Spinal Decompression Therapy in Austell, GA

Are you experiencing pain in your neck, back, hips or extremities? Has a doctor told you that you may need back surgery? Worried that you may be forced to take pain medicine every day for the rest of your life? If you haven’t found a treatment that relieves your pain and other symptoms, Cornerstone Chiropractic & Spine Center in Hiram has a non-invasive treatment option that could help with the pain and help you avoid surgery. We offer versatile, non-invasive treatment plans for Austell, GA patients with work-related injuries, chronic pain, and degenerative diseases. Cornerstone Chiropractic & Spine Center offers traditional chiropractic treatments, like manual massage and laser therapy, but there is an innovative treatment option that could help if other attempts have failed. Ask your Chiropractor if they offer Spinal Decompression Therapy (SDT) and if you are a good candidate for the treatment. If you do not have a trusted chiropractor, contact Cornerstone today to set up your new patient appointment and find out what treatments we have available to help you. 

What is Spinal Decompression?

Spinal Decompression Therapy is a treatment that utilizes a specialized table and computer technology along with your provider’s knowledge to gently stretch your body and spinal column back into its natural alignment. This treatment can allow patients to resume their usual activities without taking weeks for post-surgical recovery. SDT has been shown to help patients improve their posture, reduce or eliminate the pain they experience, and allows vital nutrients that promote healing to make it to your bones, discs, and other connective tissues.

What To Expect From A Spinal Decompression Therapy Treatment?

If you have never undergone SDT, you may wonder what you’re getting yourself into. It is a simple procedure with minimal risk, and it doesn’t require the use of medications. Many patients find it so relaxing that they often fall asleep during the treatment. To begin, your provider will help you lie back on the table and adjust as needed. Next, the Chiropractor will secure you to the specialized table with harnesses around your waist or midsection. This is not a tight or uncomfortable fit; it is used to stabilize and support you throughout the therapy. The computer that is connected to the table will make small, gentle adjustments to your spine and work towards returning it to its natural alignment.  

How Quickly Does Spinal Decompression Work?

Spinal Decompression Therapy treatments will last 30-60 minutes, with the average session taking about 45 minutes from start to finish. SDT is quick and convenient! You can easily schedule your therapy in the middle of the work week and continue on as if it was just a trip to get a haircut. Many patients have reported that the treatment is painless and can even be relaxing for them. Each patient’s condition will require a customized approach to give them the best chance of pain relief. 

You may start to notice positive changes in your health and reduced pain after the first couple of treatments. However, some patients require two to four (2-4) sessions per week over the course of six to eight (6-8) weeks. Patients that completed their course of treatment noted drastic pain relief and improved quality of life. Others needed the help of additional exercises and alternative treatments. If, for some reason, you have not shown progress by the middle of your treatment plan, your provider will determine whether you should continue or adopt a new plan. Every case is a little different, and an experienced Chiropractic provider will find the best option for their patient.

What Disorders Are Spinal Decompression Therapy Used For?

There are several chronic and injury-related conditions that SDT can help with. The SDT machine is designed to stretch your spinal column to alleviate pressure on your vertebrae (small bones in the spine) and the gel-like “discs” between them. It also stretches the connective tissues in your spinal column that, if inflamed, can lead to a lack of mobility. Once the machine has helped to release the pressure in your spine (creating a negative pressure or a vacuum), it allows the discs to move back into place and vital nutrients to go where they are needed to promote healing.

Some of the most typical conditions we treat are: 

• Bulging, Herniated, or Protruding Discs: If your discs have migrated away from their natural position and are putting pressure on your nerves, it could cause localized pain in the affected areas, and it might even lead to referred pain in other areas of your body. Stretching your spinal column may allow the discs to move back into place and reduce the pressure on your nerves. If successful, you should notice some drastic changes in your pain scale.
• Scoliosis: Again, if you are experiencing chronic pain, SDT could help relieve pressure on nerves in your spinal column, reducing your pain. If it helps, the pain relief should allow your muscles to relax more easily. 

• Sciatica: SDT helps to retract bulging or herniated discs that could pressure your sciatic nerve. It also helps by allowing the natural flow of essential nutrients and oxygen to the area.
• Degenerative Diseases: Degenerative disc disease is caused by wear and tear on the cartilage discs in your spinal column. While SDT can not cure your degenerative disorder, it could still reduce pain and increase mobility.

What are the Pros and Cons of Spinal Decompression Therapy?

If you’ve tried other treatments in the past and have not had much success, you may be wondering why Spinal Decompression Therapy will provide different results. We’ve compiled a short list of Pros and Cons so you can make a more informed decision on whether this treatment is right for you. 

Possible Benefits of Spinal Decompression Therapy

• Minimal effort, maximum results: If you have already tried other treatment plans and your provider has access to your medical history, it should be easy for them to determine whether or not you could benefit from this therapy. SDT doesn’t involve lengthy procedures, surgery, or recovery times. It allows you to work towards recovery without putting your life on hold with a long post-surgical recovery or months of physical therapy.
• Pain-Free Therapy: One of the biggest benefits that SDT has to offer is that it is completely non-invasive and because it is so gentle, you aren’t likely to experience any new symptoms; it will help to reduce the ones you already have. Many patients feel a difference in their mobility and pain levels after just one treatment, so spinal decompression therapy allows you to continue with your normal schedule.
• Lasting Outcomes: It may take several weeks to achieve the results you are looking for because this therapy is designed to improve your health and overall body posture gradually. However, since we are promoting a healthier environment for your bones, cartilage, and connective tissues, the treatment has been known to provide relief for longer periods and can even eliminate some causes of chronic pain and inflammation in other parts of the body.

Since it is a non-invasive therapy, SDT doesn't present any serious risks. We've included a short list of minor side effects. If you experience any of these symptoms, discuss them with your provider. It can help them to determine if your treatment may need to be adjusted if you notice them.

Possible Side Effects of Spinal Decompression Therapy

• Mild muscle soreness
• Shooting pain in your arms or legs (likely from nerves readjusting)
• Muscle Spasms (likely from muscles readjusting)

Spinal Decompression Therapy is a good treatment option for many patients and conditions, but there are some that is may not be advised for. When in doubt, it is always a good idea to discuss any procedure with your trusted healthcare provider before undergoing it. Some patients that may not be a candidate for Spinal Decompression Therapy:

• Pregnant patients
• Patients with degenerative bone disease
• Patients who have had or are recovering from surgery

If you want more information about Spinal Decompression Therapy or to schedule a consultation with one of our providers, contact Cornerstone Chiropractic & Spine Center now! Our team would be happy to answer any questions you still have about this innovative procedure. We want to help Austell residents get affordable pain relief from experienced Chiropractors.