Chiropractor assessing a patient's lower back for a pinched nerve at Align Corrective Chiropractic

Spinal Decompression in Durban North

For pinched nerves, disc bulges and sciatica

If pain, tingling or numbness is running down your leg or arm, a disc may be pressing on a nerve. At Align Corrective Chiropractic we find the cause with neurological and orthopaedic tests and on-site digital X-rays, then treat it with computerised spinal decompression, Class 4 laser and chiropractic care, through our Spine Relieve and Restore programme.

Is this you?

Sharp or shooting pain down your leg (sciatica) or arm
Numbness, tingling or pins and needles in your leg, foot, arm or hand
Weakness, or a leg or arm that feels heavy
Pain that is worse when sitting, bending, coughing or sneezing
An MRI or X-ray report that mentions a disc bulge, herniation, protrusion or degeneration
Medication that helps only a little, or only for a while

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Video of Leigh on the Triton DTS spinal decompression table.

LEIGH’S

PERSONAL STORY

I woke up in the middle of the night, with excruciating nerve pain running down both legs, all the way to my feet. My first thought – ‘What is causing this pain?’. My second thought – how am I going to get comfortable enough to sleep? I walked around the room for a while, propped myself up with pillows, nothing was working! The pain was relentless.
When medication didn’t even help, and I was unable to pick up my toddler the next day, I knew that it was serious.
Luckily, the option of Chiropractic treatment was readily available and the relief, with treatment, was indescribable.

What is a pinched nerve?

A pinched nerve (radiculopathy) occurs when the nerves exiting the spine are compressed. This happens when surrounding tissues, such as bones or out-of-place discs exert too much pressure on a nerve causing damage. This can cause symptoms down your arms or legs, including sharp shooting pains, numbness, tingling and muscle weakness. This debilitating condition often has a far-reaching negative impact on your quality of life.

Illustration of a bulging spinal disc pressing on a nerve, a common cause of a pinched nerve

OUR PROCESS

LISTEN

We take the time to listen to you. We want to understand what has happened in your past to get you to this point, what your current concerns are and what your health goals are for the future.

ASSESS

We want to understand how we can help you best. We perform physical tests to investigate where you are not functioning optimally. This may include a digital posture scan and digital X-Rays of the Spine (done on-site)

RESTORE

We discuss our findings with you, and get you started on the Spine Relieve and Restore program to help you be your best

Here at Align Corrective Chiropractic we have searched to find the most beneficial evidence-based treatment program for Nerve Compression (Pinched Nerve.) This has culminated in the “Spine Relieve and Restore” program. A safe and effective, non-surgical, tailored approach to relieve nerve compression and restore function

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How can we help you?

Once we’ve assessed you, our Spine Relieve and Restore programme for nerve compression may include:

Spinal Decompression
Class 4 Laser Therapy
Chiropractic Adjustments
Exercises and lifestyle advice

What is

Spinal Decompression?

Spinal decompression is a gentle, computer-controlled traction treatment. You lie comfortably on a Chattanooga Triton DTS table, fitted with a harness, and the table applies a slow, precise stretch to your lower back or neck, then partly releases it, in a repeating cycle.

The aim is to reduce pressure on the disc and the nerve. This may help bulging disc material move away from the nerve and allow fluid and nutrients back into the disc. Most people find it relaxing, and a session takes about 20 minutes.

We use it for herniated and bulging discs, sciatica, pinched nerves in the neck and lower back, and degenerative disc disease.

Dr David Palmer and his wife Leigh, practice manager at Align Corrective Chiropractic in Durban North

Why Align Corrective Chiropractic?

We understand it first-hand. Dr David Palmer and Leigh have both experienced pinched nerves, so we know how much they affect daily life.
Assessment and treatment in one place. Digital X-rays, spinal decompression, Class 4 laser and chiropractic care, all at our Glenashley practice.
Measured progress. We score your tests at the start and re-measure as you improve.
20 years of experience in chiropractic care.

How many sessions will I need?

Every case is different. Most people start with around 12 sessions over 4 to 6 weeks, then we re-assess and discuss whether further care would help. Fees are charged per visit.

Who decompression isn’t suitable for

Before starting, we check that decompression is safe for you. It is not suitable for everyone, including pregnant ladies, a recent spinal fracture, recent spinal surgery with screws, rods or a fusion, severe osteoporosis, or a spinal tumour or infection. If it isn’t right for you, we’ll explain why and suggest other options or refer you.

When to see a doctor urgently

Go to a hospital emergency unit straight away if back or neck pain comes with any of these:

Loss of bladder or bowel control
Numbness around your groin, buttocks or inner thighs
Weakness in your legs that is quickly getting worse
Pain after a serious fall or accident, or with fever or unexplained weight loss

Frequently asked questions

Is spinal decompression painful?

No. Most people find it comfortable and relaxing. You feel a gentle stretch that builds and eases in cycles, and the table can be stopped straight away if anything feels uncomfortable.

How long is a session?

The decompression itself takes about 20 minutes. With laser and other care, allow about 35 minutes for the visit.

How many sessions will I need?

It depends on your condition and how long you’ve had it. Most people start with around 12 sessions, and we re-assess along the way so you can see how you’re progressing.

I’ve been told I need surgery. Can decompression still help?

In many cases, Yes. Many people with disc bulges and sciatica choose to try conservative care first, and have great success. For some surgery is the right choice. We’ll assess you, explain what we find and, where appropriate, work alongside your doctor or surgeon.

Do I need an MRI before I start?

No. We take digital X-rays at our practice if needed. We also do a thorough orthopaedic and neurological assessment. If you already have an MRI, please bring the report and images to your first visit.

Can you treat my neck as well as my lower back?

Yes. The table can decompress both the neck and the lower back, for pinched nerves causing arm or leg symptoms.

Is it the same as an inversion table or traction at home?

No. The Triton DTS table is computer-controlled, so the pull is set for your body, aimed at a specific level of your spine and released in gentle cycles to help your muscles stay relaxed.

Why combine decompression with laser therapy?

Decompression reduces pressure on the disc and nerve, while Class 4 laser is used to help ease pain and inflammation in the irritated tissues. Using them together is part of our Spine Relieve and Restore programme.

Does medical aid cover spinal decompression therapy?

Spinal decompression is billed as chiropractic treatment, so it is covered in the same way as your other chiropractic visits. If your medical aid plan pays for chiropractic care, usually from your savings, decompression can be claimed too. Check your plan’s chiropractic benefits with your medical aid if you’re unsure.

5-star Google review about recovering from a bulged disc and back pain at Align Corrective Chiropractic

“I have not had so many good days in the last 10 years.”

B. Lewis, bulged disc (L5)

5-star Google review about recovering from lower back pain at Align Corrective Chiropractic

“Dr. David Palmer started with a thorough assessment, taking photos and X-rays at his practice.”

E. Ballantine, sciatic nerve pain

5-star Google review about recovering from an L4/L5 bulged disc and back pain at Align Corrective Chiropractic

“Slowly but surely I started reclaiming my life. I was able to stand for longer periods of time, I could walk larger distances without pain.”

A. Rodrigues, L4-L5 disc herniation

CONTACT US

We would love to hear from you. Contact us on one of the methods below.

reception@alignchiropractic.co.za | 031 562 9180 | 18 Burne Crescent, Glenashley, 4051

Book Appointment online