Carew Osteopathic Clinic

30/08/2025

A 2012 study from the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity found that, on average, people spend 64 hours a week sitting, 28 hours standing, and 11 hours lounging around regardless of whether or not they exercised 150 minutes a week.
Sitting is an independent risk factor for both mechanical low back pain and metabolic disruption, that is increased risk for type 2 diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease.

Prolonged sitting invariably leads to slouching, and comes with a host of other problems that are typical of poor posture.

Increased disk pressure leads to low back pain and degenerative disk disease. Poor sitting posture may produce forces of 190mm mercury, a "squashing" pressure on a disc , according to a study published in European Spine Journal Chan 2011.

Decompression therapy can help to significantly decrease this "Squashing" force , a study in 2014 by Joachim reported that decompression therapy produces a "relieving" Minus -192mm mercury force inside the disc. This assists in taking pressure off the disc and improving fluid dynamics that enhances disc health and healing.



As a rule of thumb, for every hour of sitting try standing for 10-15 mins.
If you’re a desk jockey at work, consider a standing desk instead. Getting on your feet works the valves in your leg veins, sending blood up to your heart.
Get moving!

27/08/2025

For patients with degenerative disc disease (DDD) and low back pain, flexion-distraction therapy offers a gentle, non-surgical approach with several key benefits, such as pain reduction, increased mobility, and promotion of spinal health. A 2021 study on DDD patients found that this therapy significantly decreased pain and improved spine mobility.
Mechanism of action
Flexion-distraction is a treatment protocol that uses a segmented table to rhythmically stretch and decompress specific segments of the spine. By moving the spine through a controlled range of motion, the therapy:

Creates negative pressure within the disc, helping to pull a bulging or herniated disc back into place.

Increases the height of the intervertebral disc, taking pressure off sensitive nerves.

Enlarges the intervertebral foramen, the small opening where spinal nerves exit, to relieve nerve pressure.

Primary benefits for patients with DDD and low back pain
Significant pain relief: Flexion-distraction can effectively reduce chronic low back pain, which is often a result of degenerative disc changes. A study on patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (a narrowing of the spinal canal often associated with DDD) found that those who received flexion-distraction experienced a greater reduction in pain compared to a group that received conservative therapy alone.

Improved spinal mobility:
The therapy's gentle, rhythmic movements help restore normal movement and function to stiff or restricted spinal joints. A study on DDD patients found that flexion-distraction significantly improved their spinal mobility.

Enhanced disc health:
The pumping motion of the therapy helps to promote blood flow and move nutrients into the spinal discs. This "imbibition" process helps to maintain the health of discs that are in the process of wearing down.
May avoid surgery and medications in selected cases: As a non-invasive, drug-free alternative, this therapy may help patients find lasting pain relief without relying on medication or invasive surgical procedures. For some patients with disc injuries, flexion-distraction can eliminate or delay the need for surgery.

Gentle and safe:
The treatment is gentle and is often used for patients who cannot tolerate more forceful manipulations, including those with brittle bones or who are recovering from surgery. Many patients report that the procedure feels comfortable and relaxing.

Better posture:
By addressing stiffness and promoting proper alignment, flexion-distraction can help improve overall posture.
What to expect during treatment

During a session, a consultant uses a specialized, segmented table to apply gentle, controlled movements. The patient lies face down while the table, guided by the practitioner, gently stretches and flexes the spine. The treatment is low-velocity and repetitive, without the sudden thrusts or "cracking" sounds of traditional manual adjustments. The consultant can customize the movements to target specific affected segments of the spine.

Sciatica and disc pain clinic. Specialising in non surgical decompression and flexion distraction therapy.

27/08/2025

For patients with degenerative disc disease (DDD) and low back pain, flexion-distraction therapy offers a gentle, non-surgical approach with several key benefits, such as pain reduction, increased mobility, and promotion of spinal health. A 2021 study on DDD patients found that this therapy significantly decreased pain and improved spine mobility.

04/08/2025

Back Pain and Sciatica Specialists

We are proud to offer our patients non surgical decompression therapy using the computer assisted HILL DT decompression table.

Decompression therapy offers a non invasive treatment option for patients suffering from unresolved disc related back pain and sciatica.

Flexion Distraction Decompression Therapy offers several benefits for the lumbar spine, particularly for individuals suffering from lower back pain and related conditions.

Here are the key benefits:

Non-Invasive Treatment:
It provides a non-surgical alternative for managing lumbar spine issues, reducing the need for invasive procedures.

Pain Relief:
The therapy helps alleviate pain associated with conditions like herniated discs, sciatica, and spinal stenosis by reducing pressure on spinal nerves.

Improved Mobility:
By decompressing the spine and gently stretching the vertebrae, it can enhance spinal flexibility and range of motion.

Decreased Inflammation:
The gentle traction applied during therapy can help reduce inflammation in the affected areas, promoting healing.

Improved Disc Health:
The therapy encourages rehydration and nutrient exchange in spinal discs, potentially slowing or reversing disc degeneration.

Reduced Nerve Compression:
By increasing the space between vertebrae, it decreases nerve compression, which can alleviate symptoms like numbness and tingling.

Customizable Treatment:
The therapy can be tailored to individual needs, focusing on specific areas of the spine and adjusting the intensity based on the patient's condition.

Minimal Recovery Time:
Unlike surgical interventions, flexion distraction therapy involves minimal recovery time, allowing patients to resume daily activities quickly.

Overall, flexion distraction decompression therapy is a gentle, effective option for managing lumbar spine issues, promoting pain relief, and improving overall spinal health.