Spinal decompression is the relief of pressure on one or many pinched nerves in the spinal column, and is primarily used as an advanced technique for treating bulging and herniated disks, back and neck pain, arm pain, sciatica, spinal stenosis, and muscle spasms. Spinal decompression can be achieved both surgically and non-surgically, with chiropractic medicine being the non-surgical, and recommended, primary approach.
The purpose of non-surgical spinal decompression is to regain the proper length and alignment of the patient’s vertebrae through the use of traction, without the need for invasive surgical procedures. The primary apparatus required to apply traction to the patient’s spinal column is known as a decompression table. A special table, known as a decompression table is used to apply traction to the patient’s spine. The decompression table is both mechanical and computerized. The apparatus applies force of traction to the area of application, gently pulling apart the patient’s vertebrae, in order to relieve pressure on the spine and nerves. The goal of the procedure is to properly lengthen the spine, while placing affected vertebrae and subluxations back into alignment.