Vertebral axial decompression

December 7, 2009 - 7:09pm | 2 posts

sebiedreamtime

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8 years 8 months ago

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12/07/2009 - 6:58pm

Vertebral axial decompression

Based on a recent MRI, I have small incomplete annular tears suspected at the L4-5 and L5/S1 disk levels. There is desication of the L5/S1, L4-5 and L3-4 disk with mild diffuse disk bulging but no nerve root compression. My orthopedic surgeon is recommending something called "vertebral axial decompression" which involves a series of sessions on a mechanical table that will stretch my spine based on computer-programmed settings. Do you have an opinion on vertebral axial decompression? For example, do you see it as potentially complementary, redundant, or counter-productive to your methods?

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January 6, 2010 - 2:14pm | 1 post

Maya

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09/16/2008 - 4:29pm

The Gokhale Method focuses a lot on elongation and decompressing the spine. There are mechanical devices, such as the VAX-D that you referred to, that also decompress the spine. It usually is not counterproductive, though Esther has seen a few people that have gotten worse from this because of overstretching. Many people who have tried other traction devices (like inversion tables, which are common) find that they can be helpful temporarily but don't always create lasting effects. You can try the VAX-D, but you also do want to make sure you do all the lengthening techniques in the book so that you are encouraging length in the spine all day long, during your normal activities. Maya Instructor, Esther Gokhale Wellness Center