Therapies

What is Spinal Decompression Therapy?

Spinal decompression therapy, also known as non-surgical spinal decompression, is a practice that utilizes spinal decompression tables to relieve pain by creating a scenario in which bulging or herniated disc tissue is able to move back into place and heal, alleviating the pain this condition causes.

Spinal decompression therapy aims to help patients who suffer from debilitating pain due to bulging, degenerating, or herniated discs. It can also be used for the pain management and treatment of many causes of sciatica, injured or diseased spinal nerve roots, and worn spinal joints.

The therapy itself works to stretch the spine, using a spinal decompression table or other device, in order to create negative pressure and space within the disc to allow disc fluid to move back into place. This creates an environment in which the disc can receive more nutrients and therefore heal itself more quickly and effectively. The ultimate goal of spinal decompression therapy is to relieve the patient’s chronic back, arm, neck, and/or leg pain, and to heal the source of said pain.

Spinal decompression therapy is also referred to as non-surgical decompression therapy, since it is often used as a safe, affordable, and extremely effective alternative to spinal surgery. The distinction between surgical and non-surgical spinal decompression is an important one, as surgical spinal procedures are often considered a last option, while spinal decompression therapy is a safe treatment at any stage of back pain. The most common spinal decompression surgeries are laminectomy and microdiscectomy, which present a greater risk of complication or failure.

What is Traction Therapy?

Traction therapy in chiropractic care is a therapy that uses gentle stretching to the spine, often to relieve pain caused by issues like disc herniations or stenosis. It can be performed manually by a chiropractor, or mechanically using a special table. Traction works by creating space between vertebrae, decompressing joints, relieving pressure on nerves, and improving spinal motion and flexibility.  

How it works

Mechanical Traction: A specialized table is used to apply a slow, controlled stretch to the spine. 

Intersegmental Traction: A table with rollers that move up and down the spine provides a gentle, massaging action and separation of vertebrae. 

Benefits of chiropractic traction

Relieves pain: Reduces pressure on nerves, which can alleviate numbness, tingling, and radicular pain. 

Treats specific conditions: Can help with conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and arthritis. 

Improves spinal function: Increases spinal flexibility and range of motion. 

Promotes healing: Increases blood flow to discs, ligaments, and muscles, which can speed up healing and reduce inflammation. 

Reduces muscle tension: Helps relax muscles, which can make other therapies, like adjustments or exercises, more effective. 

Traction is not suitable for everyone. People with conditions such as severe osteoporosis, fractures, or certain spinal conditions should not undergo traction therapy. Always consult with a qualified chiropractor to determine if traction is right for you and to ensure it is performed correctly. Results can vary, and some people may experience temporary muscle spasms or pain after treatment. 

What is Spinal Mainipulation?

A chiropractor's adjustment is also called a spinal manipulation. This therapy involves a chiropractor using their hands to apply controlled force to joints to improve range of motion and relieve pain. 

Spinal Manipulation: This is the most common term and refers to the hands-on therapy where a chiropractor applies quick, controlled force to a joint to restore movement.

Chiropractic Adjustment: This is the specific term for the treatment itself, which is performed by a chiropractor.

Manual Adjusting: This term is used to describe adjustments that are performed with the hands.

Activator Method: While typically an in-office tool, it introduces the concept of precise, gentle impulses for adjustments, which can be part of a home plan. 

What are the at Home Therapies?

At-home chiropractic therapies, especially with Denneroll, focus on correcting posture and spinal curves using specialized orthotics (neck, mid-back, low-back) for self-traction, alongside general practices like heat/ice therapy, simple stretches, and posture correction exercises, all prescribed by a chiropractor for personalized care to relieve pain and improve function. 

Denneroll Therapies

What it is: A series of wedge-shaped orthotics (Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar) designed to restore natural spinal curves, especially correcting "tech neck" (forward head posture).

How it works: Patients lie on the device on the floor, allowing gravity and the device's specific curves to provide low-stress traction, retraining ligaments and muscles.

Usage: Prescribed by a chiropractor, used daily for short periods (starting few mins, building to 15-20 mins) to promote long-term spinal remodeling.

Benefits: Reduces headaches, neck/back pain, numbness, and improves posture by relieving nerve pressure and muscle tension. 

Other At-Home Therapies

Heat & Ice Therapy: Use ice for acute injuries (swelling) and heat for muscle relaxation and chronic soreness.

Posture Correction Exercises: Specific stretches and movements to counteract poor posture, often guided by your chiropractor.

Important Considerations

Prescription Needed: Denneroll and similar tools are medical devices that require a chiropractor's guidance to ensure correct placement and usage for your specific condition. Personalized Plan: A chiropractor determines the right device and schedule (time, frequency) to avoid side effects and ensure effective correction. Consistency is Key: Regular, scheduled use is vital for long-lasting spinal correction