Spinal decompression

Overview

Illustration of spinal decompression therapy

Spinal decompression is a therapeutic technique used to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or on one or more compressed vertebrae. It is used to treat conditions that cause chronic back pain, such as herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, and spinal stenosis.

Techniques

Spinal decompression can be achieved through surgical and non-surgical methods. The choice of technique depends on the specific condition being treated and the severity of the symptoms.

Non-surgical spinal decompression

Non-surgical spinal decompression involves the use of a traction table or similar motorized device to gently stretch the spine. This process changes the force and position of the spine, which can take pressure off the spinal discs, the gel-like cushions between the bones in your spine, by creating negative pressure in the disc. As a result, bulging or herniated discs may retract, taking pressure off nerves and other structures in your spine. This in turn helps promote movement of water, oxygen, and nutrient-rich fluids into the discs so they can heal.

Surgical spinal decompression

Surgical spinal decompression is used to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. There are several types of surgical decompression procedures, including:

• Laminectomy: Removal of the back part of the vertebra that covers the spinal canal. This procedure enlarges the spinal canal and is often used to treat spinal stenosis.
• Discectomy: Removal of a portion of a herniated disc that is pressing on a nerve root or the spinal cord.
• Foraminotomy: Enlargement of the bony hole where a nerve root exits the spinal canal to prevent bulging discs or joints thickened with age from pressing on the nerve.
• Corpectomy: Removal of a vertebral body and adjacent intervertebral discs to decompress the spinal cord and nerves.

Indications

Spinal decompression is indicated for patients with:

• Chronic back pain not relieved by other treatments
• Sciatica
• Herniated or bulging discs
• Degenerative disc disease
• Worn spinal joints (posterior facet syndrome)
• Injured or diseased spinal nerve roots

Risks and considerations

While spinal decompression is generally safe, it is not suitable for everyone. Patients with the following conditions should avoid spinal decompression therapy:

• Pregnancy
• Fractures
• Tumors
• Abdominal aortic aneurysm
• Advanced osteoporosis
• Metal implants in the spine

Related pages

• Spinal cord injury
• Back pain
• Physical therapy
• Chiropractic