Patient Education
Spinal Decompression
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Spinal Disc Decompression Therapy?
Spinal decompression therapy is a non-surgical traction based treatment outcome for herniated or bulging discs in the neck and lower back. Anyone who has back, neck, arm or leg pain may be helped by spinal decompression therapy.
How many spinal decompression sessions will be needed and are they painful?
The number of sessions needed and your specific treatment plan will be determined by the doctor after your examination.
In almost all cases, the treatments are completely painless. In fact, some patients fall asleep during the spinal decompression session.
What type of spinal decompression equipment is used, and is the doctor certified in spinal disc decompression therapy?
After a significant amount of research, our office chose what we believe to be the most sophisticated, technologically advanced, state-of-the-art decompression system in the world, the SpineMed ® Spinal Decompression Table.
SpineMED's patented design represents the latest evolution in non-surgical decompression technology.
SpineMED ® provides a non-surgical, drug-free procedure for:
- bulging and herniated discs radiating leg pain numbness in the arms sciatica spinal stenosis
- disc degeneration
Based on years of clinical experience, and feedback from healthcare professionals in the field, the SpineMED ® system was designed to overcome the limitations and untoward side-effects found with previous devices. The result is the most technologically advanced non-surgical decompression system for the conservative treatment of lumbar and cervical disc pathologies.
What Makes Spinal Disc Decompression Therapy so Effective?
Doctor skill combined with the table and computerized traction head are the keys.
Proper assessment, correct positioning and the use of preprogrammed patterns of distraction and relaxation may reduce disc pressure allowing necessary nutrients to enliven and accelerate disc healing.
Who can benefit from Spinal Disc Decompression Therapy?
Anyone who has back pain or neck pain caused in whole or in part by a damaged disc may be helped by spinal decompression therapy. These conditions include herniated, protruding or bulging discs, spinal stenosis, sciatica or even failed surgery.
Are there medical studies that document the effectiveness of Spinal Disc Decompression Therapy?
Yes! One study documented by MRI up to 90% reduction of disc herniations in 10 of 14 cases and other studies reported that the majority of ruptured disc patients achieved "good" to "excellent" results after spinal decompression therapy.
Are there conditions where Spinal Disc 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.
Is financing available?
We also offer two finance options. With Chase Health Advance, we offer a 24 month no interest plan and an extended payment plan up to 48 months. With CareCredit you may finance the entire cost and make 6 monthly payments with no interest. Or if you need more time, you can set up repayment for up to 60 months.
To apply for financing online and get instant approval in advance, just go to ChaseHealthCareAdvance.com, or CareCredit.com.
Do most patients receive therapy and rehabilitative exercises in addition to Spinal Disc Decompression Therapy?
To reduce inflammation and assist the healing process, supporting structures are treated with passive therapies (ice-heat-muscle stimulation), chiropractic adjustments (as indicated) and/or active rehabilitation in order to strengthen the spinal musculature.
How do I get started?
We want to make it easy for you to learn if you are a candidate for spinal decompression therapy. Just call our office at (865) 588-5321 to arrange a free consultation with the doctor.
Please remember to bring any MRI reports so the doctor can review them and best advise you about your treatment options.