If you keep up with treatments for back pain you have heard a lot about decompression therapy lately. This new technique, while similar to traction, is said to be both gentler and more effective, and is said to treat sciatica, herniated discs, spinal stenosis and neck pain. The goal with the treatment is to gently stretch the spine creating more room between the vertebrae, thereby reducing pain and problems. Another, more traditional form of decompression requires surgery.
Proponents of decompression therapy say that by decompressing the spine a disc will reabsorb material that may have leaked out, causing pain. Additionally, the improved spacing will encourage water and nutrients to come to the injured area, allowing it to heal better and faster. These claims are unproven and believed to be untrue by the medical profession.
Unfortunately for decompression supporters, research into the effectiveness of the treatment has produced mixed results. Some studies suggest it may help, but just as many studies indicate that not only does it not help, it may actually be harmful. Such mixed results make it difficult to know whether or not to consider mechanical decompression. The fact that most of the positive studies were run by the makers of the machines doesn't do anything to add to the credibility of the results.
Perhaps the greatest question about mechanical decompression is why some chiropractors are pushing so hard to get patients to use them. The answer probably lies in the fact that the recommended course of treatment is a minimum of 5 times a week for 4 weeks and each treatment can cost as much as $250. These treatments aren't covered by any insurance company, so it results in high profits for the treating doctor. Another problem associated with mechanical decompression is that the providers are not supposed to make claims that it can heal anything, but they routinely do. It is only a matter of time before the Feds start handing out fines to such practitioners.
The option of surgical decompression is usually reserved to the end when nothing else works since most discs will heal to some degree on their own, requiring nothing more than time and some physical therapy. Surgical decompression involves either a microdisectomy or a laminectomy. In the microdisectomy a small incision is made over the affected area. A small window is made within the bone and the herniated material is drawn out, relieving pressure on neighboring nerves. In a laminectomy a portion of the bone is removed to relieve pressure on underlying nerves. The first procedure is minimally invasive, while the second is invasive.
Success with surgery is a mixed bag. Scarring can undo what the surgery strove to accomplish. Infection and surgical risks can crop up. Over all people do well with the surgeries, but many don't get complete relief from their symptoms; adding physical therapy, massage and the management of inflammation can help bring about a more satisfactory result.
It is no surprise that people should be wary of any new technique that promotes itself as capable of miracles. People who suffer from back pain are willing to try just about anything to relieve the debilitating condition. It is a shame that questionable practitioners of alternative medicine are so eager to be the next generation of snake oil vendors.
