If you’re experiencing chronic neck pain, low back pain, pain that travels into your arms or legs, or have been told you have a bulging or herniated disc, you may be wondering if surgery is your only option. For many patients, the answer is no.At Outten Chiropractic, we offer state-of-the-art SpineMed® Spinal Decompression Therapy, a non-surgical treatment designed to help relieve pressure on damaged spinal discs. Unlike traditional traction tables that apply a general pulling force, the SpineMed system allows us to target the specific disc causing your symptoms, making treatment more precise and effective.
What Is Spinal Decompression?
Your spine is made up of bones (vertebrae) separated by discs that act as cushions and shock absorbers. Over time, injury, repetitive stress, aging, or degeneration can cause these discs to become damaged, bulge, or herniate. When this happens, they may place pressure on nearby nerves, leading to pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness.
Spinal decompression therapy gently stretches the spine in a controlled manner to reduce pressure within the affected disc. This may help reduce nerve irritation, improve disc hydration, and create a better environment for healing.
At Outten Chiropractic, we provide both cervical (neck) and lumbar (low back) spinal decompression, depending on where your condition is located.
Who May Benefit from Spinal Decompression?
Spinal decompression may be appropriate for patients experiencing:
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Degenerative disc disease
- Sciatica
- Neck pain
- Low back pain
- Pain radiating into the arms or legs
- Numbness or tingling
- Spinal stenosis
- Facet arthrosis or facet joint arthritis
- Pinched nerves
- Chronic disc-related pain
Not every patient is a candidate, which is why a thorough evaluation is essential before beginning treatment.
Why We Often Recommend an MRI
One of the greatest advantages of the SpineMed system is its ability to target a specific spinal disc rather than applying a generalized pulling force to the entire spine. To do that effectively, we often recommend an MRI before beginning treatment.
An MRI allows us to identify exactly which disc is injured so we can target the correct spinal level and create the most effective treatment plan possible. It also helps us determine whether you are a good candidate for spinal decompression. Not all disc herniations or spinal conditions respond the same way to decompression therapy, and some patients may require a different treatment approach.
Our goal is to provide the right treatment for the right patient. By carefully reviewing your MRI findings and clinical examination, we can determine whether spinal decompression is appropriate for your condition and help maximize your chances of achieving the best possible outcome.
A Personalized Treatment Plan
Every patient receives a comprehensive examination before beginning care. Depending on your condition, your treatment plan may include spinal decompression along with chiropractic adjustments, Class IV laser therapy, therapeutic exercises, and other conservative treatments designed to improve your recovery.
Our goal is not simply to reduce your pain but to address the underlying cause of your symptoms whenever possible.
Is Spinal Decompression Right for You?
Many patients who have been told they have a disc problem are surprised to learn that conservative treatment may help them avoid more invasive procedures. While spinal decompression isn’t appropriate for everyone, it can be an excellent option for carefully selected patients with disc-related conditions.
If you’re experiencing neck pain, low back pain, sciatica, numbness, tingling, or have been diagnosed with a herniated disc, degenerative disc disease, or spinal stenosis, we’d be happy to determine whether spinal decompression is right for you.
At Outten Chiropractic, we’re committed to helping you move better, feel better, and get back to doing the things you enjoy. If you’re looking for SpineMed spinal decompression therapy in Cary, NC, contact our office today to schedule an evaluation.