Decompression Therapy
What is Decompression Therapy?
It is non-invasive, well researched, effective treatment for back and neck pain. One clinical study done by Thomas A. Gionis, MD and Erie Groteke, DC analyzed the effect of decompressive therapy on 219 people who had herniated discs and degenerative disc disease. This was published in Orthopedic Technology Review; Vol. 5-6, Nov-Dec 2003. They found that 86% of the patients reported immediate resolution of symptoms after 4 weeks of treatment while 84% remained pain-free 90 days post treatment.
What is the disc and how does decompression help?
The discs can simply be thought of as shock absorbers which are present in between each vertebrae of the neck and back. It is composed of an outer semi-rigid structure which is made up of layers of a cartilage-like substance. This outer ring contains a jelly-like center. Poor posture and poor body mechanics during everyday lifting, as well as trauma, causes an abnormal amount of pressure inside the disc which subsequently causes small tears in the outer rings of the disc. This allows the inside jelly material of the disc to leak out into the outside layers creating a bulge which can press on spinal nerves. At times, this jelly completely escapes requiring surgery to remove the substance. Decompression therapy significantly reduces this intradiscal pressure and influences the jelly to return to its central location. Some theorize that this negative pressure creates an osmotic gradient for nutrients, water and blood to flow into the disc, thereby allowing the phases of healing to take place.
Who can benefit from Spinal Decompression?
Those with ruptured/herniated of bulging discs of the lumbar or cervical spine, sciatica pain, Facet Syndrome, Spinal Stenosis and general back pain or neck pain. Some of our patients with severe muscle spasms have also benefited from our treatment because the computerized Decompression Unit can pull extremely slowly and in small steps so that spastic muscles are encouraged to relax.
Are there any Contraindications?
Yes. Decompression should not be used on women who are pregnant, patients with severe osteoporosis, severe obesity or severe nerve damage or on patients who have undergone spinal surgery with screws, metal plates or "cages". It would also never be used on a patient with metastatic cancer. A person who is claustrophobic may not tolerate this therapy because it does immobilize the patient to some degree.
What will it feel like?
This type of therapy is very comfortable because of the gradual type of pull it delivers. Of course, each treatment is carefully customized to each patient's diagnoses and individual response to treatment. A licensed therapist always sets up the patient on the Decompression Table and closely monitors the patient response to treatment and will make adjustments to the settings as indicated. Pain should not be felt and all patients are given a cut off switch in case discomfort is felt or if they wish to stop the treatment at any time and for any reason. Many of our patients fall asleep during treatment.