The human body is complex. When something goes wrong, no two conditions are exactly alike, and therefore there’s no such thing as a cure-all or cookie-cutter treatment. Spinal decompression therapy is no different, but while it can’t fix every spinal condition, it does provide lasting results for conditions that are otherwise difficult to treat. So, where have practitioners seen the most success with non-surgical spinal decompression?

Sciatica

Sciatica describes symptoms of leg pain that originate in the lower back and move down the sciatic nerve in the leg. Sciatica usually affects only one leg, and manifests as constant, searing pain that is made worse with sitting. It may make it difficult for sufferers to stand or walk, and could also cause weakness, tingling, or numbness that can radiate downward through the leg.

Because sciatica is a symptom of a larger problem rather than a diagnosis, it’s important to determine the cause of the pain before beginning treatment. However, patients with sciatica are frequently able to see improvement through spinal decompression therapy because it is often caused by a range of conditions that respond well to the treatment. Notably, patients whose sciatica is caused by pregnancy or tumors should not undergo spinal decompression therapy.

Some of the most common causes of sciatica, such as herniated disks, spinal stenosis, or misalignment, have all seen measurable improvement of symptoms after spinal decompression therapy.

Herniated Disks

Herniated disks, also known as slipped or ruptured disks, can occur in either the lumbar spine or neck. Symptoms include leg or arm pain related to lumbar or cervical herniated disks respectively, weak muscles, or numbness and tingling around the affected nerve. In some cases, a herniated disk may not cause any immediate discomfort or noticeable symptoms.

In the case of a herniated or bulging disk, non-surgical spinal decompression is unique in its ability to promote lasting improvement. The creation of negative intradiscal pressure allows the disk material to move back into place and pulls nutrients into the disk simultaneously, giving the disk the environment it needs to heal.

Spinal Nerve Root Conditions

In addition to herniated or bulging disks, spinal cord and nerve roots can be pinched or otherwise compressed by a number of conditions, causing burning pain, numbness, or tingling that can be felt throughout the back and arms. Patients with compressed spinal nerve roots are generally good candidates for non-surgical spinal decompression, as the gentle correction of spinal pressure promotes healing and long-term improvement of the condition as opposed to treatment of symptoms.

Worn Spinal Joints

Worn spinal joints, most commonly associated with facet joint syndrome, can be caused by any combination of aging, injury, and pressure overload on the joints between spinal vertebrae. While spinal decompression therapy cannot necessarily repair degenerating joints, it can prevent further damage and heal the distortion of disks that can occur as the spinal canal narrows.

While it’s true that non-surgical spinal decompression is not the magic bullet to cure all spinal disorders, it can provide marked improvements and even healing for many conditions that resist other treatments. With its low risk factor and proven results, spinal decompression therapy can help patients with chronic spinal disorders get back on their feet.

Want to know more about results? Download our case studies to hear how non-surgical spinal decompression helped real people.