Dr. Alex Jmenez, Chiropractor Discusses: Spinal Decompression Therapies, Protocols, Rehabilitation and Advance Treatments Care Plans
At our offices, we offer conservative care for degenerative spinal conditions, including several treatment modalities. Thus, the traction distinguishes as it can elicit the body’s protective proprioceptive response to distraction, reducing intradiscal pressure and minimizing symptoms secondary to disc herniation and axial pain.
Our integrative treatments aim to determine the clinical effects of a short treatment course of motorized axial spinal decompression for patients with pain and physical impairment caused by either lumbar or cervical degenerative disc pathology with no immediate surgical indication.
Conservative care for mid to long-term degenerative spinal conditions with axial and irradiated pain generally includes pharmacological treatment, physical rehabilitation, or injections. Mechanical traction is an old treatment modality, which has been decreased in use facing other modern technologies or utilized in combination with other treatment modalities, such as manual therapy, exercises, heat, or electrotherapy. We, too, offer advanced spinal treatment workshops and boot camps to help educate patients on the dynamics of spinal hygiene.
Our patients get treated for chronic radicular axial spinal pain. This is a referred pain in the spinal axial skeleton and is considered a syndrome with both nociceptive and neuropathic pain components. Patients report improvement in symptoms with a reduction of the axial load in the spine.
Previous studies have shown a decrease of pressure in the intervertebral disc after traction, unloading of the spinal structure, and alleviating the inflammatory reaction of the nerve roots. Here, we present our patients’ literature and scientific background information to make educated decisions about the advanced spinal decompression protocols.
If you’re looking for a non-surgical solution for your persistent back or leg pain, you may want to try spinal decompression therapy. Unlike invasive or laparoscopic surgeries, spinal decompression does not require the patient to go under the knife. Instead, the patient’s spine is stretched to relieve back and leg pain. The goal of spinal decompression is to create an ideal healing environment for the affected areas.
This treatment is typically used for:
Bulging discs
Degenerating discs
Herniated discs
Call us today to schedule your first appointment! Our team in El Paso is happy to help.
Diabetes and severe blood sugar fluctuations can lead to back pain and spinal conditions. The negative impacts on the body from diabetes can be destructive as it is a state of chronic inflammation.
Spine Conditions and Diabetes
Spinal conditions being researched and their link to diabetes can affect each condition and its development differently.
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is when the spine’s openings foraminabegin to shrink and narrow, causing the nerve roots that branch off the spinal cord to have less space to function.
The stenosis can compress one or more lumbar spinal nerves.
Pain, tingling, weakness, and/or numbness in the legs can begin to present.
Spinal Epidural Abscess
Spinal epidural abscess is an infection between the vertebral bones and the spinal cord membrane.
Diabetes increases the risk of infection and increases the risk of developing an abscess.
Hypertension and obesity can also increase the risk of infection.
Lumbar Disc Degeneration
The back contains spinal discs between each vertebra that are the shock absorbers.
Lumbar disc degeneration occurs when one or more discs begin to break down.
The disc’s deterioration causes changes in the lumbar/lower back structure.
The degeneration also causes back pain.
Disc degeneration is a normal part of aging and is expected. However, those who have lived with diabetes for over ten years have a higher risk of developing advanced lumbar disc degeneration. To prevent disc degeneration and/or minimize the adverse effects, it’s essential to maintain blood sugar levels.
Vertebral Osteomyelitis
Vertebral osteomyelitis is a rare spinal infection resulting from a spinal injury or post-surgical complication/s.
It is a bacterial infection that can travel to the spine from another location.
Diabetes increases susceptibility to infections.
For example, an individual with diabetes could have a foot ulcer, lower back pain, and a fever, symptoms that could indicate the development of vertebral osteomyelitis.
Chiropractic and Decompression Therapy
Spinal decompression is an effective non-surgical technique that can relieve back pain, leg pain, and symptoms associated with spinal conditions and disorders. It works by gently creating traction/pulling force with a specialized mechanical decompression table combined with chiropractic massage and adjustments. Benefits include:
Pain relief
Decompression relieves tension in tight, spasming, or injured muscles.
Stimulates the nervous system to release chemical signals that bring pain relief.
Heals spinal disc tissues
Decompression creates a vacuum force on the spinal discs, helping to circulate much-needed fluids, cells, and other substances to the damaged tissue/s.
Restores spinal disc and joint alignment
Stress, poor posture, poor body mechanics, and other factors can cause joints to shift out of place or the discs to herniate.
The vacuum force helps realign the joints and discs.
Prevents further pain and inflammation.
Restores mobility and function.
Relieves pressure on nerves
Spinal nerves can get pinched when discs, bones, or other tissues compress the small spaces causing inflammation and pain.
Non-surgical decompression increases the space around the nerves, allowing the nerves to heal.
Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic offer spinal decompression as one of many treatment approaches to restore a high quality of life.
DOC Decompression Table
References
Anekstein, Yoram, et al. “Diabetes mellitus as a risk factor for the development of lumbar spinal stenosis.” The Israel Medical Association journal: IMAJ vol. 12,1 (2010): 16-20.
Eivazi, Maghsoud, and Laleh Abadi. “Low back pain in diabetes mellitus and importance of preventive approach.” Health promotion perspectives vol. 2,1 80-8. 1 Jul. 2012, doi:10.5681/hpp.2012.010
Heuch, Ingrid et al. “Associations between serum lipid levels and chronic low back pain.” Epidemiology (Cambridge, Mass.) vol. 21,6 (2010): 837-41. doi:10.1097/EDE.0b013e3181f20808
Rinaldo, Lorenzo, et al. “Diabetes and Back Pain: Markers of Diabetes Disease Progression Are Associated With Chronic Back Pain.” Clinical diabetes: a publication of the American Diabetes Association vol. 35,3 (2017): 126-131. doi:10.2337/cd16-0011
The spine allows the body to do various things like move, bend, twist, and turn without pain and making sure that it is kept in an upright position. The spine is also protected by ligaments, soft tissues, muscles, and spinal columns that make sure that no injuries are affecting the spine. However, when a person overworks their back, it can cause the back muscles to be sustained a variety of injuries like a pulled muscle, slipped spinal disc, herniation, and many others that can cause harm to the spine. Luckily there are many treatments that can help restore the back and spine through non-surgical procedures. Today’s article focuses on spinal osteoarthritis, its symptoms, and how spinal decompression can help individuals alleviate spinal osteoarthritis symptoms. By referring patients to qualified and skilled providers specializing in spinal decompression therapy. To that end, and when appropriate, we advise our patients to refer to our associated medical providers based on their examination. We find that education is the key to asking valuable questions to our providers. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer
Can my insurance cover it? Yes, it may. If you are uncertain, here is the link to all the insurance providers we cover. If you have any questions, please call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900.
What Is Spinal Osteoarthritis?
An S-shaped curve in the back known as the spine is encompassed by ligaments, the spinal cord, back muscles from the musculoskeletal system, and spinal discs that help the body with everyday movement and become mobile. Research studies have found that spinal osteoarthritis is a common condition associated with low back pain. However, as the body naturally ages, so does the spine as the spinal discs begin to degenerate and cause inflammation in the spinal joints, known as spinal osteoarthritis. Spinal osteoarthritis can develop gradually over time in the spine, causing a restriction of motion and pain.
Other research studies have found that low back pain and spinal osteoarthritis are both common and have the process of degeneration in the spine, causing the spinal disc space to be narrow while reducing the spine’s mobility. This causes the facet joints to develop other conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthritis, and gout to pop up and affect the spine.
The Symptoms
When the spine suffers from spinal osteoarthritis, it can cause various painful symptoms that affect a person’s quality of life. Research studies have shown that since spinal osteoarthritis is a gradual condition that is developed over time, it can cause stiffness in the spinal joints when a person is waking up in the morning, then eases throughout the day with physical activity, and flares right back up again at the end of the day. This happens when fluid build-up in the spinal joints can swell and cause inflammation to the spine. Other symptoms that are caused by spinal osteoarthritis can include:
Stiffness on the back and neck
Loss of joint flexibility
Swelling joints due to weather changes
Tenderness in some regions of the spine
Creptis (bone rubbing against each other)
Joint pain
Spinal Decompression For The Spine-Video
Do you feel tenderness around some regions of your back? How about feeling stiff on your lower back or neck? Or the weather seems to be causing swelling on your back? You could be suffering from spinal osteoarthritis, and spinal decompression therapy can help alleviate these symptoms. Spinal decompression therapy can help the spine through traction and gentle stretching. Spinal decompression helps alleviate the spinal disc and joints by slowly increasing their height and alleviating the painful symptoms. This will allow the necessary components like nutrients and oxygen to hydrate the compressed spinal discs and take the pressure off on the nerve roots. When individuals utilize decompression therapy, they can feel instant relief and get back their lives pain-free. Suppose you want to learn more about how decompression therapy can benefit you. In that case, this link will explain what decompression therapy does to the spine and how it can relieve spinal osteoarthritis symptoms.
Spinal Decompression Therapy For Spinal Osteoarthritis
Many treatments can help lower the inflammation that spinal osteoarthritis has caused on the spine, which many people can do and bring back their range of motion. Some people utilize anti-inflammatory supplements like omega-3s and turmeric to lower joint inflammation. Others use massages to relax the tense muscles while also being careful with the spine. In contrast, others use spinal decompression therapy to help alleviate the painful symptoms that spinal osteoarthritis has caused. Research studies have found that the spinal joints and spinal discs affected by spinal osteoarthritis cause a “second inflammatory” symptom. When individuals use spinal decompression, they feel relief. What spinal decompression does is that it lays the individual in a supine position and causes negative pressure on the spine. Other research studies have found that decompression can reduce the stress inside the spinal intervertebral disc and alleviate the painful symptoms that spinal osteoarthritis has caused. This non-surgical treatment provides impressive results for individuals who incorporate this in their wellness journey.
Conclusion
Spinal osteoarthritis causes joint stiffness and swelling in the spine, making a person feel miserable. The spine allows the body to be kept upright and move through various scenarios without causing the body to be in pain. When spinal conditions like spinal osteoarthritis cause inflammation in the spinal joints, it can lead to low back problems for the individual. Spinal decompression can gently stretch the spine and cause the relief to the joints as the necessary nutrients return to the spinal columns and increase the disc height. This will allow many individuals suffering from spinal osteoarthritis to feel instant relief and be pain-free.
References
Choi, Jioun, et al. “Influences of Spinal Decompression Therapy and General Traction Therapy on the Pain, Disability, and Straight Leg Raising of Patients with Intervertebral Disc Herniation.” Journal of Physical Therapy Science, The Society of Physical Therapy Science, Feb. 2015, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4339166/.
Goode, Adam P, et al. “Low Back Pain and Lumbar Spine Osteoarthritis: How Are They Related?” Current Rheumatology Reports, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Feb. 2013, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3606549/.
Kang, Jeong-Il, et al. “Effect of Spinal Decompression on the Lumbar Muscle Activity and Disk Height in Patients with Herniated Intervertebral Disk.” Journal of Physical Therapy Science, The Society of Physical Therapy Science, Nov. 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5140813/.
Lindsey, Thomas, and Alexander M Dydyk. “Spinal Osteoarthritis – Statpearls – NCBI Bookshelf.” StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 12 July 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK553190/.
The body functions throughout the world in a variety of scenarios. Whether the person is doing a sports activity, doing physical therapy, or commuting to get to their destination, the body has to be able to do these things without being in pain. However, things tend to affect the body, like a pulled muscle, an injury caused by an accident, autoimmune diseases, and others that can affect the body and the back. Today’s article focuses on muscle strains in the lumbar area of the back, their symptoms, and how decompression therapy can help alleviate lumbar muscle strains in the back. By referring patients to qualified and skilled providers specializing in spinal decompression therapy. To that end, and when appropriate, we advise our patients to refer to our associated medical providers based on their examination. We find that education is the key to asking valuable questions to our providers. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer
Can my insurance cover it? Yes, it may. If you are uncertain, here is the link to all the insurance providers we cover. If you have any questions, please call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900.
What Are Lumbar Muscle Strains?
Have you felt a pinched nerve on your lower back? How about feeling a gradual, dull ache in your lower back muscles? Or how about tenderness in certain muscle areas of the lower back? You could be suffering from lumbar muscle strains on your lower back. The lower back of the body helps it move, twist, turn, and supports the weight of the upper body, keeping it upright. Research studies have stated that when the lower back is under an excruciating amount of stress, it can cause the soft tissues to become injured and painful to the touch. When the soft tissues in the low back are under a lot of stress and are over-stretched, the surrounding area where the soft tissue resides is inflamed. This will cause the area to be tender to the touch, cause muscle cramps, or cause intense pain when it contracts tightly.
The Symptoms
Since the soft tissues on the lower back help support the body and can be succumbed to injuries, it is essential to know that low back pain is one of the most common issues for many individuals worldwide. As one of the causes of disabilities and the highest healthcare expenses, many people who suffer from low back pain or muscle strains call off work. Research studies have shown that muscle strains are acute low back pains that can turn chronic over time. Some of the symptoms that muscle sprains do cause in the lower back include:
Other research studies have found that individuals with musculoskeletal disorders have noticed that they complained about radicular pain in their lower back and suffer muscle spasms. This is due to the overstretched lower back muscles, causing the spine to become herniated and pressing on the nerve roots spread out in the lower back.
Decompression Therapy Demonstration- Video
Feeling your lower back muscles ache and tender to the touch? How about muscle stiffness whenever you are walking or standing for long periods? Or how about pain in your lower back that is causing you to not go to work? If this has happened to you, then decompression therapy could benefit you. Decompression therapy allows traction to gently pull the spine and supply it with the necessary nutrients to restore the spinal discs to their original form. This will allow the spine to increase its disc height and take the pressure off the nerve roots causing the individual pain. After a couple of treatments, many individuals suffering from low back pain will begin to feel relief in their lower back. If you want to learn more on how decompression therapy can help you, this link will explain its benefits and how it can relieve muscle strains.
With many treatments that help alleviate muscle strain and low back pain, decompression therapy can help individuals by placing them on a motorized traction table and gently stretching their spine out. Research studies have stated that decompression therapy can reduce the pressure off the nerve roots and gradually increase mobility to the joints and relax the soft tissues caused by muscle sprains. This negative pressure allows the lumbar muscle region to be loose and prevents the intervertebral disc from herniated. Other research studies have shown that the ligaments from the back lumbar region will begin to relax, and the lumbar spine will increase disc height due to the negative pressure on the back. Many individuals will feel instant relief and continue on their wellness journey.
Conclusion
Overall, the soft tissues of the lower back allow the body to twist, turn, and move while making sure that it stays upright without feeling any pain whatsoever. When the lower back goes under a tremendous amount of stress, it can cause the soft tissues to be overworked and lead to injuries, low back pain, and muscle spasms. Luckily non-surgical treatments like decompression therapy allow the tight, overused muscles to relax while gently stretching the back to allow the necessary oxygen and nutrients to come back into the spinal disc. Traction on the spine allows the herniated disc to be pulled back into the spine and takes the pressure off the nerve roots in the lower back. This will decrease the inflammation in certain lower back areas, restore the torn muscles, and bring back a person’s quality of life.
References
Choi, Jioun, et al. “Influences of Spinal Decompression Therapy and General Traction Therapy on the Pain, Disability, and Straight Leg Raising of Patients with Intervertebral Disc Herniation.” Journal of Physical Therapy Science, The Society of Physical Therapy Science, Feb. 2015, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4339166/.
El Sayed, Moustafa, and Avery L Callahan. “Mechanical Back Strain – Statpearls – NCBI Bookshelf.” StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 24 Jan. 2022, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542314/.
Hirayama, Jiro, et al. “Relationship between Low-Back Pain, Muscle Spasm and Pressure Pain Thresholds in Patients with Lumbar Disc Herniation.” European Spine Journal : Official Publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society, Springer-Verlag, Jan. 2006, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3454558/.
Kang, Jeong-Il, et al. “Effect of Spinal Decompression on the Lumbar Muscle Activity and Disk Height in Patients with Herniated Intervertebral Disk.” Journal of Physical Therapy Science, The Society of Physical Therapy Science, Nov. 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5140813/.
Golfing Back Injuries: Golf is an enjoyable game that can be played at all ages. It involves the foundation of the body’s range of motion, the spine. Because of the repetitive nature of a golfer’s unique swing, the repetitive rotating/twisting of the spine slowly degrades the integrity of the spinal discs causing them to bulge, herniate, or rupture. The slightest shift causing misalignment can leave the spine vulnerable to further injury. Non-surgical motorized decompression combined with chiropractic musculoskeletal adjustments can restore and maintain optimal health.
Golfing Back Injuries
Golfing involves muscle memory. Going through the walk, bending to tee the ball, recoiling for the swing, swinging and following through, walking to the hole, and bending down to retrieve the ball are all repetitive motions that can lead to:
Soreness
Inflammation
Back, hip, leg, and foot pain.
Strains
Other injuries to the muscles and discs.
The bending and twisting are the least tolerated motions by the spine. More than half of injuries sustained involve the back and/or neck. Having the spine correctly aligned is vital to retaining accuracy, power, and injury prevention. Common injuries include:
Sacroiliac Joint/SI Joint Dysfunction
The sacroiliac joint is located between the spine and the hip. Symptoms of sacroiliac joint pain include:
Low back pain.
Hip pain
Pain in the buttocks.
Pain radiating down the legs.
Groin pain
Pelvis pain
Burning sensation in the pelvis.
Numbness and weakness in the pelvis and legs.
SI Joint Pain Causes
The sacroiliac joint requires supported stability when transferring a load from the torso to the legs, specifically during the swing.
If there is compression, misalignment, or weakness, the motion will begin to wear away this stability and leave the sacroiliac joint open to further injury.
Sacroiliac joint injuries often occur from minor multi-incidents and not one major trauma.
With time the SI joint becomes misaligned, exposing the cartilage between joints, causing inflammation known as Sacroiliitis.
Facet Joint Syndrome
The facet joints are located between two vertebrae, allowing the ability to bend and twist.
Healthy facet joints have cartilage all around them, allowing the vertebrae to move smoothly in all directions.
Facet joint syndrome causes pain between the vertebrae.
Facet Joint Syndrome Causes
The leading cause of facet joint syndrome is excessive and repetitive swing movement.
Misalignment can expose and irritate the joints, causing pain, swelling, and inflammation.
Multi-micro-traumas and not one major trauma are often the cause of injury/s.
Muscle spasms are common.
Symptoms
Highly reduced range of motion
Muscle pain
Numbness
Weakness
Cervical Facet Syndrome affects the neck, shoulders, arms, and hands.
Lumbar Facet Syndrome affects the buttocks, legs, and feet.
The treatment is computer-controlled to provide gentle and painless decompression.
The therapist enters the program cycle.
The decompression table goes through brief moments of pulling and relaxing.
The spine’s bones are stretched slowly and methodically.
As the vertebrae are separated, a vacuum is formed, pulling the gel-cushion center of the disc back inside, removing the pressure on the spinal nerves and alleviating pain and disability.
The vacuum also draws oxygen and nutrients into the injured and degenerated discs to optimize healing.
DRX 9000
Long Term Success
References
Cole, Michael H, and Paul N Grimshaw. “The Biomechanics of the Modern Golf Swing: Implications for Lower Back Injuries.” Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) vol. 46,3 (2016): 339-51. doi:10.1007/s40279-015-0429-1
Dydyk, Alexander M., et al. “Sacroiliac Joint Injury.” StatPearls, StatPearls Publishing, 4 August 2021.
Hosea, T M, and C J Gatt Jr. “Back pain in golf.” Clinics in sports medicine vol. 15,1 (1996): 37-53.
Lindsay, David M, and Anthony A Vandervoort. “Golf-related low back pain: a review of causative factors and prevention strategies.” Asian journal of sports medicine vol. 5,4 (2014): e24289. doi:10.5812/asjsm.24289
Smith, Jo Armour, et al. “Risk Factors Associated With Low Back Pain in Golfers: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.” Sports health vol. 10,6 (2018): 538-546. doi:10.1177/1941738118795425
The neck allows the head to turn up, down, left, right, and side to side while supporting it. The neck is also part of the cervical spine as ligaments, muscles, and spinal discs surround it. However, just like the lower back, the neck is sustainable to suffer from neck-related injuries or pulled muscles that can cause many individuals to suffer from neck pain. Luckily there are ways to treat neck pain like gentle stretches, chiropractic adjustments, massages, and decompression therapy. Today’s article will discuss the cervical nerves, what happens to the neck when these nerves are pinched, and how cervical decompression therapy can help alleviate the pinched cervical nerves from the neck. By referring patients to qualified and skilled providers specializing in spinal decompression therapy. To that end, and when appropriate, we advise our patients to refer to our associated medical providers based on their examination. We find that education is the key to asking valuable questions to our providers. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer
Can my insurance cover it? Yes, it may. If you are uncertain, here is the link to all the insurance providers we cover. If you have any questions, please call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900.
The Cervical Nerves
The cervical nerve’s function is to conduct information on the motor and sensory skills that the neck is allowed to do. Since the neck’s primary function is to keep the head upright, research studies have found that the cervical regions of the spinal cord are where the cervical nerves lie. The cervical nerves branched out all over the neck muscles as the central nervous system allows the neuron signals to send the information to the cervical nerves. These nerve functions help control the head, neck, shoulders, and upper limbs to move in any direction without feeling pain. However, just like the lower back, the neck can also suffer from injuries, pulled muscles, or chronic conditions that can cause a person to be in pain.
What Happens When The Cervical Nerves Are Pinched?
Have you ever felt your back, neck, arms, or legs stiff? How about the sensations of feeling tingles on your shoulders, lower back, or even your arms? This might be due to pinched nerves if you suffer from these conditions. When the neck suffers from an injury or the muscles have become tense, this is due to a pinched cervical nerve. Research studies have found that a pinched nerve in the cervical area of the spine is mostly a compressed nerve due to a herniated disc. This causes pressure on the cervical nerve roots and causes radiating pain from the neck to the shoulders and down to the arms.
The cervical nerves send out radiating pain signals to the upper body and neck due to being compressed, causing the individual to be miserable. Other research studies have found that when the cervical nerve roots are being pinched, it can cause a condition known as cervical radiculopathy. This causes symptoms of pain, sensory and motor deficits, and even diminishes reflexes from the neck to the arms. When this happens to the neck, it can cause many problems for the individual. Research studies have stated that mechanical and degenerative factors are presented for many suffering from chronic neck pain. In contrast, those suffering from cervical spondylosis complain about neck stiffness, degenerative changes, and neurological complications to the body and neck.
Treating Pinched Nerves With Decompression Therapy-Video
Has your neck been feeling stiff lately? Does it hurt when you are turning your head from side to side? You could be experiencing a pinched nerve in the cervical area of the spine, and decompression therapy could be the answer. Cervical decompression allows a person to lay on a motorized traction table, and the machine gently pulls on the cervical spine and takes the pressure off the cervical nerve root. When the cervical decompression machine gently pulls the cervical spine, it allows the necessary nutrients to rehydrate the herniated disc and reduce the pain that the neck muscles were suffering from, causing them to relax. In case you want to learn more about cervical decompression therapy, this link will explain its benefits and how it can alleviate pinched cervical nerves.
As stated earlier, many treatments can help many dealing with neck pain and compressed cervical pinch nerves. One of these treatments is cervical traction decompression therapy, and it can help alleviate not only neck pain but also reduce it. Research studies have found that many individuals suffering from cervical radiculopathy utilize cervical traction to increase the intervertebral disc gap while also relieving the pressure off the cervical root. This allows the neck muscles to relax and pull the herniated cervical disc back to the spine. When people utilize cervical decompression to alleviate their neck pain, they can feel relief after a few sessions.
Conclusion
Overall, cervical decompression therapy allows the individual to feel relief through gentle stretching on the cervical spinal discs and takes the pressure off the cervical roots. When the cervical roots are compressed, it causes a wide variety of symptoms that causes problems from the neck down to the arms. Some of these symptoms can even affect a person’s quality of life and make them miserable if not treated right away. Utilizing decompression therapy and other non-surgical treatments allows the person to be pain-free and continue their wellness journey.
Khan, Rehan Ramzan, et al. “A Randomized Controlled Trial of Intermittent Cervical Traction in Sitting vs. Supine Position for the Management of Cervical Radiculopathy.” Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences, Professional Medical Publications, 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5768820/.
Waxenbaum, Joshua A, et al. “Anatomy, Head and Neck, Cervical Nerves.” StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 26 July 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538136/.
The back’s primary purpose is to bend, twist, and turn without pain in the body because the spine keeps the body upright and healthy. The spine is an S-shaped structure surrounded by ligaments, muscles, tissues from the musculoskeletal system, and the spinal canal, discs, and cords that help the body stay functional. When chronic issues start to affect the entire body, they can also affect the back, causing it to be in pain. When this happens, many back issues begin to rise, causing the individual to be in pain due to low back pain. Sometimes even conditions and natural aging can cause problems on the back and spine that treatments are available to help alleviate the symptoms and reduce pain. Today’s article will be looking at spondylolisthesis, its symptoms, and how decompression therapy can help many individuals suffering from spondylolisthesis. By referring patients to qualified and skilled providers specializing in spinal decompression therapy. To that end, and when appropriate, we advise our patients to refer to our associated medical providers based on their examination. We find that education is the key to asking valuable questions to our providers. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer
Can my insurance cover it? Yes, it may. If you are uncertain, here is the link to all the insurance providers we cover. If you have any questions, please call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900.
What Is Spondylolisthesis?
Have you ever felt unstable as you are moving throughout the day? How about radiating pain that travels down your legs? Or having low back pain dampening your day? You might be experiencing spondylolisthesis in your spine. Research studies have stated that spondylolisthesis is a condition that affects the lower lumbar spine by causing the spinal disc to slip out and press on the spinal nerve root. When this happens, it can cause low back pain and various issues on the spine depending on what condition the category spondylolisthesis falls under.
Spondylolisthesis can be classified into five different categories that can affect the spine. Other research studies have found that the five categories that spondylolisthesis is classified under are:
Degenerative: Where the spinal joints are arthritic and cause stress and instability to the ligamentum flavum.
Isthmic: There are fractures on the spinal joints that cause the result of anterior slippage through repetitive stress fractures on the spine.
Traumatic: Where the spine experiences high energy trauma.
Dysplastic: When there is congenital dysplasia on the spine causing the anterior and superior joints to be rounded on the vertebrae
Pathologic: Where conditions like bone tumors, osteopetrosis, or osteoporosis affect the spine.
These different categories are the causes of spondylolisthesis and result from low back pain for many individuals, while also being unilateral and bilateral depending on the category and how severe the symptoms are.
The Symptoms
With the different categories of spondylolisthesis, the symptoms can range from mild to severe pain due to the spinal discs being slipped out of place. Research studies have found that since spondylolisthesis is known to be the cause of low back pain, it can also be caused the nerve roots to be pinched due to the vertebrae disc slipping out and narrowing the space for the nerve roots. Other symptoms include:
Do you feel radiating pain down your leg? How about waking up and your back feeling stiff? Or even having a dull gradual pain in your lower back after walking around? You might be experiencing spondylolisthesis, and decompression therapy can help alleviate these symptoms. The video above shows how non-surgical decompression therapy can help alleviate low back pain caused by spondylolisthesis. Decompression therapy utilizes traction to take the pressure off the nerve root by gently pulling the slipped disc back into the spine. This causes relief to many individuals dealing with low back pain and other back and spinal issues that have constantly hindered them. Incorporating decompression therapy can provide the reassurance that many people need for them to get back on their wellness journey. If you want to find out more about decompression therapy, this link will explain its benefits and how it can alleviate symptoms caused by spondylolisthesis.
How Decompression Therapy Can Alleviate Spondylolisthesis
Many treatments can help alleviate low back pain like chiropractic therapy, massages, hot or cold compress, or even physical therapy. One of these treatments that can help with low back pain and spondylolisthesis is decompression therapy. Research studies have found that since spondylolisthesis causes the lower lumbar spinal disc to slip out and pinch the nerve root, decompression therapy can take it off and gently pull it back into the spine. This will cause any pain symptoms to be alleviated and reduce the instability that is causing many people pain from walking for long periods. Other research studies have shown that decompression helps restore the disc height and reduce spondylolisthesis symptoms.
Conclusion
Spondylolisthesis is one of the causes of low back pain, and it has become the most common symptom for many individuals to be suffering. Spondylolisthesis has five categories with different symptoms that can cause spinal issues to the spine. Overall, spondylolisthesis is where the lumbar spinal disc is slipped out and pinches the nerve roots spread throughout the spine. These symptoms can be alleviated through decompression therapy and cause the relief to the lower back. Decompression therapy utilizes traction to take the pressure off the nerve root and increase the disc height on the spine, allowing the discs to be gently pulled back into their original position and providing instant relief for many individuals.
References
Cheung, Jason Pui Yin, et al. “Decompression without Fusion for Low-Grade Degenerative Spondylolisthesis.” Asian Spine Journal, Korean Society of Spine Surgery, Feb. 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4764545/.
Gagnet, Paul, et al. “Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis: A Review of the Literature.” Journal of Orthopaedics, Elsevier, 17 Mar. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5990218/.
Studnicka, Katarzyna, and George Ampat. “Lumbosacral Spondylolisthesis – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf.” StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 29 Nov. 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560679/.
Tenny, Steven, and Christopher C Gillis. “Spondolisthesis.” StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 25 July 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430767/.
Nerve impingement, sciatica, disc herniation/degeneration, or spinal stenosis can cause sharp, debilitating nerve pain causing electric shocks, pins, needles, or burning sensations along the back or into the arms and legs. In combination with additional chiropractic treatment modalities, spinal decompression therapy effectively relieves the pain and disability resulting from disc injury and degeneration, repairs the damaged discs, and reverses nerve dystrophy. Part of the treatment involves a proper diet to deliver healing nutrients to the spine.
Healing Nutrients
The spine supports the entire body to perform motions and movements and needs the proper healing nutrients, especially after chiropractic and decompression therapy. There are vitamins and minerals that are critical for a healthy spine. These ensure that the bones, muscles, discs, and other tissues function correctly. There are nutrients that are essential to the immune system; if they are not present, the ability to heal and recover properly is reduced and takes longer. Nutrients commonly used in immunonutrition include:
Nucleotides
Antioxidants
Arginine
Glutamine
Omega-3
All are found naturally in certain foods and nutritional supplements and are essential in healing from injuries, like a herniated disc, sciatica, degenerative disc disease, and back or neck surgery.
Nucleotides
Every cell in the body contains nucleotides, which help make up and maintain DNA and RNA.
DNA and RNA production is necessary for cell repair and regrowth.
When the body is experiencing a stressful health issue like back or neck pain, it needs more nucleotides.
The body produces and recycles nucleotides and absorbs them through food.
All-natural plant- and animal-based food sources contain nucleotides.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants maintain and restore healthy tissues by reducing oxidative stress.
Oxidative stress is associated with chronic inflammation.
Inflammation is necessary during healing, but chronic inflammation can be destructive.
Omega-3 supplementation can help decrease chronic inflammation.
Omega-3 foods include:
Salmon
Eggs
Walnuts
Flaxseed
Spinach
Spinal decompression gently stretches the spine, creating a vacuum inside the discs and joints. The negative pressure helps heal disc bulges and herniated discs. The lengthened spine allows healing nutrients and water to flow correctly, reducing swelling and inflammation and improving joint motion.
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References
Chen, Linlin, et al. “Inflammatory responses and inflammation-associated diseases in organs.” Oncotarget vol. 9,6 7204-7218. 14 Dec. 2017, doi:10.18632/oncotarget.23208
Daniel, Dwain M. “Non-surgical spinal decompression therapy: does the scientific literature support efficacy claims made in the advertising media?.” Chiropractic & osteopathy vol. 15 7. 18 May. 2007, doi:10.1186/1746-1340-15-7
Dionne, Clermont E et al. “Serum vitamin C and spinal pain: a nationwide study.” Pain vol. 157,11 (2016): 2527-2535. doi:10.1097/j.pain.0000000000000671
Napier, Zachary, et al. “Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation Reduce Intervertebral Disc Degeneration.” Medical science monitor: international medical journal of experimental and clinical research vol. 25 9531-9537. 14 Dec. 2019, doi:10.12659/MSM.918649
Zolfaghari, Farid, et al. “A Survey of Vitamin D Status in Patients with Degenerative Diseases of the Spine.” Asian spine journal vol. 10,5 (2016): 834-842. doi:10.4184/asj.2016.10.5.834
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