Are You A Good Candidate for Spinal Decompression?

Nonsurgical spinal decompression is one of our standout treatments here at Synergy Release Sports. In fact, we believe that our state-of-the-art spinal decompression system (and our highly skilled team) are some of the leading reasons why we’re known as the best chiropractor in Alpharetta and Atlanta, Georgia. 

Many of the patients who come to us for back and neck pain relief say they just want to feel better as fast as they can. That’s why so many of our chronic pain patients are eager to try innovative therapies like spinal decompression: it can provide significant relief, often quickly. 

But, to start this treatment, we first have to make sure you’re a good candidate. These are the main things we consider when determining whether it’s the right treatment for you. 

Conditions that spinal decompression treats

At Synergy Release Sports, we offer both lumbar spinal decompression (for back pain) and cervical spinal decompression (for neck pain). Most people who benefit from spinal decompression have ongoing pain due to some type of damage in their spine. 

If you have one of the following conditions, our team might recommend spinal decompression as part of your comprehensive therapy program. 

Herniated disc

A herniated disc happens when a circle-shaped pad (the disc) between two spinal bones is damaged. A crack in the disc exterior allows the inner gel (the nucleus) to protrude into your spinal canal. This can put pressure on and irritate your nerves, leading to pain. 

Sciatica 

Sciatica is pain that radiates; it travels down the path of the sciatic nerve, from your lower back through the buttock, hip, thigh, and into the leg, on one side of your body. Sciatica happens when a problem (often a herniated disc) presses on the sciatic nerve root.

Nerve root disease or damage

Disease or damage in your nerve roots (the first portion of nerves) often occurs because of problems like herniated discs or spinal arthritis. This can lead to back pain that may shoot into other areas, too.

Posterior facet syndrome 

Posterior facet syndrome affects the tiny facet joints that connect your spinal bones, the vertebrae. Because your spine is so flexible, it’s common for facet joints to experience wear-and-tear damage, like cartilage breakdown and bone spurs, as you age. This leads to inflammation and chronic pain. 

There may be other reasons to have spinal decompression, too. If you have any kind of back or neck pain, this could potentially help relieve your pain. 

Who is not a candidate for spinal decompression?

Spinal decompression is a noninvasive treatment, but it’s also a powerful one. The treatment involves spine stretching, which isn’t ideal for patients with:

• Failed back surgery
• Spinal fusion
• Broken spinal bones
• Spinal implants
• Osteoporosis
• Spinal infections 
• Spinal narrowing (stenosis)
• Spinal tumors
• Slipped spinal bone (spondylolisthesis)
• Inflammatory spinal arthritis (ankylosing spondylitis)

Certain medications, namely, blood thinners, may also affect your candidacy for spinal decompression. 

We take the time to thoroughly evaluate your health, lifestyle, and goals for treatment before we make a safe and effective treatment plan for you. Whether spinal decompression is right for you or not, we can help. At Synergy Release Sports, we have an extensive menu of leading-edge treatments to help you heal — and all treatments are nonsurgical. 

If spinal decompression sounds like the right treatment path for you, we’re here to guide you through the process and on to a full recovery. Call our Atlanta or Alpharetta office, or reach out online today.