Spinal Decompression Therapy

Do you suffer with low back pain, neck pain or carpal tunnel? Have you been told you need neck or back surgery?

Spinal Decompression is the hottest new therapeutic device for treatment of painful nerve compression and disc herniation syndromes! Spinal Decompression Therapy is an effective treatment for these conditions. It is very affordable and less expensive than surgery.

The Decompression-Reduction-Stabilization therapy is an effective treatment for:

• Herniated disc
• Degenerative disc
• Facet syndrome
• Sciatica
• Post-surgical patients
• Spinal Stenosis

Research indicates the disc is responsible for a significant number of Lumbar/Leg pain and neck/arm pain syndromes. Compression increases intradiscal pressure leading to annular compromise and possible extrusion of nuclear material.

Decompression is defined as reduction in pressure (intradiscal). Recumbent positions decrease intradiscal pressures in comparison to standing and sitting.

A temporary reduction in intradiscal pressure can have a profound effect on the healing process via increased contact with the blood supply and fibroblast migration. This is in addition to the pain relief created neurologically by stretching soft tissue (e.g. stretch receptors, mechanoreceptors etc.) make Decompression Traction Therapy a logical and viable addition to a pain care regiment.

Spinal decompression (done safely within established protocols and a clear understanding of its limitations) can often effectively enhance the healing process and render quick, effective and often amazing pain management relief in a properly selected patient population (many who have previously failed other treatments). Additionally it may also be very useful in determining the overall prognosis of passive care and expediting the phase-in of rehabilitation protocols.

Spinal Decompression Therapy Use

Our clinical findings suggest spinal decompression will create a relatively quick initial response. Patients who will do well tend to feel a sense of relief within six sessions. Full relief, if attainable through this passive treatment will usually be in 8-12 sessions; it is important to understand that everybody is different and results may vary.

Typical frequency is 3-5 times per week. The extent and seriousness of the symptoms will determine if more than three sessions per week should be utilized. Our experience suggests spinal decompression is also an excellent supportive or maintenance treatment for those cases where pain relief is marked but prone to exacerbations.

Decompression Traction Therapy is very affordable and cheaper than surgery. Spinal Traction is highly recommended by Neurological Research. It was found that out of 778 cases of patients receiving spinal decompression 92% said that they showed improvement (Neurological Research; Volume 20, Number 3, April 1998). Spinal Decompression, utilizing Decompression-Reduction-Stabilization, is a unique, non-surgical therapy developed for the treatment of chronic lower back pain, herniated discs and degenerative disc diseases. By significantly reducing intradiscal pressure, Spinal Decompression promotes retraction of the herniation into the disc and facilitates influx of oxygen, proline and other substrates.  Spinal Decompression addresses the functional and mechanical aspects of discogenic pain and disease through non-surgical decompression of lumbar intervertebral discs. Studies verify the significant reduction of intradiscal pressures into the negative range, to approximately minus 150 mm/HG, which result in the non-surgical decompression of the disc and nerve root.

Frequently Asked Questions What is Spinal Decompression Therapy? 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. What can this vacuum effect do? The vacuum effect accomplishes two things. From a mechanical standpoint, disc material that has protruded or herniated outside the normal confines of the disc can be pulled back within the disc by the vacuum created within the disc. Also, the vacuum within the disc stimulates in growth of blood supply, secondarily stimulating a healing response. This results in pain reduction and proper healing at the injured site. Who can benefit from Spinal Decompression Therapy? 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). Are there conditions where Spinal Decompression is not indicated? 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. I have had spinal surgery, but continue to have pain.  Can I try Spinal Decompression Therapy? 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. How can I be scheduled for Spinal Decompression Therapy? Simply call our East Peoria, Illinois office and tell the receptionist that you are interested in Decompression Therapy. We can then set up an appointment at your convenience. If you aren’t looking to set up an appointment but still want more information, we still welcome you to contact us or visit our office!