Back Pain
As one of the most common reasons people go to the doctor almost everyone experiences some form of back…
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Hip Pain
Hip pain is a common condition that affects many patients with or without back pain ranging from slightly…
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Sciatica
Sciatica refers to pain and other symptoms that start in the hip and travel down into the leg. The condition…
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Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain is a common condition that affects many patients with or without neck and back pain. It…
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Neck Pain
Almost everyone experiences some form of neck pain, ranging from slightly irritating to completely crippling,…
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Headaches
Almost everyone experiences headaches at some point in their lifetime ranging from slightly bothersome…
Learn MoreSpinal Decompression
Treatment begins with a consultation to identify if a patient is a good candidate for Spinal Decompression. We'll then design the best treatment plan for the patient and explain it so they understand.
Spinal Decompression uses a state-of-the-art computerized treatment table. Secured to the table by a comfortable belting system a cable machine pulls one end of the belting system. The table separates apart and then releases tension in a specific pattern. This gentle stretching of the spine creates space between the vertebrae.
Spinal Decompression is one of the most gentle and comfortable therapies available for the treatment of neck and back pain. Most patients report a mild sense of stretch and can fall asleep during treatment.
Treatment aims to provide immediate pain relief. The effects of successive sessions make compound progress for long-term improvement. Below is a list of the short and long-term benefits of Spinal Decompression.
Disc Pressure
There is pressure on the spinal discs from gravity and muscle contraction daily. The positive outward pressure contributes to disc bulges over time. Discs can tear then herniate their jelly-like inside outward onto the nerve root. The pressure and inflammation from the herniation suffocate the nerve. This creates pain, numbness or weakness down into the arm or leg.
Spinal Decompression pulls the ends of the disc apart creating negative disc pressure. This creates a vacuum that pulls bulges and herniations back to the center of the disc. The end result is that pressure comes off the injured area of the disc and the nerve root. Decreased disc pressure increases blood and nutrient exchange that a damaged disc and nerve desperately need to heal.
Muscle Relaxation
The initial response to back and neck pain is muscle spasm and guarding. This is a natural protective mechanism. In chronic situations tightness predominates. The compression it creates on the spine is damaging long-term.
Spinal Decompression helps to relieve muscle guarding and tension. The computerized distraction and release stretching patterns teach muscles to adapt and relax. It uses a neurological reflex to break the cycle, restore muscle tone and reduce muscle pain.
Nerve Space
Nerve roots exit the spine between any two vertebrae. After discs thin, bulge or herniate or joints become arthritic there's less room for the nerve. A compressed or inflamed nerve root becomes deprived of oxygen and nutrients. This leads to sciatica nerve pain into the leg or radiating nerve pain into the arm.
Spinal Decompression distracts the vertebrae apart. This creates more space for the nerve root in the spine restoring circulation. Circulation to the nerve root brings oxygen and nutrients that allow healing. Several sessions close together help to nourish the nerve and diminish nerve symptoms.
Pain Relief
Besides long-term pain relief mechanisms already noted, Spinal Decompression offers pain relief short-term. Gentle, computerized stretching of the spine stimulates mechanoreceptors.
Mechanoreceptors are sensory endings located in muscles, joints and ligaments of the spine. They trigger large sensory nerves that override pain at the level of the spinal cord. The end result is a sense of lightness and pain relief after each session.
Improved Circulation
Chronic neck pain, back pain and nerve symptoms are a result of poor circulation. Excessive compression restricts blood flow. This environment lacks the oxygen and nutrients to maintain healthy tissue. This leads to inflammation, pain and eventual degeneration.
The alternating distraction and release performed by the Spinal Decompression table improves circulation. This assists the body's natural healing response. The discs, joints, muscles and nerves receive fresh oxygenated blood. Blood also carries nutrients and immune cells to repair damaged tissue. Circulation also assists the lymphatics in clearing swelling and damaged cells.
Cartilage Repair
Cartilage absorbs nutrients from the surrounding joint fluid like a sponge. Cartilage of compressed spine joints get 'squeezed out' of joint fluid resulting in lack of nourishment. Cartilage isn't able to repair without regular absorption and flushing of joint fluid. The result is thinning of cartilage and eventual bone changes we call osteoarthritis.
Spinal Decompression performs alternating distraction and compression movements on the spine. This increases nutrient absorption of the cartilage like squeezing and releasing a sponge. The cartilage bathes in nutrients and repairs itself, reducing joint symptoms.
Dr. Adam Martynuik
Chiropractor, kinesiologist and experienced personal trainer Dr. Adam Martynuik has dedicated his career to treating the spectrum from professional athlete to working professional for spine and related…
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Dr. Mack Gingerich
Chiropractor and experienced first responder Dr. Mackenzie Gingerich is an expert in the treatment of acute and chronic neck and back conditions. He has advanced experience in the treatment of hockey and…
Read MoreMuscle & Spine is located within The Shipyards Medical Arts Centre downtown Collingwood
