Spinal Disc Decompression - Effective Treatment For Your Back

Every adult living in the 21st century should recognize that almost everyone at some point in their lives suffers from back pain because of physical activity, old age, and sports or job related injuries. Traditional remedies like painkillers, expensive and risky back surgeries or just dealing and living with the pain are not the only available choices today. The latest medical advances improving the quality of life of many people is the painless, non-surgical, and less costly and FDA approved spinal disc decompression technology. Clinical research and discovery have revealed that this painless advanced treatment has an 86% success ratio.

What types of back pain and spinal diseases can be treated by Spinal Disc Decompression?

Ailments that can be treated using spinal decompression are herniated discs, degenerative spinal disc diseases, sciatica, protruding discs, posterior facet or joint syndrome and unsuccessful back and neck surgeries.

Discovery of the Vacuum Effect and History of Spinal Disc Decompression

How did the revolutionary idea of spinal disc decompression come about? NASA scientists found a common occurrences among their astronauts who were suffering from back pain. Everyone reported their circumstances to have improved after a space mission. After some investigation, the scientists concluded that the improvement in their conditions was due to the lack of pressure on the spine while in space. Instead there was a decompression or negative pressure that softly shifted or moved the herniated disc back in place which decreased the pain brought about by the pressure of the protruding discs on the spinal nerves. The vacuum effect also multiplied the flow of blood rich with nutrients, oxygen, and water from the outside of the spinal discs to go inside, thus allowing the spinal discs to recover by itself.

So how do you recreate this vacuum effect here on earth? Dr. Allen Dyer, the inventor of the cardiac defibrillator, that saves heart attack victims all over the world, also invented the spinal disc decompression treatment table in 1987. He developed a technology that superseded ineffective conventional traction tables which do not create any decompression or vacuum effect but just extends the muscles and spine. Dr. Dyers, engineering invention recreated the vacuum effect needed by the spinal discs to mend. In 1996, his design was acknowledged by the United States FDA as risk-free and effective.

How does Spinal Disc Decompression Therapy Work?

The patient is firmly strapped on a computer controlled spinal decompression table. The doctor enters personalized treatment dependent on his findings which may include verification from MRI results. The machine then places the body and applies force to create a spinal decompression that will release the pressure affecting the spinal discs and nerves. The negative pressure also enables the herniated disc to finally retract into its natural position. This negative pressure also forces the oxygen and nutrient rich blood to flow inside the spinal discs and facilitate natural healing.

Depending on the severity of the situation, an average of twenty to twenty-eight treatments are required over a period of one or two months to receive the full benefits of the therapy. Treatment only takes thirty to forty-five minutes. Spinal disc decompression therapy is also accompanied by hot or cold compresses to speed up the healing of the back injury. The patient is likewise advised to have re-hydration therapy or to drink lots of water, modify his diet and consider having nutrition and vitamin supplements, and execute recommended physical workouts to beef up the back and promote quicker healing.

Revolution in Spinal Disc Decompression Technology

The machine has been refined since the late 80s. In 2000, a machine was developed to also treat neck problems and to make the treatment process more comfortable for patients. Presently, the cutting-edge technological innovation in spinal disc decompression is the Articulating Spinal Decompression or Range-of-Motion (ROM) spinal decompression treatment table which allows the doctor to change or make adjustments to the spinal posture of the patient while the decompression process is ongoing. The increased ability to adjust or vary the position of the spine allows for the distraction or pulling forces of the decompression to get deeper into areas of the spinal discs and tissues, that previous versions of spinal decompression machines cannot reach.

As technology improves, many people suffering from back pain can be helped through a safe, non-invasive and less costly spinal disc decompression therapy. However, more intensive research needs to be carried out to ensure continued effectiveness on whether it does completely replace or just postpone back pain surgeries. However, for citizens of industrialized countries whose senior population are more active and are living longer nowadays, and any surgical operation is life threatening; the benefits of the innovations in spinal disc decompression technology can only be regarded as a genuinely positive medical innovation of the modern times.

Take Care of Your Back

When we are young we seem to think that we can stand up to anything. We think that our body parts are invincible and that we are going to live forever. We like to think that the human body is a complete, finished design and that it is the most advanced that it will ever be. We think that we are invincible.

But, those of us who suffer from back pain caused by spinal stenosis, herniated, ruptured or bulging disc symptoms, or any form of degenerate disc disease or spinal malady will most likely disagree.

We back pain sufferers sometimes wish spinal discs were more durable and could stand up to more of the stress and trials of aging. Wouldn't it be great if we had a lifetime, money back guarantee for our backs? Sadly, spinal discs are not covered by mother nature's warranty as if they were your pickup truck's last set of new tires.

A natural problem with spinal discs is that they are made out of cartilage. This cartilage, known as fibrocartilage, is "avascular", meaning it is without blood vessels. If these spinal discs happened to have blood vessels, recovery from spinal injuries would happen much more naturally, similar to how a broken bone can mend itself with proper care over time. Comparatively, imagine if our bones were without blood vessels. A broken arm would never heal and life would become increasingly difficult and miserable.

Fibrocartilage acts as a buffering cushion between the individual vertebrae of the spine, and also acts as a protectorate insulator for the spinal cord. Fibrocartilage helps support the backbone in the joints of the spine, known as facet joints. It absorbs shocks and enables flexibility of the spine. This is how we turn our bodies, bend, and perform our everyday activities. This fibrocartilage is a strong, durable, natural tissue, but as we age it tends to deteriorate, and can cause much pain in the backs of those who experience the phenomenon.

Aside from the general process of aging, standing upright and walking is often the number two cause of degeneration of the spine and herniated, bulging disc symptoms. Although we think we are invincible, and that our bodies will last forever, evolution has not brought us entirely to the perfect adaptation of walking upright. The spine of the human species has evolved from ancient times from those of horizontal moving animals, who were amphibious, living both on land and undersea. Working more like a flexible suspension wire in these ancient creatures, the spine supported their bodies' organs horizontally, whereas with modern man, the spine has become a vertical column which bears the weight of all of the body's stresses throughout its natural living actions.

Knowing this, it is wise for all of us humans to be careful with our spinal columns, to treat them with care, and understand that they are not invincible, and cannot last forever. Our backbones are vulnerable and fragile, and until evolution can bring us through another hundred million years, to a point where our spines becomes vascular, strong and self-healing like the bones of our arms and legs, we must take care of our backs.

Bulging Disc - Lower Back Treatments That Are Easy and Enjoyable

Bulging discs are really inter-vertebral plates which have been torn and have bulged into the vertebral column causing friction with the nerves and symptoms of pain in the lower back and upper legs. These conditions are mostly temporary, rarely ever requiring extended medication or surgical operations to cure them. Most of the time the right kind of exercise can help the body clean up the mess in the spinal column.

The purpose of all the exercises for bulging disc treatment is to flush out the substances that are clogging up the nerve canal and irritating the nerves. The majority of these exercises will involve stretching the spine. Here are a few of them:

1. Lying with your back flat on the floor, fold in your knees without raising your feet off the floor, until your pelvis arches upwards and your back completely flattens. Hold in that position while counting to 5. Return to the starting position. Now stretch out the knees by putting pressure on your feet. This should arch the pelvis downwards. Count to five and return to the original positions. Repeat the cycle.


2. With the "bulging" side of your spine facing the room, lean against a wall sideways with your shoulder and upper arm. Then slowly swing the pelvis towards the wall. This squeezes the side of your body with the bulge and helps to remove the clogged material on that side of the spine. The farther away the hip is from the wall, the more squeeze you will be giving it.


3. Get a big ball made of durable plastic and inflate it just enough for you to be able to sit on it. Then gently bounce your buttocks on the ball for 2 minutes. This routine also helps in flushing out harmful debris from within your spine and it affects the entire spine, not just the lower back.

The right kind of exercise can cure you of your bulging disk because nature just needs some help to do that herself.

Back Suffering - Learning About The Curved Spine

Scoliosis is the excessive sideways curvature of the human spine. It is a medical condition wherein the human spine is curved sideways. There are 3 fundamental kinds of scoliosis; they are degenerative, functional and neuromuscular.

Curved spines can be caused by benign tumor of the spine, which might cause some persons to slant sideways because of an enormous amount of hurt. Until now, there are no known causes of curved spine or scoliosis, although every type is definitely dissimilar. Functional scoliosis indicates a standard spine which is slightly arched because of another problem of the body.

For instance, if one of your legs is slightly shorter compared to the other leg, a curved spine becomes the result. Likewise, any form spasm in the muscles that happens inside the back part of the body can lead to a curved spine.
Degenerative scoliosis affects only the elderly adults suffering from stern or serious arthritis; this is a medical condition which affects a joint or joints, causing pain, inflammation, and stiffness. Degenerative scoliosis has a tendency of becoming bad as time evolves.

Neuromuscular scoliosis normally appears because of birth defects, this is the reason why plenty of younger persons suffer from this kind of illness. This kind of scoliosis regularly happens when the bare bones inside the spinal column are not shaped properly.

Symptoms of scoliosis include the visible curving of the spinal column, back pain, briefness of breath, and even pain in the chest. While briefness of breath and pain in the chest are not frequent, these signs may happen if the spinal column has become severely curved. Still, majority of people are not able to experience any form of soreness due to an arched spinal column or spine.

The only means to verify whether or not the person is experiencing from scoliosis is by means of a comprehensive physical examination. Upon consulting with your medical physician, a patient is asked to take away any item of clothes coming from waist up. In this way, the medical expert may examine the curve of the back.

If curved spine is identified, there are two things which can be made in order to aid in the treatment of this ailment. Before any kind of medication can start, it is very essential to note the kind of scoliosis any person is being afflicted from.

Since the 3 kinds of scoliosis are severely dissimilar from each other, three completely exceptional cures exist for every type of the ailment. Functional scoliosis can be treated, if possible by means of correcting the dilemma that causes the curved spine or spinal column.

Neuromuscular scoliosis frequently is cured with the assistance of surgery and specialty braces, as degenerative scoliosis can be treated by means of physical therapy rehabilitation and minor surgical procedure. Any individual who is suffering back pain such as curved spine and any other symptoms need to seek medical treatment right away.

Non-Invasive Spinal Decompression

Spinal decompression is primarily the relief of pressure on a pinched nerve. It is normally used for treatment of chronic back pain, prolapsed discs, herniated discs, sciatica, spinal stenosis and spondylitis. Spinal decompression can be achieved through surgical, as well as non-surgical procedures.

Spinal decompression using minimally invasive surgery involves a surgical procedure with the aid of an operating microscope, where a portion of the herniated disc is removed with a surgical instrument or laser. Invasive surgery involves removal of a portion of the arched bone to relieve pressure on the pinched nerve.

The modern technique of non-surgical spinal decompression was developed by 1985 by Dr. Allan Dyer who later introduced a non-surgical decompression table in 1991. Although similar, as it is a development of an old concept, there is a great difference between the old system of spinal decompression through mechanical traction that used weights and pulleys and the modern computerized decompression tables.

This is a system of mechanical decompression that uses a traction device to reduce the body's tendency to withstand external force and produce muscle spasms. The entire procedure is controlled through computers and allows application of targeted traction force to decrease pressure on the pinched nerve, as well as within discs.

The modern system of decompression not only reduces pressure on the pinched nerve, but also lessens the risk of injury, which was the hallmark of the old fashioned mechanical traction. Non-surgical spinal decompression is a proven and highly effective technique that has shown success rates between 60-85%.

Non-invasive decompression reduces pressure on the vertebral joints and retracts the herniated discs. The rest is left to the body's inherent capacity to self-heal.

The theory is that when pressure is reduced, it leads to diffusion of fluids, nutrients and oxygen into the affected area around the herniated disc. This leads to re-hydration of the degenerated disc. When pressure is reduced repeatedly, it aids in the retraction of nucleus pulposus, the jelly like substance found in the middle of spinal discs.

Patients need to contact a spine specialist who is qualified to treat lower back pain, herniated discs, and other spinal problems through decompression techniques. Modern techniques ofl decompression are innovative and provide relief from pain due to herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, sciatica and acute and chronic back pain.

The therapy can isolate each of the five lumbar vertebrae and distract them from the affected disc by as much as 5-7 millimeters. Treatment may involve up to 20-25 sessions, each lasting about 30 minutes. The entire process may take slightly more than a month.

Although the purpose is the same, there is a mild difference between non-surgical decompression techniques and chiropractic manipulations. A chiropractor uses manual therapy that includes manipulation of the spine, joints and soft tissues. Non-invasive spinal decompression techniques are highly technical and provide pain relief using modern computerized tables.

Complications from spinal surgeries can be severe and sometimes extremely debilitating. The concomitant medication that involves strong drugs too has serious side effects.

As compared to surgical procedures, spinal decompression is safer and cost effective.
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An Overview of the Risk Factors Related to Cervical Spondylosis

Why do people develop Cervical Spondylosis? There are a handful of answers to this one question which usually affects men rather than women. Primarily, patients suffering from this disease are most likely to complain neck stiffness and pain. The pain can be relieved by oral medications, although it only goes away for a few hours then gradually returns back again. In a span of about 10 hours, the pain is there again and will continue to bother your daily routine.

Your doctor will first recommend non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) once you were diagnosed to present clinical manifestations of Cervical Spondylosis. Your physician will also need you to maintain your ideal weight by performing daily exercises which was specifically designed to relieve neck strains. Alongside with this, you will be educated on the appropriate sleeping positions you need to follow in order to achieve maximal bed rest while at the same time avoiding twisting your neck for prolonged hours of sleep.

Your age predetermines if you are to develop Cervical Spondylosis. Around 83% of people ranging from the age of 60 to 65 along with 95% of the total population with the age of 70 suffers from this degenerative disease. Recent studies have showed that the condition can also develop at the age of twenty.

There are certain types of occupations that contribute to Cervical Spondylosis. Most of these occupations entail an application of extra pressure to your neck. Overhead work along with awkward neck positioning serves as the culprit to developing the disease. Examples of these occupations are professional gymnasts and dancers that require repetitive neck movements. High impact sports such as rugby can also contribute to the development of the condition.

Another risk factor that you should be careful about is trauma directed to the neck area. Car accidents, for example, provide a direct injury to your neck. Injuries acquired during work hours can also direct the formation of bones spurs in the intervertebral discs of the spinal cord.

Psychological factors including prolonged depression and anxiety can also signal the onset of Cervical Spondylosis. These unwanted emotions most of the time triggers neck pain, which is one of the earliest sign of the disease. If you experiencing these mental illnesses, it is recommended that you visit your psychologist to correct the negative emotions. Your physician might be prescribing mild sleeping pills and anti-depressants to address the issue.

Last on the most common risk factors is smoking. Your health is jeopardized the moment you start sticking that cigarette in your mouth. It had been proven in recent studies that chain smokers have more brittle bones as compared to non-smokers.

Arnold-Chiari I Syndrome: Symptoms, Complications, and New Treatments

If somebody you know constantly experiences yawning-induced headaches, difficulty swallowing, facial pains, or "restless leg syndrome", they might be suffering from Arnold-Chiari I syndrome.

The World Arnold Chiari Malformation Association published a series of statistics in the year 2008. The content included a list of the most common symptoms for Arnold Chiari I Syndrome. They are listed below:

Headaches in the occipito-cervical region that increases with effort, with coughing and with laughter, 90%

Fatigue, 90%

Loss of sight, 81%

Loss of balance, 81%

Loss of strength in general, 77%

General loss of equilibrium, 77%

Reduced mobility, 74%

Bright light intolerance, 74%

Vertigo when patient switches positions, 74%

Difficulty with driving, 74%

Strong reduction in patient's mobility, 74%

Difficulty when walking on uneven terrain, 74%

Pressure at neck level, 71%

Pain and/or pressure behind the eyes, 71%

Back pain (previous back injury, 34%) 71%

Points in the field of view, 68%

Neck spasms 68%

Insomnia, 61%

Ear noise, 61%

Frequent falling down, 61%

Sharp sound intolerance, confusion induced by sharp sounds, 58%

Nystagmus, 58%

Head buzzing sounds, 58%

Sense of extremity strength loss, 58%

Low muscular tone, 55%

Double vision, 55%

Difficulty while swallowing, 55%

Unusual salivation, 55%

Spontaneous vertigo, 55%

Tremors in extremities, 55%

Blood circulation issues, 55%

Sinusitis, 55%

Nausea, 52%

Neck pulsations, 52%

Difficulty while reading, 52%.

More commonly known as a "Chiari malformation," the Arnold-Chiari syndrome is a brain disorder caused by a malformed cerebellar tonsil that causes part of it to protrude into the base of the skull, through the occipital cavity or foramen magnum. This defect can slow the flow of Cerebro-Spinal Fluid (CSF) in a person's spinal column, aside from imposing pressure on brain tissue.

As the Arnold Chiari Syndrome I evolves in the patient, diagnosis becomes a challenging task. However the complications and risks that come with it are considerable. The experience can become very difficult specially for patients who are used to an active lifestyle, live alone or play an important role in the financial support of their families.

As of present, there are four types of Chiari malformations recognized by the medical community. While Types 2, 3, and 4 commonly occur in infants and children, the Arnold-Chiari I syndrome is most often found in adults, with most patients not realizing that they suffer from the condition. Most patients discover they are suffering from Chiari malformation after they start feeling the symptoms, or after an examination for an unrelated medical condition.

While speech and physical therapy can help stem the complications that arise from the Type 1 condition, they do not directly address the root cause, which is the blockage caused by the cerebellar tonsils. Patients who are severely debilitated by the more severe symptoms may need surgery to help alleviate the pressure that the tonsils impose.

Surgery is the only proper course that can directly address this problem, which normally takes the form of a decompressive craniectomy. In this procedure, the surgeon removes a section of the skull to reduce swelling in the brain. While the procedure has been successful in reducing complications for other brain injuries, it does come with considerable risks, such as brain abscesses, brain edema, and meningitis.

However, there are medical institutions that specialize in researching Chiari malformation, and have developed new surgical procedures that result in reduced post-surgery trauma and shorter recovery times for the patient.

One such treatment for the Arnold-Chiari I syndrome currently under review involves treating not the skull, but rather the filum terminale that anchors the spine. This procedure has been successfully executed during surgery on more than 1,000 patients, but is normally conducted only by clinics specializing in treatment of people suffering from Chiari, scoliosis, and other similar spinal disorders.