What is
Spinal Decompression Therapy?
Spinal decompression
therapy is FDA cleared and has been clinically proven for pain associated with
herniated, bulging or degenerative discs... even after failed surgery. It is a
non-surgical, traction therapy for the relief of back and leg pain or neck and
arm pain. During this procedure, by cycling through distraction and relaxation
phases and by proper positioning, a spinal disc can be isolated and placed
under negative pressure, causing a vacuum effect within it.
What can
this vacuum effect do?
The vacuum effect accomplishes two things.
From a mechanical standpoint, disc material that has protruded or herniated
outside the normal confines of the disc can be pulled back within the disc by
the vacuum created within the disc. Also, the vacuum within the disc stimulates
blood supply, secondarily stimulating a healing response. This results in pain
reduction and proper healing at the injured site.
What machine
is used for this purpose?
There is a number of
spinal decompression machines presently used in the United States. After
significant research, Abington Family Chiropractic Center has chosen to use the
Triton DTS machine manufactured by Chattanooga, Inc., the premier manufacturer
of physical therapy equipment in the world.
How is Spinal Decompression Therapy Different from Regular Traction?
The
DTS computer is the key. It controls the variations in the traction allowing
for spinal decompression and eliminating muscle guarding and subsequent
compression that is typical in conventional traction devices. The preprogrammed
patterns for ramping up and down the amount of axial distraction allows for
higher levels of spinal decompression and disc rehydration.
Who can benefit from Spinal Decompression Therapy?
Anyone who has back pain or neck pain caused in whole or in part by a damaged
disc may be helped by spinal decompression therapy. These conditions include:
regenerative, herniated, protruding or bulging discs, spinal stenosis, sciatica
or radiculopathy (pinched nerves).
Are there conditions where Spinal Decompression Therapy is not
indicated?
Spinal decompression therapy is usually not recommended for pregnant women, or
patients who have severe osteoporosis, severe obesity or severe nerve damage.
However, every patient is evaluated on an individual basis.
Are there medical studies that document the effectiveness of Spinal
Decompression Therapy?
Most certainly! One study documented by MRI up to 90% reduction of disc
herniations in 10 of 14 cases! Another study reported that 86% of ruptured disc
patients achieved "good" (50-89% improvement) to "excellent
(90-100% improvement) results after spinal decompression therapy!
How many sessions will be necessary, what is the cost and are the treatments
painful?
The specific treatment plan will be determined by the doctor after your
examination and evaluation. Based on CURRENT RESEARCH, the best results have
been achieved utilizing a protocol of 24 sessions over an 8-week period. Most
insurance companies will cover the treatment. In almost all cases, the
treatments are completely painless. In fact, some patients fall asleep during
the spinal decompression session.
Do Most Patients Receive Therapy and Rehabilitative Exercises in
Addition to Spinal Decompression Therapy?
To reduce inflammation and assist the healing process, supporting structures
are treated with passive therapies (ice/heat/muscle stimulation), 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. Simply call our office at (215) 886-4828 and tell the receptionist that
you are interested in decompression therapy. An initial consultation can
usually be scheduled within 24 hours.