Disc Decompression Therapy is the hottest new therapeutic device for spinal compression and disc syndromes! 

The Disc Decompression Therapy is a very effective treatment for:

• Herniated, protruded or bulged disc
• Degenerative disc
• Facet syndrome
• Sciatica
• Post-surgical patient
• Spinal Stenosis

Do you have a herniated disc, multiple herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, facet syndrome, or any other type of spinal pain problem? At Advanced Sports and Family Chiropractic + Acupuncture we combine the knowledge and services of disc decompression therapy, chiropractic, physio therapies, rehabilitation, acupuncture, massage therapy, and nutrition under one roof for a complete and effective treatment program.

How Does it work? 
Research suggests that the disc is responsible for a significant number of lumbar/leg pain and neck/arm pain syndromes. Compression increases intradiscal pressure leading to annular compromise and possible bulging or extrusion of nuclear material.

Since the disc is an avascular structure, it doesn't receive fresh blood and oxygen with every beat of the heart. It requires "diffusion" created by motion and 'decompression' to restore nutrients and enhance healing.

Decompression is defined as a reduction in pressure (intradiscal). Recumbent positions (both prone and supine) decrease intradiscal pressures in comparison to standing and sitting. However focused, axial mechanical+Y translation, (creating 'decompression' i.e. unloading due to distraction and positioning) has been shown to reduce disc pressure and enhance the healing response even further.

The suggestion in the literature is that extruded nuclear material may be "drawn in" by the reduction of intradiscal pressures. This concept however is not uniformly agreed upon since the length of time the material takes to 'draw in' has not been established in randomized controlled studies. However, a temporary reduction in intradiscal pressure can still have a profound effect on the healing process via increased contact with the blood supply and fibroblast migration (so called phasic effects) leading to a permanent reduction. This is in addition to the pain relief created neurologically by stretching soft tissue (e.g. stretch receptors, mechanoreceptors etc.) make decompression therapy a logical and viable addition to a "passive" pain care regiment.

Loss of local muscle control, abnormal posture and alterations in spinal curves are the probable underlying sources of most spinal 'compression' and degeneration syndromes. Therefore a "passive therapy” such as muscle stimulation or stretching alone has little effect in truly fixing the underlying problem.

It was found that out of 778 cases of patients receiving spinal decompression 92% said that they showed improvement (Neurological Research; Volume 20, Number 3, April 1998)

Decompression therapy (done safely within established protocols and a clear understanding of its limitations) can often effectively enhance the healing process and render quick, effective and often amazing pain relief in a properly selected patient population (many who have previously failed other treatments). Additionally it may also be very useful in determining the overall prognosis of passive care and expediting the phase-in of rehab protocols.

Indications and Use
Any low back or neck pain syndrome not related to a disease process is theoretically treatable by decompression. Disc and facet pain can often be relieved by early intervention with decompression. The acute inflammation of injuries however should be reduced by other means, in most cases, prior to beginning decompression. Contraindications are similar to manipulative therapy, however since mechanical decompression creates no impact, patients with mild and moderate osteoporosis may be treated without contraindication. Your doctors here at Advanced Sports and Family Chiropractic + Acupuncture are trained in this science and technology and will be able to recommend what is best for you!

Our clinical findings suggest decompression will create a relatively fast initial response. Patients tend to feel a sense of relief (which can be direct pain cessation or a centralization of pain and/or reduction to an ache or stiffness) within 6-12 sessions. Full relief, if attainable through this passive treatment will usually be within 12 to 24 sessions, depending upon the length and severity of the condition. Often patients will be treated 4-6 sessions and notice enough relief to allow active rehabilitation to begin.

Typical frequency is 2 or 3 times per week for 4 weeks before examining progress to determine the next steps. The extent and seriousness of the symptoms will determine if more sessions should be utilized. Our experience suggests decompression is also an excellent supportive or maintenance treatment for those cases where pain relief is marked but prone to exacerbations.

What does research say:

Spinal Traction is highly recommended by Neurological Research. It was found that out of 778 cases of patients receiving spinal decompression 92% said that they showed improvement (Neurological Research; Volume 20, Number 3, April 1998).

Spinal Disc Decompression, utilizing Decompression-Reduction-Stabilization, is a unique, non-surgical therapy developed for the treatment of chronic lower back pain, neck pain, herniated discs and degenerative disc diseases.

The Spinal Decompression Table in conjunction with additional modalities effectively relieves the pain and disability resulting from disc injury and degeneration, by repairing damaged discs and reversing dystrophic changes in nerves. Spinal Disc Decompression addresses the functional and mechanical aspects of discogenic pain and disease through non-surgical decompression of lumbar intervertebral discs.

Studies verify the significant reduction of intradiscal pressures into the negative range, to approximately minus 150 mm/HG, which result in the non-surgical decompression of the disc and nerve root. Conventional traction has never demonstrated a reduction of intradiscal pressure to negative ranges; on the contrary - many traction devices actually increased intradiscal pressure, most likely due to reflex muscle spasm. The Decompression Table is designed to apply distraction tension to the patient’s lumbar spine without eliciting reflex paravertebral muscle contractions.

By significantly reducing intradiscal pressure, Spinal Disc Decompression promotes retraction of the herniation into the disc and facilitates influx of oxygen, proline and other substrates. The promotion of fibro-elastic activity stimulates repair and inhibits leakage of irritant sulphates and carboxylates from the nucleus. The most recent trial sought to correlate clinical success with MRI evidence of disc repair in the annulus, nucleus, facet joint and foramina as a result of treatment and found that the reduction of disc herniation ranged between 10% and 90% depending on the number of sessions performed, while annulus patching and healing was evident in all cases.

In the recent clinical study of 778 patients has showed that Disc Decompression Therapy was more than 70% successful in the treatment of herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, facet syndrome, and sciatica. In this same study, 92% of patients had a reduction in their pain of at least one point on the 0 to 5 scale.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Spinal Decompression Therapy?
Spinal decompression therapy is a non-surgical, comfortable traction 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.

What can this vacuum effect do?
The vacuum effect accomplishes two things. From a mechanical standpoint, disc material that has protruded or herniated outside the normal confines of the disc can be pulled back within the disc by the vacuum created within the disc. Also, the vacuum within the disc stimulates in growth of blood supply, secondarily stimulating a healing response. This results in pain reduction and proper healing at the injured site.

What machine is used for this purpose?
There are a number of spinal decompression machines presently used in the United States. After significant research, Hopkins Clinic for Physical Medicine has chosen to use the Triton DTS machine manufactured by Chattanooga, Inc., the premier manufacturer of physical therapy machines.

Who can benefit from Spinal Decompression Therapy?
Spinal decompression therapy is designed to unload the spinal disc. Any 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 radiculopathy (pinched nerves).

How often do I take treatment sessions? How long does each session last?
Each session takes about 15 minutes and should be part of an active chiropractic and spinal stabilization exercise plan. Spinal decompression is usually performed 3 times a week for between 12-24 sessions.

What are the results of Spinal Decompression Therapy?
Over 86% of patients have good pain relief. This success rate is superior to many surgical results.

I have had spinal surgery, but continue to have pain. Can I try Spinal Decompression Therapy?
Spinal decompression therapy can help people with back pain after failed spinal surgery. It can be performed in most patients who have not been left with an unstable spine after surgery.

How can I be scheduled for Spinal Decompression Therapy?
Simply call our office at 913-643-1771 or contact us via our Live Chat. Tell the receptionist that you are interested in decompression therapy. An initial consultation can usually be scheduled within 48 hours.