 What is Spinal Decompression? Spinal decompression is a non-surgical procedure that allows for the treatment of serious back conditions that do not respond to conventional care, or are otherwise unable to achieve the pain relief expected. Non-surgical spinal decompression is an innovative new technology that allows for the seperation of two vertebrae by as much as 7 millimeters. Separating this joint space creates a significant negative pressure within the intervertebral space. This negative pressure is responsible for increasing the nutrient flow into the disc and can also actually draw any herniated or bulging disc material back into the proper place. Once this bulging material is back in the proper anatomical place, and the correct nutrients become available, the disc has the ability to heal and repair itself. What is the Difference between Spinal Decompression and a Traction table? Decompression tables utilize complex programs and protocols to create negative pressure within the disc, and studies have shown the pressure within the disc to be decreased to as much as -140 or more millimeters of mercury of negative pressure. Traction tables simply apply a traction force to the spine. The difference is that traction tables do not create the negative pressure that is essential to heal the complicated cases that involve disc injuries. The constant pulling of traction causes the muscles to resist the pulling. The resisting muscles contract, and will often actually cause an increase in the pressure on the disc, causing more pain. Conversely, decompression alternates the pulling force with a lesser force. This "tricks" the muscles into relaxing, allowing for more complete seperation between the vertebrae, creating the negative pressure required for the disc to naturally heal itself. What is Spinal Decompression and how does it work? Spinal Decompression is a patented medical technology that gently stretches the spine and decompresses discs. Pressures in the lower lumber spine can be as high as + 180 mm of mercury(mmHg) during many common daily activities. Spinal Decompression is able to reduce the pressure in the lumbar spinal discs down to levels as low as > - 140 (mmHg) or more, allowing fluids and nutrients to re-enter the disc; reducing swelling and relieving the pressure on pinched nerves. In short, Spinal Decompression breaks the cycle of pain caused by bulging and degenerated discs and helps the body heal itself. Patients are treated fully clothed and are fitted with a harness that fits around their pelvis as they lie face up on a motorized Table. A Certified Spinal Decompression technician operates the table, and remains with you during the treatment session. The treatment time on the table is usually 20 minutes, plus an additional 10-15 minutes for other therapies and treatment to increase your chance for success. Most patients find spinal decompression to be very comfortable and relaxing. You can even watch your favorite TV show on one of our big screen TV's. Usually relief will begin in the first few treatments. Will Spinal Decompression help a slipped disc? A bulging or herniated disc is sometimes incorrectly referred to as a "slipped" disc. Spinal Decompression succeeds at treating bulging or herniated discs over 70% of the time. Some studies have suggested success rates as high as 86% and even 91%. If I've had back surgery, can I still have Spinal Decompression? Having back surgery does not prevent you from having Spinal Decompression unless you have fixed surgical hardware used to fuse the spine. In fact, clinical studies show that Spinal Decompression provides relief for patients who have had one or more back surgeries. Every case is unique and determineing the best treatment option is the first step in recovery. If I go on Spinal Decompression, how many treatments will I need, and how quickly can I expect to get better? The number of treatment sessions required depends upon the diagnosis and the overall severity of your condition. One treatment session is about 20 minutes long. The total number of treatments averages between 10 and 30 sessions. Some difficult cases such as central bulges, severe degeneration or arthritis, or a history of surgery may require some additional sessions. Relief from pain varies with each individual and their physiology. However, most patients will experience some pain relief within the first few treatments. Is Spinal Decompression better than surgery? In most cases, Spinal Decompression is a better choice than surgery. This is due to the fact that surgery physically alters the spine by removing all or part of the problematic disc. Although this can reduce the pressure on the nerve, and relieve the back pain, the surgery tends to place more stress on the healthy discs above and below. Complications from surgery can be severe and may result in debilitating conditions. Once your have these procedures, they are permanent, and there is no way to undo the surgery. Another factor to consider when considering a diskectomy, or cutting away the bulge, this weakens the tough outer layer (annulus fibrosis), making you susceptible to further injury at that level as well. Clinical Studies show that Spinal Decompression is successful in over 70% of all cases, while the A.M.A stated that over 50% of surgical patients will be candidates for a second surgery within 2 years. Are there any reasons that I can't go on Spinal Decompression? There are a few individuals that cannot take advantage of this treatment. These people have conditions such as:*children under 16 years of age, or who are not skeletally mature. *Aortic abdominal aneurysms *implanted t.e.n.s. units, or implanted pain modulation devices (pacemakers will not be affected usually, but you should let your doctor know you have one). * Tumors * Fractures * Advanced Osteoporosis * Pregnancy or Certain conditions (diseases) that compromise the structural integrity of the spine and discs. These conditions are present in only a small percentage of the population. How much does Spinal Decompression cost, and will my health insurance or Workers' Compensation
cover it? Health care as you know is very expensive and Spinal Decompression is no exception. Some insurance plans cover Spinal Decompression. Prior to treatment a complete benefit verification is performed for each patient . Finding out exactly what your coverage is before treatment is essential to preventing surprises. Regardless of insurance coverage, we will work with you to find a way you can afford, to get this great treatment, and we have several affordable options for you to choose from, including low monthy payments for those who qualify.Spinal Decompression insurance coverage varies from state to state and from one insurance carrier to another. Generally, the cost of Spinal Decompression is about 1/10th the cost of back surgery. Workers Compensation coverage varies by state. If Spinal Decompression works so well, how come I haven't heard more about it? Spinal Decompression is a relatively new medical procedure in the United States. The therapy has worked for thousands of patients. Currently there are probably about 2000-2500 offices nationwide and across the world utilizing this technology, but these numbers are growing quickly. The awareness of Spinal Decompression is growing every day, as physicians and healthcare providers learn about Spinal Decompression and the phenomenal results it has achieved in numerous clinical studies. As a result, Spinal Decompression is now becoming the standard of care for chronic low back pain. How is Spinal Decompression different from traction or the other treatment claiming to decompress
the spine? Although traction devices can stretch the lower back, they have not demonstrated the ability to decompress the lumbar discs and spinal nerves. Traction tables have a small electric wench that attaches to the head of the table. A rope and pulley are then attached to either a cervical device or lumbar belts. Either static or intermittent traction modes can be chosen, but neither have been shown to reduce intradiscal pressure and decompress the discs and nerves. Frequently, Spinal Decompression research is found on traction table websites. Spinal decompression produces negative pressure within the disc by causing the muscles to relax though the use of more specific harnesses and the intricate programming of the machine. These programs cause the muscles along the spine to relax, allowing for seperation of the joints causing the negative pressure. Conversely traction utilizes a sustained pull, causing the muscles to splint, or guard, whcih means they are fighting back and resisting, which prevents the seperation of the joint, and often actually increases the pressure within the disc. Essentially superior equipment and condition specific protocols defeat the guarding reflex and allow for an unparalled degree of success with spinal decompression. Why should I consider Spinal Decompression Therapy? Spinal Decompression is an original patented, Non-Surgical Treatment for Low Back Pain and the only treatment that delivers Spinal Decompression's patented decompression curve, resulting in a success rate of over 80%. Spinal Decompression has been proven safe and effective in numerous clinical studies. Over 3000 patients a day are being treated with Spinal Decompression.Spinal Decompression Therapy is non-invasive and without the risks and complications associated with surgery, injections and anesthesia. Spinal Decompression is painless and patients can remain at light duty work while recieving treatment. Spinal Decompression is also easy and convenient. The complete treatment is about 35-40 minutes including all therapies and muscle work necessary to achieve your goals. What can I expect when I first come in to your office?? You will first fill out a comprehensive medical history and as well as your current complaint. Then one of our doctors will do a thorough consultation to get all relevent details about your pain you have currently, as well as in the past, including any previous surgeries or other remedies you may have attempted to eliminate your pain, as well as whether or not they worked. You will then have a physical examination to try to determine the nature of your problem, so we can determine what your best treatment options are. We will explain the results and significance of any advanced imaging studies (MRI, C.T., or nerve conduction studies) that you may have, or if further studies are needed, we will help you to obtain them. Once we have thoroughly examined you, we will then make a recomendation to you. Sometimes additional testing will be required before we can make an accurate diagnosis, and therefore your recomended treatment plan may depend on what we find in the testing.If you are a good candidate for non-surgical decompression, we will tell you, and explain how many treatments we think you will require to get better. Then our offfice manager will explain the cost to you, and what insurance benefits you may have. We want you to fully understand your condition, and your treatment options. Is this permanent? In most cases, people who follow the recommended treatment plan and get well, will not have problems again at the area being treated. It is always possible to re-injure the back with trauma or by improperly lifting, so this is why we work with you to learn how not to re-injure your back in the future. Unfortunately there is no simple answer to this question, but one study suggests that 91% of people who received Spinal Decompression had no return in pain four years after they had decompression therapy. Is there any risk? As with any procedure there is always some risk. The risk of injury from spinal decompression is very minimal, and this is why we do a thorough history, consultation, and examination. If there are no major risks, the chance of having any problems is nearly non-existant. Fortunately, this procedure doesn't require any anestheias, medication (prescription or over the counter), or invasive procedures which removes most of the potential risks associated with having surgery or other more aggressive approaches. Will I have any other treatment with decompression therapy? In most cases yes, we treat each individual case differently, and no two are the same. Usually with a significant disc injury, there are other components of the spine, muscles or bio-mechanics that need to be addressed for a full recovery to occur. We utilize several therapies as they are appropriate for your specific condition. These include, but are not limited to core strengthening, soft tissue work, mobilization(manipulation) of the spine and extremeties, cold laser, far infrared heat, stretching, home exercises, lifestyle changes, proper nutrition, and in some cases a specially designed brace. |
