What is Decompression
Non surgical Spinal Decompression using our Chattanooga Decompression table is a safe and alternative treatment designed to help relieve your back, leg, neck and/or arm pain caused by any of the conditions listed below. Spinal Decompression therapy aids in restoring function back into your disc by providing a stretch on your disc that draws oxygen, water, and nutrients back inside, thus aiding in healing it naturally. There has been several clinical studies of non-surgical spinal decompression therapy that report a high percentage of patients showing significant reduction of pain. Thousands of people across the country are enjoying the benefits of Spinal Decompression Therapy.
Non surgical Spinal Decompression can help with the following conditions:
LUMBAR or CERVICAL
- Herniated discs
- Bulging discs
- Spinal stenosis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Sciatica
- Facet joint syndrome
- Pinched nerves (numbness/tingling/pain) in the arms or legs
- Failed back surgery
Here is what you can expect in our office to determine if you are a candidate.
Our welcoming front office staff will get you signed in and back to the doctor's office. The doctor will do a full chiropractic evaluation on your current condition and review any and all images and/or blood work that you may have. Once all the information is gathered the doctor will let you know if you are a candidate for Spinal Decompression. He/she will design a treatment plan specifically for your needs. A typical treatment plan is 15-20 visits. Treatment plans are progressive in nature,so as you get better you see the doctor less. As experience and research shows the 15-20 visit treatment plan is designed for long term healing. In most cases you will start to feel better before your treatment plan is complete, however, it is important to continue on the plan for full recovery and prevention of future re-occurrence. Treatment plans will also include supplements to aid in the healing process and exercises to help build stability and maintain decompression. Once your treatment plan is established you are ready for the table.
Please allow 30 minutes for your office visit.
How the table works
Simply described, this method of treatment uses a therapeutic table that is connected to a computer, to electronically stretch and decompress your spine. You rest on the table while a padded harness focuses the gentle force along your spinal column. This decompresses your spine, specifically the intervertebral discs and joints and musculature of your spine. These are the three structures that produce most of your pain. At the beginning of each session, you are fitted with a comfortable harness designed to offer optimal decompression. You are fully clothed, and the doctor will make sure that you are properly positioned for comfort, safety and effectiveness. The computer is programmed in accordance with your specific treatment plan, and your session begins. You are in complete control and can shut down the treatment session at any time if discomfort should occur. During each session, you experience multiple cycles of treatment, which may take 15 to 20 minutes to complete. Each cycle takes between 3 to 5 minutes. The equipment is designed to apply precisely-controlled tension along the axis of your spinal column, creating decompression of the intervertebral discs. The process is fully automated and administered by a computer, which in turn is monitored by a technician.
How much does Non surgical spinal decompression cost?
Your cost will depend on the number of visits in your treatment plan. The cost per Spinal decompression therapy is $45. This includes your decompression treatment and exercises. The decompression is not covered under insurance, however, our front office manager can set you up on payment plans if needed.
For more information or to see if you are a candidate please call our office.
SPINAL DECOMPRESSION FAQ's?
Is it safe?
Yes. The distraction is produced by a FDA approved, computer-controlled device using forces that are usually about 50%-65% of the patient's body weight, and therefore well within safe limits.
Is it painful?
No. Distraction force is always set within the patient's pain tolerance. Most patient's comment that it "feels good." However, at any point during the treatment you can turn off the computer if discomfort may occur. There are cases where patients are sore after the treatment. This is usually temporary, and is a result of the necessary healing process. The doctor will assist you with stretches that will aid in relieving this pain and recommend ice, 10 minutes on 20 minutes off, as soon as you get home.
Will it work?
Individual results vary based on the severity of each patient's condition, however, distraction is effective in about 84% of patients.
How many times will I have to come?
Usually about 15-20 sessions are required to produce the desired results. Accomplishing the distractions in a relatively short period of time is important to appropriately heal the injured disc. Our treatment plans are progressive in nature, meaning as you get better we see you less. We will see you 3x/week until you are 35% improved, 2x/week until you are 65% improved, and 1x/ week until you are 95% improved. Your improvement is determined by how you are feeling as well as the doctors evaluation of stability.
Do I need an MRI ?
Maybe. It varies case by case, but having an MRI is preferred. If you've already had an MRI , bring copies with you to your first appointment. If you've never had an MRI , we'll discuss your clinical need with you after your examination. (MRI 's are not available at our facility, but are referred to local radiology centers.)
Is this procedure supported by clinical research?
Yes. Here are some brief abstracts with references:
77 patients verified on pre-post MRI with signs and symptoms of herniation, underwent nonsurgical intervention including pelvic traction. Changes in herniation and good-excellent symptomatic improvements were noted in over 82%.
The authors draw the conclusion improving the disc's contact with the blood supply accounts for healing of herniation and there is an excellent prognosis for herniation with conservative treatment.
• Komari H, et. al.: The Natural History of Herniated Nucleas with Radiculopathy. Spine. 21: 225-229, 1996.
Three weeks of the described traction method to large volume herniations resulted in complete resolution of symptoms in all 4 patients.
• Constatoyannis, C. et. al. Intermittent Cervical Traction for Radiculopathy Due to Large- Volume Herniations. JMPT. 25(3) 2002.
29 Patients and 7 healthy volunteers had intermittent traction done while in MR. Substantial increase in vertebral length was seen. Full herniation reduction in 3 and partial reduction in 18 of the patients was reported.
• Chung, TS; Lee, YJ, et. al. Reducibility of Cervicial Herniation: Evaluation at MRI during Cervical Traction with a Nonmagnetic Traction Device. Radiology. Dec, 225(3):895-900, 2002.
30 patients with lumbar herniations axial disc decompress in a CT scanner at 58% body weight for 20 minutes. Hernia retraction occurred in 70% and good clinical improvements were seen in over 93%. The authors concluded improved blood flow was the source of healing. Additionally, they speculated previous studies showing traction doesn't create negative intradiscal pressures perhaps used too light a force.
• Onel, D, et. al.: CT Investigation of the Effects of Traction on Lumbar Herniation. Spine. 14: 82-90, 1989.
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Psalm 139:14