If you’ve arrived at this page,  you may be looking for an office offering spinal decompression therapy in Greenville SC. You may be wondering whether you should consider this type of chiropractic Greenville SC treatment for your back pain.  You may even be considering a doctor’s recommendation of back surgery.  My goal today is to give you a broad overview of back pain, and to give you tools to make a decision about the appropriateness of spinal decompression therapy.

What causes low back pain?

Low back pain can be caused by a host of factors ranging from injuries to the long term effects of aging.  The vast majority of low back pain is caused by muscle and/or joint problems, and thankfully, only a very small percentage of low back pain is caused by pathology (joint infection, disease, etc.)
Your lower back is made up of muscles, ligaments, tendons, spinal bones and nerves.  The nerves (spinal cord and spinal nerve roots) are protected by bones (vertebrae).  Between each vertebra are ligament structures called discs.  These discs function as shock absorbers to protect the vertebra, spinal cord, and spinal nerve roots.  Many of the problems that cause back pain are the direct result of micro tears and degeneration of the intervertebral disc.  Degeneration is a process of wear and tear which causes deterioration of the disc.  Micro tears cause bulging of the disc which can result in pressure on adjacent nerves, causing pain, numbness and tingling, and even weakness.

So, if I begin Spinal Decompression therapy, when will I feel better?

If spinal decompression therapy is going to be effective, it is common for many patients to experience pain relief within the first two weeks of chiropractic Greenville SC treatment.

How much time is required for a Spinal Decompression therapy?

Each treatment takes from 30 to 45 minutes and the visits are performed as often as 4-5 times per week for the first 2 weeks with a reduction of frequency for the remaining 4 to 6 weeks.

Does Spinal Decompression therapy hurt?

Most patients find that Spinal Decompression therapy is very comfortable and relaxing.  Some patients even fall asleep during the therapy!

How will I know if I qualify for Spinal Decompression therapy?

As a physician, my most important job is to properly screen patients to determine which treatment is most appropriate. In addition to the decisions which I make during your initial examination for inclusion, there are certain conditions which will immediately exclude a patient from Spinal Decompression treatment.  So, in no particular order, if you have any one of these conditions Spinal Decompression therapy is not for you:

  • Disc Infections
  • A recent compression fracture below your last rib
  • Severe osteoporosis
  • Metastatic Disease (Cancer)
  • Previous Back Surgery with remaining pedicle screws and rods
  • Pregnancy
  • Prior Back Surgery resulting in spinal fusion less than 6 months old
  • Unstable Spondylolisthesis
  • Aortic Aneurysm
  • Severe peripheral neuropathy

You may be a candidate for spinal decompression therapy if you have any of the following conditions:

  • Recurrent pain from a failed back surgery that is MORE THAN six months old.
  • Persistent pain from disc degeneration which hasn’t responded to four weeks or more of prior therapy.
  • Pain from herniated and bulging lumbar discs for more than 4 weeks.

Or, if traditional chiropractic treatment, epidural steroid injections or physical therapy have not been effective.
Want to learn more? Contact our office and mention this blog post.  We will provide you with a free consultation with our chiropractor Dr. Mruz and a tour of our facility.  Find out if spinal decompression therapy is right for you. Call 292-6777.
Eastside Chiropractic PA
3014 Wade Hampton Blvd., Taylors SC 29687
864-292-6777