 Spinal Decompression was first approved by the FDA in 1996. It has since evolved
into a cost-effective treatment for herniated and degenerative spinal discs. Spinal
Decompression works on the affected spinal segment by significantly reducing intra-discal
pressures.
Approximately thirty-one million Americans experience low-back pain at any given
time. In the past, a patient suffering from disc problems was usually given pain
medications, instructed to refrain from physical activities, referred for physical
therapy, and when they weren't progressing they were sent for spinal surgery or
simply told to learn to live it. Often, surgery is offered as an ultimately desperate
last measure, but almost always it is unjustifiable and usually fails to provide
permanent relief; the other choice was "learn to live with it". Spinal decompression
is a conservative procedure for patients suffering with bulging or herniated discs,
degenerative disc disease, posterior facet syndrome, sciatica, failed back surgery
syndrome, and non-specified mechanical low back or neck pain. This alternative is
effective, safe and cost-effective. Spinal Decompression not only significantly
reduces the pain in many patients, but also enables the majority of patients to
return to more active lifestyles.
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- Extremely Safe
- Likely effective
- FDA Cleared
- Non-surgical
- Affordable cost
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- Ruptured disc
- Spinal stenosis
- Sciatica
- Facet syndrome
- Failed Surgery
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Call today to schedule a free consulatation to see if you are a candidate for the
treatment.
919-751-0555 |
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Decompression FAQ's |
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What is Spinal Decompression Therapy?
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Spinal decompression therapy is FDA cleared and has a high success rate for pain
associated with herniated or bulging discs...even after failed surgery. It is a
non-surgical, traction based 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.
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Why would a disc become compressed? |
Excessive stress or injury to a disc weakens the outer fibers. As the outer fibers
weaken, parts of the interior of the disc bulge out and the disc compresses or loses
height. As it loses height, the vertebrae above and below get closer together decreasing
the amount of space (spinal stenosis) through which the spinal nerve root exits.
As the bulge increases, the space decreases and the spinal nerve root that exits
at that level is also compressed (pinched). This causes the muscles to spasms and
inflame, which further diminishes the space for the nerve. This ultimately interferes
with the normal pumping action supplying nutrition to the disc and the disc begins
to degenerate because it is drier and weaker. Non-surgical spinal decompression
or de-compression is designed to break this cycle.
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How does it work? |
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Spinal decompression therapy is a non-invasive, non-surgical treatment. It is performed
on a special, computer controlled table that can isolate a single disc level. By
utilizing specific traction and relaxation cycles throughout the treatment, along
with proper positioning, negative pressure can actually be created within the disc.
It works by gently separating the offending disc 5 to 7 millimeters creating negative
pressure (or a vacuum) inside the disc promoting the retraction of the bulging disc
tissue. This negative pressure also pulls water, oxygen, and nutrients into the
disc, thereby re-hydrating a degenerated disc and bringing in the nutrients needed
to begin the healing process. |
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How does this negative pressure affect the injured disc? |
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Negative pressure is a vacuum type effect that is created by the disc during the
Spinal Decompression treatment. This vacuum effect can actually help pull the herniated
disc material back into the disc itself, allowing the outer part of the disc to
heal.
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What system is used for this purpose? |
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After a significant amount of research, our office chose the Kennedy Decompression
table. More importantly, we have the brand new computerized head which is the most
sophisticated and technologically advanced unit. We are constantly trying to offer
our patients the BEST service and equipment we can find.
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How is Spinal Decompression Therapy different from regular traction? |
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The award winning KDT computer is the key. It controls the variations in the traction
pull allowing for spinal decompression and eliminating muscle guarding 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. This “state of the art” table has added built in features
to accommodate for all body types, and conditions. We have the newest decompression
table on the market and in our area. |
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Who can benefit from Spinal Decompression Therapy? |
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People suffering from back pain or neck pain caused by a damaged disc. It is effective
for ruptured discs, spinal stenosis, sciatica, facet syndrome, failed surgery. |
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Are there medical studies that document the effectiveness of Spinal Decompression Therapy?
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Yes! Studies have documented up to 90% reduction of disc herniations
in 10 of 14 cases, which has been shown on MRI! Other studies reported that the
majority of ruptured disc patients achieved "good" to "excellent" results after
spinal decompression therapy. (*please refer to the research section for more information) |
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Are there conditions where Spinal Decompression Therapy is not indicated?
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You are not a candidate for spinal decompression if you have had a spinal surgery
with instrumentation (screws, metals plates or “cages”), are pregnant or have sever
osteoporosis, severe obesity or severe nerve damage.
**spinal decompression therapy after bone fusion or non-fusion surgery can be performed**
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Are the sessions painful and, how many will be needed? |
In almost all cases, the treatments are completely painless. In fact, some patients
fall asleep during the spinal decompression session.
The number of sessions needed and your specific treatment plan will be determined
by the doctor after your examination. Typically, twelve to twenty sessions are needed. |
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Do most patients receive therapy and rehabilitative exercises in addition to Spinal Decompression Therapy? |
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To reduce inflammation and assist the healing process, supporting structures may
be treated with passive therapies (ice/heat/muscle stimulation), chiropractic adjustments
(as indicated) and/or active rehabilitation in order to strengthen the spinal musculature. |
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What are Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease? |
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When degenerative disc disease causes compression of the cervical nerve roots there
may be shoulder pain, arm pain, and pain in the hand/fingers (neuritis, neuralgia,
radiculitis), and may be associated with numbness and tingling (paresthesia). When
degenerative disc disease causes compression of the lumbar nerve roots there may
be butt pain, hip pain, leg pain, and pain in the foot/toes. This often is accompanied
by muscle weakness in either the arm or leg.
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How does Spinal Decompression Treatment help Degenerative Disc Disease? |
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Spinal Decompression Therapy is a non-invasive, non-surgical treatment performed
on a special, computer controlled table. A single disc level is isolated and it
works by gently separating the affected disc 5 to 7 millimeters creating negative
pressure (or a vacuum) inside the disc to pull water, oxygen, and nutrients into
the disc. This enables to degenerated disc to be re-hydrated and bring in the nutrients
needed to heal the torn fibers and halt the degenerative process. As the disc is
re-hydrated the shock absorbing properties are restored, and in many cases some
of the lost height is restored as well, improving any spinal stenosis.
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How does Spinal Decompression Treatment help Osteoarthritis / Degenerative Joint Disease? |
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Spinal Decompression Therapy reduces the “wear and tear'' (biomechanical stresses)
on the joint complex that is the primary cause of the formation of osteoarthritic
bone damage. With less joint stress, the deterioration of cartilage and the build
up of bone (osteoarthritis) that leads to pain and/or disability, is eliminated
or slowed and the body can begin the process of repairing itself. In treating OA/DJD,
spinal decompression works best in conjunction with advice from the doctor in developing
good health habits, possible nutritional supplementation, proper water consumption,
proper stretching and strengthening exercises, proper use of ice and heat, ways
to relieve postural stress, weight loss, etc. These lifestyle changes can mean the
difference between an active, vibrant life style and spending the final years of
your life shuffling along behind a walker. |
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How do I get started? |
Call the office to arrange a consultation with the doctor to find out if you are
a candidate for Spinal Decompression.
Please remember to bring any MRI reports, etc., so we can review them and best advise
you about your treatment options. If you have not been evaluated for your condition,
we can fully evaluate you, including X-rays, MRI, etc., provided these are necessary.
No referral is needed and walk-ins are welcome. Your consultation will be complimentary
and all fees will be discussed with you before treatment begins.
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Stages of Treatment |
Stage 1: Acute Care
Daily treatment is customary in this stage. Usually the patient is physically
incapable of working in an acute stage. Occasionally, a more advanced degenerative
condition or a multi-level herniated disc condition may take several weeks of daily
treatment before realizing a major decline in symptoms. Most patients experience
a significant improvement in symptoms within the first three to six treatments although
some patients report improvement after only one or two treatments.
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Stage 2: Relief Care
In stage 2, the patient feels better at rest , however, any strenuous or prolonged
activity aggravates the pain. It is normal at this stage to feel better one day,
worse the next, taking three steps forward one day and two steps back the next.
Patients that have sedentary jobs or the availability of ''light work'' may return
to work in the late stages of relief care. Relief usually takes a few weeks, although
response varies according to age, chronicity, severity, and general level of fitness.
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Stage 3: Stability
Stage 3 is focused upon creating stability. As circulation is restored to the damaged
disc, and the compression of the pinched nerve is relieved, the healing begins.
There are still “good days and bad days” although the “goods” keep getting better
and the “bads” aren't so bad or prolonged. After a few weeks of treatment at a rate
of two to three treatments a week most patients are more stable than unstable. All
patients, except those with the extremely physically demanding jobs, are and have
been back to work. Light stretching exercises are essential to strengthen the spinal
musculature to help stabilize the spinal joints.
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Stage 4: Rehabilitative
During stage 4, the patient is to put in more effort at home through strengthening
exercises to help ensure that a relapse does not occur. The goal is to feel good
better with any strenuous or prolonged activity, not just while resting. Time is
a key element of rehabilitative care and although the patient may be monitored from
4 to as many as 8 weeks in this phase the rate of treatment is usually only once
weekly or every other week.
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Spinal Decompression Research |
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"Serial MRI of 20 patients treated with the decompression table shows in our
study up to 90% reduction of subligamentous nucleus herniation in 10 of 14. Some
re-hydration occurs detected by T2 and proton density signal increase. Torn annulus
repair is seen in all."
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Eyerman, Edward MD. Simple pelvic traction gives inconsistent relief to herniated
lumbar disc sufferers. Journal of Neuroimaging. Paper presented to the American
Society of Neuroimaging, Orlando, Florida 2-26-98. Journal Of Neuroimaging. MRI
Evidence of Non-Surgical Mechanical Reduction, Rehydration, and Repair of the Herniated
Lumbar Disc. Link to: 1. Eyerman
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"Eighty-six percent of ruptured intervertebral disc (RID) patients achieved
'good' (50-89% improvement) to 'excellent' (90-100% improvement) results with decompression.
Sciatica and back pain were relieved." "Of the facet arthrosis patients, 75% obtained
'good' to 'excellent' results with decompression." |
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C. Norman Shealy, MD, PhD, and Vera Borgmeyer, RN, MA. Decompression, Reduction,
and Stabilization of the Lumbar Spine: A Cost-Effective Treatment for Lumbosacral
Pain. American Journal of Pain Management Vol. 7 No. 2 April 1997 Emerging Technologies.
Preliminary Findings. Decompression, Reduction and Stabilization of the Lumbar Spine:
A Cost Effective Solution for Lumbosacral Pain. Link to: 2. Shealy and Borgmeyer
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"Results showed that 86% of the 219 patients who completed the therapy reported
immediate resolution of symptoms, while 84% remained pain-free 90 days post-treatment.
Physical examination findings showed improvement in 92% of the 219 patients, and
remained intact in 89% of these patients 90 days after treatment."
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Gionis, Thomas MD; Groteke, Eric DC. Surgical Alternatives: Spinal Decompression.
Orthopedic Technology Review. 2003; 6 (5) Orthopedic Technology Review. Surgical
Alternatives. Spinal Decompression. Link to: 3. Gionis and Groteke
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"All but two of the patients in the study improved at least 30% or more in the first
three weeks.""Utilizing the outcome measures, this form of decompression reduces
symptoms and improves activities of daily living."
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Bruce Gundersen, DC, FACO; Michael Henrie, MS II, Josh Christensen, DC. A Clinical
Trial on Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Using Vertebral Axial Distraction Delivered
by a Computerized Traction Device. The Academy of Chiropractic Orthopedists, Quarterly
Journal of ACO, June 2004 Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Using Vertebral Axial
Distraction Delivered by a Computerized Traction Device. Link to: 4. Gunderson,
Hernie, Christensen
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