A Natural Alternative to Spinal Decompression Surgery
Surgeons often recommend spinal decompression surgery, or surgical spinal decompression, for individuals suffering from chronic back pain. Surgeons also recommend it in cases of compressed nerves, herniated disks, or degenerative disc disease.
Surgeries such as a decompressive laminectomy and lumbar fusion decompression can offer significant pain relief in severe cases. However, it is not always the only solution. For those looking for a natural, holistic alternative, Functional Patterns (FP) provides an innovative approach to addressing the root causes of spinal issues.
In this blog, we’ll explore the root causes of spinal problems. We will look at why you might consider surgery as a “bandaid” solution. Lastly, we will discuss how Functional Patterns can serve as an effective, non-invasive alternative for spinal decompression treatment.
Understanding the Root Cause of Spinal Decompression
Spinal decompression procedures, such as a lumbar spine operation or nerve decompression surgery, are performed to relieve pain and pressure. Compressed nerves or structural issues in the spine cause this pain. The most common causes of these problems include:
Poor Posture and Movement Patterns: Years of poor movement patterns and posture can lead to chronic spinal compression. This is where soft tissue, such as muscles and fascia, fail to support the spine effectively.
Muscle Imbalances: Imbalances between stabilising and mobilising muscles around the spine create uneven pressure on the vertebrae. This contributes to conditions like herniated disks or bone spurs.
Lack of Core Stability: Weak core muscles and improper spinal alignment result in excessive strain on the lumbar vertebrae. This can often lead to nerve pain, leg pain, and the need for decompression back surgery.
Surgical procedures like a lumbar spine decompression or lumbosacral spine surgery often address the immediate structural issues. However, they rarely address these root causes. This is where Functional Patterns comes in.
Natural spinal decompression achieved using only Functional Patterns.
Why Surgery Isn’t Always the Best First Option
A surgical spinal decompression operation may be necessary in severe cases, but it’s important to consider the potential risks and limitations:
Temporary Relief: Surgery can relieve pain and pressure in the short term. However, it does not fix the underlying movement patterns or muscle imbalances. This means that cause of the issue is still present and will likely continue to impact your health.
Side Effects and Recovery Time: Like any surgical procedure, spinal decompression surgery comes with risks. These risks include; infection, nerve damage, or the need for additional surgeries. Recovery time can also be lengthy, delaying a return to work or daily activities.
Invasiveness: Many spinal decompression surgeries involve small incisions, general anesthesia, and permanent changes to the spine. For example, spinal fusion permanently reduces and alters mobility and movement patterns.
For individuals who are not in acute medical danger, trying a natural alternative like Functional Patterns before opting for surgical decompression of the spine may lead to long-term relief without the risks of surgery.
Courtney came to us after her spinal decompression surgery failed to prevent a return of her scoliosis. The after photo was achieved using only Functional Patterns and Courtney has been able to maintain this result.
How Functional Patterns Works to Address Spinal Compression
Functional Patterns (FP) is a movement-based methodology that focuses on optimizing biomechanics, posture, and muscle integration. Instead of addressing symptoms, FP targets the root causes of spinal compression to create sustainable improvements. Here’s how:
Restoring Biomechanical Efficiency FP emphasizes proper movement patterns that distribute force evenly throughout the body. Exercises are designed to correct faulty mechanics that contribute to spinal compression, such as poor posture or asymmetrical loading.
Integrating Functional Movements Unlike traditional rehabilitation or exercise programs, FP focuses on movements that mimic real-life activities. By integrating rotational and multi-dimensional movements, FP helps the body develop stability and mobility simultaneously, reducing strain on the spine.
Building Core Strength and Stability Functional Patterns prioritizes core activation, which is critical for supporting the lumbar spine. This reduces excessive loading on the vertebrae and prevents the recurrence of conditions like herniated disk decompression.
Releasing Myofascial Tension Tight fascia and soft tissue restrictions can compress nerves and limit mobility. FP uses myofascial release techniques to alleviate tension and restore proper alignment, often achieving results similar to spinal decompression therapy.
A Case for Trying FP Before Surgery
While surgical treatments like lumbar spine surgery or nerve decompression procedures can provide immediate relief, they don’t address the biomechanical dysfunctions that led to the problem. Functional Patterns, on the other hand, works to:
Relieve Pain Naturally: By improving posture, core stability, and movement efficiency, FP reduces the pressure on compressed nerves. This alleviates associated nerve pain and leg pain.
Improve Long-Term Outcomes: Addressing the root cause of spinal compression helps prevent future issues. This potentially eliminates the need for a second, and hopefully first, decompression operation.
Avoid Side Effects: Functional Patterns provides an alternative to invasive procedures. This reduces the risks associated with surgical spinal decompression, such as infections or complications from general anesthesia.
When Surgery Is Necessary
It’s important to acknowledge that surgical decompression of the spine is sometimes the only option. Especially in cases of severe spinal stenosis, loss of bowel or bladder control, or other critical conditions. However, if you’re not in an acute medical emergency, trying Functional Patterns first can be a game-changer.
Success Stories with Functional Patterns
Many individuals who were told they needed lumbar fusion decompression or other types of spinal decompression surgery have found relief through Functional Patterns. By retraining their bodies to move correctly, they’ve avoided invasive surgical procedures and returned to pain-free, functional lives.
One common success story involves people with degenerative disc disease who improved their mobility and stability by correcting their biomechanics. Others have reported significant reductions in nerve pain and the ability to return to work or daily activities without the need for pain medications or lower spine surgery.
Choosing a Natural Path to Spinal Health
If you’ve been told you need spinal decompression surgery or a lumbar spine operation, consider trying Functional Patterns as a natural alternative. By addressing the root causes of spinal compression, FP offers a holistic, non-invasive approach to pain relief and functional movement.
While surgery is sometimes unavoidable, Functional Patterns empowers you to take control of your health, improving not only your spine but your entire body’s functionality. Before committing to a surgical procedure, explore the possibilities of FP—it might just change your life.
Ready to learn more? Contact Functional Patterns Brisbane today and take the first step toward a healthier spine and a pain-free life.