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SPINAL DECOMPRESSION PROCESS
THE TREATMENT

What is spinal decompression?

STABLIZATION OF STRUCTURE

Working on the deep core muscles

SUPPORT OF MUSCULAR SYSTEM

Wellness Lifestyle

Spinal Decompression Treatment

THE BASICS

Spinal Decompression Therapy is performed on a specially designed table and you are placed on your stomach or back depending on exam results and comfort. You will have a tightly fitted harness around your chest and pelvic area that is attached to the decompression pulley. The computer will be programmed and the patient is given a stop switch. The switch stops the procedure if discomfort is felt. Most patients report a sensation of a slight pull or stretch in their lower back and hips. Most patients fall asleep and have a sense of relief and relaxation post treatment.

The stretch and relaxation of the disc produces an event called “imbibition.” In short, imbibition is described as how the disc absorbs nutrients, water and vital collagen to promote healing. It is this vital pumping motion that allows this to happen. Imbibition occurs naturally in a healthy disc daily, through motion and positions we obtain. This accounts for the phenomenon of our discs being larger in the morning than the evening. The more the disc becomes injured over our life, the less imbibition occurs through the disc. Tractioning the spine allows for a controlled method of re-establishing some of the lost imbibition that occurs over time. The theory of traction is that we can help heal the disc from the inside out.

The decompression of the disc can potentially retract disc bulges and take pressure off of “pinched” nerves. Most patients report dramatic reduction of pain in as few as 5-6 treatments, yet the spinal discs require additional time to properly heal. This is why it is so important to remain consistent with your treatment protocol. Many research studies state that in order to completely heal a disc, one must adhere to a regular program of home exercises prescribed by their doctor. It took months to years to become injured and it will take the same amount of time to heal fully. Movement is life and the strength of the supporting spinal muscular is necessary to keep creating fluid movement to and from the disc. The patient will produce a daily log. This will help us evaluate improvement and determine which activities are aggravating the patient.

Stabilization Of The Spinal Structure

THE IMPORTANCE OF REBUILDING YOUR DEEP CORE MUSCLES

Over the extended time our patients are in pain, de-conditioning of the spinal stabilizers and compensation from other muscle groups occur. Therefore, when the pain has re-missed and is under control, healing is not complete. It is necessary to rehabilitate the structures that support the disc in order to maintain the pain relief.
During the treatments, your doctor will prescribe a rehabilitation program to fully heal the disc and keep the pain from returning. We must address all issues that contributed to your initial lower back pain, which is a decrease in spinal flexibility and poor muscular control. We will give you simple and pain free activities that allow you to monitor and control spinal motion and reclaim proper movement patterns. We cannot overemphasis the importance of home rehabilitation as this is the key for continued success. The whole body is a unit that works together and in this stage, we must have nutritional and lifestyle changes to prevent further flare ups.
Support Of The Muscles

FULL BODY RECONDITIONING

During this phase of treatment, we will develop an extensive exercise program that will help bring your body to optimal well being. This will include resistance training, stabilization training and other core muscle training. The consistence of the home based exercise is a key for long term relief. These exercises can speed up healing and are the keystone to the DTS Therapy system.
After an extensive examination, along with a diagnosis, the doctor will provide all treatment options and offer information on which treatment would work best for you. Certain patients are not candidates for spinal decompression therapy, such as ones with: Tumours, Abdominal Aortic Aneurism, Fractures, and Metal Implants/Screws/Plates in the spine, advanced Osteoporosis, Pregnancy or certain diseases that compromise the structural integrity of the spine and disc. These patients are a small percentage of the population and will be given different treatment options. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact my office at any time.