Spinal decompression therapy is a gentle and effective treatment for spinal problems. It can be used to treat:
- Lumbar and Cervical Stenosis
- Degenerative Disc Disease
- Disc Herniations
- Sciatica
To help answer any questions you might have, we have compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions and answers.
What is Spinal Decompression Therapy?
Spinal decompression therapy is a non-surgical traction-based treatment for herniated or bulging discs in the neck and lower back. Anyone who has back, neck, arm or leg pain or numbness may be helped by spinal decompression therapy.
How many spinal decompression sessions will be needed and are they painful?
The number of sessions needed, and your specific treatment plan will be determined by the doctor after your examination. Most patients will know if it is helping within 4-6 sessions.
In most cases, the treatments are completely painless. As part of our examination we screen you to find the most comfortable and effective position for decompression. In fact, some patients fall asleep during the spinal decompression session.
What type of decompression system is used?
After a significant amount of research, our office chose the Triton® DTS system manufactured by the Chattanooga Group, the premier manufacturer of physical medicine equipment. More importantly, we have the brand-new computerized head which is the most sophisticated and technologically advanced unit in the world.
In fact, the new Triton® head is so revolutionary that it won the Australian Design Award in the “Medical and Scientific” category. We also selected the Triton® DTS systems due to its ability to treat discs in both the neck and the low back.
What makes Spinal Decompression Therapy so effective?
The computerized traction head and the doctor’s skill in evaluating you are the keys to successful results. Proper assessment and the use of preprogrammed patterns of distraction and relaxation may permit disc material to be pulled back within the normal confines of the disc and allow healing to occur.
Who can benefit from Spinal Decompression Therapy?
Anyone who has back pain or neck pain caused in whole or in part by a degenerative or damaged disc may be helped by spinal decompression therapy. These conditions include herniated, protruding or bulging discs, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, facet problems, sciatica or even failed surgery.
Are there medical studies that document the effectiveness of Spinal Decompression Therapy?
Yes! One study documented by MRI up to 90% reduction of disc herniations in 10 of 14 cases and other studies reported that many ruptured disc patients achieved “good” to “excellent” results after spinal decompression therapy. Here is a case study in our office and written up by one of our doctors about a patient referred to us by their medical doctor. Click here if you would like to review the studies yourself.
Are there conditions where Spinal Decompression Therapy is not indicated?
Spinal decompression therapy is not recommended for pregnant women, patients who have severe osteoporosis, severe obesity or severe nerve damage. Spinal surgery with instrumentation (screws, metal plates or “cages”) is also contraindicated. However, spinal decompression therapy after bone fusion or non-fusion surgery, can be performed.
How many sessions will be needed and what is the cost?
Our fee for each lumbar decompression session is only $75, a fraction of the amount most others charge, and these savings can be further magnified when multiple sessions are purchased, and free sessions are offered. Cervical decompression is only $35 and is often billable to your insurance. Additional savings are available when sessions are bundled. Most treatment plans are only 8-12 decompression sessions.
If you would like to learn more, our doctors will consult with you by phone in order to answer all your questions. Or you can schedule an examination where we will review your imaging and determine if you are a candidate for decompression.
Do most patients receive therapy and rehabilitative exercises in addition to Spinal Decompression Therapy?
To reduce inflammation and assist the healing process, supporting structures may be treated with passive therapies (such as ice and/or heat), chiropractic adjustments (as indicated) and/or active rehabilitation in order to strengthen the spinal musculature.
How do I get started?
We want to make it easy for you to learn if you are a candidate for spinal decompression therapy. Just call our office at 922-0303 to arrange a consultation and exam. If you still have questions you can call and discuss them with one of our doctors.
Please remember to bring any MRI reports so the doctor can review them and best advise you about your treatment options. You can also tell us where they were performed so we can request them ourselves.
