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Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression is a term that has been gaining much attention and popularity in the treatment of the Low Back and Neck pain. Machines such as the DRX-9000 and other devices known as the VAX-D and Saunders Active-Trac are used to treat several different spinal conditions. This treatment approach and these machines have gained wide acceptance and approval in the Medical and Chiropractic communities for the treatment of back pain. This procedure uses precise traction to slowly and gently relax the spine muscles and reduce intradiscal pressure to help increase the inter vertebral disc spaces. With the reduced pressure and increased disc spacing, the net effect is reduced back pain and reduced muscle spasm. These machines are considered by many professionals to be the state of the art in non-invasive, non-surgical back pain treatment.
Some of the machines including the DRX-9000 Spinal Decompression system have the ability to isolate the problem area to the very level of the problem vertebrae (L1,L2, L3, L4 or L5). Studies have shown that these devices can focus the effect of traction and increase spacing by up to 5 - 7 mm. The treatment provides cycling forces on structures that may be causing low back pain. These treatments are considered by most patients to be relaxing.
The DRX9000 spinal decompression table uses a type of traction therapy. More specifically, a "dis-traction" method, this helps in isolating the problem areas and focus the treatment with a series of oscillating pulling and relaxing movements. This method allows the damaged disc some increased spacing. Research has shown this can be important to reduction in inflammation, pain and increased healing as the vertebrae on either side will now be further apart.
Surgery for chronic lower back pain is hardly the most appealing prospect for anyone, so in a lot of cases the non surgical alternative is not a difficult choice.
Please understand that the Spinal Decompression is not the answer for all back pain. While it may be true for a number of people, just as with any alternative therapy or even surgery the success rate is not 100%.
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The machine is most often used to treat herniated discs and degenerative disc disease. It is also sometimes indicated for sciatic nerve pain and posterior facet syndrome. The process of spinal decompression literally increases the space between vertebrae and helps to remove pressure on discs, nerves and bones. This procedure is performed gradually, slowly and precisely to reduce any chance of additional injury. The precision of these computer controlled machines is extraordinary. |
Spinal Decompression is the one of only corrective procedures for disc injuries that has been shown to increase hydration of the disc, repair the connective tissue structures of the disc, retract herniated or bulged disc material and improve the structural integrity of the disc and surrounding tissues.
Spinal Surgery should in most cases be the last resort. In the case of most Spinal Surgery, a small portion of the disc that is damaged and is pressing on the pain producing nerves is removed. Spinal Surgery usually does little if anything to improve the quality of the disc or surrounding structures.
One reason why so many back surgeries fail is because you are left with the same bad disc minus the small piece that was surgically removed. This means you have a high potential for re-injuring or herniating the disc. While surgery may reduce your back or leg pain, it generally does not change the integrity of the disc or improve the quality of the disc and joints of the spine.
Remember, most surgery fixes the herniated or bulged chunk of disc pressing on the nerves but not the disc itself! Research shows that the many who undergo back surgeries are not satisfied with the level of pain relief. According to a study published in the June 2005 issue of SPINE journal, 39% of low back pain patients had virtually no difference in pain after surgery. Before and after MRI studies of Spinal Decompression patients show retraction of herniated disc material, healed annular fibers and improved re-hydration of the disc. |
A Spinal Decompression Machine is a specialized adjustable support table that incorporates highly sophisticated state of the art computer technology to administer non-surgical spinal decompression. It functions by relieving and alleviating the pressure on the lower body structures that are often the cause lower back pain.
These Machines are designed by engineers to assist healthcare providers in their effort to alleviate pain for symptoms such as bulging, herniated and protruding discs in the back and neck pain. Spinal Stenosis, Sciatica, Facet Syndrome, Pinched Nerves often respond favorably to this treatment. Clinical studies have revealed an excellent success rates of up to 75-77% in treating lumbar disc related problems with the use of Spinal Decompression.
Some may view Spinal Decompression Machines as simply a traction device, it is in reality a much more advanced piece of equipment. Through a feedback system the machine is able to take into account factors such as the patient's weight and angle of treatment to determine the amount of decompression for a given treatment.
Spinal Decompression Machines including the DRX9000 were created to give patients and option of treatment that was a non-intrusive for providing relief from lower back pain problems. The DRX9000 system uses a highly advanced computerized traction table to perform spinal decompression treatments. Through the use of a sophisticated feedback mechanism the device oscillates between pulling and relaxing specific areas of the patient's spine. This pulling and relaxing motion causes fluid and nutrients to flow back into the damaged disc to aid in healing and recovery. Many chiropractors find the DRX9000 to be an effective non-surgical option for their patient's with specific lower back pain problems. |
The first Spinal Decompression Machine recognized was the VAX-D. Many of the published studies regarding Spinal Decompression were performed using the VAX-D. Other Spinal Decompression machines include; DRX 9000, Saunders Active Trac, Accu-SPINA, DRS, ABS and LPG Spineforce to name but a few Spinal Decompression Machines. |
How does spinal decompression separate each vertebra and allow for decompression at a specific level?
Decompression is achieved by using a specific combination of patient positioning and varying the degree and intensity of force. The key to producing this decompression is the gentle pull that is created by a logarithmic curve. When distractive forces are generated on a logarithmic curve the typical muscle guarding otherwise known as "proprioceptor response" is avoided. Avoiding this response allows proper decompression to occur at the targeted area.
Is there any risk to the patient during treatment on the DRX 9000 or other Spinal Decompression equipment ?
The DRX 9000 is considered safe and comfortable for most patients. The system has safety switches for both the patient and the operator. These switches terminates the treatment immediately should the patient feel any discomfort.
Are the treatment results permanent?
Some studies have shown impressive success rate in treating herniated and degenerative discs pain. It has been reported that there is a 4% reoccurrence rate after one year. Typically additional treatments are not required after the completion of the treatment protocol. Some individuals may require re-evaluation and possibly additional treatment, especially in more severe conditions or cases where work and recreational activities affect symptoms.
Can Spinal Decompression and the DRX 9000 be used for patients that have had spinal surgery?
In many cases yes. This is something that must be reviewed by your Dr. and the surgeon prior to considering treatment. In cases of spinal fusion, it is less likely that this may be an option.
What is the difference between traction and spinal decompression therapy ?
Traction may be helpful in treating some of the conditions resulting from herniation or sinal degeneration, however Spinal Decompression is usually superior in addressing the source of the problem. Research has shown that Spinal Decompression therapy can actually create a negative pressure or a vacuum inside the disc. This effect encourages the disc to pull in the herniation and also encourages the flow of blood and nutrients back into the disc allowing the body's natural fibroblastic response to heal the injury and re-hydrate the disc. The DRX 9000, VAX-D, Lordex and Saunders Active Trac are considered by many to be excellent Spinal Decompression Therapy devices to accomplish this.
Traction and inversion tables, at best, have been shown lower the intradiscal pressure from a +90 to a +30 mmHg. The DRX 9000 is clinically proven to reduce the intradiscal pressure to between a -150 to -200 mmHg, or double the effect.
 What is Intervertebral Disc Disease ?
Intervertebral disc disease is among the most common causes of neck and low back pain. Cervical (neck) disc herniations are less common than lumbar (low back) herniations. Low back herniations affect an estimated 50-80 % of patients complaining of back pain. Many things can cause a herniated disc including: poor posture, work-related strain, traumatic injuries due to falls or other injury, improper weight lifting, obesity, and sport-related muscular strain. A Disc herniation can also occur because of age-related degenerative processes that cause progressive loss of disc elasticity. Other risk factors associated with disc hernias are lack of regular physical exercises, inadequate nutrition, smoking, and genetic factors.
How many are affected with disc herniations?
Herniated disc is a common problem, with approximately one in 32, or 8.4 million people in the United States affected each year.
Causes and symptoms
Degenerative disc disease, usually related to aging, is more common in the lumbar area, where much of the wear-and-tear of a lifetime of activity is exerted, resulting in chronic back pain. However, in the cervical area the disc degenerative process usually starts with a traumatic twisting of the disc space that leads to chronic inflammatory pain in the neck, and may result in arm pain and numbness. The degenerative process may also be associated with occupational repetitive movements such as those required in construction, farming, mining, and other professional activities where workers are required to handle heavy loads. A herniated disc can cause pain that is incapacitating, and the condition accounts for a major cause of work disability and health care expense in the United States. Lumbar disc hernias are commonly associated with sciatica (inflammation of the sciatic nerve in the lower back) due to disc protrusion or herniation that compresses the spinal nerve root radiating to the femoral or sciatic nerve. A sensation of sharp, painful electric-like shock is felt during acute sciatica both in the back and along the involved limb. Other symptoms are a burning pain in the back, numbness or tingling sensation in the related leg, and weakness in one or both legs.
 Can you explain what a "slipped disc" is?
An intervertebral disc can be thought of as soft tough cushions that separate the bones (vertebrae) of the spine from one another. The disc is made up of three basic structures: the nucleus pulposus, the anulus fibrosus, and the vertebral end-plates. A disc has three functions:
- they act as a ligament by holding the bones of the spine together
- they act as a shock absorber which carries the downward weight of the body (axial load) while in an upright position
- they act as pivot point, which allows the spine to bend and twist.
The disc itself is a circle of cartilage between each vertebra in the spine that acts as both a shock absorber, sponge and a shock distributor. Without discs, the spine simply could not function properly. Discs don't really "slip". Instead, they bulge, herniate, or rupture. The term "slipped" was meant to describe that something was "out of place" and is not where it's supposed to be. In reality, the material called 'Nucleus Pulposis' or the inside jelly of the disc has oozed out and is not where it is supposed to be. Discs are made up of concentric circles or rings of fibrous material with a tough jelly like center. When cracks or fissures occur in the fibrous rings, the jelly or gelatinous material in the center can begin to push out.
I have a herniated disc and would like to try this non-surgical treatment. What do i have to do ?
Please call our office at 203-778-2225 and speak to us. We will ask you some preliminary questions to see if you might be a candidate for spinal decompression therapy using the DRX 9000 or other Spinal Decompression Machine. We will ask you about your pain, the severity and some other health related questions to see if you are candidate for this non surgical procedure. We have had great success rate in our office, but the treatment is not for everyone and there are contra-indications. If you are a candidate, then we can schedule you for a consultation and examination. We will ask you to bring in any records that you have concerning your condition. If you have had a recent MRI, then make sure you bring this with you to your appointment. If our doctors need any additional testing including MRI or other imaging, they can order that during your appointment. If you are not a candidate, we will tell you that as well, and offer some alternative treatment choices if possible.
I have cervical disc hernation. Can the DRX 9000 or other Spinal Decompression Machine help with that? In our Danbury CT office, we have the DRX 9000 for spinal decompression for the Lumbar (low back) spine. We also have the Saunders Active Trac Spinal Decompression Machine that is used for our patients who require treatment for cervical disc herniation.
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