain
- Decrease nerve irritation
- Improve mobility
- Promote the body’s natural healing response
- Allow patients to return to normal daily activities
Most patients find the treatment comfortable and relaxing.
WHICH PATIENTS TEND TO RESPOND BEST?
In my experience, some of the best results occur in patients with relatively recent injuries.
Examples include:
- Patients involved in automobile accidents
- Golfers who develop sudden lower back pain
- Individuals who injure themselves while exercising
- People who experience a lifting injury at home or work
- Patients whose pain travels into the buttocks, leg, arm, or shoulder
The earlier these conditions are addressed, the better the opportunity to reduce symptoms and restore function.
WHAT IF I’M CONSIDERING SURGERY?
When patients tell me they are considering surgery, I encourage them to explore conservative options first whenever appropriate.
This often includes:
- Targeted therapeutic exercises
- Stretching programs
- Massage therapy
- Chiropractic care
- Spinal decompression
My goal is not necessarily to promise a cure. Instead, I focus on helping patients reduce their symptoms enough that they can continue living the life they enjoy.
I often tell patients that success means being able to:
- Sleep comfortably
- Go to work without significant pain
- Participate in activities that are meaningful to them
For me, that activity is golf. For someone else, it might be walking, traveling, exercising, or playing with their grandchildren.
When we can help patients return to those activities without surgery, that is often a tremendous victory.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION
If you have been diagnosed with a herniated disc, sciatica, or chronic back pain and would like to learn whether spinal decompression may be appropriate for your condition, contact Gould Chiropractic in Chatsworth, California.
Dr. Ross Gould has been helping patients find relief from back pain, disc injuries, and nerve-related conditions for more than 30 years.
Call Gould Chiropractic today to schedule an evaluation and discuss your treatment options.