The Sportsphysio spinal decompression treatment uses special manual techniques to unload the segments of the spine and release tight muscles and fascia.

Manual techniques are at the forefront of our treatments

Fear not… this spinal decompression treatment involves no surgery and no painful cracking or popping of joints beyond their functional range of motion.  Instead, we use tried and trusted manual techniques to reduce the pressure and reposition the segments.

• Used as a reactive treatment for acute or chronic back pain.
• Used as a preventative treatment, particularly suited to those who sit or have a sedentary lifestyle.

The back problem

The human spine is designed to be dynamic and active, offering a great range of movement but our sedentary lifestyles and lack of spinal activity creates compression and segmental stiffness, much needed fluids and nutrition to the intervertebral discs is reduced.

Facet joints become tightened, damaging the delicate cartilage which can result in osteoarthritis.  Nerves can become trapped and the discs degenerate and weaken.

Over time, weakened outer fibres of the disc can eventually “give way” under pressure, allowing the disc nucleus to leak out and press painfully on the surrounding nerves.  This is commonly referred to as a slipped disc but medical professionals will refer to it as a prolapsed disc.

Some people have occupations which require a great deal of twisting and lifting, placing undue stress on particular areas of the spine. The resulting soft tissue damage can lead to segments of the spine becoming unstable and in turn damaging the intervertebral discs from uneven pressure.

The lumbar (lower) spine and cervial spine (neck), are most at risk from segmental stiffness and intervertebral problems.

How it works

Gently unloading the discs with distraction and careful positioning, separates the vertebrae and creates a vacuum inside the discs.  This allows fluids to be absorbed and any bulging of the disc nucleus to be pulled back into position.  Vital nutrients, fluid and oxygen can be absorbed by damaged disc fibres, facilitating healing.

We use a variation of this technique to treat herniated or bulging discs with great effect.  Non surgical spinal decompression allows us to treat most referred pain caused by nerve impingement, such as sciatica and pain referred to the arms from the neck.

This educational video shows the basics of how the human spine is constructed.