Maintaining good spinal health is crucial for your everyday well-being. The spine supports the body’s structure and facilitates various movements. Many people experience common back-related problems, such as lower back discomfort or stiffness. Bad posture, wrong lifting practices, or sedentary lifestyles frequently cause these conditions.
One innovative way to address spinal health is through Flexion Distraction Therapy. This chiropractic treatment is a non-invasive technique used to improve general spinal health. In this blog post, we will walk you through this gentle approach to spinal condition and pain relief.
What Is Flexion Distraction Therapy?
Flexion Distraction Therapy is a specialized chiropractic treatment that decompresses the spine to relieve pressure on spinal discs and nerves. This light stretching helps improve the range of motion in the spine, reduces muscle stiffness, and enhances the body’s natural healing processes. It also promotes proper spinal alignment, which is crucial for overall musculoskeletal health.
During this treatment, the patient lies on a specially designed table with moving parts that allow for controlled and moderate stretching. The chiropractor applies manual pressure to specific areas of the spine while manipulating the table to create a rhythmic distraction force. This non-invasive approach is well-tolerated by many patients, making it a valuable option for those seeking gentle relief from back pain.
Conditions Treated With Flexion Distraction Therapy
The following are some of the most common back-related injuries and conditions that can be treated with this therapy:
Chronic Back Pain
Chronic back pain is a persistent and prolonged discomfort in the lower, middle, or upper back that lasts for an extended period, sometimes lasting longer than three months. Unlike acute back pain, which may result from a specific injury or trauma, chronic back pain often develops gradually. It may also be associated with underlying conditions such as herniated discs, osteoarthritis, or spinal stenosis.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Intervertebral discs function as shock absorbers and support structures between vertebrae. The gradual breakdown of these discs causes degenerative disc disease. The deterioration is typically attributed to aging, regular use, or injury. It results in a loss of disc integrity and decreased water content. Consequently, the discs lose height and their ability to effectively cushion vertebrae.
Herniated Discs
Herniated discs (or slipped or ruptured discs) occur when the soft inner core protrudes through the tough outer layer. This can result from wear and tear, age-related degeneration, or sudden injury. Depending on the affected area, the protrusion may press on nearby nerves, leading to symptoms like localized pain, tingling, or numbness.
Sciatica
Sciatica is characterized by pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which extends from the lower back down each leg. Its most common cause is the compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve, often resulting from a herniated disc or bone spur. The pain can range from mild aches to shooting sensations, and people with this condition may experience numbness, tingling, or weakness in the affected leg.
Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a medical disorder that causes an abnormal spine curvature, which usually appears as a sideways or S-shaped curve. The condition can occur in childhood or adolescence and can be caused by factors like heredity, muscle imbalances, or neuromuscular problems. Scoliosis can result in unequal shoulders or hips or a visible tilt of the torso, depending on the severity of the curvature.
Begin Your Wellness Journey With Gilroy Family Chiropractic!
If you are looking for a non-invasive path to spinal health and pain relief, consider treatments like Flexion Distraction Therapy! At Gilroy Family Chiropractic, we are here to alleviate your discomfort and foster long-term health and well-being.
Call us today at 610-837-1041 to schedule an appointment!