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What is Spinal Decompression
Therapy? |
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Spinal decompression therapy is a
non-surgical, comfortable 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.
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How does this negative pressure affect an injured
disc? |
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 During
spinal decompression therapy, a negative pressure is created
within the disc. Because of that negative pressure, disc
material that has protruded or herniated can be pulled back
within the normal confines of the disc, and permit healing to
occur. |
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What machine is used for this
purpose? |
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There are a number of spinal
decompression machines presently used in the United States.
After significant research, King Chiropractic and Progressive
Chiropractic
have chosen to use the Triton DTS machine manufactured by
Chattanooga, Inc., the premier manufacturer of physical therapy
machines. |
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Are there medical studies that document the
effectiveness of Spinal Decompression Therapy? |
 Yes!
One
study documented by
MRI up to 90% reduction of disc herniations in 10 of 14 cases
and other studies reported that the majority of ruptured disc
patients achieved "good" to "excellent" results after spinal
decompression therapy. |
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Who can benefit from Spinal
Decompression Therapy? |
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 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). |
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How is Spinal Decompression Therapy different
from regular traction? |
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The
award winning Triton®
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. |
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Are there conditions where Spinal
Decompression is not indicated? |
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Spinal decompression therapy is
usually not recommended for pregnant women ,
or patients who have severe osteoporosis, severe obesity or
severe nerve damage. It is not recommended for patients over 70.
However, every patient is evaluated on an individual basis.
Spinal surgery with instrumentation (screws and metal plates or
“cages”) is also
contraindicated. Surgery to the discs without fusion or
fusion using bony replacement is not contraindicated. |
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How often do I take treatment
sessions? How long does each session last? |
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Each session includes
decompression therapy and spinal stabilization exercises and
takes about 1 hour. Spinal decompression is usually performed
3-5 times a week for 15-20 sessions. |
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What are the results of Spinal
Decompression Therapy? |
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Over 70% of patients have good
pain relief. This success rate is similar to surgical results.
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I have had spinal surgery, but
continue to have pain. Can I try this procedure? |
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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. |
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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 are 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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How can I get started on Spinal
Decompression Therapy? |
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Simply call the office at
540-743-3333 and tell the receptionist that you are interested
in decompression therapy. An initial consultation can usually
be scheduled within 48 hours. |
