Your spine is incredibly complex, acting as the vital connector between your nerves, brain, and muscles. It takes up a lot of space in your body as it stretches from the tip of your buttocks to the bottom of your head. This makes it prone to different conditions and factors that can lead to extreme pain. Spinal compression, for example, can occur as a result of a slipped disc or a stressed area of your back. You might experience pain that only worsens and leads to immobility if left untreated.
Spinal decompression is the main treatment response to this condition. However, how effective is spinal decompression treatment? Is it a one-size-fits-all solution to spinal cord compression, or are there different types of treatment that will reduce pain in the spine?
Types of Spinal Cord Decompression
In order to determine whether spinal cord compression is an effective treatment, it is important to understand that there are two distinct types of spinal cord decompression. Non-surgical decompression is the most commonly recommended method and is often the first employed. Surgical spinal cord decompression is also a highly viable option for those in need of more severe intervention.
Non-Surgical Spinal Cord Decompression
It is possible to correct problems with sciatica, slipped or bulging discs, or other problems related to spinal cord correction without going under the knife. Unfortunately, this process is time-consuming. You will be fitted with a medical harness and asked to lie down on a table with computerized motors that will stretch your spine for about 45 minutes at a time.
You will undergo between 30 and 40 of these treatments over six to nine weeks. This computer-assisted physical therapy works to slowly reposition your vertebrae and discs into a more comfortable position.
Surgical Spinal Cord Decompression
Full surgery is really only recommended as a last resort. If your spinal compression is too severe and does not improve after non-surgical treatments, you may become a candidate for surgical spinal decompression. The surgery can help to treat instances of unbearable pain, ruptured discs, and bone issues. The procedure can involve:
- Removing small pieces of bone from your spine.
- Removing damaged discs.
- Fusing bones to create a stronger structure.
How Effective is Spinal Decompression?
Whether you are getting ready for a non-surgical spinal decompression treatment or you are nervous about your surgical spinal decompression, you can ease your fears by learning about the effectiveness of the procedure.
Surgical
Spinal decompression surgery has a high success rate, with many patients expressing decreased pain and increased mobility after recovery. The procedure aims to ease chronic pain, numbness, and tingling.
However, this and all surgeries pose some risks. You must be careful about blot clots and infections. Spinal decompression surgery carries the unique risk of furthering your spine or nerve damage and exacerbating your existing symptoms. By trusting in a skilled surgeon, you can significantly reduce these risks.
Non-Surgical
Non-surgical spinal decompression has a very promising success rate. Many patients who undergo this process report a huge relief in pain and discomfort after only a couple of sessions. While this might not reflect your unique needs, it is a great foundation on which to base your trajectory of success.
Not to mention, non-surgical spinal decompression is much safer than any surgical intervention. There are numerous health benefits outside of the affected treatment area. The treatment works to encourage the flow of fluids, oxygen, and blood more easily through your spine. This increased movement helps to stretch out areas of your vertebrae that might have been compressed.
Contact us today to learn more about spinal decompression and plot out your vital treatment plan. The office of Dr. Yashar is your ultimate location for minimally invasive spinal decompression in Los Angeles. Schedule your appointment now!
