Spinal Decompression
First Team Medical Clinics in Beavercreek, Ohio, provides safe and effective treatments to help you achieve the best health possible. Dr. Greg Palkowski, DC, offers spinal decompression therapy, a non-invasive treatment designed to alleviate pain and promote healing in the spine.
What is Spinal Decompression Therapy?
Spinal decompression therapy is a non-surgical treatment that gently stretches the spine to relieve pressure on the spinal discs and nerves. This therapy is performed using a specialized decompression table that allows for precise control of the spinal traction. The goal of spinal decompression is to create negative pressure within the discs, which can help to:
- Reduce Pain: By relieving pressure on impinged discs and nerves, decompression therapy can significantly reduce pain and discomfort.
- Promote Healing: Decompression increases blood flow to the injured area, facilitating the delivery of nutrients and oxygen necessary for healing.
- Improve Mobility: Many patients experience improved range of motion and flexibility following decompression therapy, allowing them to move more comfortably throughout the day.
Common Problems Treated with Spinal Decompression Therapy
We use spinal decompression therapy at First Team Medical Clinics in Beavercreek, Ohio, to treat a variety of conditions, including:
- Herniated Discs: When the inner gel-like material of a disc bulges out, it can press on nearby nerve roots, causing pain, numbness, or weakness. Decompression therapy creates negative pressure that allows the gel to move back into place.
- Sciatica: This condition occurs when the sciatic nerve is compressed, leading to pain that radiates down the leg. Decompression therapy can relieve pressure on the nerve and reduce pain.
- Degenerative Disc Disease: As discs age and lose hydration, they can become less effective at cushioning the spine. Decompression therapy can help rehydrate discs and prevent further excessive wear.
- Spinal Stenosis: This condition involves the narrowing of the spinal canal, which can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.
- Facet Joint Syndrome: Pain in the facet joints of the spine can result from injury or degeneration. Spinal decompression can help relieve pressure on these joints’ cartilage.
Learn if You’re a Good Candidate for Decompression Therapy
If you’ve been struggling with back pain or stiffness, don’t hesitate to reach out to Dr. Greg Palkowski at First Team Medical Clinics in Beavercreek, Ohio. We can determine if you are likely to benefit from spinal decompression therapy or our other non-invasive treatments. Call (937) 426-9265 or fill out our online form.
What is Degenerative Disc Disease?
Degenerative disc disease is not as much a disease as it is a name for the changes that can happen to the spine as we age.
Our discs are made of a tough, rubbery exterior and a soft interior. They sit between the vertebrae to act as shock absorbers. As we age, the spinal discs begin to degenerate. This can cause herniated discs, bulging discs, spinal stenosis, and osteoarthritis.
Degenerative Disc Symptoms
The degeneration of spinal discs may cause no symptoms at all, and symptoms depend on each patient and the severity of their case.
Pain may occur at the site of the affected disc in the back or neck. As the pain is often caused by compressed nerves, this pain can also travel to other areas of the body like the buttocks, arms, and legs. Numbness and tingling in the arms and legs may also be experienced. Pain can range from mild to severe and debilitating.
Degenerative Disc Causes
As mentioned previously, our spines can degenerate as a natural part of aging. Tears in the tougher outer layer of the disc are common as we grow older. and when the discs begin to lose fluid, they become smaller and less flexible.
In addition to aging, other factors that may come into play, including obesity, smoking, repeated physical work, and injury.
Degenerative Disc Treatment
Pain caused by degeneration is often treated with hot or cold packs and an anti inflammatory medication. When disc degeneration causes problems like herniated or bulging discs, spinal stenosis, or osteoarthritis, other forms of treatment may be beneficial. This may include physical therapy, stretching, and in some cases, surgery. While degenerative disc disease is a natural part of aging, there are things you can do to prevent pain and stay healthy. If you are experiencing frequent back or neck pain, be sure to visit our office for an examination so we can create a treatment plan for you.
