Decompression and sciatica

Spinal decompression and sciatica

Sciatica is a pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve, from the lower back or buttock region down to the lower limb. It most commonly results from compression or irritation of a nerve root at the level of the lumbar spine.

Neurovertebral spinal decompression is a non-surgical approach that may be considered when sciatica is of discogenic origin, that is when it is related to a protrusion or herniation of the intervertebral disc.

Consultations take place at the practice located at 9 Rue du Regard, 75006 Paris, in the 6th arrondissement.

Understanding the origin of sciatica

Not all forms of sciatica are the same. Identifying the origin of the pain is essential for guiding the appropriate management:

Discogenic sciatica

This is the most common form. A herniation or disc protrusion at the L4-L5 or L5-S1 level directly compresses the nerve root. The pain follows a specific path and may be accompanied by tingling, numbness or muscle weakness. This is the situation in which neurovertebral spinal decompression is most indicated.

Muscular sciatica (piriformis syndrome)

The piriformis muscle, located in the buttock, can compress the sciatic nerve along its course. The pain is similar but the origin is not discogenic. In this case, spinal decompression is not indicated: targeted manual treatment of the piriformis and gluteal muscles is more appropriate.

Articular sciatica

Facet joint osteoarthritis or narrowing of the intervertebral foramen can irritate the nerve root without disc involvement. Decompression may be discussed on a case-by-case basis depending on the clinical context.

How decompression relieves sciatica

When sciatica is of discogenic origin, spinal decompression works by creating negative intradiscal pressure at the level of the affected segment. This mechanism aims to:

• reduce the pressure exerted by the disc on the nerve root
• encourage the retraction of the herniated disc material
• improve local circulation and reduce peri-radicular inflammation
• restore sufficient functional space for the nerve

The traction is applied progressively and cyclically, with parameters adapted to the exact location of the compression (L4-L5, L5-S1) and to the patient's tolerance.

When is decompression appropriate?

Neurovertebral spinal decompression may be considered in the following situations:

• discogenic sciatica confirmed by clinical examination and imaging
• failure or insufficiency of conservative medical treatment (anti-inflammatory medication, physiotherapy)
• patient seeking a non-surgical alternative
• recurrent sciatica with documented discogenic component

It is not suitable in cases of:

• progressive neurological deficit (medical emergency)
• cauda equina syndrome (surgical emergency)
• non-discogenic sciatica (piriformis syndrome, severe osteoarthritis)
• spinal instability, severe spondylolisthesis, fracture

Treatment protocol

The protocol is tailored to each patient:

1. Initial consultation: clinical examination, neurological assessment, imaging analysis
2. Pace of sessions: usually 10 to 15 sessions over three to four months, one or two a week at first, then spaced out as the pain settles
3. Regular follow-up: reassessment at each session, adjustment of traction parameters
4. Combined approach: possible combination with osteopathic manual treatment addressing muscular tension and mobility restrictions

Clinical studies

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders (2022)

Title: Effects of non-surgical spinal decompression as an adjunct to physiotherapy in patients with lumbar radiculopathy.

Method: Randomised trial comparing physiotherapy alone versus physiotherapy plus 12 decompression sessions over 4 weeks.

Results:

• Greater reduction in radicular pain in the decompression group
• Improvement in muscular endurance and quality of life

Reference: PubMed

Choi et al. (2015)

Title: Influences of spinal decompression therapy and general traction therapy on the pain, disability, and straight leg raising of patients with intervertebral disc herniation.

Method: 30 patients split into two groups of 15 — spinal decompression table or lumbar traction table — three sessions a week for four weeks, both with conservative physiotherapy. Measures: VAS, ODI, straight-leg-raise angle.

Results:

• Significant reduction in pain (VAS) and disability (ODI) in both groups
• Increase in straight-leg-raise angle in both groups, with no significant difference between them

Reference: PubMed