Spinal Decompression
MRI studies will reveal that 50% of people above 40 will have either a bulged or herniated disc in their lumbar spine. It used to be so frustrating to look at a MRI, see multiple disc damage in a patient’s lower back and even after chiropractic got their spine in place, the pain in their groin or down their leg persisted. We used to refer many patients for epidural shots, which is a cortisone shot that tried to reduce the swelling of the discs. But that had three drawbacks. People were so afraid to get a long needle into their back, the shots didn’t always help, if they did help at first, the benefit would wear off. Along came a beautiful option—spinal decompression.
We rarely refer a patient for epidural shots now. We have gotten such great results that many patients have cancelled their disc surgeries. Many older people get a "monthly stretch" to gradually undo the pain and tightness they feel in their back from stenosis, arthritis, degenerative disc disease or gravity’s daily compressive damaging effects.