Can Decompression Theraphy Fix A Pinched Nerve In The Neck? | Dr. Daniel Bridge
Video Transcript
Are you tired of that nagging neck pain caused by a pinched nerve? Well, I’ve got some exciting news for you! I’ll be unraveling the mystery behind a groundbreaking treatment called decompression therapy.
Decompression Table
We have our decompression table, which we utilize to treat symptoms like sciatica in the lower back. I have set it up for neck decompression, specifically targeting cervical radiculopathy, commonly known as a pinched nerve. The patient lies on their back, and their head is positioned in the cradle, which can slide back and forth on a track. Once comfortably positioned, we secure the patient’s head to the device to ensure it stays in place as it moves back and forth.
We connect the device to the machine, adjusting the level of traction according to the patient’s needs. The device exerts a gentle pulling force, decompressing the neck and providing relief to the compressed nerves and disc spaces.
This process involves cyclic movements of traction and relaxation, which can be customized to the patient’s comfort level. The goal is to alleviate pain, restore feeling and strength to the arm, and improve overall neck mobility, all without resorting to invasive surgeries.
Risk Associates With This Treatment
It’s important to note that when performed correctly, the risks are minimal. Some individuals may experience increased soreness, particularly after the first session. However, this is typically a temporary effect and aligns with the expected outcome of the treatment. It’s crucial to recognize that decompression therapy may not be suitable for everyone. Certain contraindications exist that warrant caution. Severe osteoporosis, recent surgery within the past six months, spinal fusion, hardware implants, recent fractures, and spinal instability are factors that may exclude individuals from undergoing decompression therapy. Additionally, it is essential that during treatment, the pain centralizes from the fingers to the mid-arm, elbow, shoulder, and neck—not the other way around. If the pain radiates further down the arm following the treatment, decompression therapy may not be the optimal choice.