Spinal Decompression

WHAT IS SPINAL DECOMPRESSION THERAPY?

Spinal decompression is a non-surgical traction based therapy that has a high success rate for the reduction of pain associated with herniated or bulging discs...even after a failed spinal surgery.  During this procedure, the patient is positioned on the spinal decompression table which allows the spine to be cycled through distraction and relaxation phases. By proper positioning, a spinal disc can be placed under negative pressure, causing a vacuum effect within it.

HOW DOES THIS NEGATIVE PRESSURE AFFECT AN INJURED DISC?

During spinal decompression therapy, a negative pressure is created within the injured disc. Because of that negative pressure, disc material that has protruded or herniated can be pulled back within the normal confines of the disc, allowing healing to occur.

WHAT SYSTEM IS USED FOR THIS PURPOSE?

After a significant amount of research, Southern States Spine and Muscle Rehabilitation Center chose the Triton DTS system manufactured by the Chattanooga Group, the premier manufacturer of physical medicine equipment.  More importantly, our system has the modern computerized head which is the most sophisticated and technologically advanced unit in the world. In fact, the 2006 Triton head is so revolutionary that it won the 2006 Australian Design Award in the "Medical and Scientific" category.  It is also the system that the University of Texas purchased for the treatment of its world-class athletes. We also selected the Triton DTS system due to its ability to treat discs in both the neck and in the lower back.

HOW IS SPINAL DECOMPRESSION THERAPY DIFFERENT FROM REGULAR TRACTION?

The award winning Triton computer is the key.It controls the variations in the traction pull allowing for spinal decompression and eliminating muscle guarding that is typical in conventional traction devices.  The preprogrammed patterns for ramping up and down the amount of axial distraction allows for higher levels of spinal decompression and disc rehydration.

WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM SPINAL DECOMPRESSION THERAPY?

Anyone who has back pain or neck pain caused by an injured disc or joints may be helped by spinal decompression therapy.  These conditions include herniated, protruding or bulging discs, degenerated discs, spinal stenosis, sciatica or radiculopathy (pinched nerves).

ARE THERE MEDICAL STUDIES THAT DOCUMENT THE EFFECTIVENESS OF SPINAL DECOMPRESSION THERAPY?

Yes! One study documented by MRI showed up to a 90% reduction of disc herniations in 10 of 14 cases. Other studies reported that the majority of ruptured disc patients achieved "good" to "excellent" results after spinal decompression therapy.

ARE THERE CONDITIONS WHERE SPINAL DECOMPRESSION THERAPY IS NOT INDICATED?

Spinal decompression therapy is not recommended for pregnant women, patients who have severe osteoporosis, severe obesity or severe nerve damage. Spinal surgery with instrumentation (screws, metal plates or "cages") is also contraindicated.  However, spinal decompression therapy after bone fusion or non-fusion surgery can be performed.

ARE THE SESSIONS PAINFUL? HOW MANY ARE NEEDED? 

In almost all cases, the treatments are completely painless. In fact, some patients fall asleep during the Spinal Decompression session. The specific treatment plan will be determined by the doctor after your examination. Based on current research and our clinical experience, the best results are achieved utilizing 20-24 sessions over a 6-week period. Other treatment protocols such as therapeutic exercise and chiropractic care can be combined to further enhance your results.

DO MOST PATIENTS RECEIVE THERAPY AND REHABILITATIVE EXERCISES IN ADDITION TO SPINAL DECOMPRESSION THERAPY?

Yes, most patients do combine chiropractic care and rehabilitative exercises with spinal decompression to enhance its longer lasting effects. Our comprehensive plan includes all of these treatments to address all the components of healing. Spinal manipulative therapy restores joints to their normal movement patterns. Physical therapy modalities reduce inflammation, pain and muscle spasm. Rehabilitative exercises strengthen all of the spinal muscles and their supporting structures.  Spinal decompression addresses the injured discs and joints.

HOW DO I GET STARTED?

We want to make it easy for you to learn if you are a candidate for Spinal Decompression Therapy. Please remember to bring any Xrays, MRIs, and all reports so the doctor can review them and best advise you about your treatment options.

For More Information or to Schedule an Appointment, Call (803) 283-8442.