What is Spinal Decompression Therapy?

Spinal Decompression Therapy is a therapy that provides relief of chronic or acute, severe or moderate pain by gently stretching the spinal structures.  The stretching process creates a negative pressure or vacuum effect inside bulging or herniated discs allowing the center or nucleus of the disc to be reabsorbed into proper position.

The process rehydrates the disc, removes pressure on the nerves and allows the healing process to begin.

Treatment is computer controlled and is directed to specific areas of the spine by varying the angle and position of the table.

Research has shown that outstanding results have been achieved in relieving pain associated with disc bulging, disc herniation or degenerative arthritis.  Most patients are able to return to normal levels of activity at work or recreation in just a few weeks time.

This process is gradual and requires active participation by the patient to follow treatment recommendations in order to be successful.  In our office we require patients to take nutritional supplementation that help to repair the injured structures, support the injured discs and reduce inflammation to the disc and adjacent nerves.  All patients are supplied with a specific lumbosacral support to help maintain the corrective effects of the decompression as well that is to be used during treatment.  The combination of therapies has proven to be extremely effective in reducing pain, increasing range of motion and flexibility and helps the patient return to a more active lifestyle. 

Conditions or Symptoms are Best treated with Spinal Decompression Therapy:

• Severe, Moderate, Acute or Chronic Low Back Pain
• Severe, Moderate, Acute or Chronic Neck Pain
• Pinched Nerves in the Neck or Low Back
• Sciatica (Pain radiating from the low back into the leg(s)
• Degenerative Disc Disease
• Herniated Discs
• Bulging Discs
• Partially Ruptured or Torn Discs
• Numbness, Tingling  or Burning Pain
  
• Weakness of the Arms or Legs
• Sharp Shooting Pain
• Facet Syndrome
• Some Forms of Spinal Stenosis
• Some Cases of Failed Back Surgery

Patients Who Do Not Qualify for Spinal Decompression Therapy: 

Patients with conditions that compromise the integrity of the spinal column, such as gross osteoporosis, spondylothesis Grade 2 and above, fractures, tumors or congenital pars defects are not candidates for Spinal Decompression Therapy.

Patients who have had spinal surgery previously can be evaluated to see if they are candidates for Spinal Decompression Therapy as long as screws, rods, cages, pins, Intradermal TENS units or other metal appliances were not implanted in the back.

Treatment with Spinal Decompression Therapy:

All treatments are administered with the patient fully dressed.  The patient is first fitted with a unique upper support that is designed to comfortably secure the upper body to the fixed table section.  Once the patient is positioned on the table, a pelvic support is fastened to the patient and adjusted comfortably to secure the patients pelvis.

With precise and painless computer controlled tension, the specific disc segment is gently distracted to reduce the pressure inside the disc.

A typical treatment session lasts between 20-30 minutes followed by various different modalities depending on the patient's individual needs.  The treatment process is painless and safe.  Many patients find the treatment so relaxing that they often fall asleep during the treatment.

Most patients will find relief of their symptoms following 20 to 36 treatments.  The average recommended course of treatment averages about 24 treatments as a minimum.  The first few weeks treatments are performed daily with a reduced frequency of treatment until the treatment is completed.

At the conclusion of treatment each patient is evaluated to see if booster treatments are necessary to maintain their disc corrections as well as all patients are given individualized strengthening exercises and core building exercises. If follow-up nutrition therapy is necessary it will also be recommended.

If you are suffering from any of the above symptoms or have been diagnosed with a disc problem, Spinal Decompression Therapy may be for you.  Call our office today to find out if we can offer you the relief you deserve.

Call 407-330-0240 today!

Dr. Neal Wieder