Spinal Decompression in Chalfont

Spinal Decompression Specialist

Spinal decompression sounds a lot scarier than it really is. Sciatica and bulging discs are painful, but the therapy to relieve the spine, and actually decompress the tightness, is very soothing. Dr. Jerry Schaeffer at Hilltown Family Chiropractic: Jerry Schaeffer, DC in Chalfont, Pennsylvania, can walk you through the process of spinal decompression and let you know if it’s right for you.

Spinal Decompression Q & A

What is spinal decompression?

A compressed spine can be incredibly painful, sometimes making it hard to walk or even move at all. It can be the result of an accident, a fall, a bulging disc, or a degenerative illness. For a long time, invasive surgery was the only treatment option, and sometimes that didn’t even work. But now there’s a noninvasive way to relieve the condition, and Dr. Schaeffer can lead the way.

Bulging discs press against the nerves in your spine, often causing intense pain. Spinal decompression pulls the bulging disc back into place. The treatment actually creates a negative pressure within the disc itself, and the slow manipulation of the spine increases blood, oxygen, and water flow, and allows healing nutrients into the previously restricted area.

The spinal decompression procedure treats weakness in the muscles of the back, improves your sleep, and promotes healing.

How does a spinal decompression machine work?

A spinal decompression machine looks like a motorized massage table and is actually very comfortable. Dr. Schaeffer has you lie down on the padded table, and then adjusts it to move the lower half of your body up and down slowly. Your hips will be harnessed to the lower part of the table. The upper part of the table remains fixed and flat, and there are usually handles you can hold onto during the procedure.

Dr. Schaeffer adjusts the angle and speed specific to your body and treatment. As the decompression takes place, you will feel your spine stretch gently, and may even feel a popping or cracking of relief.

Is a spinal decompression procedure painful?

Spinal decompression is a safe, noninvasive, soothing, and even comfortable procedure. Studies show that spinal decompression therapy with a chiropractor has helped 92% of patients complaining of bulging or herniated discs.

The motion of the table stretches the inflamed area in a slow, gentle manner and eventually relaxes the tight muscles. It may take a series of treatments to achieve the desired results and become pain-free. The goal of spinal decompression treatment is to avoid a potentially painful surgery.