Non-surgical spinal decompression is a comprehensive program to relieve certain spinal dysfunctions, using a precise control of traction force as a central feature. It is certainly true that not every patient with spinal dysfunction is a candidate for spinal decompression. The following is a listing of the effects one can expect when it is used.
- Vertebral separation: decrease intradiscal pressure and reduce bulging of nuclear material, and may enhance osmosis from vertebral endplates, increasing fluid/blood supply to the discs.
- Separation and gliding of the facet joints, establishing potential for improved alignment, articulation, and joint mobility.
- Tensing, if not stretching of the system of spinal ligaments.
- Widening of vertebral foramina, allowing increased space for spinal nerve roots
- Stretching of the spinal muscles, potentially decreasing its sensitivity to stretch and muscle spasms. It is also possible that this stretch may improve blood supply of the spinal musculature.
Not every one of these effects is necessarily achieved with each administration of decompression, however, while each effect is potentially achievable, a series of sessions to achieve one effect can decrease the likelihood that other potential effects. Dr. Wong can identify whether you are warranted to this treatment, and which one or more of these effects should be achieved.