Are you struggling with sciatica pain? Characterized by pain or numbness around the lower back or legs, sciatica can impede mobility and disrupt your day-to-day life. If you’re looking for an innovative, non-invasive way to reduce pain, spinal decompression therapy may help. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at what the treatment is, the unique benefits it offers and how Atlanta Medical Clinic can help you achieve long-term sciatica pain relief.
What Causes Sciatica?
Before we delve into sciatica treatment options, it’s important to understand what this condition is. Sciatica pain occurs when the sciatic nerve—which runs from the lower back and down the legs—becomes pinched or compressed. In addition to pain, you may experience numbness, tingling or muscle weakness. Sciatica may be caused by the following:
- Injury or trauma
- Strain or over-exertion
- Herniated discs
- Spinal stenosis
- Bone spurs
While sciatica is difficult to deal with, treatment is available.
What Is Spinal Decompression Therapy and How Does It Alleviate Sciatica Pain?
As mentioned earlier, spinal decompression therapy is a non-surgical treatment for sciatica. Using a motorized table, it gently stretches the spine to relieve pressure on the nerves and spinal discs (or the gel-like cushions between vertebrae). This offers the following benefits:
- Enhanced pain relief: Spinal decompression therapy can relieve pain in the lower back, hips and legs.
- Improved mobility: By decreasing nerve compression, this therapy helps restore movement.
- Reduced disc bulging: Reducing pressure also encourages bulging or herniated discs to retract, which promotes mobility and healing.
- Minimal downtime: Thanks to its non-surgical nature, patients can return to their regular activities immediately after treatment.
- Long-term results: Many patients experience long-lasting relief.
These unique benefits help spinal decompression therapy stand out. Unlike medication, it actually addresses the underlying cause of sciatica, making it a far more effective treatment. And, it’s minimally invasive, which means patients can avoid the complications of surgery.
What Should I Expect During a Spinal Decompression Therapy Session?
Now that you know the benefits of spinal decompression therapy, you’re probably wondering how it works. You’ll start by lying down on a special traction table while in a strapped harness. These straps are connected to a computer-controlled mechanism, which gently tightens and loosens them to pull on the spine and create space between the vertebrae. In addition to relieving pain, this massaging motion encourages spinal disc repair.
Most patients will need several sessions, each of which lasts around 20 minutes. After receiving the treatment, many patients report reduced pain, increased mobility and improved overall well-being. Ultimately, spinal decompression therapy offers a promising solution for patients who don’t find relief from medication or physical therapy. It’s also helpful to those who don’t want to risk surgery or can’t manage the recovery times.
Is Spinal Decompression Therapy Right for You?
While there are many benefits to spinal decompression therapy, it’s not for everyone. You may not be eligible if you meet the following conditions:
- Recent spinal fractures: If you have a recent injury, this therapy might not be safe for you.
- Spinal implants: Patients with spinal hardware (such as rods or screws) may be ineligible.
- Pregnancy: This therapy puts strain on the body, which can be dangerous for pregnant people.
- Osteoarthritis: You may be ineligible if you have advanced osteoarthritis or extremely brittle bones.
Unsure whether you’re a good candidate? Our team can help.
Get Started with Spinal Decompression Therapy at Our Atlanta Medical Clinic
Are you interested in spinal decompression therapy? At Atlanta Medical Clinic, we offer high-quality, non-invasive sciatica treatment options. We’ll start by carefully assessing your sciatica, including the cause and extent of pain. Then, we’ll craft a treatment plan tailored to your needs. We offer a state-of-the-art spinal decompression table, as well as an expert medical staff that’s committed to your well-being. Schedule an appointment today!