By gradually manipulating compacted vertebral discs and nerves, spinal decompression is commonly recognized as a powerful way to relieve neck and back pain. However, many may be surprised to learn that this non-invasive therapy can also help address many other forms of pain—including those that affect the arm. If your arm is affected by chronic pain, tingling, or numbness, here’s what you should know about seeing a chiropractor for spinal decompression therapy.

What Happens During Spinal Decompression?

Non-surgical spinal decompression involves lying on a specialized table that uses mechanized traction to stretch the spine gently. As the table comfortably holds the patient in place, a chiropractor adjusts the traction speed to create negative pressure within the discs found between each vertebra. While the movement may be minimal, the resulting vacuum can help realign the spine, release compressed nerves, and promote better flow of healing nutrients through the spinal cord.

What Type of Arm Pain Can Spinal Decompression Address?

Spinal decompression therapy is best for arm pain caused by pinched nerves—also known as radiculopathy. There are many different nerves that, if compressed, can contribute to arm pain or numbness. This therapy, however, may not be able to address arm pain caused by a muscle sprain, bone fracture, or another type of injury.

How Does Spinal Decompression Help Relieve Arm Pain?

Many of the nerves that travel through the neck and back transmit signals that correlate to sensations in the arm. If these nerves become pinched between vertebrae, they can deliver faulty pain signals that cause severe discomfort or tingling throughout the arm, hands, and fingers.

If you suspect that your arm pain is linked to radiculopathy, your chiropractor will carefully assess your musculoskeletal composition to identify areas where your nerves may be compressed. Once the problem area is isolated, your provider will adjust the spinal decompression table in a way that creates negative pressure around the affected nerve. Although multiple treatment sessions are often needed, many will begin to feel relief and improved mobility after their first appointment.

Offering comprehensive chiropractic care in Monroe County, IL, Nobbe Chiropractic Clinic is a trusted provider of spinal decompression services. Whether you’re experiencing back pain caused by spinal misalignment or have arm pain linked to a pinched nerve, these compassionate chiropractors will personalize your decompression therapy to address your specific symptoms. In addition to decompression services, this clinic also offers many other holistic treatments for pain relief—including chiropractic adjustment and physical therapy. Visit this provider online to learn more about these state-of-the-art treatment options, and call the Columbia office at (618) 281-4000 to schedule a consultation.