By Calvin Hastings

What’s Up with decompression?  First, we must know what it is.  Decompression of the spine is accomplished through traction therapy.   Decompression gently reduces pressure on joint surfaces and discs allowing the body to regain all of its proper alignment.  Traction therapy is a light, gentle stretch for soft tissue muscles and helps joints regain proper function.   Decompression can bring much relief to many painful conditions  by creating a vacuum effect on the disc, pulling the disc back into its normal position bringing in a fresh blood supply to promote healing.   It’s an easy procedure with the patient lying on their stomach or back.   A specialized belt is gently put around the waist and the machine is set to focus on the problem area and then the advanced decompression computer system will do the work.  Most patients feel better with just a few treatments and there are no dangerous drugs, no invasive procedures and no painful exercise.   One area resident that has found relief with decompression is Arlene Allison.   For 10 years Arlene had to sit in her walker to cook, wash dishes and clean the house.   But after just five treatments with the pro-adjuster and decompression therapy at Carolina Chiropractic Plus, she could tell the difference.   Arlene now has completed 14 treatments and is able to do housework without the aid of her walker.  Just recently, she was able to sweep her kitchen floor without having to sit down.   Arlene said “After five treatments, I was already feeling some improvement.  I even walked to see our neighbor’s garden.  Before I had to use my walker or electric chair.”

Another patient, Revonda Humphries of Boiling Springs, also has a success story.   Barbara is on this week’s front cover and is receiving a Spinal Decompression Treatment from Dr. Berkowitz.   Before the treatments Revonda told me that she was suffering shooting pains from her back down her leg.  The treatments have helped ease the pain, and because of this she has become more mobile.  Before treatment she could not have taken two steps without experiencing extreme pain and now she can work normally and do daily activities around the house.   Revonda said that “Even without any pain, I would still come to Dr. Berkowitz for adjustments and maintenance”.

This treatment can alleviate shoulder pain, neck problems, sciatica, knee pain and carpel tunnel.   Anyone with protruding, bulging or herniated discs, degenerative disc disease or degenerative joint disease will benefit.  Dr. Rich Berkowitz of Carolina Chiropractic Plus points out that the treatment is clinically proven to prevent the need for surgery in eight out of ten patients.   To find out more about decompression therapy, contact Carolina Chiropractic Plus at 704-482-0135 in Shelby or 828-245-0202 in Forest City.