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The Benefits of Spinal Decompression for Sciatica

Written By Chapman Health Group on March 26, 2018

Is your sciatica causing ongoing pains in your back and legs that are uncomfortable and often debilitating? 

Then spinal decompression may be recommended by your doctor. But what is this treatment and what does it involve?

Spinal decompression is an age-old technique that’s been favored by chiropractors for many years. It doesn’t require medication or surgery, therefore providing a safe, effective, and drug-free treatment for a variety of conditions, like sciatica. 

The Signs You May Need Spinal Decompression for Sciatica 

The sciatic nerve runs to the ends of your feet from just behind your pelvis, making it the longest nerve in your body. That’s why many sciatica patients will notice pains in their toes and feet, down the backs of their legs, and/or in their buttocks. These sensations can vary from pins and needles to painful shooting or stabbing pains, while others may also find the area feels numb or weak. Equally, after moving, sneezing, or coughing, these symptoms may intensify. 

Sciatica often occurs when there’s an irritation in your lower lumbar or lumbosacral spine. Other contributing causes include degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, lumbar spinal stenosis, muscle spasm, and pregnancy. Your sciatica pain can be worsened by sleeping on an unsupportive mattress, not getting enough exercise, wearing high heels, and being overweight. 

What’s Involved in Spinal Decompression for Sciatica? 

When you visit your chiropractor in Leesburg for spinal decompression therapy, you’ll be provided with a tailored treatment program. Part of this may involve the use of a flexion distraction table – which isn’t as scary as it sounds!

A flexion distraction table has been uniquely designed to respond to the controlled, slow movements a chiropractor administers on your back during your treatment. Furthermore, as portions of this table move, it allows your chiropractor to manipulate your body into a variety of positions. This creates the relaxation and traction technique that’s fundamental to this type of treatment and helps alleviate the pressure that’s been placed on your nerves, causing your sciatica.

During this treatment, you shouldn’t feel any pain but may feel as though your spine has been stretched, which is completely normal. 

And the best bit? A study has demonstrated that patients undergoing spinal decompression for chronic pain notice “significantly greater relief” after flexion distraction treatment compared to those having physical therapy. 

Experience relief from your sciatica symptoms by visiting us at Chapman Health Group for a specialist treatment program that’s tailored to you. 


Posted In: Chiropractic Spinal Decompression Sciatica Treatment