Decompression therapy is a medical procedure whereby air and other gases are injected into the affected body part to increase blood and fluid flow and to decrease inflammation. This reduces swelling, bruising, pain and discomfort. Decompression therapy is very useful for treating sports related injuries and has even been approved by the FDA. However, is decompression for carpal tunnel syndrome, a completely different disease?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is primarily a painless disorder where pressure on the median nerve root causes swollen disc material to shift and form into a painful bulge, or vertebral arch, at the base of a pinched nerve. Symptoms may include extreme pain and tenderness in the wrist, hand, and legs; weakness in the arms and legs; and numbness, tingling and leg weakness. If not properly treated, this condition can progress into Extensor Carpal Syndrome or Phalen’s Syndrome. Doctors usually recommend conservative treatments for both conditions, but there are some patients who would benefit from conservative treatments coupled with decompression. decompression therapy is ideal for alleviating pain and swelling, as well as promoting nerve and tissue healing.
Spinal decompression does not attempt to correct any physical ailment. The only purpose of spinal decompression is to reduce the stress and pressure on the injured area. Once the disc material has been freed from the spine, normal functioning can then resume. However, if the injury was caused by external force, such as repetitive movement, the pain may recur. Doctors suggest that their patients undergo decompression not only to relieve pain, but to also strengthen the discs and improve muscle mechanics in order to avoid the onset of disc-related problems.
While decompression therapy can significantly relieve pain, it should be undertaken under the care and supervision of a medical professional. Painful discs can be unstable or bulging, which can lead to nerve irritation and compression. In addition, patients with bulging or unstable discs should always avoid heavy activities until their condition has stabilized. The use of an orthopedic decompression table is recommended for these patients.
Another effective method of treating disc related problems is the hyperbaric chamber. The hyperbaric chamber provides a safe, comfortable and effective way to treat various ailments at a medical spa. Many of the symptoms that can arise due to physical trauma or poor posture can be treated through the use of a decompression machine. Some of the common discomforts associated with a bulging or unstable disc include fatigue, numbness and tingling.
Most people who suffer from decompression sickness feel slightly ill during the first few days after an injury, but they should not be discouraged. The body is healing itself, although some degree of discomfort is to be expected. This is especially true of patients who have overexerted themselves without the proper knowledge and instructions. Those who are slightly fatigued should seek out mild exercises that do not cause them to lose too much of their workout time. A more strenuous workout will only increase the chances for more muscle soreness and fatigue.
A majority of the symptoms experienced by those who are suffering from bulging or unstable discs can also be attributed to muscle strain, tendonitis, joint inflammation and bursitis. Common signs and symptoms include pain, tightness, swelling and limitation of movement. People with mild cases may experience mild discomfort, but the pain and limitations are likely to worsen as the day goes on. Muscle strains can range from minor to severe, but the degree of pain and restriction experienced will depend on the severity of the problem. For example, minor muscle strain will not typically present symptoms that are as debilitating as those that occur when someone has a serious herniated disc.
Once pain has been managed, most patients find that they are able to continue their normal activities. However, for some, spinal decompression treatment protocol has allowed them to resume their regular activities. While there are many cases where pain medications are not needed, many patients find that this form of treatment can help them get back to daily living. By learning more about how decompression can help those with pain, they are now equipped to make an educated decision about their health.