> WHY SPINAL DECOMPRESSION WORKS

NASA was the first to investigate the effects of spinal decompression on vertebral discs. NASA found during the anti-gravity state of the space travel mission, astronauts were relieved of back pain. In addition NASA found disc height was increased during a space mission.
Decompression relieves pressure that builds up on the discs and nerves that have been causing low back pain and sciatica.

A normal healthy spine contains discs that are well-hydrated and are able to absorb the shock of daily activities. Below is an illustration of a lumbar disc herniation. A spinal disc can suddenly rupture due to long term wear and tear or a single traumatic event such as an injury at work or an auto accident. The disc, a jelly-like material, pushes back towards the spinal cord causes compression of the spinal nerve.

Spinal Decompression
Spinal decompression is defined as:“The relief of pressure upon the spinal cord as caused by a herniated disc, tumor, cyst, hematoma, or bone, through traction or surgery”It is most often used to relieve pressure on the spinal cord caused by the following conditions:
  1. Herniated Disc
  2. Slipped Disc
  3. Sciatica
  4. Spinal Stenosis
  5. Degenerative Disc Disease
  6. Facet Syndrom

    There are limited ways to accomplish spinal decompression. They include the following methods:
    1. Surgical
    2. Non-Surgical
The two types of evasive surgical decompression include microdiscectomy (or microdecompression) and laminectomy (or open decompression).Microdiscectomy essentially involves removing material from under the nerve root and sometimes part of the facet joint as well. In a laminectomy, after dissecting through the left and right back muscles from the vertebrae, the bone above the disc herniation is removed. Sometimes excessive bone spurring may be trimmed to give the nerve roots more room.In non-surgical spinal decompression the patient is placed on a special type of traction table and the back is gently stretched over a number of treatments, allowing the disc to re-hydrate and heal.
MRI

Figure 1  pre-treatment MRI of a slipped or herniated disc causing compression of the spinal nerves
Figure 2: Post Treatment MRI.  The disc has been successfully decompressed, resulting in less pressure on the spinal nerves

> SPINAL DECOMPRESSION IS DEFINED AS:

“The relief of pressure upon the spinal cord as caused by a herniated disc, tumor, cyst, hematoma, or bone, through traction or surgery”

It is most often used to relieve pressure on the spinal cord caused by the following conditions:

  1. Herniated Disc
  2. Slipped Disc
  3. Sciatica
  4. Spinal Stenosis
  5. Degenerative Disc Disease
  6. Facet Syndrom               

                                   
There are limited ways to accomplish spinal decompression. They include the following methods:

    1. Surgical
    2. Non-Surgical

 

The two types of evasive surgical decompression include microdiscectomy (or microdecompression) and laminectomy (or open decompression).Microdiscectomy essentially involves removing material from under the nerve root and sometimes part of the facet joint as well. In a laminectomy, after dissecting through the left and right back muscles from the vertebrae, the bone above the disc herniation is removed. Sometimes excessive bone spurring may be trimmed to give the nerve roots more room.

In non-surgical spinal decompression the patient is placed on a special type of traction table and the back is gently stretched over a number of treatments, allowing the disc to re-hydrate and heal.

> HOW IT WORKS:

Initially, spinal decompression is performed 3-5 times a week for 20 sessions. Each treatment session includes decompression therapy and state-of-the-art laser therapy. Each session takes about 30 minutes

Upon completion of the spinal decompression program, the patient begins spinal stabilization training. The length of this phase of care is prescribed on a individual basis by the doctor. Each patient will be re-evaluated and an individual plan will be created

Are there conditions where Spinal Decompression is not indicated?

Spinal decompression therapy is usually not recommended for pregnant women, or patients who have severe osteoporosis, severe obesity or severe nerve damage. It is not recommended for patients over 70. However, every patient is evaluated on an individual basis.  Spinal surgery with instrumentation (screws and metal plates or “cages”) is also contraindicated.  Surgery to the discs without fusion or fusion using bony replacement is not contraindicated.