If you or a loved one is living with sciatic or herniated discs, you know exactly how limiting these conditions can be. Many people find themselves having to reshape their lives to avoid or lessen back pain.
Surgery can help, but many people want to avoid the risks and recovery time of surgical intervention. For those in and around Lowell, Illinois, the team at R2 Wellness Centers is a valuable resource for noninvasive treatments like spinal decompression.
Here’s how spinal decompression works and how it might be a good fit for your health needs.
The primary benefit of spinal decompression is the ability to create space within your spinal column. Very often, degenerative conditions, injury, or other factors lessen the space between the vertebral bones of the spine.
Once the spine becomes compressed, the nerve tissue that transmits signals between the body and the brain can’t function normally. This can result in a number of problems, including chronic pain.
Spinal decompression can safely and effectively stretch your spine back into healthy alignment. This relieves pressure on your nerves and can put an end to ongoing back pain.
Your spine consists of an interconnection of various parts. Bones (vertebrae), muscles, blood vessels, connective tissues, and nerves are all part of this network. Between each of the bones in your spine is a rubbery disc of tissue with a softer center.
Placing too much strain on your spine can cause the softer, gel-like core of a disc to rupture and bulge through the rubbery outer layer. This is called a herniated disc, and the bulging tissue can irritate surrounding nerves. Other names for this condition include a ruptured disc or slipped disc.
Spinal decompression can treat a herniated disc by gradually widening the space between vertebrae. This removes some of the pressure that triggers pain signals. Even better, eliminating the force placed on a herniated disc can give it a chance to retract back into its normal shape.
Sciatica is a condition that develops when pressure is placed on your sciatic nerve, which is the longest nerve in the human body, running from your hip through your buttock and down into your leg. You have one sciatic nerve on each side of your body, which is why usually only one side experiences symptoms.
Sciatica can cause pain that can feel like a shock or burn. Some people notice frequent “pins-and-needles” sensations, or a lack of sensation (numbness). If the condition becomes severe enough, muscle weakness is possible, as are complications like urinary or fecal incontinence.
Just like with a herniated disc, spinal decompression helps sciatica by creating space within the spine. This can change the positioning of bone or other tissues that irritate your sciatic nerve, relieving the symptoms of sciatica.
Many people grow frustrated with ongoing back pain and other symptoms. They want relief, but are not ready to consider invasive options like surgery. Spinal decompression offers a way to relieve back pain without spending months recovering.
The approach is simple and straightforward. A few sessions can bring impressive results, all without the need for medications or any form of cutting or suturing. At R2 Wellness Centers, Dr. Walker brings a wealth of experience to his role, including extensive training and experience with spinal decompression.
When you’re ready to learn more about this exciting option, reach out to the office online or by phone to schedule a face-to-face consultation.
