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Spinal Decompression Therapy

July 25, 2008 · Print This Article

Spinal decompression or traction has received considerable attention recently as an effective treatment modality for sciatica, herniated disc, and low back pain.  Spinal decompression is thought to work on the affected herniated disc by significantly reducing pressure within the disc by means of a traction force applied to the spine.

Spinal decompression can be applied in several ways including specialized spinal decompression devices (e.g. Vax-D, SpineMed, or DRX 9000), manually by an experienced therapist or doctor, or through the use of your own body weight as with inversion therapy.

The exact mechanism of spinal decompression is thought to have the following effects on the spine:

  • Increase the opening through which the spinal nerve exits the spine
  • Improve spinal mobility
  • Decrease disc herniation, disc bulging, and disc protrusion
  • Allow for a herniated disc to heal by improving the discs ability to attract and retain fluid
  • Improve spinal joint function
  • Alleviate bone spur pressure
  • Decrease muscle spasm
  • Restore normal spinal position
  • Decrease low back pain

To accomplish these results, proponents of spinal decompression therapy have suggested traction forces of between 25% and 50% of the subject’s bodyweight be applied in order to overcome friction and attain sufficient separation of the spinal vertebrae.  In addition, some of the latest technologies claim to provide specific decompression to the exact disc level by varying the angle of the spinal decompression traction force. 

A review of the medical literature reveals conflicting evidence as to the validity of spinal decompression therapy.  Most scientific studies evaluating the effectiveness of spinal decompression alone on low back pain subjects with and without sciatica indicate no benefit over other forms of therapy including placebo.  While there are published papers purporting the effectiveness of spinal decompression, these studies typically fail to meet the necessary requirements of true scientific scrutiny. 

Although spinal decompression therapy has not been scientifically established as a valid form of sciatica, herniated disc, and back pain treatment, it is, nonetheless, an important component in a comprehensive sciatica and back pain relief program. In association with an active rehabilitation program, an appropriate back brace, and spinal education, you can benefit from the latest technologies for the treatment of sciatica and back pain.

Written by Malton A. Schexneider, PT, MMSc · Filed Under Treatment