• Magazine
    • Past Issues
    • Subscribe
    • Change Mailing Address
    • Surveys
    • Guidelines for Authors
    • Editorial Calendar
    • Editorial Deadlines
    • Dynamic Chiropractic
      • Newspaper
      • Subscription
    • The American Chiropractor
      • Magazine
  • Practice
    • Business Tips
    • Chiropractic Schools
    • Clinical & Technique
    • eBooks
    • eCourses
    • Sponsored Content
    • Infographics
    • Quizzes
    • Wellness & Nutrition
    • Personal Growth
    • Podcast
    • Coronavirus (COVID-19)
  • Resource Centers
  • Products & Services
    • Buyers Guide
    • Products Directory
    • Submit a Product
    • Vendor Login
  • Datebook
    • Become an Events Poster
    • Post an Event
    • View Events
  • Jobs
    • Jobs
    • Post a Job
  • Advertise
    • Advertising Information
    • Media Kit
    • Contact Us

Your Online Chiropractic Community

Chiropractic Economics Your Online Chiropractic Community
Subscribe
  • Home
  • Current Issue
  • News
  • Webinars
  • Chiropractic Research
  • Students

3 conditions commonly treated with decompression tables

Christina DeBusk October 14, 2014

CE_back_pain

By slowly and painlessly stretching the spinal column, the decompression table reduces the pressure that is being placed on the discs impacting the nerves.

In essence, it creates a sort of vacuum effect that helps pull the spine back into place which, ultimately, reduces if not completely eliminates a patient’s pain via a non-surgical method—that means no time off work and no painful or costly recovery.

Decompression tables have become standard in the chiropractic field since hitting the market back in the 1980s.1 Since that time, they have been used to treat a number of conditions; however, there are three that seem to respond best to this type of treatment.

Bulging discs

If you are diagnosed with a bulging disc, it means that the outer layer of a disc in your spine is extending or protruding outward—it would be like stacking blocks perfectly on top of one another and then forcing a middle one slightly with your finger. This type of condition doesn’t always produce pain, but a nerve that is impinged can still be damaging as it inhibits effective communication between your brain and the rest of your body.

Herniated discs

Herniated discs, sometimes referred to as “ruptured” or “slipped,” are slightly different. In this case, the outside of the actual disc itself has cracked, allowing the softer center to leak out, similar to what you’d see happen if you squeezed a tube filled with cheese. By using the decompression table, the spinal column is elongated, thereby lightening the pressure or squeezing on the disc and drawing the fluid back in.

Degenerating discs

As you age, it is normal for your discs to begin to break down, or degenerate. However, some people also have degenerative disc disease, which is a hastening of this process throughout the entire spine and causes a great deal of pain. Regardless, both instances of degeneration can be effectively treated with the decompression table as it reduces pressure on the discs and subsequently the nerves causing the pain.

Decompression tables are valuable for chiropractors and patients alike, but do they work? According to one case study published in European Musculoskeletal Review, the use of the decompression table for a 69 year old man with radiating pain due to disc protrusion and degeneration offered tremendous relief. In fact, in just seven weeks of treatment with the decompression table, his pain went from a 10 to a one when asked its severity.2

References

1Jones R. Vertebral Axial Decompression. American Chiropractic Association. https://www.acatoday.org/content_css.cfm?CID=4683. Accessed October 2014.

2Florio F, Martin W, Pergolizzi J, Richmond C. Management of Low-back Pain with a Non-surgical Decompression System (DRX9000™) – Case Report. European Musculoskeletal Review. 2008:3(1);59-60.

Related Posts

  • Scrip Hessco teams up with the Professional Football Chiropractic SocietyScrip Hessco teams up with the Professional Football Chiropractic Society
  • How do endocannabinoids work in the body and why should we care?How do endocannabinoids work in the body and why should we care?
  • Orthotic intervention in participants with functional ankle instabilityOrthotic intervention in participants with functional ankle instability
  • Vitamin D and COVID: Big patient demand for increased immune protectionVitamin D and COVID: Big patient demand for increased immune protection
  • News round-up: USDA stresses supplements; health conferences announce postponements or switch to virtualNews round-up: USDA stresses supplements; health conferences announce postponements or switch to virtual
  • Chiropractors and MDs working together: knee pain treatmentChiropractors and MDs working together: knee pain treatment

Filed Under: Chiropractic Tables, Resource Center

Current Issue

CE issue 1 cover

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube logoYouTube logoYouTube

Compare Subscriptions

Dynamic Chiropractic

The American Chiropractor

3948 3rd Street South #279,

Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250

Phone 904.285.6020

CONTACT US »

Privacy Policy & Terms of Service

Copyright © 2021, All Rights Reserved

SUBSCRIBE TO THE MAGAZINE

Get Chiropractic Economics magazine
delivered to your home or office. Just
fill out our form to request your FREE
subscription for 20 issues a year,
including two annual Buyers Guides.

SUBSCRIBE NOW »

Latest Chiropractic News

  • The Joint Chiropractic Earns Major Accolades for Franchising Excellence
  • Northeast College Opens Digital Anatomy Lab, Announces Even More Educational Technology, Community-inspired Name
  • 2023 American Chiropractic Association (ACA) Rehab Symposium in March in Las Vegas