Nonsurgical Spinal Decompression
What is NSSD?
Non-Surgical Spinal decompression (NSSD), also known as Spinal Decompression, is effective in treating back pain, neck pain, and sciatica caused by bulging, herniated, and degenerative discs or facet syndrome. Even post-surgical patients and those suffering from certain types of stenosis (a narrowing of the spinal canal) have reported significant pain relief from NSSD treatments.
How does the spine work?
Your spine is composed of 24 bones called vertebrae. In between each vertebra is a fibrous disc (annulus pulpous), which provides flexibility and cushioning for the spine.
The vertebrae protect the spinal cord, which runs through a tube at the back of the spine called the spinal canal. In the lower portion of the back, spinal nerves exit the spinal canal between the vertebrae and unite as they move through the pelvis. Some of these spinal nerves join to becomes the sciatic nerves, which travel through the buttocks, along the backs and sides of the thighs and calves, and into the feet.
With such a dense network of nerves traveling throughout the back, it is easy to see how great discomfort may be caused by a slight upset in the delicate architecture of the spine. Accidents and injury may damage discs and vertebrae, putting pressure on nerves. This results in tingling, numbness, muscle weakness, or even sharp, shooting pain. See the pictures to your left.