How does spinal decompression help with back pain?
961098
I'm glad you are looking for facts about DECOMPRESSION THERAPY...not accupuncture or any other therapy.   I read the answer before mine and I guess they just can't read.  You were pretty clear about not wanting opinions...JUST FACTS ABOUT DECOMPRESSION.  \n\nI have found the following information for you conerning decompression therapy. The majority of studies were based upon an earlier form of decompression therapy called VAX-D.  The modern decompression brings with is significant changes in patient outcomes.   In our clinic patients realize a 60-100% reduction in pain and symptoms. Studies indicate and my own presonal experience has proven that when decompression is applied correctly it can be a tremendous benefit to the patient who suffers with low back pain.       \n\nHere are links to what various scientific and medical communities report about spinal decompression…\n\nhttp://www.painreliefclinics.com/RESEARCH.htm\n\nJournal of Neurological Research, October 2001. For any given patient with low back and referred leg pain, we (the researchers) cannot predict with certainty which cause has assumed primacy. Therefore surgery, by being directed at root decompression at the site of the herniation alone, may not be effective if secondary causes of pain have become predominant. Decompression therapy, however, addresses both primary and secondary causes of low back and referred leg pain. We thus submit that Decompression therapy should be considered first, before the patient undergoes a surgical procedure which permanently alters the anatomy and function of the affected lumbar spine segment. \n\nJournal of Neurological Research, October 2001. Same edition, different study. Dermatosomal Somatosensory Evoked Potential Demonstration of Nerve Root Decompression After VAX-D Therapy. Reductions in low back pain and referred leg pain associated with a diagnosis of herniated disc, degenerative disc disease or facet syndrome have previously been reported after treatment with a VAX-D table…The object of this study was to use dermatomal somatosensory evoked potentials (DSSEPs) to demonstrate lumbar root decompression following VAX-D therapy. Seven consecutive patients with a diagnosis of low back pain and unilateral or bilateral L5 or S1 radiculopathy were studied. All patients had at least 50% improvement in radicular symptoms and low back pain and three of them experienced complete resolution of all symptoms. The average pain reduction was 77%. \n\nJournal of Neurological Research, April 1998. Data was collected from twenty-two medical centers for patients who received VAX-D therapy for low back pain, which was sometimes accompanied by referred leg pain. Only patients who received at least ten sessions and had a diagnosis of herniated disc, degenerative disc or facet syndrome which were confirmed by diagnostic imaging, were included in this study; a total of 778 cases. The treatment was successful in 71% of the 778 cases, when success was defined as a reduction in pain to 0 or 1, on a 0 to 5 scale. Improvements in mobility and activities of daily living correlated strongly with pain reduction. \n\nFrom Anaethesiology News, March 2003.. Small, non-randomized follow-up study on the outcomes of decompression therapy on reducing chronic low back pain. Among 23 patients studied, 71% showed more than a 50% reduction in pain immediately after treatment, and 86% showed a 50% or better pain reduction at four years. After four years, 52% of respondents reported a pain level of zero. \n \nTreatment of Discogenic Low Back Pain presentation, The VAX-D Therapeutic Table reduces intradiscal pressure to a minus 150mm Hg., effectively decompressing the disc. With conventional traction intradiscal pressures either increase, remain the same or slightly decrease. Conventional traction devices elicit reflex muscle contraction thus interfering with decompression. The VAX-D table has a time energy distraction curve that is logarithmic, and we believ
73820
You know, it is difficult to know if this is a result of the epidural or not. What does your physician say about it?\n\nChiropractic has good success with low back pain. Be sure to see a reputable chiropractor if you decide to do so.\n\nYou could try yoga or back stretching exercises, as well. Maybe a massage therapist?
1155825
Two of my patients have got spinal surgery in India.One was treated for spondylolistheis by spinal fusion and the other for disc replacement.Both of them are very happy with the results.Their pain and other symptoms due to nerve compression have totally gone.\n\nSpinal Surgery is very cheap in India.There is one company that is very famous in India that arranges spine surgery for foreigners in India.They are called the Forerunners Healthcare.I read a lot about them in the Newspapers and about their patient stories.I have also read that they arrange financing for american and canadian patients as spine surgery is not covered by insurance.They also have photos pasted of their International patients.You can checkout their website.\n\nThe cost savings are incredible.As a doctor i personally believe that your spine surgery can be easily handled in India as the quality of healthcare available here is simply best in the world.The surgeons are USA/UK trained and facilities are 5 star.both my patients had gone to India through the forerunners healthcare company.i strongly recommend you to talk to this company,checkout your options with surgery from them.\n\nhttp://www.forerunnershealthcare.com
1140645
In most people it gradually resolves with mild activity restrictions and nonsteroidal antiinflammatories, narcotic analgesic drugs, or muscle relaxers. \n\nPeople whose symptoms do not improve with these therapies should be reevaluated professionally. It may take surgery of the lower back. To remove a herniated disk for example.\n\nUsing proper body mechanics help reduce pain. Bend at the knees, stretch, and warm up before exercise…\n\nHope this helps!
301241
I have mild scoliosis along with a herniated disc in my lower back.  I've only had one bout of very severe pain and it lasted about 4 months.  It was so bad it kept me awake at night and I walked with a limp and I thought I was going to have to have surgery but I really wanted to avoid that.  I went to a chiropractor and he did help the limp but the pain only got worse.  What finally helped me get rid of the pain was when my doctor prescribed a round of Prednisone to help with the inflammation.  It finally eased the pain enough that I could get some sleep.  After I finished the Prednisone and was enough better that I could at least function, he sent me to a Physical Therapist to learn some helpful exercises.  I had to do them every day but the improvement in the pain was definitely enough to keep me doing the exercises.  The next step for me was weigh loss. I lost 115 pounds and started doing all kinds of different exercises from aerobics, to running, to weight lifting.  I have been completely pain free for over almost a year and a half now and I managed to avoid surgery.  Good luck with your pain, I know it's excruciating and miserable to have to live with back pain.  I hope you get it resovled soon.
395936
I used to have lower back pain from a fall I took years ago and this is what my Chiropractor told me to do.\n\nStand up with you back and butt flat against the wall, then pull one leg by the knee ( bent ) as far up as you can get it, then pull it out to the side and hold it there for the count of 10. Try doing about 5 reps an each leg. Do more each day. You can do this as many times as you can during the day. It relieved my pain. I did it every time it started to hurt throughout the day. \n\nYou should also go to a chiropractor for regular adjustments that will help out alot too.
1186814
As a 28 year old young woman with scoliosis I have a lot of experience with back pain. The fact that the pain is radiating down to your thigh makes me think it is related to you sciatic nerve. What I have found the most helpful is yoga and pilates. The controlled movements of yoga not only strengthen your back and abdominal muscles but they also provide flexibility and stretching to the core muscles that have a huge influence on spine health. I am looking for a yoga class right now for this very reason. After physicians keep telling me to simply take ibuprofen/aleve/etc... It can get very frustrating. Especially when none of those drugs can touch the pain! I wish you the best!
281848
i ripped the muscles in my back a few years ago which put me in hospital. as a result all the bones in the base of my spine stopped working properly and i was told i would need surgery.\ni went to see a chiropractor, who managed to free it all up after a few sessions.\nhe gave me some strenching exersices to do every morning, apparently they are pretty common techniques. i was also told to gradually build up my abs as it takes the strain off your back.\nmy back isn't perfect now and i'm told it never will be, but i went from constant daily pain to now having the occasional twinge.\ngo see a chiropractor, and SLOWLY build your abs. also losing weigh helps a lot
947000
Did you get one of those back pain anesthetics? Those could be the cause.\n\nBut a pinched nerve in the back would be a different explanation. I would go see a doc, get referred to a specialist. Then they can give you an xray and MRI to determine if there is anything wrong. They will give you pain medication and probably refer you to a physical therapist. They will show you how to probably sit up, do exercises to strengthen that area of the back, etc.
863227
look up yoga stretches for stretching your back, there are many that should allow you to strengthen your back and in turn create less pain for ya.
1050383
Sure yoga helps to cure the back pain. But you should approach a trained yoga instructor. Not the institute mushrooming everywhere.\n\nThe yoga u can see in the TV and all are the physical work outs, which are called hatha yoga. If you want to reap the full benefit out of yoga you should masterise bandhas and Mudras. For that you require strict supervison.\n\nIf you want to know further anything on this kindly write me.\n\nGood luck.
232620
My boyfriend has an inversion table and it does help both of our back pain.  Try physical therapy, acupuncture, water exercise, heat and cold therapy....
1051471
I have the same in the lower back following a car accident last year. Found great relief with my Physical Therapist at northstarpilates.com. Maybe there is a similar option near you? I highly recommend it. The exercises are easy and research backs it up, it works! Only a few short months ago, I thought I would be crippled for life. Now, I can hike, garden, most everything as before with minimal pain.\n\nI did find that yoga aggravated the problem.\n\nGood luck-
1174
The initial treatment for a herniated disc is usually conservative and nonsurgical. Your doctor may prescribe bed rest, or advise you to maintain a low, painless activity level for a few days to several weeks. This helps the spinal nerve inflammation to decrease.  herniated disc is frequently treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication if the pain is only mild to moderate. An epidural steroid injection may be performed utilizing a spinal needle under x-ray guidance to direct the medication to the exact level of the disc herniation. Your doctor may recommend physical therapy. Therapy may include pelvic traction, gentle massage, ice and heat therapy, ultrasound, electrical muscle stimulation, and stretching exercises. Pain medication and muscle relaxants may also be beneficial in conjunction with the physical therapy. If these conservative measures do not help, then usually surgery is indicated.
304069
Yes, if one vertebrea is out it can pinch nerves, cut off blood supply to certain areas and all other types of symptoms.  They may seem unrelated but are probably directly related to subluxation (your back being out).  You should always seek chiropratic immediately and massage, if possible.  My mother was in an accident 20 years ago, did not get treatment and now has serious health problems because of it.  I was in an accident 2 months ago, got chiropratic immediatly, and massage and have completely recovered.  My second set of x-rays shows my spine has almost completly realigned.  My advice: get chiropractic ASAP.  3 times a week for several months, then 2.. your chiropractor should advise you.  Hopefully you have insurance to cover it!
828774
hi,\n\nTaking pain killers to relief from your back is not your right decision. Pain killers have great side effects. Avoid taking pain killers if the pain is not severe. Home remedies are safe and secure for your future health too. Some effective home remedies for back pain are:\n\n* Raw potato is an ancient home remedy for backache, Application of raw potato in the form of a poultice has been found very effective in this condition. \n* Massage with eucalyptus oil is also very effective remedy, mustard oil can also be used. \n* Take half a gram of dalchini powder with one-teaspoon honey at least twice a day for best results. \n* Oil prepared from garlic and rubbed on the back will give immediate relief. \n\nGood Day !!\nMaria
121777
Hi there,\n\nCheck out the link on Spinal Stenosis.\n\nhttp://www.webmd.com/hw/back_pain/aa118986.asp