Spinal decompression is a non-surgical, non-invasive treatment for certain types of chronic back pain that works by slowly and gently stretching the spine, taking pressure off compressed discs and vertebrae. People with significant low back pain, sciatica, lower extremity pain, numbness and tingling are being helped by this procedure, often when medications, injections or surgery have failed.

The spine is the chief supporter of our upper bodies. The adult spine is made up of approximately 24 bones (vertebrae) stacked on top of each other from the bottom of the skull to the pelvis. Between each vertebra is a soft, gel-like cushion, called an intervertebral disc. These flat, round "cushions" act like shock absorbers by helping absorb pressure. The discs prevent the bones from rubbing against each other. The spinal column also has small joints called facet joints. The facet joints link the vertebrae together and give them the flexibility to move against each other.

Damage or deterioration of the spinal disks due to inevitable wearing of age or by physical accidents results in severe back pain since pressure is put on the spinal cord or spinal nerves. Symptoms may include numbness or sudden shocks of sharp pains, either near the site of the damaged disk or even down through the legs.

Spinal decompression treatment involves the use of computer-controlled hydraulic forces applied in specific directions at precise angles in order to open up the disc spaces of the lower back and reduce the size of disc herniations or disc bulges. The result is decompression of nerve roots and alleviation of symptoms, allowing a return to more normal pain-free activities.

If you are experiencing low back pain, Spine and Sports Medicine, centrally located in midtown Manhattan offices, will attend to your needs with expert care. Utilizing the F.D.A. approved ExtenTrac® Elite system, our specialty care team will relieve pressure on structures that may be the cause of low back and leg pain. To make an appointment, please call or email us today.