Spinal Decompression

 Spinal Decompression | Summerville, SC

Living with chronic back or neck pain can feel overwhelming — but surgery doesn't have to be the answer. At Swain Family Chiropractic in Summerville, SC, Dr. Ron Swain offers non-surgical spinal decompression therapy as a gentle, effective alternative for patients who want real relief without going under the knife. Many of our patients are amazed by how much better they feel after just a few sessions.

What is Spinal Decompression Therapy?

Spinal decompression is a non-invasive therapy that gently stretches the spine using a specialized table. This creates negative pressure within the spinal discs, which helps retract bulging or herniated disc material, relieves pressure on nerves, and promotes the flow of nutrients and oxygen to the affected area. The result is reduced pain and a better environment for your body to heal naturally.

Benefits of Spinal Decompression:

• Non-Surgical and medication-free treatment

You don't have to keep living in pain. Contact Swain Family Chiropractic today to schedule a same-day appointment in Summerville, SC. Let's find out if spinal decompression is the solution you've been looking for. Call (843) 900-7006 or visit swainchirosc.com.

FAQ Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression

What are treatments like?

After lying on the comfortable DTS Triton spinal treatment table, you will be fitted with a support system. The support system helps stabilize your body. The advanced computer-controlled system automatically adjusts to the proper angle of pull (distractions), allowing us to target the specific discs that are causing your pain and symptoms. The distractive forces utilize a computer controlled logarithmic curve to avoid reflex responses which would create muscle spasm. The split table design decreases friction and allows separation of the vertebra.

Basically, you lay down on the table, and the DTS Triton spinal traction computer system simulates an anti-gravity effect on your spine that helps herniated material return to its normal position thus reducing pressure and pain. Patients describe the treatment as a gentle, painless, intermittent pulling session. Many patients actually fall asleep during the treatment.

How long are treatments and how many do you need?

This, of course, depends on your individual case and is determined by thorough pre-treatment evaluation. With each session, Deep Tissue Laser Therapy is usually applied to speed the healing process. An important note is that many patients get substantial, immediate relief after just a few treatments. The really good news is that this is not something you have to continue to do for the rest of your life, which means it is not a big commitment.

Can DTS Triton Spinal Therapy help my pain?

Each patient is different, and no doctor can guarantee success, but clinical results of this type of therapy have been shown to be effective in 86% of patients treated. The common problems of many back conditions are damaged discs and poor spinal muscle control. Our treatment program addresses both of these core problems. The specially designed DTS Triton spinal traction system creates a controlled unloading of the spine which appears to decrease disc pressure thus increasing blood and nutrient exchange. The exchange of fluids is something the damaged disc desperately needs to help it heal from the inside out. Muscle strength, control and endurance can all be improved with our spinal therapy program that includes specifically controlled spinal exercises.

Will DTS Triton Spinal treatments hurt? Is it safe?

DTS Triton Spinal Traction Therapy treatments are one of the most gentle and comfortable therapies available. The treatment utilizes FDA cleared equipment with proven safety and efficacy. Patients will report a mild sense of stretching on their back or hips and often fall asleep during treatment sessions. The DTS Triton system is produced by one of the world's largest manufacturers of hospital-based therapy and rehabilitation equipment.

Is Spinal Decompression a new type of treatment?

Although traction therapy has been around for thousands of years, DTS Triton computerized spinal traction therapy is new. Advances in equipment and procedures have dramatically improved effectiveness. The system is the most comprehensive program available, allowing the safe delivery of this previously hospital-based therapy in our office. With continual improvements in the delivery system and regular updates in protocol this keeps the system at the forefront of non-invasive disc therapy. Each year over 50,000 patients are treated with this type of therapy and the number is continually growing.

 How long will my treatment program be?

The program length depends on the complexity and extent of the treatment and rehabilitation needed; however, we typically initially treat 3 to 4 times a week for 1 month, transitioning from passive to active treatments as you respond. The treatment is administered over a reasonable timeframe, and your response is continually evaluated, further treatments may be necessary, or a reduced frequency may be recommended.

The rehabilitative phase may include additional DTS Triton spinal traction treatments coupled with special exercises, spinal manipulation and adjustments to enhance results. Patients are typically released from treatment after 6-12 weeks.

Why is this type of therapy more successful than other treatment options?

DTS Triton traction therapy as practiced in our clinic is a comprehensive program of the newest traction techniques and targeted “core” stabilization exercises combined with biofeedback and gentle chiropractic care. In addition, we use other adjunctive treatments that have proven effectiveness in back care. The multi-faceted approach makes our combination of treatments so effective and is what sets our procedure apart from others in the area.

Additionally, discs have been shown to be a predominate site of pain, so treating the disc as directly as possible makes sense. The blending of focused traction of the site, rehabilitation to the supporting structures, and overall strengthening of musculature makes the treatment unique. The therapy affects the disc as directly as possible without surgery.

Why the need for exercise and other therapies?

Along with the damage in the disc, we also need to treat the supporting spinal muscles. A complete program targeting the function of the stabilization muscles of the spine is a vital part of spinal decompression therapy. Heat, muscle stimulation, and Deep Tissue Laser therapy can offer additional benefits for inflammation and spasm reduction. Our goal is to not only help heal the disc but to enhance muscle control and support of the lower back. A gradual breakdown of the foundational support of your back is what puts undue stress on the discs and leads to disc degeneration, pain, and loss of function. Our program of spinal exercises and adjunctive therapies will assist in rehabilitating these structures.

 Will my pain go away for good?

Although it is difficult to predict the future, experience has shown that most patients do find long-term relief or effective management of their pain when they complete the entire recommended program of treatments. Regular home exercise and periodic visits to our clinic will help in maintaining your spinal health and reduce the probability of reoccurrence. As with any comprehensive rehabilitation program, your continued home care exercises and discretion in some daily activities is the key to long-term relief.

How much will it cost?

The cost varies depending on your condition and the extent of care needed. Our staff will review all costs and payment options before treatment begins.

 *Our office uses Triton DTS spinal decompression equipment from The Chattanooga Group, which has become the gold standard for spinal decompression.