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Spinal Decompression Therapy Vs Surgery

Spinal decompression therapy is a non-surgical spinal rehabilitation program that uses medical technology, approved by the Federal Drug Administration, to stretch the spine and decompress the spinal discs. This therapy has been effective in separating vertebrae from each other and, as a result, in easing back pain. Spinal decompression surgery is a surgical procedure that is used to alleviate pain caused by a pinched nerve.

  1. Therapy Facts

    • Spinal decompression therapy involves the separation of vertebrae in order to create a vacuum (or negative pressure) inside the spinal discs. Negative pressure creates a retraction of the herniated or bulging spinal disc into the inside of the disc, thus moving it off the nerve. According to Americanspinal.com, spinal decompression therapy is used to alleviate pain from pinched nerves and is quite effective over four to six weeks (typical period of therapy).

    Therapy Features

    • Spinal decompression therapy works in cycles of decompression and partial relaxation over a period of visits. Patients do not need to be disrobed and are fitted with harnesses around the pelvis and the thorax. They lie down on a table with a computerized console, and each treatment takes between 20 to 45 minutes, according to Americanspinal.com. Pain relief is often noticed within the first few sessions.

    Surgery Facts

    • There are two types of spinal decompression surgery procedures, according to Dr. Peter Ullrich at Spine-Health.com. The first is called microdiscectomy (or microdecompression) and the second is called lumbar laminectomy (or open decompression). Both procedures involve the physical removal of the bone over the nerve root and/or disc material. This allows for the nerve root to have more space and provides it with a better environment for healing.

    Surgery Features

    • Microdiscectomy is a procedure performed in the case of a lumbar herniated disc. In this case, the disc herniates (the inner core leaks out) and puts direct pressure on the spinal nerve root, causing pain, according to Dr. Ullrich. Laminectomy, on the other hand, is a procedure performed to alleviate pain caused by spinal stenosis (compression of the spinal cord in the neck or the spinal nerve roots in the lower back).

    Results

    • Spinal decompression surgery is becoming a very common operation, according to the Faculty of Medicine at the Imperial College London. Particularly in the case of lumbar spinal stenosis, it provides good leg pain relief, initially. However, long-term results (of more than five years) and function are still uncertain. According to Americanspinal.com, spinal decompression therapy was successful in treating bulging or herniated discs over 70 percent of the time. As a result, it is recommended as the initial course of action for many patients.

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