Chronic back pain is very common, and can be very debilitating. Back pain can interfere with a person’s ability to work, enjoy sports and hobbies, and sometimes even prevents people from engaging in basic activities of daily living. Most people are desperate for relief. One treatment that can provide significant pain relief without the use of surgery or powerful medications is spinal decompression therapy.

Dr. Stephen Nault offers spinal decompression for a number of different ailments. If you suffer from back pain, Dr. Nault could be able to help through his holistic approach to chiropractic care. Contact Nault Chiropractic today to schedule your appointment, and start your journey towards a pain free lifestyle.

What is spinal decompression?

Spinal decompression therapy is a type of traction that stretches out the spine. The stretching process relieves the pressure on the discs, which can encourage them to retract back into their normal positions. Once the discs retract, they stop putting painful pressure on nerves and muscles near the spine, relieving pain. Removing the pressure on the discs through decompression therapy can also allow better circulation of blood, oxygen and fluids in and around the discs, which may help any pain-causing damage to heal.

How is it performed?

The patient has a harness applied to the body, and then lies on a computer-controlled table. The device gently stretches out the spine. Some people use inversion therapy to perform spinal decompression. In inversion therapy, the patient is strapped to a table that rotates upside-down. Hanging upside down strongly decompresses the spine.

How long does it take?

Each decompression session usually lasts 30 to 45 minutes. Most patients need to be treated up to 30 times over the course of eight weeks in order to achieve lasting benefit. Individuals who opt for home inversion therapy usually report they engage in 15 to 30 minute sessions most days.

Who is it for?

Anyone suffering from chronic back pain may benefit from decompression therapy. Chiropractors often recommend it for individuals with sciatica, herniated discs, and radiculopathy. Anyone with metal implants in the spine, spinal fractures, tumors, abdominal aortic aneurysm, or severe osteoporosis should not undergo spinal decompression therapy.

Spinal decompression therapy, when conducted under the supervision of a skilled health-care provider – like Dr. Stephen Nault — appears to be quite safe. Home inversion therapy should not be attempted unless it is discussed first and approved by a health-care provider. Inversion therapy should be tried under the supervision of a health-care provider before attempting it at home.