Spinal Decompression FAQs
Why Spinal Disc Decompression Works:
This FDA approved technology relieves pain by enlarging the space between
the discs. The negative pressure of decompression releases pressure that
builds on to the disc and nerves, allowing the herniated and bulging
disc to eventually go back into normal position. Decompression is the
only treatment that is truly most effective for severe cases of herniation,
degeneration, arthritis, stenosis and pressure on the nerve root. According
to a clinical study performed by the Orthopedic Technological Review
in 2004, said that 86% of all cases experienced spinal pain relief with
disc decompression.
What is the difference between decompression and traction?
Many
clinicians specializing in lumbar spine pathology have criticized traditional
traction. Traction fails in many cases because it causes muscular stretch
receptors to fire, which then cause para-spinal muscles to contract.
This muscular response actually causes an increase in intradiscal pressure.
On the other hand, genuine decompression is achieved by gradual and calculated
increases of distraction forces to spinal structures, utilizing various
degrees of distraction forces.
A highly specialized computer must modulate the application of distraction
forces in order to achieve the ideal effect. The system uses applies
a gentle, curved angle pull which yields far greater treatment results
that a less comfortable, sharp angle pull. Distraction must be offset
by cycles of partial relaxation.
The system continuously monitors spinal resistance and adjusts distraction
forces accordingly. A specific lumbar segment can be targeted for treatment
by changing the angle of distraction. This patented technique of decompression
may prevent muscle spasm and patient guarding. Constant activity monitoring
takes place at a rate of 10,000 times per second, making adjustments
not perceived by the eye as many as 20 times per second via its fractional
metering and monitoring system.
Genuine decompression also involves the use of a special pelvic harness
that supports the lumbar spine during therapy. Negative pressure within
the disc is maintained throughout the treatment session. With genuine
decompression, the pressure within the disc space can actually be lowered
to about -150 mmHg. As a result, the damaged disc will be rehydrated
with nutrients and oxygen.
Isn’t decompression just a fancy name for a traction machine?
No. There is a big different between traction, distraction and decompression.
Traction has been around for hundreds, if not thousands of years. The
problem with traction as it is known today is that it is not always beneficial.
In 1998, the Scientific American rated traction to be of little or no
value in the examination of efficacious therapies for lower back pain.
This finding is consistent with many studies that report traction can
often times signal a nociceptive splinting response and put a patient’s
back muscles in spasm, resisting any attempts to effect a change on the
disc proper.
Distraction, a term used to describe a flexion distraction technique,
attempts to reposition the spine from the offending lesion. This technique
has been shown to be very effective, even though potentially damaging
to the person performing the technique and largely dependent on the skill
of the technician. Like traction, distraction procedures are limited
in the ability to reduce the intradiscal pressure, or produce a negative
pressure within the disc imbibing fluid, nutrients and creating an environment
for repair.
Decompression therefore is an event - a combination of restraint, angle
position and equipment engineering. One can experience traction without
decompression, but not decompression without traction. Traction is a
machine - Decompression is an event.
What Result I Expect?
Many patients with lower back syndromes may experience pain relief as
early as the third treatment session. Comparison of pre-treatment MRI’s
with post-treatment MRI’s has shown a 50% reduction in the size
and extent of herniation. In clinical studies, 86% of patients reported
relief of back pain with the our system. Within the past five years,
some private practice clinicians have reported success rates as high
as 90%.
What Time Commitments Are Required By Patients?
Each treatment session averages 25 to 30 minutes in duration (research
has established that optimum results are achieved with sessions that
incorporate 10 to 15 decompression/relaxation cycles). On average, one
daily session for 20-30 treatments is necessary for patient self-healing
to occur.
Herniated discs generally respond within 20 sessions, while patients
with degenerated discs may need ongoing therapy at regulated intervals
to remain pain free. Still other patients, due to lifestyle or occupation,
may also require maintenance therapy. Patients with posterior facet syndromes
may achieve complete remission with 10 or fewer sessions. Research has
demonstrated that most patients achieve full remission from pain after
the initial treatment regimen.
What is the typical diagnosis?
Since non-specific low back pain and cervical pain generally encompass
a myriad of mechanical failures, including muscles, tendons, ligaments,
and other soft tissue that encroach or produce pressure on the nerves,
the term intervertebral disc syndrome can be used. This diagnosis does
not necessarily require (although recommended) an MRI to confirm the
presence of a disc involvement
Who can benefit from using Disc Decompression Therapy?
The following would be inclusion criteria for the Decompression Therapy
(1) Pain due to herniated and bulging lumbar discs that is more than
four weeks old; (2) Recurrent pain from a failed back surgery that is
more than six months old; (3) Persistent pain from degenerated discs
not responding to four weeks of therapy; (4) Patients available for four
weeks of treatment protocol; and (5) Patient at least 18 years of age.
These indications are ideal candidates for enrollment into our program
and have the potential of achieving quality outcomes in the treatment
of their back pain: (1) Nerve Compression; (2) Lumbar Disorders; (3)
Lumbar Strains; (4) Sciatic Neuralgia; (5) Herniated Discs; (6) Injury
of the Lumbar Nerve Root; (7) Degenerative Discs; (8) Spinal Arthritis;
(9) Low Back Pain w/ or w/o Sciatica; (10) Degenerative Joint Disease;
(11) Myofasctois Syndrome; (12) Disuse Atrophy; (13) Lumbar Instability;
(14) Acute Low Back Pain; and (15) Post-Surgical Low Back Pain.
Lastly, the system should be utilized with patients with low back pain,
with or without radiculopathy who have failed conventional therapy (physiotherapy
and chiropractic) and who are considering surgery. Surgery should only
be considered following a reasonable trial of Decompression therapy protocols.
What conditions are contraindicated?
Patients with the following problems or symptoms are usually excluded
from using the Spinal Decompresion therapy: Pregnancy, Prior lumbar surgical
fusion, Metastatic cancer, Severe osteoporosis, Spondylolisthesis, Compression
fracture of lumbar spine below L-1, Pars defect, Aortic aneurysm, Pelvic
or abdominal cancer, Disc space infections, Severe peripheral neuropathy,
Hemiplegia, paraplegia, or cognitive dysfunction, Cauda Equina syndrome,
Tumors, osteod osteoma, multiple myeloma, osteosarcoma, Infection, osteomyelitis,
meningitis, virus, and HNP (sequestered/free floating fragment).
How long is each session and what is the treatment protocol?
Each session on the Decompression equipment is approximately 25-40 minutes
long (45 minute sessions include set-up and take-off), accompanied by
15 minutes of stimulation, heat packs and manipulation. The patient comes
for 20-30 visits over a 4-6 week period. The doctor will provide a complete
copy of the Spinal decompression treatment protocol upon request.
How long before a patient experiences change?
Often times a patient experiences some relief within the first few (3-7)
treatments. Usually by the 12th to 15th treatment all patients have reported
some remission of symptoms. Patients not showing significant improvement
by the 15th to 18th session may be referred for further diagnostic evaluation.
Does Decompression Therapy work for everyone?
Eighty-to-ninety percent of patients who have been properly selected
and comply with the Spinal Disc Decompression protocol will have good-to-excellent
outcomes. Patient’s conditions that do not respond quickly to the
therapy are often unable to be helped by anything quickly. Patients vary
in age, sex and body morphology and may require counseling in weight
loss, nutrition and other lifestyle changes.
Featured Specialists
Dr. Michael Bishop
Back Pain Palm Bay, Florida
Chiropractic Life Center
Call (888) 308-4517
400 Barton Boulevard, Suite 201
Rockledge,
Florida
32955
Do you wish you could lead an active life, but back pain always gets in your way? Are you looking for treatment that will relieve your back pain for good? Relief is waiting for you at the Chiropractic Life Center in Florida. There, Dr. Michael Bishop, DC and his team of professionals can offer you a specific, yet effective treatment plan that will cater to each of your individual needs.
Dr. Drew Oliphant, DC
Lumbar Pain Calgary, Alberta
Alberta Back and Neck Rehab
Call (888) 337-9387
4607 MacLeod Trail SW
Calgary,
Alberta
T2G 0A6
Is lower back or lumbar pain significantly decreasing your ability to perform simple functions? Does it make simply walking or sitting an impossible feat? Then you need to change your life for the better by receiving quality treatment that will put an end to your suffering and help you live functionally again. At Alberta Back and Neck Rehab in Calgary, Alberta, a compassionate and skilled staff of professionals is waiting to effectively ease your pain by delivering top notch non-surgical treatment with quality results that speak for themselves.
Dr. Robert M. Browne DC
Spinal Decompression Therapy Staten Island, NY
Staten Island DRX
Call
3204 Amboy Rd.
Staten Island,
NY
10306
Have chronic back pain? Living with pain can be difficult, even unbearable at times. Drugs can mask the pain, but this is only a temporary fix dealing with the symptoms not the actually source of pain. Surgery is another option, but that can risky and takes months of physical therapy to get back to a fully functional life. At Staten Island DRX in Staten Island, NY Dr. Robert M. Browne DC utilizes spinal decompression therapy to bring you pain relief.
Dr. Michael Pustina DC
Degenerative Disc Disease Thunder Bay, Ontario
Spinal Health and Rehabilitation Center of Canada
Call 888-342-1697
1091 Dawson Rd.
Thunder Bay,
Ontario
P7B 1K8
As we get older, it%u2019s natural for parts of our bodies to stop working as effectively as they once did. Sometimes the effects are minor, but in the case of spinal discs, the back pain that often results from degenerative disc disease can be debilitating. If you have been suffering from back pain and are looking for a non-surgical alternative treatment to put you back in control, Dr. Michael Pustina, DC and Spinal Health and Rehabilitation Center of Canada in Thunder Bay, Ontario use spinal decompression therapy with the DRX9000 to help patients find relief.
Dr. David Podell, DC
Spinal Decompression NJ
Waterfront Institute for Spine and Joint Rehabilitation
Call (888) 319-4510
115 River Rd, Bld 10
Edgewater,
NJ
07020
Has back pain limited your ability to work, play with your kids, go to parties, or just have fun? Back pain can change your life for the worst. Dr. David Podell DC in NJ uses spinal decompression to effectively treat back pain and can make a difference in your life.
Empowered Doctor
Spinal Decompression Los Angeles, CA
EMPOWERED DOCTOR Medical Marketing
Call 1-888-697-2630
Marketing Service
Medical Professionals Only,
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Do you use spinal decompression in your practice in Los Angleles, CA? You can reach new patients using Empowered Doctor...
Dr. Stephen Lembo,DC
Cervical Pain Smithtown, Long Island
North East Spine & Rehab
Call 888-266-9201
363 Route 111, St 107
Smithtown,
NY
11787
If you are suffering from Cervical Pain in the Smithtown, Long Island area, then Dr. Daniel Crews, DC and Dr. Kathryn Crews, DC, have a highly effective spinal positioning therapy. It is called the M3DŽ Therapeutic Protocol and it is a revolutionary technique that will finally give you the relief you've been searching for.
Huntington Medical and Rehabilitation
Back Pain Treatment Huntington, New York
Huntington Medical and Rehabilitation
Call 888-304-6601
33 Walt Whitman Road Ste. 100
Huntington Station,
NY
11746
Back pain is one of the most common maladies in America today. If you are in the Huntington, Suffolk County community and feel a decrease in your quality of life, there is hope. At Huntington Medical and Rehabilitation, patients receive optimal back pain treatment from a team of highly skilled medical doctors, chiropractors, massage therapists and physical therapists. This multidisciplinary approach to treating back pain gives patients the opportunity to regain function and mobility.
Dr. Joel A. Stutzman, D.C.
Z-Grav Paoli, Chester County, PA
Paoli Chiropractic
Call 888-423-5915
15 Industrial Boulevard Suite 202
Paoli,
PA
19301
Suffer from chronic back pain? Unable to do the activities you love because of the pain? Many people resort to over-the-counter drugs, but this only deals with the symptom never reaching the source of the problem. At Paoli Chiropractic in Chester County, PA you will find a staff of caring individuals ready to help you. Dr. Joel A. Stutzman, DC uses Z-Grav spinal decompression to bring patients lasting back pain relief.
Dr. Steven S. Moalemi, M.D.
Back Pain from Sciatica New York City
Empire Physical Medicine & Pain Management
Call (888) 898-7795
551 5th Avenue Ste. 525
NYC,
NY
10176
Are you suffering from sciatica? Do you have chronic low back pain and shooting, crippling pain in the back of your legs? Empire Physical Medicine & Pain Management in NYC can help patients who suffer from back problems to return to their daily activities as soon as possible. Dr. Steven Moalemi, M.D., and experienced pain management and physical medicine specialist on New York's 5th Ave has the experience and the expertise to help you find peace.
Dr. George Wilson
Chiropractic Sanger, California
Fresno Spinal Relief
Call
4832 N. First St. Suite 101
Fresno,
California
93726
If you're looking for quality chiropractic care in Sanger,, California then Dr. George Wilson and his team of highly trained professionals can offer the care you need. Chiropractic medicine is an effective way to treat back pain without medication or surgery.
NY Rehab, Pain Management & Medical Services, P.C.
Rehabilitation Astoria, Long Island City, Queens
NY Rehab, Pain Management & Medical Services, P.C.
Call (888) 292-7798
32-44 31st Street
Astoria,
NY
11106
Have you had a sports, dance, or performance injury? Are you looking for superior rehabilitation? Dr. Howard Goodman, D.C., offers state-of-the art physical therapy for many injuries. Located in Astoria, Long Island City, Queens, NY Rehab, Pain Management & Medical Services, P.C. has superior training in proper diagnosis and effective treatment methods.
Louis E. Bisogni, DC & Alan H. Siegel, DC
Neck Pain Bronx, New York
Westchester Non-Surgical Spine and Sports Care
Call (914) 202-0700
12 Old Mamaroneck Rd.
Wht Plns,
NY
10605
When neck pain attacks, it can feel like a sharp shock that drains your focus and keeps you from enjoying anything. You desperately want to do something about it, but might be worried about the side effects of surgery or drugs. At Westchester Non-Surgical Spine and Sports Care, spinal decompression can be a weapon in the fight against your pain.
Dr. Randy Stephan, DC
Chiropractic Brooklyn
Fulton Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Call
122 Fulton St., 6th Floor
New York City,
New York
10038
Chiropractic Brooklyn
Dr. Lenny Roberts DC
Back Pain Relief Wilmington, De (South Philadelphia)
Roberts Family & Sports Chiropractic
Call 888-653-1365
8151 Ridge Avenue
Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania
19128
If you're tired of letting back pain keep you from accomplishing your goals help is available at the Roberts Family & Sports Chiropractic near Wilmington, De (South Philadelphia). Back pain doesn't have to hold you back any longer. The doctors at the Roberts Family & Sports Chiropractic have what it takes to get your life going again.
Dr. Jonathan Donath
Back Pain Rye, Westchester, NY
Westchester Spinal Decompression Center
Call 914-908-5562
1241 Mamaroneck Ave
White Plains,
NY
10605
If you are among the millions of Americans who suffer from Back Pain every year, regardless of the severity of your individual disorder, it is very important that you turn to a team of experienced professionals due to the complex nature of the spinal system and its importance in maintaining a healthy and balanced body. In Rye, Westchester, NY, Dr. Jonathan Donath, DC and his entire staff at the Westchester Spinal Decompression Center have dedicated their lives to treat a wide range of needs in a safe, noninvasive, and effective manner. Their top priority is always the individual, so you will be sure to receive extraordinary personal care every step of the way throughout your treatment.
Hauptman Family Health Center
Backache Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Hauptman Family Health Center
Call 888-551-0868
Rodin Place, 2000 Hamilton Street Ste. 303
Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania
19130
Wake up throughout the night because of a backache? Medication and drugs will temporarily mask the symptoms, but the source of the problem persists. If you are tired of living in this painful cycle, there is a caring staff who is ready to help you. Dr. Garret Hauptman and his team at Hauptman Family Health Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania use the latest in chiropractic and holistic care to treat patients. If you are in pain call today.
Dr. Lenny Roberts DC
Neck Pain Relief Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Roberts Family & Sports Chiropractic
Call 888-653-1365
8151 Ridge Avenue
Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania
19128
If you're tired of excruciating neck pain is keeping you out of the game you love then Roberts Family and Sports Chiropractic near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is the place for you. Neck pain doesn't have to keep you from your dreams any longer. Dr. Lenny Roberts of Roberts Family Chiropractic provides the caring and the curing for the pain in your neck.
Dr. Stephen Lembo, DC
Physical Therapy Glen Cove, Long Island
Northeast Spine & Rehab
Call 888-266-9201
363 Route 111, St 107
Smithtown,
New York
11784
Nagging back pain? Looking for an alternative to surgery or using over-the-counter drugs. Physical therapy is used in conjuncture with other procedures to improve a patient's overall wellness. In the Glen Cove, Long Island area, North East Spine & Rehab can help treat the cause of your back pain, making you ready to undergo physical therapy and strengthening your body.
Dr. Michael Peterson
Back and Neck Pain Treatment Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
Peterson Clinic of Chiropractic
Call 918-289-2002
6951 E. 71st Street
Tulsa,
OK
74133
Chronic back pain can make your life unbearable. You can't sleep, you can't sit comfortably, you can't get any work done because of the constant pain. Sometimes the pain spreads to your neck and shoulders, or your legs, and you find yourself barely able to walk. Don't allow pain to defeat you: Dr. Michael Peterson, DC, Director of the Peterson Clinic of Chiropractic in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, can ease your pain with natural, non-surgical procedures for back and neck pain treatment.