Is Spinal Decompression Right for my Herniated Disc?

Spinal problems like herniated discs are scary for several reasons. The pain can be an absolute nightmare, for one. Of course, in the worst case scenarios, we are told that it can mean certain surgical intervention which is about as scary as it gets. Thankfully, modern integrative medical approaches are meaning that we don’t have to rely on invasive methods for disc herniations anymore, at least not as the first and only line of defense for things like sciatica. At Living Well Medical in NYC, we’ve done our part to show that non-surgical techniques can be just as effective in getting long-term relief for our patients suffering with back, neck, arm and leg pain.

Spinal decompression therapy has been a huge part of that effort, especially when we’ve combined it with our other therapies (physical therapy, chiropractic, massage, acupuncture, etc.).

So that’s all well and good, but how can you know that it will work for you, right? What do you have to do to be sure you are a candidate? Should you try other treatments first? In the past, spinal decompression has been a last resort; as more and more people find relief, they are choosing it as a first line of defense. After all, if you can get your life back from pain and do it without going under the knife and without medication, why wouldn’t you?

The thing is, spinal decompression isn’t going to be for everyone. There are certain conditions that will preclude some people from this particular treatment. The only way to know if you are a good match is to have an MRI and bring it to a spinal decompression doctor for a consultation. Many of us will even provide this consultation free of charge, though that will of course vary from place to place (Living Well Medical does). Based on that analysis and first consult talk, our experts will suggest treatment options that will best fit your situation.

So really, if you want to know if spinal decompression could work for your pain, the only real answer is to take action and seek the appropriate help. If you want a place to start, give our Manhattan office a call at 212-645-8151.

- Dr. Shoshany, NYC Chiropractor