Frequently Asked Questions
Spinal Decompression Therapy
Spinal decompression therapy is a non-surgical, comfortable 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.
Vacuum Effect
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.
There are a number of spinal decompression machines presently used in the United States. After significant research, Precision Pain Management Center has chosen to use the Triton DTS machine manufactured by Chattanooga, Inc., the premier manufacturer of physical therapy equipment in the world.
Who can benefit?
Spinal decompression therapy is designed to unload the spinal disc. Any 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 herniated, protruding or bulging discs, spinal stenosis, sciatica or radiculopathy (pinched nerves).
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.
Frequency
Each session includes decompression therapy and spinal stabilization exercises and takes about 30 minutes. Spinal decompression is usually performed for 24 sessions.
Success
Over 80% of patients have significant pain relief.
Insurance
It is covered by most medical insurance.
If the Doctor feels your case may be helped by decompression therapy a physical assessment and appropriate diagnostic testing will be performed. For those patients without medical insurance we offer financial hardship payment plans.
Spinal Surgery
I have had spinal surgery, but continue to have pain. Can I try Spinal Decompression Therapy?
Spinal decompression therapy can help people with back pain after failed spinal surgery. It can be performed in most patients who have not been left with an unstable spine after surgery. You must wait six months after your last surgery.
How do I start?
Simply call our offices and tell the receptionist that you are interested in decompression therapy.
An initial consultation can usually be scheduled within 48 hours.
MORE QUESTIONS ANSWERED:
What is Spinal Decompression Therapy?
Spinal decompression therapy is FDA cleared and has been clinically proven with an 86% success rate 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 vaccum 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 are a number of spinal decompression machines presently used in the United States. After significant research, Precision Pain Management 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: degenerative, 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 a 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 strenghten 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 offices and tell the receptionist that you are interested in decompression therapy. An initial consultation can usually be scheduled within 48 hours.
