How And Why Chiropractors Use A Spinal Decompression Table

Chiropractic care hinges on taking care of your spine. More specifically, it centers around adjusting the positions of your vertebrae in relation to one another, creating more space between them. There are multiple methods of chiropractic back pain management. One of those techniques is by using a spinal decompression table. Keep reading for a closer look at this technique, its benefits, and how it is used.

What is a spinal decompression table?

People's spines have a tendency to become compressed, meaning that your vertebrae become closer and closer together, putting pressure on the intervertebral discs between them. This can eventually lead to a herniated disc or more widespread nerve pain. A spinal decompression table is a device a chiropractor uses to spread out your vertebrae and create more space between them.

The patient lays on the spinal compression table with their back down. Their legs are then elevated on a platform part of the table. Meanwhile, the part of the table directly under a certain part of the back is lowered. This puts the patient in a position where the spine is stretched out.

What are the benefits of spinal decompression?

Spinal decompression has a lot of benefits when compared to other methods of dealing with back and neck pain. For one, it addresses the root cause of the problem – compressed vertebrae – rather than covering up the symptoms. It's also natural. The only real side effects you need to worry about are some tightness and soreness after a session, and this is fairly rare. Most patients only feel relief and relaxation after a stretching session on the decompression table.

Is using a spinal decompression table better than getting a manual adjustment?

It really depends on the nature of your back pain. The decompression table tends to offer a full-back stretch, whereas an adjustment tends to target specific problematic regions. With a manual adjustment, your chiropractor is also working against tense muscles that want to keep your vertebrae in place. If your muscles are very tense, they may not be able to move the vertebrae as much as they'd like to. A decompression table is "stronger" than a chiropractor's hands and often better at adjusting patients with lots of tension in their back muscles.

If your chiropractor recommends a session or two on a spinal decompression table, you'd be wise to say "yes." These tables have a lot of advantages and can be really useful for a variety of patients.

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