Pain can be debilitating, affecting not only how we feel, but our quality of life. For many it is about restoring their quality of life so that they can play with their children or grandchildren, walk around the block, ride a bike or simply enjoy a movie. Today, we have many options that help us deal with pain, but most of the remedies simply cover up our symptoms. The true path to recovery is finding out what the cause of the pain and trying to break the pattern or pain cycle.

One alternative that has been found to helpful for many neck and low back conditions that cause pain is a technique called spinal decompression. It is a natural alternative for those seeking to avoid spinal surgery or avoid daily reliance on pain medication. The normal protocol for back or neck pain is usually a combination of pain medication and physical therapy, followed by surgery if the desired results are not achieved. These are good options, but why not consider spinal decompression before surgery. Spinal decompression is a FDA cleared treatment that is safe, noninvasive, and drug free that has been utilized since being its inception in the early 1990s. It is fairly new to the northwest region of the country, so many in the medical community do not talk about this procedure. It is mainly due to the fact that many practitioners are not familiar with the technology or the benefits of treatment. Spinal decompression is not an appropriate treatment for all conditions or a magic cure. But for many people, it provides benefit by reducing pain and allowing the body to bring vital nutrients to weak and damaged joints, which aids in healing and recovery of the spine. My clinical experience, along with recent studies, shows that 85 to 90 percent of patients who have had spinal decompression show dramatic improvements. Spinal decompression has been most beneficial in treating disc bulges or herniation's, degenerative disc disease, sciatica, carpal tunnel, and spinal stenosis.

Spinal decompression tables are controlled by a computer that monitors the amount of weight in which is applied to the body. The computer applies different amounts of pressure, which causes an oscillating effect on the disc, which creates a negative pressure within the disc. This negative pressure inside the disc causes fluids and nutrients to be pulled into the disc, while reducing the disc bulge, thus helping the disc heal.

"As a surgeon, I only want to do surgery when I absolutely have to. Non-surgical spinal decompression therapy gives my patients a more conservative treatment option that can eliminate the need for surgery altogether, and that's a good thing," says Dr. Bernard Zeliger, DO, FACOS, FAOAO, FICS Osteopathic Physician and Orthopedic Surgeon Founding Dean and Provost of Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine; Vallejo, Calif.

We hope that if you decide to consider spinal decompression that you will consider visiting our clinic so that we can provide a complete and thorough history with examination before discussing any possible recommendations. It is our goal and should be the goal of any doctor to discuss all appropriate treatment option and then let you decide, the choice is truly yours. Don't let anyone pressure you with sales tactics, or make promises/guarantees that are unrealistic. We wish you a pain-free summer. For more information, please contact us at (208) 966-4425.

Dr. Wayne Fichter, D.C., is the lead doctor at Natural Spine Solutions, with more than 15 years of experience treating families. He also has been the lead doctor in handling serious neck and back problems through non-surgical spinal decompression. Call (208) 966-4425 for all of your spinal and wellness needs.