Spinal Decompression Therapy at Nedd Chiropractic & Wellness Center in Clearwater
What is Spinal Decompression?
Spinal Decompression is a comfortable, non-surgical form of traction (as opposed to surgical spinal decompression including laminectomy and microdiscectomy) for the relief of back and/or leg pain, or neck and/or arm pain caused by nerve compression.
How It Works
During this procedure, the patient is comfortably positioned on the adjustable table either facing it for lower back therapy or away from it for neck therapy. Based on the diagnosis, an individualized protocol is programmed into the computer that controls the traction cord attached to a harness around the patient cycling through stretching and relaxation over a period of approximately 20 minutes.
The intended effect is to create a negative pressure within the involved spinal disc(s) that may be bulging, herniated, or degenerating and causing nerve compression. What this theoretically can potentially do is help the disc(s) retract or reposition itself off the irritated nerve as well as allow water and other healing nutrients to hydrate and nourish the damaged disc. Spinal discs do not get a blood supply so they must absorb water and nutrients like a sponge through osmosis so this procedure enhances that.
Which Equipment Is Used
After researching the various spinal decompression tables available, Dr. Stephen Nedd chose the Triton DTS Advanced Traction System which is one of the most advanced decompression systems and produced by the world’s largest manufacturer of rehabilitation equipment, Chattanooga. Unlike other popular spinal decompression systems, the Triton DTS can treat a patient lying face up or face down for low back decompression. An important safety feature is the Patient Interrupt Switch that the patient can press at any time during the treatment in case he/she is uncomfortable or may need to use the restroom. Another impressive feature is the computerized display allows the therapist to change time, speed, or traction intensity during a session.
Benefits
Spinal Decompression Therapy can help back and/or leg pain, or neck and/or arm pain due to nerve compression by stretching skeletal muscles, mobilizing skeletal structures, and decompressing spinal discs. The pain relieved may be associated with:
- Bulging, degenerated, herniated or prolapsed discs
- Vertebral subluxation
- Spinal stenosis
- Facet syndrome
- Spinal arthritis
- Sciatica
- Radiculopathy (pinched nerve between vertebrae)
- Vertebral compression fracture(s)
- Hypomobility
Contraindications
Spinal decompression is contraindicated for the following:
- Fusion surgery with metal hardware (It is not contraindicated for those who have had back surgery without fusion or fusion with bony replacement)
- Structural disease 2° to tumor or infection
- Patients with vascular compromise
- Pregnancy
- Severe osteoporosis
- Hiatal hernia
- Patients with acute strains, sprains, and inflammation which would be aggravated by traction therapy
- Any condition for which movement is contraindicated
Call today to learn more about Spinal Decompression and if it can help you.