Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy in Highlands Ranch

Non-surgical spinal decompression (NSSD) is a safe, painless, and non-invasive treatment to help patients with back pain, disc issues, and more. At our Highlands Ranch clinic, we offer this innovative therapy to provide relief for those suffering from chronic or acute back pain.

How Does Spinal Decompression Work?

During each session at Highlands Family Chiropractic, you will be fitted with a pelvic harness to assist in the decompression process and asked to lie down on the table. Using a specialized pulling mechanism attached to a table, NSSD applies a pulling force, then relaxes a little bit, and then pulls again. This cycle is repeated during each session.

Try to visualize an accordion being played. With NSSD, it does that same motion, but to a disc, and of course at a much more anatomically appropriate level. The motion pumps the disc to promote healing. The disc has a very poor blood supply, and the pumping motion helps with fluid exchange, called imbibition, which helps the disc heal. This relieves pain, pressure on nerves, and can reduce disc herniations. 

The therapy is appropriate for most people and can be performed on the low back as well as the neck. Our doctors will make sure there are no contraindications to spinal decompression.

What Are The Benefits?

With non-surgical spinal decompression, you may experience the following:

Overall Reduction In Pain

The main benefit of NSSD is a reduction in pain. The therapy works by gently stretching the spine, creating negative pressure within the discs, and allowing them to return to their proper positions. This relieves pressure on nerves and restores blood flow to the affected area, leading to a decrease in pain levels.

Ability To Return To Daily Activities

Chronic back pain can restrict a person’s ability to perform daily activities such as work, exercise, and even simple tasks like household chores. After undergoing NSSD therapy, many patients report an improvement in their range of motion and the ability to engage in these activities without pain.

Relief After Five Or Six Treatments

Many patients experience relief after just a few treatments, with significant improvement seen after five or six sessions. The exact number of treatments required varies based on each individual’s condition, response to therapy, and ultimate goal of each treatment plan.

A Reduction In The Size Of The Disc Herniation

NSSD has been shown to reduce the size of disc herniations, which are a common cause of back pain. By gently pulling on the spine and allowing the discs to return to their proper positions, pressure on the affected nerves is relieved, and the discs can heal themselves.

Being Able To Avoid Surgery And Drugs

One of the most significant benefits of NSSD is that it offers a non-invasive, drug-free alternative to surgery and medication for back pain relief. Surgery can be costly, risky, and require a long recovery time, while medication may only provide temporary relief and can come with unwanted side effects.

What To Expect During Your Visit

At your first appointment, our doctors and team will take a detailed history and do some orthopedic and neurological testing. And in the presence of appropriate markers that indicate a need for radiology, we would likely be taking X-rays. 

If you’re like some of our patients who arrive with those images or MRIs, those are sufficient, unless the images are outdated. Our Dr’s  will use the images in conjunction with your history and exam findings to identify the cause of your condition.

“We’re trying to not go after the symptom, but instead identify the cause, so we can eliminate it whenever possible, and make recovery as permanent as possible.”

A realistic treatment plan for most patients is from 12 to 24 sessions. The length of your care depends on how long the condition has been there and how severe the underlying cause is. The uniqueness of the person will dictate the frequency of treatment. 

“I often give the analogy of a gym. If the person is trying to lose 5 pounds, they can work out for a month and lose those 5 pounds. However, if they’re trying to lose 50 pounds, then it will take longer,” says Dr. Hicks. 

How far a person is from the “finish line” will dictate the number of treatments.