What induces low back pain?

Lower back pain could be brought on by a number of factors from injuries to the effects of aging. The spinal cord is protected by the vertebrae, which are made of bone. Between each vertebra are soft discs with a ligamentous outer layer. These disks operate as shock absorbers to shield the vertebra and the spinal cord. Many of the problems that cause back pain are the result of herniation and degeneration of the intervertebral disc. Degeneration is a process whereby wear and tear causes deterioration of the disc. Herniations, or bulging of the disk are protuberances from the disc that compress the surrounding nerves, resulting in pain or numbness.

If I undertake Spinal Decompression treatment, how much time does this take to see benefits?

Most patients report a decrease in pain after the first handful of sessions. Normally, significant improvement is obtained by the second week of treatment.

How much time does it take to complete Spinal Decompression treatment?

Patients remain on the system for 30-45 minutes, on a daily basis for the first two weeks, 3 times a week for the following two weeks, and followed up by two times a week for the last two weeks.

Do I qualify for Spinal Decompression treatment?

Since I started using Spinal Decompression unit, I’ have been flooded with questions from both physicians and patients regarding which situations it will best help. Obviously proper patient selection is essential to favorable results, so let me explain to you of the Inclusion and Exclusion criteria so you can make the best decision since not everyone qualifies for Spinal Decompression therapy.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Pain caused by herniated and bulging lumbar discs that is at least 4 weeks old
• Recurring pain from a failed back surgery that is at least 6 months old.
• Constant pain from degenerated disk not responding to 4 weeks of therapy.
• Patients available for 4 weeks of treatment.
• Patient at least 18 years old.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Appliances which includes pedicle screws and rods
• Pregnancy
• Prior lumbar fusion less than six months old
• Metastatic cancer
• Severe osteoporosis
• Spondylolisthesis (unstable).
• Compression fracture of lumbar spine below L-1
• Pars defect.
• Pathologic aortic aneurysm.
• Pelvic or abdominal cancer.
• Disk space infections.
• Severe peripheral neuropathy.
• Hemiplegia, paraplegia, or cognitive dysfunction.

Are there any negative side effects to the therapy?

The majority patients do not experience any side effects. There have been some mild cases of muscle spasm for a quick period of time.

Just How does Spinal Decompression separate each vertebra and allow decompression at a specific level?

Decompression is accomplished by utilizing a specific mix of spinal positioning and varying the degree and strength of force. The key to producing this decompression is the gentle pull that is produced by a logarithmic curve. When distractive forces are generated on a logarithmic curve the typical proprioceptor response is avoided. Eliminating this response allows decompression to occur at the targeted spot.

Is there any risk to the patient during treatment on Spinal Decompression?

Absolutely Not. Spinal Decompression is completely safe and comfortable for all patients. The system has emergency stop switches for both the operator and the patient. These switches (a requirement of the FDA) end the therapy right away thereby preventing any injuries.

How does Spinal Decompression therapy differentiate from ordinary spinal traction?

Traction is useful at treating some of the conditions arising from herniated or degeneration. Traction can’t deal with the source of the problem. Spinal Decompression produces a negative pressure or a vacuum inside the disc. This effect causes the disk to pull in the herniation and the rise in negative pressure also induces the circulation of blood and nutrients back into the disc enabling the body’s natural fibroblastic response to heal the injury and re-hydrate the disk. Traction and inversion tables, at best, can lower the intradiscal pressure from a +90 to a +30 mmHg. Spinal Decompression is clinically proven to reduce the intradiscal pressure to between a -150 to -200 mmHg. Traction triggers the body’s normal response to stretching by producing painful muscle spasms that aggravate the pain in affected area.

Can Spinal Decompression be used for people that have had spinal surgery?

In most cases Spinal Decompression treatment is not contra-indicated for patients that have had spinal surgery. Actually many patients have found success with Spinal Decompression after a failed back surgery.

Who is not a potential candidate for Spinal Decompression treatment?

Anyone who has recent spinal fractures, surgical fusion or metallic hardware, surgically repaired aneurysms, infection of the spine, and/or moderate to severe osteoporosis.

Who is a potential candidate for Spinal Decompression?

Anyone who has been told they need surgery but wants to avoid it, anybody who has been informed there is nothing more provided to help, anyone who failed to significantly respond to conservative methods (medications, physical therapy, injections, chiropractic, acupuncture), or anyone who still has pain but wishes to obtain the type of care they want.