Pain After Spinal Decompression Therapy: Is It Normal?

A good chiropractor will not put more suffering on a patient. Experiencing pain after spinal decompression is very unusual and can be very alarming. Spinal decompression therapy can be beneficial, but learn more about the risks of spinal decompression therapy below.

What Is Spinal Decompression Therapy?

Spinal decompression therapy increases the amount of space between the vertebrae in your spine. The vertebrae in your spine provide protection for your spinal cord. There are nerves that branch off from the spinal cord that travel everywhere throughout your body. If your vertebrae are too close together, they could pinch the nerves as they exit your spinal cord. Spinal decompression therapy alleviates this pinching, helping to treat back pain. Spinal decompression therapy could be an effective treatment option if you suffer from acute or chronic back pain.

During the treatment session, you should expect your chiropractor to use both manual therapy and instruments that stretch your back slightly. You may even feel like you have greater mobility in your back after the session because the chiropractor has stretched your back for you. Your muscles, ligaments, and tendons should feel better.

What To Expect During Spinal Decompression Therapy

Before spinal decompression therapy, you should know what to expect. Some of the expectations you should have include:

Before the Therapy

Before spinal decompression therapy, you should expect your chiropractor to discuss all treatment options with you. Even though spinal decompression therapy can be right for some people, it is not necessarily right for everyone. Your chiropractor should go through the benefits and risks of spinal decompression therapy. That way, you can make an educated decision about whether spinal decompression therapy is right for you.

During the Therapy

During the treatment session, you should expect your chiropractor to make you feel as comfortable as possible. You will lay down on the table, your chiropractor will ensure all of your questions have been answered, and then you should expect to feel your back stretched slightly. This is the chiropractor administering spinal decompression therapy to alleviate nerve, bone, and muscle pain.

After the Therapy

After the treatment session, you should feel immediately more comfortable or relieved. There is, however, a slight chance for soreness that might set in over the next day or two. It might take multiple sessions for your back pain to go away, but your chiropractor will follow up with you to make sure you are happy with the treatment. You should also expect your chiropractor to schedule another appointment if this is required.

Is It Normal To Feel Some Pain After Therapy?

One of the spinal decompression therapy risks is that you may feel a bit of soreness after the session. Even though you might feel a bit sore or stiff, you should not experience any pain. If you have sharp, acute, tender areas, you should immediately contact your chiropractor. There might be additional therapeutic options that can help you alleviate pain following spinal decompression. It is unusual to feel pain following spinal decompression, so make sure you keep an eye on your back after the session.

Learn More About Spinal Decompression Therapy

This is just a brief overview of what to expect for spinal decompression therapy back pain. Pain after spinal decompression therapy is unusual, which is why it's an effective treatment option for both acute and chronic back pain conditions. At Hogan Spine & Rehab, we take the time to go through both the benefits and risks of spinal decompression therapy. That way, you can make an educated decision about whether the spinal decompression therapy risks and benefits are right for you. We always have same-day appointments available, and we accept most types of insurance. It would be our pleasure to help you overcome back pain.