Spinal decompression is a non-surgical traction based treatment for low back or neck pain. The special table has a computerized traction unit that was preprogrammed with settings that are designed to create muscle relaxation along with traction. These settings will allow decompression between specific vertebral levels to occur, thus causing negative pressure within the disc space. For herniated discs, the negative pressure will “pull” the herniated disc back into its normal position. Proper healing can occur in the discs when they get nutrients. The oscillating decompression helps bring in new, nutrient rich, fluid and wash out old nutrient depleted fluids to promote healing. The amount of healing may not be perceivable after each treatment, but over time, the results are remarkable.
| Spinal decompression can be beneficial to people who are suffering from: |
|---|
| Herniated Discs (AKA Bulging or Slipped Discs) |
| Spinal Stenosis |
| Degenerative Disc Disease |
| Sciatica |
| Numbness and Tingling in the Hands or Legs |
| Spondylosis |
| Facet Syndrome |
| Failed Back Surgery Syndrome |
Spinal decompression alone is not a complete therapy. Spinal rehabilitation exercises are essential to strengthen and stabilize the spine when the patient is no longer in acute pain. Spinal manipulations are necessary to keep the spine healthy. Other therapies may be appropriate depending on your specific condition. Only when you combine spinal decompression with these other therapies can you attain optimal results.
Not everyone is a candidate for spinal decompression. Some contraindications include pregnancy, severe osteoporosis, and severe nerve damage. Surgical implants such as screws, rods, and metal plates in the spine are also contraindications. Spinal decompression can be performed after bone fusion or non-fusion spinal surgery.
Treatment times vary from 5 to 30 minutes on the spinal decompression table. If you are receiving additional therapies, they will add more time to each treatment.
The cost of the treatment will depend on the condition and number of treatments required. A typical treatment plan for a disc herniation at one level is 20-30 visits and costs between $1000 and $1500. Spinal decompression has a higher success rate and costs less money than spinal surgery. Many insurance plans cover spinal decompression in our office. We offer payment plans for those who are uninsured or underinsured.
Contact our office to schedule your appointment to see if you are a candidate for spinal decompression. We will perform a complete health history and physical exam. Additional tests may be necessary to determine the severity of the condition and aid in the treatment protocol. Once we have made a diagnosis, we will discuss whether or not spinal decompression is appropriate for you.
The American Journal of Pain Management reported "good to excellent" relief in 86% patients with Herniated discs, with back pain and sciatica symptoms being relieved. Good to excellent results were also obtained in 75% of those with facet syndrome.
In a recent journal article in Orthopedic Technology Review titled Surgical Alternatives: Spinal Decompression, results showed that 86% of the 219 patients who completed the therapy reported immediate resolution of symptoms while 84% of patients remained pain free 90 days post treatment. Physical examination findings showed improvement in 92% of the 219 patients, and remained intact in 89% of these patients 90 days after treatment.