What causes low back pain?

Low back pain could be brought on by a many factors from injuries to the effects of aging. The spinal cord is shielded by the vertebrae, which are made from bone. Between each vertebra are soft discs with a ligamentous outer layer. These disks function as shock absorbers to guard the vertebra and the spinal cord. A lot of the problems that cause back pain are a result of herniation and degeneration of the intervertebral disk. Degeneration is a process where wear and tear causes deterioration of the disc. Herniations, or bulging of the disk are protuberances from the disc that press on surrounding nerves, causing pain or numbness.

If I undertake Spinal Decompression treatment, how long does it take to see benefits?

Many patients see a reduction in pain after the first handful of sessions. Normally, substantial improvement is obtained by the second week of treatment.

How much time does it take to complete Spinal Decompression therapy?

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

Do I qualify for Decompression treatment?

Since I started using Spinal Decompression equipment, I’ have been flooded with questions from both physicians and patients concerning which cases it will best help. Undoubtedly proper patient selection is vital to favorable results, so let me explain to you of the Inclusion and Exclusion criteria so you can make the best decision since not everyone qualifies for Spinal Decompression therapy.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Pain due to herniated and bulging lumbar disks that is greater than four weeks old
2. Recurrent pain from a failed back surgery that is in excess of 6 months old.
3. Consistent pain from degenerated disc not responding to four weeks of therapy.
4. Patients available for 4 weeks of therapy.
5. Patient at least 18 years old.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Appliances like pedicle screws and rods
2. Pregnancy
3. Prior lumbar fusion less than six months old
4. Metastatic cancer
5. Extreme osteoporosis
6. Spondylolisthesis (unstable).
7. Compression fracture of lumbar spine below L-1 (recent).
8. Pars defect.
9. Pathologic aortic aneurysm.
10. Abdominal or pelvic cancer.
11. Disc space infections.
12. Severe peripheral neuropathy.
13. Hemiplegia, paraplegia, or cognitive dysfunction.

Are there any side effects to the therapy?

Almost all patients do not experience any side effects. There have been some mild cases of muscle spasm for a short period of time.

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

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

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

NO. Spinal Decompression is comfortable and entirely safe for all subjects. The system has emergency stop switches for both the patient and the operator. These switches (a requirement of the FDA) terminate the therapy instantly thereby preventing any injuries.

How does Spinal Decompression therapy differentiate from regular spinal traction?

Traction is effective at treating some of the conditions resulting from herniated or degeneration. Traction can’t take care of 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 decrease the intradiscal pressure to between a -150 to -200 mmHg. Traction sets off the body’s normal response to stretching by producing painful muscle spasms that aggravate the pain in affected area.

Can Spinal Decompression be used for individuals that have had spinal surgery?

For the most part Spinal Decompression therapy is not contra-indicated for patients that have had spinal surgery. Many patients have found success with Spinal Decompression after a failed back surgery.

Who is not a candidate for Spinal Decompression treatment?

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

Who is a potential candidate for Spinal Decompression?

Anybody who has been advised they need surgery but prefers to avoid it, anyone who has been advised there is nothing more provided to help, anyone who failed to significantly respond to conservative options (medications, physical therapy, injections, chiropractic, acupuncture), or anyone who still has pain but wishes to obtain the kind of care they want.