Things You Need to Know About Spinal Decompression Therapy

Chiropractic adjustment

If you have been struggling with long-term back pain, it can have a massive impact on your day-to-day life. You may be searching for a way to get rid of the discomfort and restore your quality of life. Spinal decompression therapy is a possibility–it can be done with or without surgery. To make an informed decision, it is crucial to understand the details of this procedure.

Understanding Spinal Decompression

Nonsurgical spinal decompression is a way of easing back pain without surgery. It involves using a motorized machine to slowly stretch the spine and change the amount of pressure and position of the bones. This reduces the stress on the spinal disks, which are like cushions between the vertebrae, by creating negative pressure in the discs. 

This encourages the disks to move back into place, alleviating pressure on the nerves and other structures in the spine. It also helps to bring more oxygen, water, and nutrients to the disks so they can heal.

Spinal decompression therapy is a process wherein you are fitted with a harness around your trunk and pelvis area. While lying either face-up or face-down on a special computer-controlled table, the doctor adjusts the settings to tailor the treatment to your unique needs. Throughout the session, you remain fully clothed.

Precautions to Keep in Mind

Before considering nonsurgical spinal decompression, you must talk to your doctor to ensure it is a safe option. Pregnant women should not try this treatment. People suffering from any of the following conditions should also not undergo nonsurgical spinal decompression:

  • Abdominal aortic aneurysm
  • Advanced osteoporosis
  • Fracture
  • Spine metal implants
  • Tumor

Types of Spinal Decompression Therapy

Surgery for the back may involve various procedures designed to reduce the pain and pressure caused by certain conditions. These surgeries can help make the spine more stable and reduce the risk of injury or discomfort. Examples of these procedures include the following:

  • Diskectomy – a surgical procedure where some of the disk material between two vertebrae in the spine is removed to reduce pressure on the nerve roots or spinal cord. This can help to reduce pain and improve function in the affected area.
  • Foraminotomy – a surgical procedure in which a surgeon removes bone and other tissue to make the openings for nerve roots larger. This procedure helps to reduce pain and improve nerve function.
  • Laminectomy – involves a surgeon removing a portion or all of the lamina, a bony arch, from the spine. This creates more space in the spinal canal, thereby reducing pressure and relieving any symptoms caused by the compression of nerves.
  • Osteophyte removal – a surgical procedure where bony growths or projections, called osteophytes, are removed from the body. These bony growths are typically found around the joints and can cause pain, discomfort, and difficulty in movement. During the surgery, the osteophytes are carefully removed from the surrounding tissue.

Risks to Consider 

Spinal decompression surgery carries the potential for complications, such as infection, bleeding, nerve damage, and paralysis. While rare, these risks should be considered and discussed with your doctor before undergoing the procedure. Additionally, while it is possible to experience relief from symptoms, the surgery may not consistently achieve the desired outcome.

Conclusion

Spinal decompression therapy is a safe and effective treatment for those experiencing neck and back pain. It is a non-invasive treatment that uses a motorized traction device to provide relief from herniated discs, sciatica, pinched nerves, degenerative disc diseases, facet syndrome, and other conditions. 

It is important to note that spinal decompression therapy is not a cure but rather a way to help manage the symptoms of your condition. If you are considering spinal decompression therapy, be sure to consult with your doctor first to ensure that it is the right treatment option for you.

Are you on the lookout for a North Fort Myers physical therapy clinic? Rely on Grace Medical & Chiropractic. Our number one goal is to help our North Fort Myers patients with lower back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, knee pain, and various conditions through chiropractic services, physical therapy, medical treatment, and more. Call us!

How to Know If Your Child Needs Chiropractic Services

Chiropractic adjustment

It’s vital for parents to be aware of the signs that their child may require chiropractic services. Chiropractic care is an effective way to help diagnose, treat and manage various conditions in both adults and children. It is a non-invasive treatment that works to restore the body’s natural balance and improve overall health and well-being.

Bad Posture

Bad posture is an increasingly common problem for children today. As technology advances and children spend more time in front of screens, there is a growing concern about the effect on their posture. Poor posture can lead to a host of health problems, both in the short-term and long-term, so it is important to identify it and address the issue.

The most common sign of bad posture is when a child’s shoulders are rounded, and their head is slightly forward. This is known as “forward head posture” and indicates poor spinal alignment. Other signs of bad posture include rounded shoulders, an arched lower back, and the shoulders and neck being too close together.

In addition to physical signs of bad posture, there are also emotional and psychological effects to consider. Poor posture can lead to feelings of insecurity and low self-esteem. It can also cause fatigue and a decrease in concentration.

If you notice your child displays poor posture, it’s important to take action. Regular exercise and stretching can help to improve posture and make the body more resilient to back pain.

If the issue persists, your child may benefit from chiropractic services. A chiropractor can help to restore proper spinal alignment and improve posture. They can also provide therapeutic exercises and lifestyle modifications to help your child maintain good posture.

Birth Trauma

Birth trauma is a type of physical trauma experienced by both babies and mothers during labor and delivery. It typically involves a variety of injuries and medical conditions caused by pressure, stretching, and/or tearing of the baby or mother during delivery. These injuries can range from minor bruising or lacerations to more serious trauma, such as fractures, nerve damage, and even death.

One of the most common injuries associated with birth trauma is nerve damage. This can manifest itself in various ways, including decreased muscle tone, impaired reflexes, and even paralysis. If your baby experiences any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Another common injury associated with birth trauma is spinal misalignment. This occurs when the baby’s spine is not properly aligned at the time of delivery, leading to restrictions and imbalances in the spinal column. If left untreated, these misalignments can lead to a wide range of health issues, including chronic pain, headaches, digestive issues, and even developmental delays.

Chiropractic care can be an effective way to address the effects of birth trauma. By gently adjusting the spine and other joints, chiropractors can help reduce the stress and tension on the body, improve the range of motion, and restore proper alignment. This can help to reduce the pain and discomfort associated with birth trauma, as well as reduce the risk of long-term complications.

Difficulty Sleeping

Difficulty sleeping is an all too common issue for both adults and children. It can lead to a host of issues, including fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. For children, difficulty sleeping can also have a significant effect on physical and mental development. If your child is having difficulty sleeping, it may be time to consider chiropractic services.

Chiropractic services focus on the alignment of the spine and muscular system and can help to alleviate the underlying physical causes of difficulty sleeping. Many times, issues like neck pain or back pain can be the cause of difficulty sleeping, and chiropractic adjustments can help to realign the body and reduce pain associated with restless sleeping.

Final Thoughts

Chiropractic care can be a helpful tool in treating a variety of conditions in children. While some children may not need chiropractic care, those that do can benefit greatly. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide if chiropractic care is the right choice for your child, and it is best to consult with your child’s healthcare provider to determine what is best for them.

Improve your child’s spinal alignment with the help of Grace Medical & Chiropractic. We are a children’s chiropractor in North Fort Myers, helping patients with lower back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, knee pain, and many various conditions through chiropractic services, physical therapy, medical treatment, and more. Request an appointment now!

The Top 5 Ways a Chiropractor Can Help with Fixing Posture

woman using laptop on the bed

Having good posture is an important part of our overall health and well-being. It helps reduce the risk of injury, improves balance, and increases energy levels. Unfortunately, many people spend long hours sitting in front of their computers or hunched over their phones, leading to poor posture. And a chiropractor can be an essential part of helping you maintain good posture.

What Is a Chiropractor

A chiropractor is a healthcare professional who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, with an emphasis on manual adjustment and/or manipulation of the spine. They are often called upon to treat a variety of conditions, such as back pain, neck pain, headaches, and other joint or muscle pain.

Chiropractors use a variety of techniques to treat their patients. These techniques include manual adjustments, mobilization and manipulation of the spine, as well as other soft tissue techniques. They also use a variety of therapeutic exercises, nutritional and lifestyle counseling, and massage therapy to help their patients achieve healthier lifestyles.

Chiropractors often work in conjunction with other healthcare professionals to ensure the best care and treatment for their patients. They may refer their patients to medical doctors, physical therapists, and other specialists to ensure they are receiving the most comprehensive care.

How Chiropractors Help Fix Posture

When it comes to improving postures, a chiropractor can provide you with the necessary adjustments and treatments to help you improve and reduce any pain associated with bad posture. Here are the top five ways a chiropractor can help with fixing posture:

1. Manual Adjustments

Manual adjustments are one of the most common methods a chiropractor uses to help improve posture. These adjustments involve the chiropractor using their hands to manipulate the spine, joints, and muscles in order to realign the body and improve posture.

A chiropractor can perform spinal manipulation to realign the spine and correct misalignments to improve overall posture. This is done by applying gentle pressure to the spine to release tension and reduce pain. This technique can also help improve the range of motion and reduce muscle tightness.

2. Posture Exercises

Posture exercises are another way a chiropractor can help improve posture. These exercises can help strengthen the muscles that support the spine, improving posture and reducing pain. The exercises may include stretches to help the neck and shoulders relax, as well as strengthening exercises for the core muscles.

3. Posture Education

Education on good posture is another essential part of chiropractic care. A chiropractor can provide you with information on the importance of good posture, tips and techniques, as well as advice on lifestyle changes that can help improve your posture.

4. Postural Bracing

Postural bracing is another technique a chiropractor can use to improve posture. This type of bracing uses straps and braces that help to support the body while you are in certain positions. This helps to ensure that you maintain good posture while you are sitting, standing, or performing any activities.

5. Postural Ergonomics

Postural ergonomics is a term that describes how your posture is affected by the environment around you. A chiropractor can help you to understand how your posture is affected by the environment and make recommendations on how to improve your posture in various settings.

Conclusion

These are just a few of the ways a chiropractor can help you improve your posture. By utilizing a combination of the above techniques, a chiropractor can help improve your posture and provide long-term health benefits. If you are experiencing pain, discomfort, or other problems due to poor posture, it is important to seek professional chiropractic care. 

Are you looking for North Fort Myers chiropractor services? If so, Grace Medical & Chiropractor is a great option. Our team of highly trained and experienced chiropractors use a variety of techniques, including spinal manipulation, massage therapy, and rehabilitative exercises, to help our patients achieve their goals. We believe that everyone deserves to live a life free from pain and discomfort. That’s why we strive to provide our clients with comprehensive chiropractic services that can help to relieve pain, improve mobility, and increase overall well-being. Let us help you find personalized chiropractic care that is tailored to your specific needs. Contact us to get started!

Why Parents Take Their Kids to a Chiropractor Today

Child with parents

Parents across the world are increasingly turning to chiropractors to provide health care for their children, particularly those who are otherwise healthy. This is due to the growing awareness of the potential benefits that chiropractic care can provide to children, even those without any underlying health issues. 

From improving posture to helping with growth and development, chiropractic care for children can be a great way to ensure they get the best care. In this article, we will explore why parents may choose to take their healthy children to chiropractors and how this care can benefit them. 

Maximize Brain Development

Chiropractic care for children can help maximize the development of their brains. This is because chiropractic care helps to optimize the functioning of the nervous system, which is responsible for communication between the brain and the rest of the body. Making sure the nervous system is functioning properly can help ensure that the brain is able to develop correctly.

Strengthen Immunity

Chiropractic care can also help strengthen a child’s immune system. This is because chiropractic care helps to remove any interference in the nervous system that may be preventing the body from functioning optimally. When the body is functioning optimally, it can help to strengthen the immune system and prevent the body from becoming ill.

Help With Asthma, Allergies, & Breathing Difficulties

Chiropractic care can also help to reduce the symptoms of asthma, allergies, and other breathing difficulties in children. Reducing the interference in the nervous system can help improve the body’s ability to respond to allergens and other irritants. This can help reduce or eliminate asthma symptoms and other breathing difficulties in children.

Improve Spinal Posture

Chiropractic care can also help improve a child’s spinal posture. It is because chiropractic care helps to realign the spine and reduce any misalignments that may be causing pain or discomfort. This can help to improve a child’s posture and help them to have better posture overall.

Alleviate Digestive Problems

Chiropractic care can also help to alleviate digestive problems in children. Realigning the spine and reducing misalignments or subluxations can help improve the digestive system’s function and reduce any digestive issues a child may be experiencing.

Assist With Bed-Wetting and Sleep Issues

Chiropractic care can also be used to help with bed-wetting and sleep issues in children. Realigning the spine can help reduce any nerve interference causing these issues, which can help the body relax and improve the quality of sleep.

Assist With Behavioral Disorders

Chiropractic care has also been found to be beneficial for children with behavioral disorders such as ADHD, autism, and other similar conditions. Helping restore proper nerve function and communication between the brain and the body can help improve the child’s behavior and reduce any symptoms of these conditions.

To Sum Up

In conclusion, taking a healthy child to a chiropractor can be beneficial in many ways. It can help improve balance, coordination, posture, and overall strength. It can also help improve a child’s overall well-being by reducing stress, improving relaxation, and aiding digestion. It may also help prevent future injury and enhance a child’s overall health by promoting a healthy lifestyle. Therefore, parents need to consider the benefits of taking a healthy child to a chiropractor.

Are you looking for a children’s chiropractor in North Fort Myers? Grace Medical & Chiropractic helps treat various conditions through chiropractic services, physical therapy, medical treatment, and more. Book an appointment with us.