How Spinal Decompression Can Address Herniated Discs

A herniated or bulging disc can be one of the most painful and debilitating conditions you can experience. It occurs when the gelatinous center of a spinal disc shifts out of its regular position, resulting in an impingement on nerves or other structures close by.

A herniated disc is usually due to tearing of the fibers that hold the disc together. It can result from trauma, repetitive use, and wear and tear.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Back or neck pain
• Radiating pain
• Numbness
• Tingling
• Weakness
• Sciatica

Fortunately, individuals suffering from this condition may find relief through non-surgical laser disc decompression therapy, which we offer at Parkside Health & Wellness Center.

How Does It Work?

The decompression machine that we use is versatile in that it allows us to position the patient in what position feels the most comfortable to take pressure off of the discs. Some patients need to be face up, others face down, and some in extension and some in flexion to customize the care for each individual patient.

We have a computerized table that gently decompresses the discs in a specifically timed pattern, which allows the disc to have varied levels of negative pressure. This allows more water, nutrition, and metabolic waste to be pumped in and out of the disc. In doing so, it helps restore the pumping mechanism of those fluids and nutrients into the discs. This is necessary because discs do not have their own blood supply and get their fluid and nutrients from the endplates of the spinal bones above and below them.

What Patients Can Expect

Often patients come in with some symptoms described above, and we will examine them and see if they have the signs and symptoms that correlate with a herniated disc. Then we will take X-rays to see the condition of their spine as well as the spaces of the discs. We may refer patients for an MRI to see the actual condition of the disc if they have not already had one. Depending on what we find, we will determine if they may become a candidate for this procedure. We only accept patients that we feel will benefit from this process.

While patients are on the decompression table, we apply Class IV laser therapy to help stimulate the fibers and tissues of the disc to heal while they’re under negative pressure. In doing that, we have created a much more powerful method of addressing the discs than just decompression or class 4 laser alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will someone begin to get some relief?

Is surgery for herniated discs successful?

Does spinal decompression hurt?

Does insurance cover this service?