Spinal Decompression in Aiken
Neck or lower back discomfort can make sitting, working and staying active more difficult. For some people, symptoms may also travel into an arm or leg or include numbness and tingling.
At Living Well Family Chiropractic, spinal decompression is one of the options Dr. Christopher Ethridge may consider for certain disc-related concerns. Rather than recommending it automatically, he first evaluates your symptoms, examination findings and X-rays to determine whether it may be appropriate for you.
A Gentle, Computer-Guided Form of Traction
Spinal decompression uses a computer-controlled table to gently stretch and release the spine. We can adjust factors such as the angle and amount of pull, allowing the treatment to be tailored to the individual patient.
Think of the movement a little like an accordion. The table gradually stretches the spine, holds briefly and then eases back before repeating the cycle. An active decompression session generally lasts about eight to 10 minutes.
This controlled traction is designed to temporarily reduce pressure on affected areas of the spine and provide a different approach for patients with certain disc-related symptoms.
When Spinal Decompression May Be Considered
Not every case of back or neck discomfort calls for decompression. Dr. Ethridge considers it selectively after evaluating the patient and determining whether the findings suggest it may be useful.
It may be considered for people experiencing concerns associated with:
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Degenerative disc changes
- Sciatica or radiating symptoms
- Neck or lower back discomfort that hasn’t responded as expected to other conservative care
Because similar symptoms can have different causes, an evaluation helps determine whether decompression makes sense for your particular situation.
Deciding Whether It Fits Your Care Plan
Dr. Ethridge may look at how your symptoms respond to different approaches when deciding whether decompression should be incorporated into your care. It isn’t necessary for every patient, and it may be used alongside chiropractic adjustments when appropriate.
Find Out if Decompression May Be Appropriate for You
If ongoing neck or lower back discomfort or radiating symptoms are interfering with your day, an evaluation can help determine what may be contributing and whether spinal decompression is an appropriate option.
Contact Living Well Family Chiropractic to schedule an evaluation.
