Let’s Take the Pressure Off: How Spinal Decompression Helps Your Back Feel Better

By Dr. Andrew Johnston, DC

Decompress your spine with gentle traction to improve symptoms of neck pain, low back pain, disc herniation, and radiculopathy. According to data from a 2010 study, about 80% of people will experience low back pain (LBP) at some point in their lifetime. What’s worse? Unresolved low back pain is the third most common cause of surgical procedures. This study also reported that more than 60% of LBP is discogenic in nature, meaning there is a problem with the shock absorbers of your spine.

The Solution

Not so fast... First, we need a brief anatomy lesson to understand what exactly discogenic LBP means and what a disc actually is.

Your spine is made up of 33 vertebrae, also known as your backbones. They vary in shape and size from region to region in your spine to accommodate different biomechanical needs and physiological processes. Starting at the base of your skull, your neck has 7 cervical vertebrae ending at the top of your shoulders. Your upper and mid-back are made up of 12 thoracic vertebrae, and your low back consists of 5 lumbar vertebrae, which connect to your tailbone, or sacrum.

Phew! That’s a lot to remember. Don’t worry, your chiropractor studied the spine and the human body for over four years!

But Wait, There’s More!

There is an intervertebral disc between every bone in your spine (with a few exceptions, feel free to quiz your doc next time you’re on the table!). These discs are made mostly of water, which is why hydration is essential to spinal health, and they act as shock absorbers for your body.

Discogenic means there is a problem with the disc. Imagine the disc (or the shock absorber) as a jelly doughnut. There’s an outer part and an inner part to your disc. With a disc herniation, the “jelly” escapes from the inner layer and protrudes through the outer layer. The now structurally compromised disc can irritate spinal nerves, causing pain and other neurological symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness. Generally, this pain is referred in a specific pattern like down the arm or leg depending on where the disc defect has occurred.

So, the big question is: how do we get the jelly back in the doughnut and relieve the nerve pressure that’s causing your symptoms?

Conservative, Non-Invasive Chiropractic Care in Denver

As chiropractors, we utilize conservative treatments and non-invasive therapies such as chiropractic adjustments, spinal decompression, flexion and distraction, or even McKenzie exercises to promote healing.

Will some discogenic back pain require surgery? Yes. However, there is substantial research showing the benefits of spinal decompression in reducing pain and neurological symptoms related to discogenic pain.

Our Denver chiropractors at Washington Park Chiropractic are highly qualified to individualize this treatment to your specific needs and condition.

How Long Should You Expect Treatment to Take?

Research suggests that approximately six weeks, or about 22 sessions, of spinal decompression may be necessary to experience a therapeutic effect (when you’ll start to feel better). However, this can vary depending on the severity of your injury and your individual presentation.

Get Back to Living Pain-Free in Denver

At Washington Park Chiropractic, we aim to help you get back to doing the things you love with as little risk and as much ease as possible. We have the most reliable and effective technology, equipment, and care team to help you do just that.

If you’re struggling with low back pain, disc herniation, or other spine-related symptoms, contact Wash Park Chiro in Denver to learn how spinal decompression therapy can help you move and feel better again.

Apfel, C.C., Cakmakkaya, O.S., Martin, W. et al. Restoration of disk height through non-surgical spinal decompression is associated with decreased discogenic low back pain: a retrospective cohort study. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 11, 155 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2474-11-155

Situated in Denver’s Wash Park neighborhood, Washington Park Chiropractic is dedicated to providing comprehensive, patient-centered care. Our team of experienced chiropractors and therapists work collaboratively to develop personalized treatment plans that address each patient's unique needs. We understand the active lifestyle of our Denver community and strive to help our patients return to their favorite activities pain-free. Whether you're a weekend warrior, a professional athlete, or someone dealing with chronic pain, our goal is to support your journey to optimal health.

Dr. Johnston is a Doctor of Chiropractic and Clinic Director at Washington Park Chiropractic. Read more in his bio on our website HERE. Be sure to follow @washparkchiro on Instagram to keep up-to-date with all things WPC!