I am a White Rock Chiropractor who, amongst other techniques, utilizes spinal decompression (SD) in our approach to alleviate pain and suffering.  Traction therapies have been around, in some form, for hundreds of years.  The technique we use is the new generation of the old and trusted procedure, spinal traction.

Our technique utilizes a table that is driven by a pulley mechanism operated by computer software.  This type of traction is used for the signs and symptoms related to spinal disc protrusion, disc herniation, spinal stenosis, facet syndrome, osteoarthritis and even general low back pain that is not responding to conventional or traditional treatments.  There are several different models on the market today.  The cost of these machines can vary considerably therefore the cost of treatment varies.  The basic premise is that it produces a unique pull pattern that is not seen in "old style" traction therapies.

There are certain conditions that should not be treated with SD Therapy.  They are, but not necessarily limited to: certain types of cancer, conditions causing spinal cord compression, osteoporosis (softening of bone), infectious disease, rheumatoid arthritis of the spine, unstable cardiovascular disease, pregnancy, aortic aneurysm and some older individuals.  Spinal decompression causes the intervertebral disc space to enlarge, a separation of the facet or posterior joints and an enlargement of the intervertebral foramina, which is the opening allowing the nerve to exit from the spinal column.  In the case of the herniated disc these factors will help to pull the portion of the disc off of the nerve.  In the case of spinal stenosis it will give the nerve the potential for more room so it is not crowded and irritated.  A question a lot of people ask is: "Does the separation and potential for greater room stay?"  The short answer is yes it does.  Often it is enough time for the swelling of the inflamed nerve to decrease.  This decrease in nerve root swelling will also give the nerve more room.

Although, in some articles, this technique is deemed as an extremely successful and curative therapy it doesn't always produce the desired or intended results.  It is an effective technique with approximately 80 % of patients showing some degree of improvement.  But, as in any technique or procedure, some 20% may not improve and a small percentage of that may even get worse.  However, it is a procedure that should always be considered in the case of stenosis and disc herniation. 

The management of Spinal decompression surrey is a process.  As treatment progresses and the pain become more manageable, the patient will need to seek core strengthening exercises and flexibility exercises.  This is imperative but often overlooked and can lead to a re-occurrence of the problem.  Spinal and body alignment procedures, joint mobilization and adjustment procedures are equally important.  Weight loss, diet and nutrition also play a roll.