All About Spinal Decompression

All About Spinal Decompression

If you struggle with frequent or ongoing back pain, you’d probably do just about anything to find lasting relief. 

Given how involved your back is in physical function — in everything from supporting you while you sit to allowing you to walk or lift objects — back pain can wreak havoc on your daily life. Thankfully, numerous treatments can ease your symptoms. Spinal decompression is one such option, particularly if your symptoms derive from spinal stenosis.

Our expert team at Houston Pain Specialists, led by board-certified pain management specialist Hui Kang, MD, is pleased to offer diagnostics and personalized treatment plans for spinal stenosis and other back pain conditions. Read on to learn more about this treatment and how it might benefit you.

Spinal decompression 101

Several types of spinal decompression exist, and all aim to reduce pain related to pressure in your spine for improved comfort and function. 

This is especially important when you have spinal stenosis, a condition in which the spaces in your spine shrink, making way for pinched and compressed nerves that can bring on chronic and worsening pain or numbness.

While your spine can be decompressed through a more invasive surgical procedure, that type of spinal decompression is reserved for worst-case scenarios and when other treatments fail to fully help. 

At Houston Pain Specialists, we offer a less invasive option: nonsurgical spinal decompression.

During nonsurgical spinal decompression, we use needle-like instruments to remove problematic, thickened tissue in your spinal column to increase space and do away with nerve root impingement. Afterward, most of our patients can return to their usual daily activities. 

Spinal decompression may also help if you have a herniated disc. One study showed that 86% of patients who underwent decompression therapy for herniated disc pain experienced “good or excellent” results. 

Good candidates for spinal decompression 

The best way to find out if you’re a strong candidate is to schedule an exam, during which we assess your physical condition and talk to you about your symptoms and medical history. If you’re struggling with pain related to a compressed spine and are otherwise in generally good health, you may be an excellent candidate. 

You should not have nonsurgical spinal decompression if you have an abdominal aortic aneurysm, metal implants in your spine, or a fracture or tumor in the treatment area. Advanced osteoporosis may also make you ineligible. 

If you’re not a good candidate or spinal decompression alone doesn’t suffice, we may recommend medication and/or physical therapy.

To learn more about spinal decompression or to get the back pain treatment you need, contact our Houston, Texas, office today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kang.

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