SAN ANTONIO, July 15, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Individuals struggling with extremity pain, numbness and loss of strength may benefit from spinal decompression therapy. This non-invasive treatment reduces pressure on the disc and restores alignment to the spine. According to chiropractor Dr. Donald Phillips, as long as the spine is out of alignment, pressure on compressed nerves and the disc will cause pain. Decompression creates space in the spine, reduces pressure on the disc, allowing slipped or herniated discs to return to proper position. Dr. Phillips stated these treatments can be a long-term pain management solution.
Extremity pain sufferers have a new treatment option. Dr. Phillips Chiropractic, Nutrition and Wellness is raising awareness about the benefits of spinal decompression therapy for extremity pain relief. The treatment may help patients with radiculopathy, a condition caused by compressed nerve in the spine.
"This treatment is truly a lifeline for our patients who struggle with arm and leg pain, numbness, or loss of strength," said Dr. Phillips. "These patients are the ones lying awake at two in the morning, exhausted but unable to sleep because of pain. I recommend that anyone who struggles with radiculopathy talk to their chiropractor about whether spinal decompression treatments are right for them."
According to Dr. Phillips, if a facet or disc is no longer properly aligned, it can place pressure on nearby nerves, which causes pain. Depending on the misalignment's location, patients may experience pain in the legs and arms. Pain may be a radiating sensation, or it may be numbness, tingling or loss of strength.
"As long as a mechanical misalignment or disc tear persists, patients will continue to experience pain," said Dr. Phillips. "Unfortunately, many people think that pain will simply go away over time, or that the right combination of medication can solve this problem. However, as long as a vertebra or disc compresses nearby nerves, pain will continue."
Dr. Phillips recommends San Antonio spinal decompression therapy as a natural, non-invasive solution for chronic pain. The treatment restores alignment and reduces disc pressure to the spine by creating space between the compressed vertebrae. By decompressing the spine, there is room for a herniated or slipped disc to return to proper position. During treatment, patients are gently strapped to a reclining table. A computer controls the strap's tension and the table's movement.
"Decompression treatments are gentle, painless and non-invasive," said Dr. Phillips. "Most importantly, these treatments provide significant relief for extremity pain, as well as back pain and neck pain. Following treatment, our patients report being able to enjoy an active lifestyle and sleep better at night."
The San Antonio chiropractor recommends the treatments as an alternative to surgery. According to Dr. Phillps, studies show that patients who choose decompression treatments consistently have better outcomes than those who opt for invasive back surgery.
The practice also provides nutrition counseling, chiropractic adjustments and massage therapy.