Spinal Decompression for Lower Back Pain

Spinal Decompression provides an alternative to surgery in many cases of lower back pain caused by herniated discs. A herniated disc is a condition of the disc. The disc a jelly-like material between two bones in your spine. There is a middle section called a nucleus and an outer band called an annulus. As we age the outer band, or the annulus, which is a collagen based tissue, begins to break down. The nucleus, which is in the middle, migrates outside and puts pressure on the spinal nerve causing either pain or dysfunction.

Spinal decompression accomplishes two things. It increases the height between the vertebrae to create a negative pressure within a disc, which will then draw back the disc material. It also increases blood flow to the disc which will then allow the outer layer or the annular bands to start laying down new cartilage fibers, so that disc lesion can actually be without surgery.

The beauty behind spinal decompression is that it allows the blood to return back to the disc. The disc will begin healing once again. Blood is very essential to this whole process, increasing blood flow to the disc allows the natural healing process to occur.

Low Back Pain Recovery Slow and Uncertain

Current clinical practice guidelines state that 90% of acute lower back pain patients will recover within four to six weeks, with or without treatment. However, new research published in The British Medical Journal has found that recovery from low back pain is much slower than previously thought. Australian researchers from The George Insitute studied patients with acute low back pain for a year. The results from the study found that even with treatment, after two months only half of the patients had recovered from the original episode of pain. After about one year, 40% were still reporting that their back was still causing them pain.

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Even a Little Exercise Confers Benefits

Your life can be changed - and extended - by just a little regular exercise, according to a report by a blue-ribbon U.S. panel. A commission empaneled by the federal Department of Health and Human Services says your most important exercise paraphernalia are your legs. The panel declares that a moderately paced half-hour walk five days a week will lower your risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer and many other disorders. And the benefit will be conferred even if you're overweight or obese - and regardless of your age, race or gender.

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Dr. Brian Kessler, M.D. on Preventing Injuries in Young Athletes

I agree with a lot of things were said in this article. It is very important for young athletes to warm up in a very specific way to prevent anterior cruciate ligament injuries or ACL. The anterior cruciate ligament is a major knee stabilizer. (Read more)