Spinal Disc Dcompression
| Spinal Decompression Therapy |
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This website is designed for anyone suffering from back pain, sciatica, leg pain, herniated disc, degenerative disc disease, bulging disc, tingling, numbness, arm pain, neck pain, and some patients with spinal stenosis and failed low back syndrome. The American Spinal Decompression Association brings together patients and leading specialists in Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression all across the country. This allows patients a 70% chance of resuming a normal lifestyle. This site is designed to fully inform the millions of Americans who suffer with debilitating pain on a daily basis. Patients can now be informed and updated with current working knowledge of these conditions and the latest Non-Surgical breakthrough technology called Spinal Decompression Therapy. If you or your family members have been struggling with these debilitating conditions with little or no relief, then ask yourself the following questions.
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then non-surgical spinal decompression therapy is certainly a viable treatment option and could very well be what you’re looking for. We sincerely want you to utilize all the material and animations provided for your benefit. You are going to have some decisions to make, and you should be making those decisions based on your comfort level. Choices must be made. Some treatments are aimed at pain suppression and temporary pain relief. Other treatments are corrective in nature. Know the difference! Empower yourself to choose those procedures that make sense to you, it’s your health. EXPLORE, LEARN AND BE WELL. |
| Back Pain |
Did you know that an estimated 75 to 85 percent of all Americans will experience some form of back pain during their lifetime? Most certainly low back pain can be quite debilitating and painful. Good news, most cases respond well with non-surgical treatment. However, it has been estimated that 50 percent of all patients who suffer from an episode of low back pain will have a recurrent episode within one year. The costs associated with diagnostic procedures alone are estimated at $50 billion yearly. Back pain is one of the most common reasons for missed work. In fact, back pain is the second most common reason for visits to the doctor's office, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections. The personal costs are immeasurable from chronic pain alone, pain sometimes so great that it interferes with a healthy and satisfying lifestyle. Also, it is recognized that most cases of back pain are mechanical in nature, and the pain is usually not caused by very serious conditions, such as cancer, fracture, infection, etc. The anatomy of the spine and the many conditions that negatively impact spinal health are complex. The following information provides a simplistic explanation of the causes for back pain: SOME COMMON CAUSES OF LOW BACK PAINOn many occasions you first feel back pain just after you lift a heavy object, move suddenly, sit in one position for a long time, sustain an injury or have been in an accident. Prior to that moment in time, there was often a pre-existing weakness, or loss of tissue integrity in your spinal structures. The specific structures in your back responsible for your pain are difficult to determine in many cases. Whether identified or not, there are several possible sources of low back pain:
Less Common Causes of Low Back Pain
You are at particular risk for low back pain if you:
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| Sciatica |
The sciatic nerve is a collection of several nerve roots that arise between your spinal bones (vertebrae). These nerve roots join together and form the largest nerve in the body, the sciatic nerve. This nerve travels down from the low back under the buttock muscles all the way down the legs and feet. Sciatica is a term to describe an irritation or pressure on the nerve, which is commonly caused by a herniated or bulging disc (also referred to as a ruptured disc, pinched nerve, or slipped disc) in the lumbar spine. The pressure or irritation leads to a complex of symptoms that include sharp, radiating pain, burning, and/or numbness and tingling. This is a very debilitating condition that affects thousands of people every year. Generally, herniated or bulging discs are the cause of the problem. The herniated material of the disc will compress or contact the exiting nerve root producing the symptoms. Sometimes central canal stenosis, lateral canal stenosis, spondylolithesis, or degenerative disc disease can cause this nerve compression as well. The problem is often diagnosed as a "radiculopathy", meaning that one or more intervertebral discs have herniated or protruded from its normal position in the vertebral column and is putting pressure on the nerve root in the lower back, which forms part of the sciatic nerve. Sciatica occurs most frequently in people between 30 and 50 years of age. On many occasions this condition slowly develops as a result of general wear and tear on the structures of the lower spine and discs. Rarely is this condition surgical. Unless there is a progressive neurological deficit, or cauda equina syndrome, the majority of people who experience sciatica get pain relief with non-surgical treatments. Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression is very effective for these conditions. Physical therapy and Chiropractic can help sometimes as well. UNDERSTANDING SCIATICA PAIN
First, everyone responds differently to pain. For some people, the pain from sciatica can be severe and debilitating. For others, the pain might come and go intermittently, and not be so intense. Usually, sciatica only affects one side of the lower body, and the pain often radiates from the lower back into the deep buttocks all the way through the back of the thigh and down through the leg. Sometimes the person experiences calf or foot pain. It is quite variable. One or more of the following sensations may occur as a result of sciatica:
While sciatica can be very painful, it is important to keep in mind that the main problem may be with the intervertebral discs. Most likely the discs are dry and weakened due to “wear and tear” injuries. Treatment goals should be to minimize pain, minimize the disc herniation, re-hydrate and re-nourish the discs and nerve roots, and to strengthen and rehabilitate for permanency and prevention of re-injury. This is where spinal decompression therapy can be very effective. Symptoms that may constitute a medical emergency include progressive weakness in the leg or bladder/bowel or incontinence. As mentioned above, this may represent a rare condition called cauda equina syndrome. You should seek immediate medical attention if you are experiencing these signs. In general, patients with complicating factors should contact their doctor if sciatica occurs, including people who have been diagnosed with cancer; take steroid medication; abuse drugs; have unexplained, significant weight loss; or have HIV. SCIATICA TREATMENTSSince sciatica nerve pain is caused by a combination of pressure and inflammation on the nerve root, and treatment is centered on relieving both these factors, typical sciatica treatments should include: Non-surgical sciatica treatments:
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or COX-2 inhibitors), or oral steroids can be helpful in reducing the inflammation and pain associated with sciatica. EPIDURAL STEROID INJECTIONSThe goals of non-surgical treatments should include both relief of sciatica pain and prevention of future sciatica problems. Injections are invasive and are usually only a temporary solution. SURGICAL OPTIONS
When reading the medical literature, it is generally agreed upon that nearly all cases do well with non-surgical management. For severe cases that just don’t respond, the following options are available for surgery: Microdiscectomy or lumbar laminectomy and discectomy, remove the portion of the disc that is irritating the nerve root. This surgery is designed to help relieve both the pressure and inflammation and may be warranted if the sciatic nerve pain is severe and has not been relieved with appropriate manual or medical treatments. |
| Herniated Disc |
Anatomy of the spine
The intervertebral discs are located between each vertebrae in the spinal column. Of the vertebrae, there are 7 cervical (neck), 12 thoracic (mid-back) and 5 lumbar (low back) discs. The discs make up approximately 1/3 of the spinal column. They have three main functions: (1) "Absorb shock" from everyday wear and tear. (2) Allow movement of our spinal column. (3) Separate the vertebrae. The intervertebral disc is actually a type of cartilaginous joint. Discs consist of an outer layer, annulus fibrosis, and an inner nucleus pulposus, which is a soft, jelly-like, substance. The disc is made up of proteins called collagen and proteoglycans that attract water. Normally, discs compress when pressure is put on them and decompress when the pressure is relieved. These discs do not have a blood supply; therefore, they exchange nutrients by a process called "imbibition". Imagine a sponge filled with water; when that sponge is compressed, the water is forced out of the sponge. When the compressive force is removed, the water is "sucked" back into the sponge. This is precisely how discs stay healthy and functional. Diseased discs can lead to degenerative disc disease that can then lead to: arthritis, herniated discs, bulging discs, facet syndromes, sciatica and spinal stenosis. 
A herniation describes an abnormal condition of an intervertebral disc. Some refer to this condition as a "slipped", "ruptured", or "blown" disc. Most of the time it is not known what caused the disc to herniate, but it is thought to occur from repetitive stress due to occupation, poor spinal posture, and/or natural processes of aging and/or trauma. A herniation begins when the inner nucleus pulposus bulges through the annulus fibrosis, causing a bulging or protruding disc. This bulge may push on a spinal nerve. This interferes with the natural blood supply to the nerve roots and sets up a condition known as intraneural edema. Basically, the nerve root microcirculation is compressed and can progress to the point where the nucleus begins to leak out of the disc. At this point the body begins to fight back by launching an autoimmune response to the disc material (nucleus pulposus). The reaction of this defense mechanism causes severe inflammation and progressive deterioration of the nerve root. If the herniation is located in the cervical spine (neck), the symptoms can range from neck pain, with or without arm pain, to numbness and tingling. Muscle weakness can be common as well. If the herniated disc is located in the lumbar spine (low back), the symptoms can range from low back pain, with or without leg pain, to numbness and tingling. Muscle weakness is also common. This type of pain and/or numbness in the legs or arms is referred to as a "radiculopathy". This happens because the nerves that exit your spinal cord innervate ("attach to") the skin in your arms and legs. They are responsible for sensation and for movement of the muscles in your arms and legs. They are also responsible for the reflexive movements as well. This is the reason some individuals with these conditions experience extremity (leg/arm) pain / numbness / tingling and/or weakness when they have a herniated or bulging disc. Be aware that, some individuals with herniated discs may report arm or leg pain only, with minimal neck or low back pain.
DIAGNOSIS
Diagnosis of a herniated disc (either neck or low back) can be made from a thorough physical examination including a detailed history, orthopedic and/or neurological evaluation. Some disc patients will present with an antalgic gait (lean away from the side of the disc lesion), extremity pain/numbness/tingling (abnormal sensation) in addition to neck or low back pain. Muscle weakness may be present in the more chronic cases as well as areflexia ("loss of reflex"). X-rays can be helpful in identifying degenerative changes of the vertebra, but MRI’s are the "gold standard" to identify the exact nature of the lesion. When the disc is herniated in the lumbar spine (low back), and it is compressing the spinal nerve roots causing pain and numbness down the buttocks, thigh and leg, it is often referred to as sciatica.
TRADITIONAL TREATMENTS
Traditional treatments for herniated disc includes physical/chiropractic therapy, epidural Injections, surgery and pain killers such as non-steroid anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID's). Please keep in mind that NSAID's have an inherent risk of gastrointestinal (GI) ("stomach" and "intestinal") disorders such as: perforation, ulceration and hemorrhages. The New England Journal of Medicine reported that it has been conservatively estimated that 16,500 NSAID-related deaths occur every year in the United States, and conservative calculations estimate that approximately 107,000 Americans are hospitalized every year due to NSAID related GI complications. The number of deaths reported in the same study due to AIDS was 16,685. In addition to gastrointestinal disorders, drugs such as VIOXX have been known to cause serious cardiovascular (CV) events such as: heart attacks, strokes and heart failure. There have been similar complaints from other NSAID's such as: Bextra and Celebrex. NON-SURGICAL SPINAL DECOMPRESSION
Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression offers to treat the root cause of the diseased or pathological disc based on the anatomical and physiological principles of Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression. Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression relieves pressure from the disc, which, in turn, relieves pressure from the nerve. Research has shown that Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression can create a negative pressure within the disc causing a "vacuum effect". This vacuum effect can "suck" the disc material back inside, thus relieving the pressure from the nerve. According to the FDA 510k papers, the definition of decompression is “unloading due to distraction and positioning”, and additionally, “unweighting due to distraction and positioning”. This is important because the “unloading” of the injured area creates positive changes in the microcirculation of the disc and nerve roots. Therefore, Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression for herniated discs is based on the following principles.
EPIDURAL INJECTIONEpidural injections ("injection within the epidural space of the spinal cord") with corticosteroids, lidocaine or opioids have no proven benefit in treating neck or upper back symptoms. In the instances that people find improvement, the effects are often temporary and require repeat injections, and several per year are not uncommon. There is also an increase in risk in contracting a spinal infection that can lead to meningitis. In fact, the results of a randomized, double-blind trial, published in the June 2003 issue of the Annals of Rheumatic Diseases indicated that an epidural steroid injection was no better than an epidural saline ("salt water") Injection (i.e. placebo) for sciatica. These findings are consistent with those of another definitive trial presented at the last American College of Rheumatology meeting. Given that there have been advances in spinal surgery, the outcomes can still be very unpredictable. In failed back surgery, post-operative pain syndrome is a very disabling and troubling reality of surgical intervention. According to the 2002 Johns Hopkins White Paper on “Low Back Pain and Osteoporosis “* by John P. Kostulk, M.D. and Simeon Margolis, M.D., PhD., surgery "is not the treatment of choice for most people with back pain." The report goes on to say “fewer than 5% of people with back pain are good candidates for surgery”. "Surgery ought to be used when all other measures have been explored, and only if it appears that there is a strong probability that it will improve the condition." An article in Spine reviewed the outcomes and complication rates for surgical intervention in degenerative disc disease. Complication rates were as high as 55% and included: hematoma, neurologic adjacent segment degeneration, infection and hardware/instrument-related issues. Another study determined the effects of single-level (2 vertebrae) and 2-level (3-4 vertebrae) spinal fusion success rates reported 53% with "good" and "fair" results with single- level fusion and no "good" results with 2-level fusions. Having read about the possible side effects relating to these “traditional” treatments, you might want to consider the drugless, non-surgical approach that Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression has to offer. |
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| Degenerative Disc Disease |
WHAT IS DEGENERATIVE DISC DISEASE?
Degenerative Disc Disease is a gradual process that occurs as we age. Gradually the water and protein content of the body's cartilage changes. Sometimes this process is accelerated due to heavy occupational demands such as repetitive bending and twisting, heavy lifting, or accident and injury. These changes can result in weaker and thinner cartilage. Because both the discs and the joints (facet joints) are composed of cartilage, these areas are subject to wear and tear over time (degenerative changes). This gradual deterioration of the discs between the vertebrae (back bones) is referred to as degenerative disc disease. These changes usually occur long before you can see them on X-rays or other imaging techniques. What is happening is the progression of wear and tear of the discs and the weakening of protein (collagen) of the outer band of the disc (annulus fibrosis) causing a structural and biomechanical change of the disc. Furthermore, water and proteoglycan (PG) content decreases. PGs are molecules that behave like super sponges and can bind and attract water hundreds of times their own molecular weight. “Disc desiccation” is a term used to describe the proteoglycan content decreasing and loss of water in the discs (dehydration). This very well may be a term you read on your MRI report. This process severely affects the "shock absorbing" properties of the discs as they "compress" under normal pressure. These changes usually occur at the same time as the annulus fibrosis degenerates and generally leads to the disc’s inability to handle mechanical stress. Because the lumbar spine carries a large portion of the body’s weight, degeneration of the disc tissue makes the disc more susceptible to herniate and can cause local pain in the affected area. Disc degeneration can sometimes lead to disorders such as spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal), spondylolisthesis (forward slippage of the disc and vertebra), and retrolisthesis (backward slippage of the disc and vertebra). LUMBAR DEGENERATIVE DISC DISEASE PAIN AND SYMPTOMS Although symptoms are variable from person to person, most patients with lumbar degenerative disc disease will experience low-grade continuous but tolerable pain that will occasionally flare (intensify) for a few days or more. Pain symptoms can vary, but generally are:
Although degenerative disc disease is relatively common in aging adults, it seldom requires surgery. When medical attention is warranted, the majority of patients respond well to non-operative forms of treatment like chiropractic manipulative therapy, physical therapy, or Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression therapy. |
| Bulging Disc |
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In this section we will discuss some of the confusion in the terminology regarding bulging discs, herniated discs, protruding discs, etc. Many times, even doctors use incorrect descriptive terms. We will use some diagrams to help demonstrate our lesson. The following information is from the North American Spine Society, American Society of Spine Radiology, and American Society of Neuroradiology. The term ‘bulging disc’ is and should be used as a descriptive term, not a diagnostic term. 
Here is a bird’s eye view looking down onto a disc. Notice in the diagram the outer ring, this represents a symmetrical bulging disc. The disc tissue is bulging out around the entire border of the vertebrae. This is a rare finding under MRI and CT scans. Although ‘bulging disc’ is a popular term, it is usually not representative of what is really going on at the spinal level. It is used because it is easy to understand. Most people really have a herniated disc. This again is a broad category, which further breaks down into two more diagnostic terms. This is explained using the following diagrams: 
These two diagrams are very accurate in the description (or diagnosis?) of disc herniations. You will commonly find these descriptive terms on your MRI or CT reports from your doctor. By strict definition, a broad-based herniation involves between 25 and 50% of the disc circumference. A focal herniation involves less than 25% of the disc circumference. Herniated discs may take the form of protrusion or extrusion based on the shape of the displaced or herniated material. The following diagram illustrates this well: 
The above information is designed to clarify the use of these terms. The simple fact is that if you have a herniated disc, the disc material can press on the nerve roots or central nerves running through the central canal where the spinal cord lives. This can produce serious back and leg pain, as well as, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness. Occasionally, the disruption and injury in the annulus fibrosis can be the source of back pain. The outer 1/3 of the annulus fibrosis has a nerve supply, and if the center nuclear materials are migrating through the weakened annulus, this can cause pain. This condition is sometimes referred to as internal disc disruption. This is very difficult to see on MRI or CT scans and is considered to be the early stages of a herniated disc, although it is still not visible on advanced imaging. This condition responds well to non-surgical spinal decompression, allowing blood, water, and nutrients to enter the disc and begin healing the damaged annulus fibrosis. Please see the diagram below. This is a side view diagram. The left side is the front of the body and the right side is the back of the body. 
Non-surgical spinal decompression can be very effective in treating these difficult conditions. The treatment results in an unloading of the offending disc structures, which in turn creates a negative intradiscal pressure inside the disc. This facilitates water and nutrient exchange into the disc, thus, allowing the injury to heal. It also can cause a vacuum-like effect, allowing the displaced materials to return to a more centralized position. Over time, this treatment allows collagen, one of the body’s healing proteins, to form. Collagen can then repair the cracks and fissures in the annulus fibrosis. In addition, the inner matrix material of the disc becomes healthier with the exchange of water and nutrients. Spinal stabilization rehab exercises should follow a common sense spinal decompression therapy program. |
| Spinal Stenosis |
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Spinal stenosis (or narrowing) is a common condition that affects many adults 50 yrs old and older. This occurs when the small spinal canal, containing the nerve roots and spinal cord, becomes constricted or compressed. This can lead to a number of problems, depending on which nerves are affected. In general, spinal stenosis can cause cramping, pain or numbness in the legs, back, neck, shoulders and/or arms; a loss of sensation in the extremities; and sometimes, in rare cases, problems with bladder or bowel function. In general, spinal narrowing is caused by osteoarthritis, or "wear and tear" arthritis, of the spinal column. This results in a "pinching" of the spinal cord and/or nerve roots. People suffering from spinal stenosis may have trouble walking any significant distance, and usually must sit or lean forward over a grocery cart, countertop or assistive device such as a walker. 
Typically, a person with spinal stenosis complains about developing tremendous pain in the legs or calves and lower back after walking. Pain occurs more quickly when walking up hills. This is usually very reproducible and is almost immediately relieved by sitting down or leaning over. When the spine is flexed forward, more space is available for the spinal cord, causing a reduction in symptoms. WHAT CAUSES IT?Spinal stenosis is usually caused by progressive degenerative changes in the spine. This is usually called "acquired spinal stenosis" and can occur from the narrowing of space around the spinal cord due to bony overgrowth (bone spurs) from osteoarthritis, combined with thickening or calcification of one or more ligaments in the back. Stenosis can also be caused by a bulge or herniation of the intervertebral discs. This must be differentiated from the stenosis caused by the bony overgrowth that can occur on the vertebral bodies, or facet joints. Spinal decompression therapy may not be appropriate in moderate to severe cases of spinal stenosis with many spurs and thickened ligaments. On the other hand, if the stenosis of the central canal is primarily from bulging discs, or herniated discs, then non-surgical spinal decompression may be very successful. Sometimes people are born with a smaller spinal canal. This is called "congenital spinal stenosis" and may become problematic at an earlier age. WHO GETS IT?The risk of developing spinal stenosis increases in those who:
Conditions that can cause spinal stenosis include:
HOW IS IT TREATED?Typically, spinal stenosis is treated with conservative non-surgical therapies. One important therapy is exercise. Keeping the muscles of the hip, back, and legs toned allows for improved stability and will improve walking.
Medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) also may be appropriate and helpful in pain relief. Cortisone injections into the epidural space, the area around the spinal cord, may provide temporary relief to people suffering from this disorder.
Non-surgical spinal decompression therapy may help those with herniated or bulging discs, lateral canal stenosis, and facet syndrome.
Under severe and rare circumstances, surgery to correct this disorder may be appropriate. In these severe cases, nerves to the bladder or bowel may be affected, leading to partial or complete urinary or fecal incontinence. If you experience either of these problems, seek immediate medical care! Decompression laminectomy, which is the removal of a build-up of bony spurs or increased bone mass in the spinal canal, can free up space for the nerves and the spinal cord. However, adequate decompression of the neural elements and maintenance of bony stability are necessary for a good surgical outcome for patients with spinal stenosis.
Several studies report that surgical treatment produces better outcomes than non-surgical treatment in the short term. However, these results tend to deteriorate over time. In addition, lumbar decompressive surgery can be complicated by epidural hematoma, deep venous thrombosis, dural tear, infection, nerve root injury and recurrence of symptoms.
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| Treatment Plan |
It is essential for both the staff and the patient to work toward the same objective when utilizing Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy. Spinal Decompression Therapy has a goal; and it is important that each patient understand both the objective and method that will be used to attain this goal. This will prevent any confusion and give clear expectations for the patient. Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy produces the forces and positions required to cause decompression of the intervertebral discs. Decompression is the unloading due to distraction and positioning of the spine. This therapy produces negative pressure within the disc to allow the particular injury to heal naturally. Conditions that may be treated include: back pain, neck pain, herniated discs, protruding discs, degenerative disc disease, posterior facet syndrome and sciatica. Patients are treated fully clothed and are fitted with a pelvic harness that fits around their pelvis as well as a thoracic harness as they lie face down, or face up on a computer controlled table. The doctor operates the table from a computerized console, where a customized treatment protocol is entered into the computer. Each treatment takes about 30 to 45 minutes. The average treatment protocol is approximately 20 to 28 treatments within a five to seven week period of time, depending on the individual's case. The therapy may also include electric stimulation, ultrasound, thermotherapy (heat), and cryotherapy (cold) before, during, and/or after the treatment. Your doctor will use these therapies when appropriate. All of the above aid to accelerate the healing process. Although there is no procedure that is 100% successful, non-surgical spinal decompression therapy has a high success rate with full compliance on the part of the patient. Your doctor will recommend that you refrain from certain activities and that you engage in a certain rehabilitation program either during or after your therapy. If you adhere to your prescribed therapy, you will enhance your chances of success. Drinking at least a half-gallon of water per day will enhance the re-hydration process within the discs. Your physician will also recommend some nutritional supplements that will aid in the healing process. The American Spinal Decompression Association is here to assist in your recovery. Please contact a leading specialist if you or someone you know has been suffering with neck or back pain. We can help to determine whether this therapy might be appropriate for you or your referral. |
| Q and A |
Q: What is Spinal Decompression Therapy, and how does it work?A: Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy is a spinal disc rehabilitation program that uses FDA cleared medical technology that gently stretches the spine and decompresses the discs. This technique of spinal decompression therapy, that is, unloading due to distraction and positioning, has shown the ability to gently separate the vertebrae from each other, creating a vacuum inside the discs that we are targeting. This "vacuum effect" is also known as negative intradiscal pressure. The negative pressure can induce the retraction of the herniated or bulging disc into the inside of the disc, and off the nerve root, thecal sac, or both. It happens only microscopically each time, but cumulatively, over four to six weeks, the results are quite dramatic. The cycles of decompression and partial relaxation over a series of visits, promotes the diffusion of water, oxygen, and nutrient-rich fluids from the outside of the discs to the inside. These nutrients enable the torn and degenerated disc fibers to begin to heal. Patients are treated fully clothed and are fitted with a pelvic harness that fits around their pelvis as well as a thoracic harness as they lie face down or face up on a computerized controlled table. The doctor operates the table from a computerized console. Each treatment takes about 20 to 45 minutes. Most patients find the sessions to be comfortable, and relief of pain can sometimes be noticed in the first few sessions. Of course, this varies depending on the individual condition. Q: Will Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression help a slipped disc?A: A “bulging” or "herniated" disc is sometimes incorrectly referred to as a "slipped" disc. Studies demonstrate that Spinal Decompression Therapy succeeds at treating bulging or herniated discs over 70% of the time. This of course varies depending on the complexity of the injury and other factors. Many times patients are able to avoid more costly and invasive procedures. Q: How much does the therapy cost?A: That depends on many factors, as there are many variations of disc injury and severity. The great news is that it can be very affordable, and members of the Association are dedicated to making this safe, breakthrough therapy available to all patients, providing stress-free payment plans. This enables patients to receive the care they desperately need even if they are on fixed incomes and/or Medicare. Q: Will my insurance cover it?A: There are many insurance plans, all with different benefits. Some plans cover the costs of associated procedures. We will certainly be glad to help you verify all of your insurance benefits when you come into the office for a consultation. Q: Are there any reasons that I can't go on this type of therapy?A: The doctor has to determine if you are a candidate as there are certain conditions for which this therapy would be contraindicated The doctors perform a screening process and only then accept the cases they think this therapy can help the most. Certain people are not candidates for spinal decompression therapy and usually have conditions such as:
Q: How long does the treatment last?A: Generally speaking the therapy lasts about 45 minutes per session , with most cases lasting 4 to 6 weeks in duration. |
