Our Minneapolis chiropractors use specialized disc decompression techniques to treat symptomatic disc injuries involving back pain and often-accompanying leg pain.
Flexion-Distraction Technique
Flexion-Distraction is the most widely used approach to treating symptomatic disc injuries. It involves the use of a specialized table that gently distracts, or stretches, the spine, allowing our chiropractors to isolate the area of disc involvement while slightly flexing the spine in a pumping rhythm. There is usually no pain involved in the treatment. Flexion-Distraction works well for lower back pain, hip pain, and SI joint pain.
The tractioning or distraction of the disc, combined with isolation and gentle pumping of the involved area, allows the central area of the disc — the nucleus pulposus — to assume its central position. Flexion-distraction is thought to improve disc height and decrease low back pain. These actions move the disc away from the nerve, reducing inflammation of the nerve root and eventually the associated pain and inflammation into the leg.
Distraction is applied in a series of treatments combined with adjunctive physiotherapy, supplementation, and home instructions. Eventually, specific exercises for low back disc conditions and low back pain are introduced.
Pelvic Blocking Techniques
Lyn Lake Chiropractic uses pelvic blocking techniques as part of another low back disc protocol. Under this technique, disc patients are categorized according to a set of findings, including traditional orthopedic and neurological testing. Treatment includes the use of cushioned wedges placed under each side of the pelvis, along with gentle maneuvers, which allows gravity and changes in mechanics to draw the disc away from the nerve. Disc injuries are treated in a series of non-force treatments with ongoing monitoring and evaluation.
Our chiropractors and staff have had great success treating low back pain and disc injuries with these conservative, non-surgical treatments at Lyn Lake Chiropractic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Flexion-Distraction Technique?
A treatment that uses a specialized table to gently stretch and flex the spine in a pumping rhythm, helping treat disc injuries, lower back pain, hip pain, and SI joint pain without the pain typically associated with disc treatment.
Is disc decompression painful?
No. Flexion-Distraction and pelvic blocking techniques are non-force, gentle treatments generally not associated with pain during the procedure itself.
What is Pelvic Blocking Technique?
A treatment protocol using cushioned wedges placed under the pelvis combined with gentle maneuvers, allowing gravity and mechanical changes to draw a disc away from an irritated nerve.
How does disc decompression reduce leg pain?
By moving the disc away from the nerve root, these techniques reduce nerve inflammation, which in turn reduces the pain and inflammation that can radiate down into the leg.
Do these treatments require surgery?
No. Both Flexion-Distraction and Pelvic Blocking are conservative, non-surgical treatments used as part of an ongoing treatment plan, often combined with physiotherapy and specific exercises.