What is Spinal Decompression Therapy?

Spinal decompression therapy is FDA cleared and has a high success rate for pain associated with herniated or bulging discs... even after failed surgery!  It is a non-surgical, traction based therapy for the relief of back and leg pain or neck and arm pain. During this procedure, by cycling through distraction and relaxation phases and by proper positioning, a spinal disc can be isolated and placed under negative pressure, causing a vacuum effect within it.

How does this negative pressure affect an injured disc?

During spinal decompression therapy, a negative pressure is created within the disc.  Because of that negative pressure, disc material that has protruded or herniated can be pulled back within the normal confines of the disc, and permit healing to occur.

What system is used for this purpose?

After a significant amount of research, our office chose the Triton® DTS system manufactured by the Chattanooga Group, the premier manufacturer of physical medicine equipment.  More importantly, we have the brand new 2006 computerized head which is the most sophisticated and technologically advanced unit in the world. No office - and we do mean NO OFFICE - has a more "state of the art" spinal decompression system. 

In fact, the new 2006 Triton® head is so revolutionary that it won the 2006 Australian Design Award in the "Medical and Scientific" category. We also selected the Triton® DTS systems due to its ability to treat discs in both the neck and the low back.

How is Spinal Decompression Therapy different from regular traction?

The award winning Triton® computer is the key. It controls the variations in the traction pull allowing for spinal decompression and eliminating muscle guarding that is typical in conventional traction devices. The preprogrammed patterns for ramping up and down the amount of axial distraction allows for higher levels of spinal decompression and disc rehydration

Are there medical studies that document the effectiveness of Spinal 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.

Click here if you would like to review the studies yourself.

Are there conditions where Spinal 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.

Are the sessions painful, how many will be needed and what is the cost?

In almost all cases, the treatments are completely painless.  In fact, some patients fall asleep during the spinal decompression session.

The number of sessions needed and your specific treatment plan will be determined by the doctor after your examination.  

Our customary fee for each spinal decompression session is only $30.00 which means the total cost will be a small fraction of the $5,000+ amounts that some other doctors are charging.

If your insurance company covers spinal decompression therapy, reimbursement varies but your out-of-pocket expense for all needed services could be as little as your co-payment.

Do most patients receive therapy and rehabilitative exercises in addition to Spinal Decompression Therapy?

To reduce inflammation and assist the healing process, supporting structures are treated with passive therapies (ice & heat), chiropractic adjustments (as indicated) and/or active rehabilitation in order to strengthen the spinal musculature.

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