Spinal Decompression

Q: What is Spinal Decompression Therapy, and how does it work?

A: Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy is a spinal disc rehabilitation program that uses FDA cleared medical technology that gently stretches the spine and decompresses the discs. This technique of spinal decompression therapy, that is, unloading due to distraction and positioning, has shown the ability to gently separate the vertebrae from each other, creating a vacuum inside the discs that we are targeting. This "vacuum effect" is also known as negative intradiscal pressure.

The negative pressure can induce the retraction of the herniated or bulging disc into the inside of the disc, and off the nerve root, thecal sac, or both. It happens only microscopically each time, but cumulatively, over four to six weeks, the results are quite dramatic.

The cycles of decompression and partial relaxation over a series of visits, promotes the diffusion of water, oxygen, and nutrient-rich fluids from the outside of the discs to the inside. These nutrients enable the torn and degenerated disc fibers to begin to heal.

Patients are treated fully clothed and are fitted with a pelvic harness that fits around their pelvis as well as a thoracic harness as they lie face down or face up on a computerized controlled table. The doctor operates the table from a computerized console. Each treatment takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Most patients find the sessions to be comfortable, and relief of pain can sometimes be noticed in the first few sessions. Of course, this varies depending on the individual condition.
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Q: Will Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression help a slipped disc?

A: A “bulging” or "herniated" disc is sometimes incorrectly referred to as a "slipped" disc. Studies demonstrate that Spinal Decompression Therapy succeeds at treating bulging or herniated discs in as safe and effective manner. This of course varies depending on the complexity of the injury and other factors. Many times patients are able to avoid more costly and invasive procedures.
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Q: Are there any reasons that I can't go on this type of therapy?

A: The doctor has to determine if you are a candidate as there are certain conditions for which this therapy would be contraindicated The doctors perform a screening process and only then accept the cases they think this therapy can help the most.

Certain people are not candidates for spinal decompression therapy and usually have conditions such as:

    * Tumors
    * Abdominal Aortic Aneurism
    * Fractures
    * Metal Implants/Screws/Plates in spine
    * Advanced Osteoporosis
    * Pregnancy or
    * Certain conditions (diseases) that compromise the structural integrity of the spine and discs. These conditions are present in only a small percentage of the population.
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Q: How many treatments will it take?

A: It varies per person. However, with most cases it will take 3-5 sessions per week lasting 4 to 6 weeks in duration.
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Q. How much will this cost me?

A: $40 per session. I highly recommend a minimum of 6 sessions. This seems to be the amount of time required to see if you are indeed going to benefit from decompression. Don't short-change yourself. You have to give it a chance to work.

If after 6 sessions you are dissatified with the results, we will end the program and then try and determine why this happened and what to do next. It's your health and that's what concerns me.
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