Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression

   After lying on the comfortable spinal decompression bed, you will be fitted with a support system. The support system helps to stabilize your body. The advanced computer system automatically adjusts to the proper angle of distraction, an air bladder system acts as a fulcrum for the angle of pull, allowing us to target the specific discs that are causing your pain and symptoms. The distractive forces utilize a computer controlled logarithmic curve to avoid reflex responses which would create muscle spasm. The split table design decreases friction and allows separation of the vertebra.


 

  Basically, you lay down on the table and the spinal decompression computer simulates an anti-gravity effect on your spine that helps herniated material return toward its normal position thus reducing pressure and pain. Patients describe the treatment as a gentle, painless, intermittent pulling sensation.  Many patients actually fall asleep during treatment!

                                                                                                              Picture of patient being treated lying face down.
 

How Long Are Treatments And How Many Do You Need?
 

   Patients typically undergo 15 to 20 treatment sessions. Each treatment lasts between 45 and 60 minutes. This, of course, depends on your individual case and is determined by thorough pre-treatment evaluation.  Following each session, a cold pack and electric muscle stimulation is usually applied to speed the healing process.  It is important to note that many patients get substantial, immediate relief after just a few treatments. Some have significant reduction of pain after just one session.  The really good news is that this is not something you have to continue to do for the rest of your life! So it is not a big commitment.

Can Spinal Decompression Therapy Help My Pain? 

   Though each patient is different and no doctor can guarantee success, the clinical results of this type of therapy have been shown to be effective in 86% of patients treated.  The common problems of many back conditions are damaged discs and poor spinal muscle control.  Our treatment program addresses both of these core problems.  The specially designed spinal decompression equipment creates a controlled unloading of the spine to decrease disc pressure thus increasing blood and nutrient exchange.  This exchange of fluids is something the damaged disc desperately needs to help it heal from the inside out.  Muscle strength, control and endurance can all be improved with our spinal decompression therapy program that includes specific controlled spinal exercises.

Will Spinal Decompression Treatments Hurt?  Is it Safe?

   Spinal Decompression Therapy treatments are one of the most gentle and comfortable therapies available.  The treatments utilize FDA cleared equipment with proven safety and efficacy.  Most patients report a mild sense of stretch on their back or hips, and often fall asleep during treatment sessions.  The spinal decompression system is produced by one of the world’s largest manufacturers of hospital based therapy and rehabilitation equipment.

Is Spinal Decompression Therapy New?

   Although traction therapy has been around for thousands of years, Spinal Decompression Therapy is relatively new.  Advances in equipment and procedures have dramatically improved effectiveness.  Spinal Decompression Therapy is the most comprehensive program available, allowing the safe delivery of this previously hospital based therapy in our office.  Continual improvements in the delivery system and regular updates in protocol keep spinal decompression in the forefront of non-invasive disc therapy.  Each year over 50,000 patients are treated with spinal decompression therapy and that number is growing.  For a complete comparison of spinal decompression with traction and other surgical options, check out the article below "How does spinal decompression stack up?"

How Long Will My Treatment Program Be?

   This depends on the complexity and extent of the treatment and rehabilitation needed, however we typically treat 4 times a week for 1 month, transitioning from passive to active treatments as you respond.  The treatment is administered over a reasonable timeframe and your response is continually evaluated.  Further treatments may be necessary or a reduced frequency may be recommended at that time. 

   The rehabilitative phase may include additional spinal decompression treatments coupled with exercises, spinal manipulation and adjustments to enhance the results.  Most patents are released from treatments after 6 to 12 weeks.

Why is Spinal Decompression Therapy More Successful Than Other Treatment Options?

   Spinal Decompression therapy as practiced in our clinic is a comprehensive program of the newest decompression techniques and targeted “core” stabilization exercises combined with Biofeedback.  In addition, we use other adjunctive treatments that have proven effectiveness in back care.  It is this multi-faceted approach that makes our decompression treatment so effective and is what sets our procedure apart. 

   Additionally, discs have been shown to be a predominate site of pain, so treating the disc as directly as possible makes sense.  The blending of focused traction of the site, rehabilitation to the supporting structures, and overall strengthening of musculature makes the treatment unique.   Spinal decompression therapy affects the disc as directly as possible without surgery.  For a complete comparison of spinal decompression with traction and other surgical options, check out the article below "How does spinal decompression stack up?"

Why the Need for Exercises and Other Therapies?

   Along with the damage in the disc, we also need to treat the supporting spinal muscles.  A complete program targeting the function of the stabilization muscles of the spine is a vital part of spinal decompression therapy.  Heat, muscle stimulation, and ultrasonic therapy can offer additional benefits for inflammation and spasm reduction.  Our goal is to not only to help heal the disc but enhance muscle control and support of the low back.  A gradual breakdown of the foundational support of your back is what puts undue stresses on the discs and leads to disc degeneration, pain and loss of function.  Our program of spinal exercise and adjunctive therapies will assist in rehabilitating these structures.

Will My Pain Go Away For Good?

   Although it is difficult to predict the future, experience has shown that most patients do find long-term relief or effective management of their pain when they complete the entire recommended program of treatments.  Regular home exercise and periodic visits to our clinic will help in maintaining your spinal health and reduce the probability of reoccurrence.  As with any comprehensive rehabilitation program, your continued home care exercises and discretion in some daily activities is the key to long-term relief.

How Much Will it Cost?

   The cost varies depending on your condition and the extent of care needed.  (See above for comparison with cost of surgery.)   We promise to only do those procedures necessary for your fullest recovery.  You always have the choice as to the extent of care.  Our staff will review all costs, payment options and insurance coverage before treatment begins.  We want to help and we believe finances shouldn’t stand in the way of your good health.

How Does Triton DTS Differ from Other Spinal Decompression Tables?

   Our office uses Trition DTS spinal decompression equipment from The Chattanooga Group, which has become the gold standard for spinal decompression.  For a detailed comparison as well as our reasoning for choosing this table, refer to the section below 

How Does Spinal Decompression Stack Up?

   With the wide spectrum of back and neck pain treatment options and slight variations of treatment types, it is difficult to determine which will work for you and why.  The following sections will answer many of your lingering questions.

How is Spinal Decompression different from traction?

   Traction is a simple static force that is put on the patient’s body with the intent of unloading the body's joints, muscles and other structures.  For example, hanging upside-down is a common method to put the spine into traction.  Rather than one's body weight putting stress on the spine, which is what happens when standing erect; the body weight is working to unload the spine. 

   Various forms of traction have been around for over 1000 years; however, pain relief has been inconsistent and short-lived until now.  In fact, several clinical studies have shown ordinary traction to be an ineffective form of back and neck pain relief.  The reason is unexpected, but pretty simple.  Our bodies react to the static unloading of the spine by contracting, or squeezing, the muscles surrounding the spine.  Rather than achieving the desired effect of unloading the spine, the pressure on the spine is actually increased, thus increasing intradiscal pressure.  This does NOT allow the discs to re-hydrate and heal, which is what ultimately yields pain relief.

   Spinal Decompression, on the other hand, is a modified, updated form of traction.  Computer technology is used to control variations in the unloading of the spine, effectively avoiding the body's muscle contraction response.  Notice in the figure below that the traction tension is varied over time according to the graph.  The doctor can control how many progressive tension steps are experienced by the patient before reaching the maximum tension.  The doctor also has complete control over how long the tensions are held steady and how often they are repeated through the computerized system.