Decompression For Herniated Disc: Relief For Back Pain
Dr Deuk
Tuesday, June 03, 2025
Decompression For Herniated Disc
Spinal decompression for herniated disc is a treatment designed to reduce pressure on the spine, reduce pain, and improve mobility.
This article explores both nonsurgical and surgical spinal decompression options, explaining how each method works and who may benefit from it. It also looks at procedures like laminectomy, discectomy, and spinal fusion to unveil their risks.
We also address alternative treatments and the causes and symptoms of a herniated disc.
What Is Spinal Decompression Therapy?
Spinal decompression therapy is a treatment that alleviates pressure on the spinal discs and surrounding structures. It can be performed surgically or non-surgically, depending on the severity of the condition.
Nonsurgical methods typically involve traction-based techniques that gently stretch the spine. Surgical decompression, on the other hand, involves removing or altering spinal structures to create more space for nerves and discs.
How Decompression Relieves Herniated Discs
Our research indicates that decompression reduces the pressure on the affected spinal segment, alleviating pain.
Benefits Of Spinal Decompression
Spinal decompression can provide pain relief and improve mobility in individuals suffering from radiculopathy, or myelopathy.
By alleviating pressure on spinal structures, decompression can reduce symptoms like back pain, leg pain, and numbness.
Nonsurgical Spinal Decompression
Nonsurgical spinal decompression is a therapy designed to relieve back pain by stretching the spine.
This therapy is performed using a motorized traction table, where the patient is securely positioned while controlled mechanical forces apply intermittent or continuous stretching.
This technique aims to reduce pressure on the spinal discs, improve circulation, and promote healing without the need for surgery.
The goal is to create negative pressure within the affected discs, potentially retracting disc material and improving fluid exchange to promote healing.
The treatment is usually done in multiple sessions over several weeks, with each session lasting between 20 and 45 minutes.
While some individuals report pain relief after just a few sessions, results can vary, and the long-term effectiveness of nonsurgical decompression is still debated.
Who Is A Good Candidate?
Our research indicates that the ideal candidates for nonsurgical spinal decompression are individuals with radiating pain caused by a pinched nerve.
Those who have not responded well to physical therapy or medication may find this treatment beneficial.
Candidates should not have severe structural damage. Individuals with mild to moderate symptoms and no significant nerve compression may experience the most relief.
Who Should Avoid It?
Nonsurgical spinal decompression is not suitable for individuals with severe spinal conditions or structural instability. Patients with spinal fractures, tumors, osteoporosis, or spinal infections should avoid this treatment, as it may worsen their condition.
Those with hardware implants from previous spinal surgeries are also not ideal candidates, as the traction forces may interfere with existing stabilization.
Pregnant women and individuals with severe nerve compression, cauda equina syndrome, or advanced spinal stenosis should also avoid spinal decompression.
In these cases, more targeted medical interventions may be necessary. Consult a spine specialist at Deuk Spine Institute before starting treatment.
Surgical Spinal Decompression Options
There are several types of spinal decompression surgeries, each designed to address specific conditions. The most common procedures include laminectomy, discectomy, and spinal fusion.
Laminectomy
A laminectomy is a surgical procedure that removes part of the lamina, the bony arch of a vertebra, to create more space in the spinal canal.
This procedure is commonly performed to treat spinal stenosis, where the spinal canal narrows and compresses the nerves, leading to pain, weakness, and numbness.
By removing the lamina, the pressure on the nerves is alleviated, allowing them to function properly.
A laminectomy carries risk. It may lead to spinal instability, potentially requiring additional procedures like a spinal fusion. Recovery from a laminectomy typically involves several weeks of restricted activity, with physical therapy recommended to restore mobility and strength.
Discectomy
A discectomy is a surgical procedure that removes a portion of a herniated or damaged disc. This procedure is commonly performed for conditions like sciatica or lumbar radiculopathy, where a bulging or herniated disc causes nerve compression and radiating pain.
It’s important to note that removing part of the disc can sometimes lead to degeneration of the remaining disc over time.
Spinal Fusion
Spinal fusion is a procedure used to stabilize the spine after decompression surgery or to correct spinal deformities. This surgery involves permanently joining two or more vertebrae using bone grafts, screws, or rods, eliminating movement at the affected segment.
While spinal fusion can work, it also limits spinal flexibility and increases stress on adjacent vertebrae, which may lead to adjacent segment disease.
Recovery from spinal fusion surgery is typically longer than other decompression surgeries, often requiring several months of healing and physical therapy to restore strength and mobility.
Risks And Recovery
Spinal decompression surgery carries potential risks, including infection, nerve damage, blood clots, and complications from anesthesia.
In some cases, patients may experience persistent pain, spinal instability, or failed back surgery syndrome, where symptoms continue despite surgical intervention. These complications can lengthen recovery times.
Continue reading to learn how to avoid this altogether.
Alternative Treatments For Herniated Discs
Minimally invasive procedures are a preferred alternative to open surgery, whether used as an L5 herniated disc treatment or an L3-L4-L5 disc bulge treatment.
These advanced techniques aim to shrink or remove damaged disc tissue while preserving the surrounding structures. Here is an in-depth look at this innovative procedure.
Deuk Laser Disc Repair®
Deuk Laser Disc Repair® is a minimally invasive procedure that targets herniated discs using laser technology to remove the inflammation-inducing disc material.
The procedure is performed through a small incision, which minimizes trauma to surrounding muscles and ligaments.
Because Laser Disc Repair preserves the natural structure of the spine, it results in faster recovery, reduced postoperative pain, and a lower risk of complications compared to traditional spinal surgery.
Causes Of A Herniated Disc
A herniated disc occurs when the soft inner portion of a spinal disc pushes through a tear in the outer layer. This can result from degeneration caused by trauma.
Improper lifting and repetitive strain are also common causes of disc herniation. Sudden movements, heavy lifting, or prolonged poor posture can increase pressure on the spine, making discs more likely to herniate.
Factors like obesity, smoking, and a sedentary lifestyle may further contribute to disc degeneration and herniation.
Common Symptoms
The symptoms of a herniated disc vary depending on the location and severity of the herniation. Our findings show that the most common symptom is pain, which can occur in the lower back, mid-back, and neck.
If nerves are affected, the pain can radiate to the extremities.
Other symptoms of a herniated disc include numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, or loss of reflexes.
In severe cases, a herniated disc can cause loss of bladder or bowel control, which requires immediate medical attention.
Conclusion
Spinal decompression therapy can relieve pressure on the spine and improve the quality of life for individuals suffering from conditions like herniated discs and spinal stenosis.
While surgical procedures like laminectomy and discectomy are used for more severe cases, these procedures come with risks and longer recovery times.
Minimally invasive treatments like Laser Disc Repair provide a promising alternative to traditional spinal surgeries. For expert care and advanced spinal treatments, visit Deuk Spine Institute. Get a free MRI review today.
If you want to learn more, why not check out these articles below: