Spinal Decompression – Is It For Real?
Spinal decompression is a relatively new form of treatment for symptoms related to disc herniation and degeneration. I have been performing spinal decompression in San Antonio for a few years now, and there is still considerable controversy about this form of treatment. Some praise it as a dramatic breakthrough in the treatment of disc problems, while others dismiss it as nothing more than an expensive hoax.
The truth is, like any treatment for spinal discs, spinal decompression is far from a cure-all. It is not appropriate for all cases, and although it does offer a much higher chance for a good result than any other form of disc treatment, it does not work for everyone.
The fact that spinal decompression is not effective in every case, combined with the tremendous advertising hype that is sometimes used by the providers of spinal decompression services can lead to bitter disappointments for some patients. I believe it is this disappointment that contributes to the tendency for some patients who did not get successful outcomes from decompression to express their negative feelings on internet forums and blogs.
In fact, spinal decompression is highly effective for most patients who are treated with it for disc bulges and herniations and mild to moderate amounts of disc degeneration. The overall success rate for spinal decompression is much better than for steroid injections in the spine and for disc surgery, and spinal decompression is quite a bit safer than either of these common forms of disc treatment.
I have heard some doctors express the opinion that spinal decompression merely “delays the inevitable” – that is, it only puts off the need for eventual surgery. These doctors are under the impression that decompression is only a symptomatic treatment and that it does not make any change in the condition of the disc. This is simply not true.
Pre and post spinal decompression MRI scans have demonstrated that the majority of patients do get definite positive physical changes in their discs from the treatment. Post-decompression MRIs typically show a significant reduction in disc bulging and often indicate improved disc hydration – which is believed to help stop or even reverse disc degeneration.
Every patient is somewhat different, but my experiences in my San Antonio spinal decompression office have shown me that the majority of patients get lasting improvement, are able to resume normal activities, and are able to avoid disc surgery. Most of the patients I have treated with spinal decompression are now enjoying life much more and have been very happy with their results.
For more information visit the spinal decompression San Antonio website and get your free report on spinal disc problems and the treatment options for them.
