Does Spinal Decompression Therapy Work for Everyone?

Spinal Decompression Therapy - Will it Work for You?

Perhaps the most often asked question among patients experiencing chronic neck and back pain is “does spinal decompression therapy work for everyone?” The answer is such that the patients who have the patience to go through the entire spinal decompression therapy and follow all the instructions of their physician stand to benefit from diminished pain and an active life.

Effectiveness of non-surgical spinal decompression treatment has been proven all over the world. It is highly effective for patients who are suffering from neck and back pain, arm, leg problems or disability. The technique reverses nerve impairment, reduces loading of the spine, and mends damaged spinal discs thereby providing the much desired relief from pain. The therapy is used to treat conditions such as sciatica, disc hernia, disc protrusion, foraminal stenosis, numbness, tingling, radiculopathy, and spondylosis.

Non-surgical Spinal Decompression – a Proven Pain Relieving Technique

Spinal decompression treatment is the result of years of research. The results may vary with individual conditions of the patients. Approximately 15-20 spinal decompression therapy sessions are usually required to manage the pain. The duration of each session will vary between 10-15 minutes. However, the success of the treatment also varies depending on age, sex and body morphology, weight, nutrition and other lifestyle factors. One has to be sure there are no other health risks that would become impediments in the treatment.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Once the initial consultation is over, the patients have to go through a detailed physical examination for the physician to check even the smallest detail and determine whether the therapy is right for them. Tests such as orthopedic tests and neurological tests may be carried out to arrive at an accurate understanding of the patient’s condition.  The diagnostic tests verify the patient’s strength, movement, co-ordination and sensation. In specific cases, the patient is referred for imaging tests including X-rays or MRI scans.Those who have had spinal surgery with screws, metal plates or “cages” should refrain from non-surgical spinal decompression treatment, as should those who are pregnant.

In short, spinal decompression therapy provides relief to all those who qualify for the treatment program. It is important that you locate a reliable pain management center with considerable experience in providing the treatment. Consult a physician at the therapy center and ascertain whether you are a candidate for the spinal decompression therapy they offer.

How to Treat Chronic Pain in Your Ankle

Ankle pain and swelling is a common problem and affects millions of people. The causes of ankle pain are varied and can range from ligament sprains and ruptures to tendonitis, fractures and osteoarthritis. Chronic pain in your ankle is best treated at a professional pain management center. Equipped with the latest techniques, these multi-specialty centers ensure the best results for ankle pain treatment.

Wide Array of Chronic Pain Management Modalities

Some of the common causes of chronic ankle pain are rheumatoid arthritis, sprains which injure the ligaments in the area and cause swelling, tendonitis that affects the tendons around the joint, damaged cartilage in the area, and gout. Regardless of the cause, the success of treatment lies in proper diagnosis.

After a thorough examination of the affected joint using x-rays and the latest technology such as an MRI scan if necessary, the specialists determine the correct cause of the pain. They then devise an individualized treatment program to relieve it. Pain management centers offer various treatment options for chronic ankle pain such as manual manipulation, physiotherapy and orthopedic solutions, and myofascial therapy.

• Initial manual manipulation procedures include manual manipulation of the knee-cap to lessen inflammation in the ligaments. This can progress on to therapist-aided manipulation from both a face-down and face-up position. Upon discharge, the patient is usually advised a home-exercise program to strengthen the leg muscles.

• Physical therapy for chronic ankle pain comprise solutions such as RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation), range of movement, stretching and strengthening exercises, electrotherapy, massage, splinting or bracing, footwear modification, and so on. Hot pack applications can help soften tissues, improve blood circulation and reduce pain. Medication to reduce orthopedic inflammation is also recommended.
• Myofascial release therapy focuses on relieving the soft tissue (fasica) restrictions that cause pain. The fascia is the tissue that surrounds the muscles and the fibers within them. The mysofascial massage resolves ankle pain by relieving the rigidity in the affected fascia.


Chronic Pain Treatment at a Competent Pain Management Center

Pain in the ankle can restrict free movement and if it progresses chronically, it may immobilize you. It is therefore best to seek professional help to treat chronic ankle pain. With the vast resources available, finding an established pain management center is not difficult. Besides specialists in various fields who can offer efficient non-invasive therapies to treat the chronic pain in your ankle, a competent facility would be one that offers customized treatment to improve your overall health and well-being.