Cervical Decompression Therapy
Cervical compression, or cervical spondylosis, occurs when spinal discs and vertebrae degenerate, resulting in pressure on the spinal cord. Cervical compression causes pain, increased reflexes, numbness, tingling and dexterity issues in the arms and legs. Cervical decompression therapy eases the pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, which often alleviates or completely resolves symptoms.
Cervical Decompression Therapy
If the cervical compression is not severe, or if only root nerves are being compressed, your physician may prescribe a soft neck collar, which stabilizes your neck and provides increased support. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugsand muscle relaxants may also be prescribed. Your physician may additionally recommend cervical decompression therapy, which stabilizes your spine, improves posture, increase muscle tone and takes the pressure off the compressed discs.
Cervical decompression therapy involves massages, electrical stimulation, special exercises, and the application of hot and cold packs to reduce swelling and ease inflammation. One of the most important components of cervical decompression therapy is exercise. Walk regularly to improve and maintain the muscles in your back, hips and legs. These muscles promote good posture and support your spine, and must be kept toned to improve stability and walking. Incorporate at least twenty minutes of walking into your daily routine.
You will also be instructed to do special stretches, which serve to build strength and endurance, and increase your overall flexibility.
Setting Up Decompression Therapy
Talk to your family physician about setting up cervical decompression therapy, as you will need a prescription. He can evaluate the extent of your cervical compression, and recommend an appropriate treatment plan. Meet regularly with your family physician so that he can keep up to date with your progress, and recommend any changes or additions in treatment.
Tips
Do not be wary of cervical decompression therapy. The special massages, exercises and treatments that are incorporated into cervical decompression therapy are designed to improve and tone muscles, improve or correct posture, and provide you with added balance and stability. Follow through with any recommended therapy to ease the pressure on your spinal cord and spinal discs, which in turn will alleviate pain and resolve other symptoms.
Precautions
Speak to your family physician if cervical decompression therapy does not improve your symptoms. Surgery to relieve the pressure on the spinal cord may be necessary, and should not be postponed. While existing damage cannot be reversed, cervical decompression surgery can prevent additional nerve damage from occurring.
Tags: decompression therapy, cervical decompression, spinal cord, cervical decompression therapy, family physician, pressure spinal