Our Summary

This study focuses on understanding how non-surgical spinal decompression (NSSD), a treatment for lower back pain, works. To do this, researchers looked at the effects of NSSD on the physical properties and structure of the muscles located next to the spine. They used a device called a myotonometer to measure these properties and an ultrasound to measure the thickness of a specific muscle in the lower back. The study involved 30 young adults with lower back pain who underwent NSSD therapy once. The researchers then compared the measurements taken before and after the therapy.

The results showed that there were no immediate changes in the physical properties or thickness of the muscles after NSSD. This could suggest that NSSD might work by interacting with certain receptors in the body, rather than by changing the muscles’ shape or physical properties. The study concludes that these measurements may not be the best way to determine the effectiveness of NSSD.

FAQs

  1. What is non-surgical spinal decompression (NSSD) and how does it work?
  2. How did the researchers measure the effects of NSSD on the muscles located next to the spine?
  3. What were the results of the study and what do they suggest about the effectiveness of NSSD?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give to a patient undergoing spinal decompression is to follow all recommended treatment protocols and exercises to maximize the benefits of the therapy. It is also important to communicate any changes or improvements in symptoms to your healthcare provider to ensure proper monitoring and adjustments to the treatment plan if necessary. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and proper posture can help support the effects of spinal decompression therapy in managing lower back pain.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for spinal decompression therapy are those who suffer from chronic lower back pain, sciatica, herniated discs, bulging discs, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, and other spinal conditions that cause compression on the spinal nerves. These patients may have tried other conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medication, or injections without success and are looking for a non-surgical option to relieve their pain and improve their quality of life.

Timeline

Before spinal decompression:

  1. Patient experiences lower back pain, potentially caused by conditions such as herniated discs or spinal stenosis.
  2. Patient may undergo diagnostic tests such as X-rays or MRI to determine the cause of the pain.
  3. Patient may try conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, or injections to alleviate the pain.
  4. If conservative treatments are unsuccessful, patient may consider spinal decompression as a non-surgical option.

After spinal decompression:

  1. Patient undergoes spinal decompression therapy, which involves stretching the spine to relieve pressure on the discs and nerves.
  2. Patient may experience immediate relief from pain during or after the therapy session.
  3. Patient may need multiple sessions of spinal decompression to achieve long-term pain relief.
  4. Patient may also be advised to continue with exercises and lifestyle modifications to maintain the benefits of spinal decompression.
  5. Patient may follow up with their healthcare provider to monitor their progress and make any necessary adjustments to their treatment plan.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. How does spinal decompression work to relieve lower back pain?
  2. What specific type of spinal decompression therapy do you recommend for my condition?
  3. What are the potential risks and side effects of spinal decompression therapy?
  4. How many sessions of spinal decompression therapy will I need to see results?
  5. Are there any lifestyle changes or exercises I should do in conjunction with spinal decompression therapy?
  6. How long do the effects of spinal decompression therapy typically last?
  7. Are there any contraindications or reasons why I may not be a good candidate for spinal decompression therapy?
  8. What is the success rate of spinal decompression therapy for patients with similar conditions to mine?
  9. Will I need to continue regular maintenance sessions after completing my initial spinal decompression therapy?
  10. Can you provide me with any resources or additional information about spinal decompression therapy?

Reference

Authors: Lo WLA, Lei D, Leng Y, Huang H, Wang B, Yu Q, Li L. Journal: J Int Med Res. 2020 Jul;48(7):300060520919232. doi: 10.1177/0300060520919232. PMID: 32723102