Normally as chiropractors we can address the spine in two directions (front to back, side to side) and with decompression it allows us to address the spine in third direction. It does this by unloading the discs to allow for nutrients and fluids to be pulled into them, which, helps to heal and repair damage disc tissue.

DISC DECOMPRESSION THERAPY

Decompressive, also known as traction therapy is a low force treatment that works towards stretching the spine in order to decompress the nervous system and deliver fluid and nutrients to the discs between the vertebrae. This treatment works to pull on the patient at about 30% of the patient’s weight and then will release some of that tension and hold at a lower weight. Depending on treatment time it can pull and hold up to 12 times in one treatment. The purpose of placing a traction-type force on the spine is to create a negative pressure with in the disc which allows for fluids and other nutrients to be pulled into the discs. Over time the discs will maintain a higher fluid level and relieve some of the pressure that was previously placed on the nervous system to restore function in the individual.