What brings about low back pain?

Low back pain may be triggered by a several factors from injuries to the effects of aging. The spinal cord is shielded by the vertebrae, which are composed of bone. Between each vertebra are soft discs with a ligamentous outer layer. These disks work as shock absorbers to protect the vertebra and the spinal cord. A number of the problems that cause back pain are the result of herniation and degeneration of the intervertebral disc. Degeneration is a process whereby wear and tear causes degeneration of the disk. Herniations, or bulging of the disk are protrusions from the disk that press on surrounding nerves, triggering pain or numbness.

If I undergo Spinal Decompression therapy, how much time does it take to see results?

The majority of patients see a decrease in pain after the first handful of sessions. Normally, significant improvement is obtained by the second week of therapy.

How much time does it take to finish Spinal Decompression treatment?

Patients remain on the system for 30-45 minutes, everyday for the first two weeks, three times a week for the following 2 weeks, and followed up by two times a week for the last two weeks.

Do I qualify for Decompression treatment?

Since I began using Spinal Decompression spinal disc decompression device, I’ have been flooded with questions from both doctors and patients as to which cases it will best help. Obviously proper patient selection is essential to favorable results, so let me explain to you of the Inclusion and Exclusion criteria so you can make the appropriate decision since not everyone qualifies for Spinal Decompression treatment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Pain caused by herniated and bulging lumbar discs that is in excess of four weeks old
• Recurrent pain from a failed back surgery that is at least 6 months old.
• Consistent pain from degenerated disc not reacting to 4 weeks of treatment.
• Patients available for 4 weeks of treatment.
• Patient at least eighteen years of age.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Appliances like pedicle screws and rods
• Pregnancy
• Prior lumbar fusion less than 6 months old
• Metastatic cancer
• Extreme osteoporosis
• Spondylolisthesis (unstable)
• Compression fracture of lumbar spine below L-1
• Pars defect.
• Pathologic aortic aneurysm.
• Abdominal or pelvic cancer.
• Disk space infections.
• Severe peripheral neuropathy.
• Hemiplegia, paraplegia, or cognitive dysfunction.

Is there any side effects to the therapy?

The majority of patients do not experience any side effects. There have been some mild cases of muscle spasm for a quick period of time.

How does Spinal Decompression separate each vertebra and enable decompression at a certain level?

Decompression is obtained by using a specific mix of spinal positioning and varying the degree and level of force. The key to producing this decompression is the soft pull that is created by a logarithmic curve. When distractive forces are produced on a logarithmic curve the typical proprioceptor response is avoided. Eliminating this response allows decompression to occur at the targeted spot.

Are there any risks to the patient during therapy on Spinal Decompression?

Absolutely Not. Spinal Decompression is entirely safe and comfortable for all subjects. The system has emergency stop switches for both the operator and the patient. These switches (a requirement of the FDA) cancel the treatment immediately thereby avoiding any injuries.

How does Spinal Decompression therapy differ from regular spinal traction?

Traction is useful at treating some of the conditions arising from herniated or degeneration. Traction can not address the source of the problem. Spinal Decompression generates a negative pressure inside the disc. This effect causes the disk to pull in the herniation and the increase in negative pressure also triggers the flow of blood and nutrients back into the disc allowing the body’s natural fibroblastic response to heal the injury and re-hydrate the disc. Traction and inversion tables, at best, can lower the intradiscal pressure from a +90 to a +30 mmHg. Spinal Decompression is clinically proven to reduce the intradiscal pressure to between a -150 to -200 mmHg. Traction leads to the body’s normal response to stretching by generating painful muscle spasms that exacerbate the pain in affected area.

Can Spinal Decompression be utilized for patients that have had spinal surgery?

Spinal Decompression treatment is not contra-indicated for patients that have had spinal surgery. Plenty of patients have found success with Spinal Decompression after a failed back surgery.

Who is not a candidate for Spinal Decompression treatment?

Anyone who has recent spinal fractures, surgical fusion or metallic hardware, surgically repaired aneurysms, infection of the spine, and/or moderate to extreme osteoporosis.

Who is a candidate for Spinal Decompression?

Anyone who has been told they need surgery but wants to avoid it, anyone who has been advised there is nothing more offered to help, anyone who failed to significantly respond to conservative methods (medications, physical therapy, injections, chiropractic, acupuncture), or anyone who still has pain but wishes to obtain the type of care they want.