Spinal Decompression
What is Spinal Decompression?
At Optimal Wellness Center in Midvale, we offer spinal decompression therapy near you, a nonsurgical, FDA-approved treatment for back pain. This therapy gently stretches the spine, relieving pressure from discs and nerves, promoting healing, and reducing pain. Decompression therapy is often combined with other treatments like chiropractic adjustments, physical therapy, shockwave therapy, electrical stimulation, and massage therapy to enhance results.
When spinal discs degenerate, they often apply intense pressure on the spinal cord or nearby nerve roots, causing symptoms like numbness, tingling, burning sensations, or sharp, shooting pain. In cases like sciatica, these symptoms can extend down the legs, severely disrupting daily life.
At Optimal Wellness Center, our spinal decompression program offers a non-invasive solution to relieve this pressure. To enhance the healing process, we uniquely combine spinal decompression therapy with shockwave therapy, which helps break up scar tissue and boosts blood flow, encouraging faster cell regeneration. This comprehensive approach supports a more effective recovery and helps patients manage symptoms more efficiently.
Conditions We Treat with Spinal Decompression Near You Include:
Sciatica (lower back, hip, and leg pain)
How is Spinal Decompression different from other therapies?
Although traditional treatments like traction, physical therapy, and chiropractic adjustments can help reduce disc pressure, they don’t always create the negative pressure needed to fully correct spinal conditions. Negative pressure can be crucial for allowing the spine to heal effectively. In conventional therapies, the stretching and repositioning of the spine occur gradually to prevent the body from engaging its natural defense mechanism, which is to "lock down" the muscles and stiffen the back. This response is designed to protect the spine from injury but can also hinder corrective treatment when the spine is misaligned or damaged.
Thankfully, spinal decompression therapy works differently. It bypasses the body's natural muscle contraction response, gently relieving pressure from the spine and its discs. This allows the treatment to be more effective in providing long-term relief and promoting spinal health. Many patients report significant pain relief after spinal decompression.
How Does Spinal Decompression Therapy Aid in Healing?
Spinal decompression therapy enhances the healing process by:
Reducing pressure on spinal discs
Encouraging nutrient-rich fluids to flow into the discs
Increasing blood circulation to the affected area, which promotes natural healing and recovery
Unlike other parts of the body, the discs in your spine don’t have their own blood supply, making it harder for nutrients and healing factors to reach these essential structures. Spinal decompression therapy helps by encouraging the flow of nutrients, oxygen, and fluids into the disc space, promoting natural healing from the inside out.
By creating an optimal environment for healing, spinal decompression therapy supports the body’s ability to recover from issues such as herniated discs, bulging discs, and other spinal conditions.
What to Expect During a Spinal Decompression Session Near You
Before your session begins, the doctor will secure you to the spinal decompression machine using a harness designed to position your spine for optimal decompression. As the machine begins to gently stretch your spine, you should feel a gradual release of pressure in the discs.
During the first few sessions, some patients may experience mild discomfort, but this typically subsides as the body becomes accustomed to the treatment. If at any point the discomfort becomes too intense, you can use the safety switch to stop the procedure immediately.
Session Duration and Treatment Frequency
How Long Does Spinal Decompression Therapy Take? Every case is unique, but most treatment protocols consist of 10 to 25 sessions over 8 to 12 weeks. Each spinal decompression session is often complemented by chiropractic adjustments, physical therapy, and shockwave techniques to enhance the results and further reduce pain. Many patients start noticing improvement after just a few treatments especially when combined with shockwave therapy. The number of sessions needed will vary:
Patients with mild symptoms may require fewer sessions.
Those with more severe spinal issues may need additional sessions for full recovery.
Is Spinal Decompression Safe?
Yes, non-surgical spinal decompression is a safe and effective treatment for most patients. However, not everyone qualifies for this therapy. At Optimal Wellness Center, we conduct a thorough evaluation to ensure you're a suitable candidate. Our specialists use diagnostic tools like digital X-rays, MRI, and functional assessments to guide the decision-making process, ensuring the best possible outcome for each patient.
Am I a Good Candidate for Spinal Decompression?
You might be a strong candidate for spinal decompression therapy if you've experienced chronic neck or back pain and have been told your only options are drugs, injections, or surgery. After completing a detailed evaluation, our medical team will determine if spinal decompression can relieve your pain. Approximately 60% of patients qualify for this effective, non-invasive treatment. Even if you don’t qualify for spinal decompression you may qualify for one of our other safe, natural, and highly effective treatment options.
Patient Testimonials About Spinal Decompression Therapy
We know that trying a new therapy can feel like a big decision. Here are some testimonials from our patients who experienced spinal decompression therapy at Optimal Wellness Center.
"I was hesitant at first, but spinal decompression has been life-changing. I’ve tried physical therapy, injections, and even considered surgery, but nothing provided lasting relief for my herniated disc. After just a few sessions, I noticed a major improvement in my pain levels, and I can finally enjoy my daily walks without discomfort." — Lisa M.
"I worried spinal decompression would be uncomfortable, but I actually found the sessions relaxing. The relief was gradual but consistent, and after my full treatment course, I feel like I have my life back. I’m so grateful I didn’t need surgery!" — Tom R.
"When I heard about spinal decompression, I was skeptical. I had tried other treatments before, including physical therapy and chiropractic adjustments, and nothing provided long-term relief. But spinal decompression made a real difference. I can move freely again without pain, and my sciatica is practically gone." — Maria K.
"I used to wake up every morning with intense back pain, and I thought surgery was my only option. Spinal decompression therapy not only eased my pain but also made me feel stronger. I noticed benefits after just a few sessions, and by the end, my pain was almost completely gone. I only wish I had found this sooner." — James P.
If you’re suffering from back pain and want to explore how spinal decompression at Optimal Wellness Center in Midvale can help, contact us today at 801-568-1598. We will create a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your health goals and needs.