Spinal Decompression Therapy

---

What is Spinal Decompression?

Spinal decompression therapy is essentially the evolution of traction. When traction is applied to the spine, the body’s reaction is to pull in the opposite direction. This can affect the effectiveness of traction on spinal structures like discs. Spinal decompression equipment, on the other hand, contains sensitive computer-feedback mechanisms to overcome this phenomenon and allow for maximum therapeutic benefit to spinal discs, joints and muscles. The computer continuously monitors muscular reaction and compensates by re-adjusting traction strength. Each treatment with spinal decompression can be customized to a specific type of problem a patient may have with a variety of adjustable constant or intermittant hold and release protocols implemented by the computerized system.

While results obviously vary from patient to patient, many back pain sufferers who undergo decompression therapy, including those who are long-term chronic or pre/post-surgical cases, are able to resume normal daily activities. If you do not show significant improvement after a recommended treatment program you may be referred for further diagnostic evaluation. Age, body morphology, smoking, previous surgery, chronic use of narcotic or steroid medications, obesity, and large amounts of daily caffeine may negatively affect treatment outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• How does Spinal Decompression work?
• Is Spinal Decompression effective?
• What can be treated by Spinal Decompression?
• How do I know if I need Spinal Decompression treatment?
• How long does a treatment take?
• How long does it take to see results?
• Are there any side effects to the treatment?
• Is there any risk to the patient during treatment on Spinal Decompression?
• Can Spinal Decompression be used with patients that have had spinal surgery?
• Is Spinal Decompression treatment all I need?
• Are the results permanent?
• Will Spinal Decompression treatment make me taller?

How does spinal decompression work?

Most commonly spinal decompression is seen as a treatment for "disc" problems. However, spinal decompression uses state of the art technology to apply a distractive force to all of the spinal tissues, including the muscles, ligaments, and spinal joints. Spinal decompression is designed to speed the healing of disc problems and nerve root irritation, reduce muscle spasm, improve joint mobility, and reduce pain and other symptoms. The Spinal decompression tables are programmed by your chiropractor to deliver the best possible treatment for your condition. Back to FAQ

Is spinal decompression effective?

Clinical studies have shown that spinal decompression is quite effective at treating a wide range of neck and back and problems. Effectiveness varies from patient to patient. Back to FAQ

What problems can be treated by spinal decompression?

Spinal decompression has been shown to help most people with: - Acute disc injuries (like a budging or herniated disc) - Degenerative disc problems - Osteoarthritis of the spine - Spinal pain and muscle spasm - Reduced mobility and flexibility - Sciatica - Numbness and tingling in the arms or legs - Facet syndrome. Back to FAQ

How do I know if I need spinal decompression treatment?

Your chiropractor will perform a comprehensive consultation and examination (which typically includes x-rays), as well as make a proper diagnosis prior to recommending any form of treatment (including spinal decompression) to you. If spinal decompression therapy is likely to be effective in treating your condition(s), it will be recommended to you. Back to FAQ

How long does a treatment take?

Depending on the condition and area of the body being treated, spinal decompression therapy takes between 8 and 20 minutes. Back to FAQ

How long does it take to see results?

Most patients report a reduction in symptoms after the first few sessions. However, results vary from patient to patient, and will be affected by many factors including the severity of the condition and whether or not other complimentary treatments are being used (such as chiropractic adjustments and home-care exercises). Some people reach their goals with only a few treatments, while others, with more serious conditions, may require more lengthy treatments to receive maximum benefits. Back to FAQ

Are there any side effects to the treatment?

The vast majority of patients do not experience any side effects. However, if your condition is very acute or more serious, initial spinal decompression treatments may be aggravating and/or temporarily increase your symptoms (the same as may be from any form of treatment). This does not mean that spinal decompression is not right for you. In making changes to your spine’s function it can take a little while for you spine to begin to accept these changes. There are also specific exercises that are done in the clinic before and after spinal decompression that will help reduce the chance of symptoms flaring up and side effects. There are also home-care exercises that you can do that will help improve the effectiveness of the treatment and minimize side effects. Back to FAQ

Is there any risk to the patient during treatment on spinal decompression?

There is some risk with any type of treatment, and there is even risk associated with doing NOTHING to treat spinal conditions! Spinal decompression is proven to be quite safe and very comfortable for nearly everyone when used appropriately. If during any treatment you do happen to experience any discomfort or unusual symptoms, the spinal decompression tables have an emergency stop button that you can press; this button will immediately stop the treatment if necessary and notify doctors or staff that there is a problem. Back to FAQ

Can Spinal Decompression be used with patients that have had spinal surgery?

In many cases, spinal decompression treatment is appropriate for for patients who have had spinal surgery. Each case is individually assessed and contraindication ruled out prior to any treatment with spinal decompression. In fact, it is not uncommon for patients to have found relief with spinal decompression after their back surgery did not provide them with relief. Back to FAQ

Is spinal decompression treatment all I need?

Spinal decompression has a proven track record for treating neck and back problems all on its own. However, in the setting of a chiropractic clinic spinal decompression does not replace or substitute for spinal adjustments. Each form of treatment targets a specific aspect of your spinal problems and this will be discussed with your doctor. Moreover, it has been our experience with patients that when spinal decompression is combined with other forms of treatment (such as chiropractic adjustments and active rehabilitation exercises to strengthen the spinal muscles) the results are often better. Back to FAQ

Are the results permanent?

For most people, long term improvements in spinal health means a lifestyle change. As with any treatment that seeks to improve upon the body’s function and health, the longevity of your results depend on your diligence and commitment to maintaining your health and your willingness to recognise and avoid/modify behaviours and situations that may result in further injury. Back to FAQ

Will spinal decompression treatment make me taller?

Many people do actually see a small increase in their height! Any increase in disc height and an improvement in posture will definitely result in increased or restored height. Back to FAQ

Back to Top