What is Spinal Decompression?

What is Spinal Decompression Therapy?

Spinal Decompression Therapy is a proven safe and effective means to treat severe and chronic cervical (neck) and lumbar (low back) conditions. The program consists of FDA-registered non-surgical Spinal Decompression equipment focusing on discal and arthritic conditions affecting the spine. Depending on the provider, ancillary care is available in the form of braces/supports, physiotherapy modalities and procedures, spinal manipulation/mobilization, supervised gradual functional restoration/core strengthening program, and home/self care programs.

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What conditions does spinal decompression therapy treat?
Spinal decompression therapy can effectively treat: Disc Herniations (Low back pain and/or leg pain/numbness & Neck pain and/or arm pain/numbness), Degenerative Disc Disease, Arthritis, Facet Syndrome, Spinal Stenosis, and Failed Back Surgery/Post Surgical Pain Syndrome.

What are the success rates for spinal decompression therapy?
Spinal decompression studies indicate between a 71 success rate with one study reporting an immediate resolution of symptoms in 86% of the participants. Results will vary depending on your particular condition, how long you have had this for and your willingness to adhere to your recommended treatment plan.

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Does the treatment offer permanent relief?
Our program is designed to bring lasting relief so as not to necessitate as frequent ongoing therapy. We integrate an active exercise component in addition to a home care protocol designed to teach you to strengthen your back. In some severe cases, follow-up supportive decompression treatment may be recommended in addition to you spinal adjustments.

How long does each treatment session take and how long do I treat for?
Generally, each visit takes between 20-30 minutes (which includes your adjustment) depending on the treatment protocol. A full course of spinal decompression therapy usually takes between 4-8 weeks depending on how often and what condition you are being treated for.

What if I start the therapy and I don't feel any different after a number of treatment sessions?
Although many patients report an immediate decrease in symptoms, be patient. Most likely, your condition developed over many years and in some cases, over many decades and can take time to heal. Also, your doctor will perform periodic re-evaluations to determine objective changes (changes found during the physical exam) in addition to subjective changes.

What are the most common reasons that people do not get better during decompression therapy?
The most common reason is that patients do not comply with their doctor's treatment prescriptions. We understand that you have many other obligations such as family and work. We will work diligently to schedule you at time that is convenient for you but that may not always be possible. Do not quit, remember the old saying "You are doomed to fail if you do not try".

Are there conditions that are contraindicated?
Yes, severe osteoporosis, tumors, cancers, Ankylosing Spondylitis, fractures, post-surgical conditions with hardware (rods, screws, plates, cages) and recent fusions to name a few. That is why a consult is necessary to rule in or out conditions for spinal decompression therapy.

Can I receive spinal decompression therapy if I had surgery?
In most cases YES unless hardware such as screws, rods, plates and cages are present or a recent fusion.

Is there any risk to the patient during Spinal Decompression treatment?
No. Spinal Decompression is both safe and comfortable for all subjects providing proper protocol is followed. The system has emergency stop switches for both the patient and the operator. These switches are a requirement of the FDA and terminate the treatment immediately.

Are the treatment results permanent?
Spinal Decompression has an impressive 86% success rate in treating herniated and degenerative discs with a 4% reoccurrence rate after one year. Often, additional decompression treatments are not required after the completion of the treatment protocol. However, as with any treatment there are always severe cases that involve particular job/lifestyle activities that may require re-evaluations.

Call us at (206) 878-BACK (2225) to find out about our affordable packages!

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