949 Orangeburg Rd., Suite C, Summerville, SC 29483

Spinal Decompression


Spinal Decompression

 

If you don’t try decompression before surgery you’ve made a mistake, and if you go somewhere else for decompression you’ve paid way too much. Non-surgical spinal decompression therapy as performed in our office is a very high-tech form of traction. It is a highly successful, non-surgical alternative procedure for relieving lower back, neck, arm, and leg pain. It is an effective treatment for:

  • Herniated or bulging discs
  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Facet Syndrome
  • Sciatica
  • Post-surgical patients
  • Spinal Stenosis

 What is Spinal Decompression Therapy?

Decompression Therapy is a modern, high tech, non-surgical procedure that effectively treats debilitating lower back, neck, along with radiating leg and arm pain. This type of traction is very successful in relieving pain associated with disc herniation, degenerative discs, and posterior facet syndromes due to decompression of spinal discs and facet joints by utilizing traction, distraction, and positioning.

This therapy effectively enhances the healing process and offers quick, effective yet amazing pain relief that enables most patients to return to a more active lifestyle.

Research to develop this procedure was conducted by prominent physicians, engineers, and technicians at major teaching hospitals.

Do you have a herniated disc? Multiple herniated discs? Degenerative disc disease? Facet Syndrome? Is your doctor suggesting surgery, pain management, or physical therapy? Call for a free consultation about our spinal treatment program.

Our DTS Triton traction system is FDA approved and has been clinically proven with a very high success rate for the pain and symptoms associated with herniated and/or bulging discs…even after failed back surgery.

Research indicates that the disc is responsible for a significant number of lumbar/leg pain and neck/arm pain syndromes. Compression increases internal disc pressure leading to possible protrusion, herniation and bulging disc material.

DTS Triton spinal traction therapy in conjunction with the additional treatment of Deep Tissue Laser provided in our clinic can, in most cases, effectively relieve pain and disability resulting from disc injury and degeneration, aiding in the healing of damaged discs and reversing dystrophic changes in nerves. DTS Triton spinal traction treats the functional and mechanical aspects of disc pain through non-surgical traction (decompression) of spinal discs.

Clinical studies verify the significant reduction of internal disc pressures which result in the non-surgical traction of the disc and nerve root. The older, conventional traction has never demonstrated a reduction of this internal disc pressure; on the contrary – many older traction devices actually increased internal disc pressure, most likely due to reflex muscle spasm.

Our new computer controlled DTS Triton spinal traction equipment is designed to apply distraction and decompression to the patient’s spine without producing reflex paravertebral contractions.

By significantly reducing internal disc pressure, DTS Triton spinal traction promotes retraction of the herniation back into the disc and promotes the intake of fluids, oxygen, and other substances necessary for the healing of the disc. The activity stimulates repair and inhibits leakage of materials from the nucleus of the disc. The most recent research trial sought to correlate clinical success with MRI evidence of disc repair as a result of such treatment and found that reduction of disc herniation ranged between 10% and 90% depending on the number of sessions performed, while disc annulus healing was evident in all cases.

The most recent clinical study of 219 patients showed that this type of non-surgical therapy provided nearly immediate resolution of symptoms for 86% of the participants and 84% remained pain free for 90 days after the treatment concluded.

DTS Triton Spinal Traction vs. Surgery

Surgery Facts:

  • In some cases, surgery is necessary, more often it is not necessary
  • Increased danger from anesthetic
  • Increased danger from possible infections
  • Prolonged recovery time after back surgery which is typically 6-8 weeks
  • Another 6-8 weeks of rehabilitation and physical therapy at 3-5 times a week
  • Lower rate of successful results
  • Without insurance a patient’s cost for surgery is often over $25,000
  • Even with insurance, a patient’s share of surgical cost is often over $4000-$5000

DTS Facts:

  • Relief of acute or chronic (long term) low back pain and/or associated leg pain/numbness, generally with 4 weeks
  • Successful in over 75% to 85% of patients
  • Early return to work
  • Non-invasive and extremely safe
  • No injections
  • No knives
  • No drugs
  • No patient hospitalization
  • Cost effective treatment

How is Spinal Decompression different from older type traction?

The older type of traction is a simple steady force that is put on the patient’s body with the intent of unloading the body’s joints, muscles, and other structures. One example would be hanging upside down which is a common method to put the spine into traction rather than one’s body weight putting stress on the spine, which is what happens when standing, the body weight is working to unload the spine.

There have been countless forms of traction that have been around for over 1000 years; however, pain relief has been inconsistent and short lived until now. In fact, several clinical studies have shown ordinary (older type, steady pull) traction to be an ineffective form of back and neck pain relief. The reason behind this is unexpected but simple, our bodies react to the steady pull of the traction on the spine by contracting or squeezing the muscles surrounding the spine and instead of achieving the desired effect of unloading the spine the pressure on the spine is actually increased thus increasing intradiscal pressure. Thus, this old type of traction does NOT allow the discs to re-hydrate and heal which is what ultimately yields pain relief.

DTS Triton Spinal Traction, on the other hand, is a modern, computerized, updated form of traction. Computer technology is used to control variations in the unloading (tractional pull) of the spine, effectively avoiding the body’s muscle contraction response.

 The doctor can control how many progressive tension steps are experienced by the patient before reaching the maximum tension. The doctor also has complete control over how long the tension will be held steady and how often they are repeated through the computerized system.

 

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.

 

 Call our Summerville chiropractic office at 843-900-7006 today to make an appointment and start experiencing the benefits of Spinal Decompression Therapy.

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