Spinal Decompression Therapy

As a chiropractor with Tarpon Total Health Care in Tarpon Springs, Florida, Shawn Hanson offers a broad range of restorative and corrective treatments. Shawn Hanson often welcomes patients with challenging back pain to his Tarpon Springs office, where he may offer spinal decompression therapy.

Similar to the technique of spinal traction, spinal decompression therapy is a nonsurgical technique used on patients with lower back pain, which often stems from herniated or bulging intervertebral discs of the lumbar spine. These damaged discs can put excess pressure on the nerves and nearby structures of the spine, causing pain that may not respond to conventional therapies.

Spinal decompression therapy takes place on a specially designed table, where the patient lies either face up or face down. The professional performing the procedure then places two harnesses on the patient, one around the trunk and another around the pelvis. As the lower portion of the table slides in a controlled manner, the spine stretches and relaxes intermittently to provide the desired release of pressure.

By creating space in the spine, decompression therapy creates a negative pressure between the discs. This can encourage the herniated material to retract into its natural position, thus releasing the nerves and relieving pain. At the same time, the pressure within the disc decreases and invites the flow of nutrients to the area.