Spinal decompression is a treatment that is designed to relieve pressure on your spine, treating a variety of conditions including herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, and spinal stenosis.

There are 2 forms of spinal decompression, these are:

• Surgical
• Non-surgical

Surgical

‍Surgical spinal decompression aims to alleviate pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots. The procedure involves removing a portion of the affected bone or disc material to create more space and relieve pressure on the nerves or spinal cord.

There are different surgical techniques, these include:

• Laminectomy
• Discectomy
• Foraminotomy
• Corpectomy

Surgical spinal decompression is typically reserved for cases where non-surgical treatments have failed or your condition is severe enough to require immediate intervention.

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Non-surgical

Non-surgical spinal decompression is a treatment that uses traction to relieve pressure on your spinal discs and nerves. During the treatment session, you will lie on a special table that is designed to stretch and relax your spine. The table is computer-controlled, allowing the traction force to be precisely applied to specific areas of the spine. As your spine is gently stretched, negative pressure is created within the discs, which can help pull bulging or herniated discs back into their original position.

Negative pressure can also encourage the flow of oxygen, blood and nutrients into the affected area, which can help to promote healing and recovery. Spine decompression aims to provide pain relief and improve mobility by addressing the root cause of the problem— pressure on your spinal discs and nerves.

• Provides relief from chronic back and neck pain
• Reduces pressure on spinal nerves
• Alleviates symptoms of sciatica or herniated discs
• Improves spinal alignment and posture
• Helps to improve mobility and range of motion
• Helps to improve overall quality of life by reducing pain and discomfort

Spinal decompression can be used to treat the following conditions:

• Herniated or bulging discs
• Sciatica
• Degenerative disc disease
• Facet joint syndrome
• Spinal stenosis
• Chronic back pain
• Neck pain
• Headaches or migraines caused by spinal problems

If you undergo spinal decompression, you may experience relief from symptoms such as back or neck pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness in the limbs.

The treatment(s) can help restore proper spinal alignment and increase the space between your vertebrae, reducing pressure on your nerves, and allowing for improved circulation and healing. Many patients report an increase in mobility and range of motion following spinal decompression.

• Results will vary from person to person, depending on the treatment area, severity of the issue, and your overall health. Your orthopaedist can give you a better idea of what to expect based on your individual needs and circumstances.

The number of treatment sessions needed for surgical spinal decompression varies depending on the specific condition and severity of the patient’s symptoms. Unlike non-surgical spinal decompression, which typically involves multiple sessions over a period of weeks, surgical decompression is a one-time procedure.

After the procedure, patients will typically need to stay in the hospital for a few days to allow for observation and recovery. Once discharged, patients will be given specific instructions on post-surgical care, including when to begin physiotherapy and how to gradually return to normal activities.

For non-surgical spinal decompression, a treatment plan will typically consist of multiple sessions over a period of several weeks, with each session lasting between 30 to 45 minutes. The total number of sessions needed can range from 20 to 28 sessions, but this can be more or less depending on the severity of your condition and your body’s response to the treatment. It is important to follow the recommended plan and attend all scheduled sessions for the best chance of achieving optimal results.