Spinal decompression therapy is a means of gently stretching out the spine to create a vacuum of spa...

1. Medicine :: Chiropractor In Flushing NY | Spinal
Decompression Therapy: Exercises for Back Pain Relief.
Spinal decompression therapy is a means of gently stretching out the spine to create a vacuum of
space in order to restore the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the discs in the spine. This can be
accomplished through several means including a high-tech machine based on traditional traction
tables, but with technology gained from NASA, when they discovered that astronauts' damaged discs
were regenerated in the zero-gravity environment of space travel.
Compression of the spinal cord occurs in several ways including the general wear and tear of daily
living, poor posture, injury or degenerating discs. Healthy inter-vertebral discs are squishy and
supple like a sponge. They provide a cushion between the vertebrae making movement of the spine
more fluid. When compression occurs, these once-supple discs become brittle and fragile. As the
vertebrae press down on the discs, they get cut off from the oxygen and nutrient supply that keeps
them healthy and they begin to degenerate.
Decompression serves to open up a space
between the vertebrae, creating a vacuum
and allowing oxygen and nutrients to return
so that the disc can heal itself. Those high-
tech machines are not the only effective
method for opening up these spaces in the
spine. There are exercises that you can do
at home to gently decompress your spine
while also strengthening the core muscles,
ligaments and tendons that support your
core to prevent back strain, improve posture and relieve back pain.
Here are a few examples of decompression exercises that you can try:
Slant board -
This device is used to reduce stress and fatigue by temporarily removing the pressure of gravity on
the body. Holding your body in a position where your feet are above your heart increases circulation.
Reclining on the slant board also helps you to strengthen and firm your muscles.
Zero-gravity reclining chairs reduce the pressure of gravity on the spine, relieve muscle tension in
the back and can increase circulation. Some of these chairs feature a motorized massage with
adjustable footrests, headrests and cervical lumbar pillows.
Yoga poses such as 'Downward Facing Dog,' where the hands and feet are on the floor with the
tailbone raised towards the ceiling, and the bridge pose, which strengthens the spine, and improves
the spine's flexibility. The 'legs up the wall' pose is a gentle, restorative pose that gently relieves
back pain while calming the mind. Use a bolster or folded blankets under your lower back.

2. Contraindications for Decompression -
If you are pregnant, have heart disease,
or high blood pressure, any eye diseases
or an ear infection, you should not try
these inversion exercises until you have
consulted with your doctor. Holding
yourself upside down can be beneficial
for some, but holding the body upside
down with the feet above the heart for
an extended period of time causes the
blood to pool in your head and lungs.
The goal of decompression is to gently
create a healthy traction for the spine,
which can relieve pain and begin the
healing process.