If you’ve been dealing with back pain that just won’t go away, then you’ve probably come across the term spinal decompression. It’s often a popular term for a procedure that takes pressure off the spine, and for many people, that sounds exactly like what they need.
But spinal decompression isn’t just a single treatment, and it’s also not a guaranteed fix for every type of back pain. There are non-surgical options and surgical methods depending on the situation.
In this blog, we’re going to talk more about spinal decompression, including the treatment types, who it may help, and what the benefits are.
What Is Spinal Decompression?
But first, let’s discover what spinal decompression really is.
It’s essentially a type of treatment that is used to relieve pressure on the spine, especially on the spinal discs and nerves. This can be helpful for people whose pain is linked to conditions such as disc problems or nerve compression.
The main area is your spine, which is made up of bones with soft cushions between them called discs. These discs are just like shock absorbers. But when they get irritated, bulge, or wear down, they can press on the nerves and cause a lot of pain.
Spinal decompression is meant to relieve that pressure, reducing many symptoms such as lower back pain, stiffness, and more.
What Are the Types of Spinal Decompression?
There are two main types: non-surgical and surgical. For mild to moderate cases, non-surgical options will be the choice. Surgical options are usually reserved for cases where the pain is just too much, severe, and long-lasting.
Non-Surgical Options
Motorised Traction Table Therapy
This method uses a specialised machine to gently stretch the spine in a controlled way. By doing so, it helps reduce the pressure on the spinal discs and nerves, relieving symptoms such as lower back pain.
Manual Spinal Decompression
Manual spinal decompression is done by a trained professional who uses their hands to apply gentle traction and stretching to the spine. This is often combined with other therapies, such as mobility exercises, stretching, and heat or cold therapy.
Physical Therapy
This treatment type aims to improve flexibility and spinal health through a series of therapeutic movements. It also helps with improving posture, core strength, hip flexibility, and more.
Surgical Options
Laminectomy
A surgical procedure that removes part of the vertebra called the lamina. By doing so, it creates more space for the spinal nerves. It’s a common technique used for spinal stenosis.
Laminotomy
A laminotomy is similar to a laminectomy, but instead of removing the entire lamina, only a small portion of it is removed. This helps relieve nerve pressure while preserving more of the natural structure of the spine.
Discectomy / Microdiscectomy
A discectomy removes the part of a herniated disc that is pressing on a nerve, while a microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive version that uses a microscope and other smaller tools, leading to faster recovery.
Foraminotomy
A foraminotomy is a procedure that widens the opening where a spinal nerve exits the spine. This will help relieve nerve compression caused by bone spurs, disc problems, or narrowing in the spine.
What Are the Benefits of Spinal Decompression?
With all the varying options available, spinal decompression provides a lot of benefits for many different cases. Here are the common ones:
Reduces Pressure on Spinal Nerves
Spinal decompression can help reduce the pressure on the nerves, alleviating symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness. This can improve overall health and wellness.
Helps Relieve Lower Back and Neck Pain
It offers effective pain relief in the lower back or neck by reducing the stress on the spinal discs and joints. Results may vary depending on the situation and procedure used, but addressing the issue can help manage the pain.
Improves Mobility and Function
When the pain and stiffness decrease, it becomes easier to move, bend, and complete daily routines without discomfort. Spinal decompression may also reduce tightness, making movements feel free without any restriction. This promotes better posture and active lifestyles.
Promotes Natural Healing
By reducing pressure on the spine, decompression may improve oxygen and blood flow, as well as nutrient delivery to spinal discs and surrounding tissues. This can support the body’s natural healing process.
Boosts Long-Term Spinal Health
The procedures are cost-effective when combined with long-term habits such as stretching, posture improvement, and proper sleeping positions. This reduces the risk of other injuries and the need for specialised treatments.
Who Is Spinal Decompression for?
Both surgical and non-surgical spinal decompression are designed for people who have specific issues with their spinal cords. This may include people who:
- Have disc issues (bulging, ruptured, or degenerated discs)
- Are diagnosed with spinal conditions
- Experience sciatica, tingling, numbness, or burning pain in the arms or legs
- Feel pain when standing, sitting, or bending
- Have chronic pain in the back or neck area
Who Should Avoid Spinal Decompression?
While the procedures are helpful and effective, they’re not safe or recommended for everyone. Certain health conditions can make the decompression risky, which is why it’s important to get evaluated first. Spinal decompression is not meant for people who:
- Are pregnant
- Have osteoporosis, fragile bones, vertebral fractures, and other structural issues
- Have spinal implants
- Have tumors, infections, or cancer affecting the spine
- Have specific medical conditions, such as an abdominal aortic aneurysm
How Sleep Helps With Spinal Decompression
Good sleep is a simple but effective way to decompress your spine and relax your entire body. It’s an important part of recovery when you’re dealing with back pain. When you get good rest, your body has more time to calm inflammation, reduce tension, and repair minor strain from daily movement.
The Importance of Your Sleeping Position
Throughout the day, your spine carries a lot of constant load from standing, sitting, walking, and other forms of activity. That’s why proper sleep is essential.
Your sleeping position is an important part of this. Sleeping on your back and on your side with a pillow between your knees are the two best sleeping positions.
When you lie down to sleep in a proper position, that pressure reduces, giving your discs and joints a chance to rest, rehydrate, and recover their cushioning ability. Essentially, it aligns your spine and loosens it up.
How MagniStretch 9 Supports Sleep
Sleeping in a position that maintains the natural curvature of the spine is essential, which is why choosing the right mattress and pillows is crucial. Our MagniStretch 9 mattress is a highlight of this, meticulously designed to support overall sleep and recovery.
The layers of Eliosoft and Elioform orthopaedic foam feature support zones that help expand the space between your vertebrae, helping decompress your spine. It utilises our own Memoform material and Super Soft fibre to allow the mattress to conform to your body.
With a medium-firm comfort level and thermoregulating material, the MagniStretch 9 offers balanced comfort for improved rest and muscle recovery. To complement all these, we recommend browsing our collection of pillows, which offer excellent support for your neck and lower back.
Final Thoughts on Spinal Decompression
Spinal decompression is an effective option for people dealing with back pain caused by nerve compression, disc issues, and more. By gently reducing pressure on the spinal discs and surrounding nerves, discomfort is relieved, and mobility is improved.
One reason why spinal decompression is so popular is that it is available in different forms to suit different needs. Some can benefit from non-surgical methods, while others require surgical options.
When guided by qualified professionals, the right approach can be recommended, helping provide long-lasting relief and comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to decompress your spine by yourself?
You can decompress your spine at home by using gentle exercises and stretches. An effective, long-term solution is to assume proper sleeping positions every night.
How long does spinal decompression take?
It depends. Non-surgical methods can take around 30 minutes, while surgical options can take more. A full treatment plan usually consists of around 15 to 30 sessions.
How to decompress your spine on the bed?
For exercises, you can try lying on your back and letting your legs hang off the side of the bed. You can also simply use a thick pillow under your knees while you lie on your back and sleep.
How painful is spinal decompression?
Spina decompression is generally painless and non-invasive, designed to provide relief from constant pain.
Is it safe to decompress your spine?
Yes, spinal decompression is generally safe as it offers non-invasive methods to provide pain relief. However, it’s not suitable for everyone. Getting evaluated first helps you make sure it’s safe.
