Spinal Decompression Techniques

Spinal compression can lead to pinched nerves, herniated discs and problems with walking, sitting and moving. Left untreated, spinal compression can lead to disc degeneration, nerve damage and even paralysis. There are many techniques available to help you decompress.

Inversion

• Inversion therapy works on the principal of gravity. Gravity is a constant force on the spine that is enough to cause its own level of compression if you have poor posture or imbalances. Inversion therapy simply means that you are hanging or laying upside down. You can do this through an inversion table that rotates you from an upright position to semi-inverted through completely inverted positions. Inversion and anti-gravity boots with bars positioned in door frames are another way to accomplish inversion. You can even accomplish some decompression through inversion with an exercise ball--it is not as effective but will help lengthen the spine as you roll your head toward the ground arching your back over the ball.

Manipulation

• There are many people who work at spinal decompression. It is a buzz phrase that is used in many fields. You can go to a massage therapist who use a technique called manual distraction. Your therapist moves the joints and manipulates them back into place. A chiropractor is another professional who will often "specialize" in spinal decompression. He will use a variety of techniques on you to pull and relax the muscles while "cracking" your joints back into alignment. You may be a person who swears by a chiropractor. Conversely you may be someone who just can't stand to have your back cracked into place. Physiotherapists and physical trainers may also work with you to increase strength that helps alleviate spinal compression. Yoga and Pilates are other methods that you can take a class or do on your own to accomplish the same.

Mechanical

• Traction is one way that doctors have pulled the spine back into alignment. Traction prevents specific movements while forcing a stretch and in one particular direction. There are varying degrees of traction that can be done at home with doorway pulley systems or those systems found at doctor's offices. Most offices use a pelvic traction treatment that works from the pelvis up. Most people will not go into traction in a hospital unless they have experienced a severe accident. There are now machines designed specifically for spinal decompression. Essentially the machine pulls you back into place through a series of manipulations and positions.