Spinal Decompression

Spinal decompression therapy in Tecumseh, MI, is an advanced treatment for pain performed at Tecumseh Chiropractic Center. Our chiropractor, Dr. Tuttle, has specialized training and expertise using a flexion-distraction technique to relieve neck, back, arm, and leg pain by stretching the vertebral column. Decompression therapy is not suitable for everyone. As such, we will do a comprehensive evaluation to determine if it is right for you and how many therapy sessions are required to improve pain, mobility, and nervous system function.

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What is Decompression Therapy?

Neck, back, or disc injuries and misalignments from an accident or disc degeneration are primary factors that put pressure on or squeeze the spine. The compression can happen anywhere from the cervical to the lumbar spine, resulting in mild to debilitating nerve or disc pain.

Non-surgical decompression by our chiropractic physician focuses on taking the pressure off the spinal column, spinal cord, and intervertebral discs. The flexion-distraction technique used restores the ruptured disc material and stops nerve irritation by gently stretching the spine.

Symptoms of Spinal Cord Compression

Common symptoms are neck and low back pain, stiffness, and inflammation. Pain from pressure on a spinal nerve may radiate to any body part connected to the nerve. Numbness, tingling, or a pins-and-needles sensation may be felt in the shoulder, arm, hand, hip, buttock, or leg. Loss of sensation or bladder or bowel control may happen in severe cases.

Conditions Treated with Decompression Therapy

Non-surgical decompression of the spine is a safe, FDA-approved technique proven effective for alleviating acute or chronic pain due to:

Whiplash
Spinal stenosis
Osteoarthritis
Facet Syndrome
Failed back surgery
Degenerative Disc Disease
Bulging and herniated discs
Sciatica (pinched lumbar nerve)

How It Works

Based on your diagnosis, Dr. Tuttle may recommend 15 to 30 treatment sessions over several weeks. Each session lasts between 15 to 35 minutes. When performing treatment, you will be fitted with a harness then asked to lay on a table connected to a computerized traction unit and monitor.

The state-of-the-art decompression therapy system will use preprogrammed distraction forces to gently pull the spine at intervals. This frees the nerves, separates the joints and bones, and makes space for slipped disc material to pull back into position. A rush of nutrients to the spine helps to clear up inflammation, relieve stiffness, and increase overall spine function. Patients usually feel relaxed during therapy and enjoy significant pain relief after the first few sessions.