Spinal decompression doctors around the country have different protocols they use for their programs. Heat, Ice, Massage or Muscle Stim may all be used together or separately. But some doctors only use rehabilitation as part of their program
All of these passive treatments feel good when applied, yet most don't provide any added value to the treatment program.
This is common in the therapy world, as passive treatments are often performed because they make the patient feel good at the time, but they don't offer much in the way of structural change.
Many studies have been done showing a significant amount of muscle atrophy and weakness associated with common disc problems.
The disc injuries most common are disc herniation's, bulges and degenerative discs.
The medical studies have proven that if left unaddressed this weakness creates more problems down the road due to less stability in the spine.
Combining deep spinal strengthening exercises with spinal decompression is by far the best long term approach for chronic disc related pain.
While strengthening is necessary doing it cautiously and methodically is necessary. Each layer starting from the deepest to the most superficial must be worked slowly to ensure the disc is not irritated in the process.
Therefore if you are going through a spinal decompression program spinal rehabilitation is a must if a long term outcome is desired.
