Spinal Decompression FAQs

Why Spinal Disc Decompression Works:

This FDA approved technology relieves pain by enlarging the space betweenthe discs. The negative pressure of decompression releases pressure thatbuilds on to the disc and nerves, allowing the herniated and bulgingdisc to eventually go back into normal position. Decompression is theonly treatment that is truly most effective for severe cases of herniation,degeneration, arthritis, stenosis and pressure on the nerve root. Accordingto a clinical study performed by the Orthopedic Technological Reviewin 2004, said that 86% of all cases experienced spinal pain relief withdisc decompression.

What is the difference between decompression and traction?

Manyclinicians specializing in lumbar spine pathology have criticized traditionaltraction. Traction fails in many cases because it causes muscular stretchreceptors 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 calculatedincreases of distraction forces to spinal structures, utilizing variousdegrees of distraction forces.

A highly specialized computer must modulate the application of distractionforces in order to achieve the ideal effect. The system uses appliesa gentle, curved angle pull which yields far greater treatment resultsthat a less comfortable, sharp angle pull. Distraction must be offsetby cycles of partial relaxation.

The system continuously monitors spinal resistance and adjusts distractionforces accordingly. A specific lumbar segment can be targeted for treatmentby changing the angle of distraction. This patented technique of decompressionmay prevent muscle spasm and patient guarding. Constant activity monitoringtakes place at a rate of 10,000 times per second, making adjustmentsnot perceived by the eye as many as 20 times per second via its fractionalmetering and monitoring system.

Genuine decompression also involves the use of a special pelvic harnessthat supports the lumbar spine during therapy. Negative pressure withinthe disc is maintained throughout the treatment session. With genuinedecompression, the pressure within the disc space can actually be loweredto about -150 mmHg. As a result, the damaged disc will be rehydratedwith 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. Theproblem 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 novalue in the examination of efficacious therapies for lower back pain.This finding is consistent with many studies that report traction canoften times signal a nociceptive splinting response and put a patient’sback muscles in spasm, resisting any attempts to effect a change on thedisc proper.

Distraction, a term used to describe a flexion distraction technique,attempts to reposition the spine from the offending lesion. This techniquehas been shown to be very effective, even though potentially damagingto the person performing the technique and largely dependent on the skillof the technician. Like traction, distraction procedures are limitedin the ability to reduce the intradiscal pressure, or produce a negativepressure within the disc imbibing fluid, nutrients and creating an environmentfor repair.

Decompression therefore is an event - a combination of restraint, angleposition and equipment engineering. One can experience traction withoutdecompression, but not decompression without traction. Traction is amachine - Decompression is an event.

What Result I Expect?

Many patients with lower back syndromes may experience pain relief asearly as the third treatment session. Comparison of pre-treatment MRI’swith post-treatment MRI’s has shown a 50% reduction in the sizeand extent of herniation. In clinical studies, 86% of patients reportedrelief of back pain with the our system. Within the past five years,some private practice clinicians have reported success rates as highas 90%.

What Time Commitments Are Required By Patients?

Each treatment session averages 25 to 30 minutes in duration (researchhas established that optimum results are achieved with sessions thatincorporate 10 to 15 decompression/relaxation cycles). On average, onedaily session for 20-30 treatments is necessary for patient self-healingto occur.

Herniated discs generally respond within 20 sessions, while patientswith degenerated discs may need ongoing therapy at regulated intervalsto remain pain free. Still other patients, due to lifestyle or occupation,may also require maintenance therapy. Patients with posterior facet syndromesmay achieve complete remission with 10 or fewer sessions. Research hasdemonstrated that most patients achieve full remission from pain afterthe initial treatment regimen.

What is the typical diagnosis?

Since non-specific low back pain and cervical pain generally encompassa 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 doesnot necessarily require (although recommended) an MRI to confirm thepresence 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 thanfour weeks old; (2) Recurrent pain from a failed back surgery that ismore than six months old; (3) Persistent pain from degenerated discsnot responding to four weeks of therapy; (4) Patients available for fourweeks of treatment protocol; and (5) Patient at least 18 years of age.

These indications are ideal candidates for enrollment into our programand have the potential of achieving quality outcomes in the treatmentof their back pain: (1) Nerve Compression; (2) Lumbar Disorders; (3)Lumbar Strains; (4) Sciatic Neuralgia; (5) Herniated Discs; (6) Injuryof 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 (physiotherapyand chiropractic) and who are considering surgery. Surgery should onlybe considered following a reasonable trial of Decompression therapy protocols.

What conditions are contraindicated?

Patients with the following problems or symptoms are usually excludedfrom using the Spinal Decompresion therapy: Pregnancy, Prior lumbar surgicalfusion, Metastatic cancer, Severe osteoporosis, Spondylolisthesis, Compressionfracture of lumbar spine below L-1, Pars defect, Aortic aneurysm, Pelvicor 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 minuteslong (45 minute sessions include set-up and take-off), accompanied by15 minutes of stimulation, heat packs and manipulation. The patient comesfor 20-30 visits over a 4-6 week period. The doctor will provide a completecopy 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 reportedsome remission of symptoms. Patients not showing significant improvementby 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 selectedand comply with the Spinal Disc Decompression protocol will have good-to-excellentoutcomes. Patient’s conditions that do not respond quickly to thetherapy are often unable to be helped by anything quickly. Patients varyin age, sex and body morphology and may require counseling in weightloss, nutrition and other lifestyle changes.