Spinal Decompression

Is decompression different than regular traction?

The computerization of a spinal decompression machine is the key to more effective treatment than regular traction. Decompression works by varying the pull throughout your treatment, eliminating muscle guarding that occurs with regular traction. This then leads to a greater decompression (lowering of the pressure) within the disc, thus causing increased blood and fluid flow into the disc, and promoting faster healing.

How does a lowered disc pressure help heal an injured disc?

Some research has shown that spinal decompression can lower the disc pressure to negative numbers and create a vacuum. Protruding or herniated material can then be pulled back into the disc, ultimately removing pressure on the nerves and speeding up the healing process. Discs normally have a poor blood supply. Spinal decompression pulls more blood (therefore more nutrients and oxygen) into the discs and allows the cells to work more effectively in the healing process.

Are there any studies documenting the effectiveness of this kind of treatment?

Absolutely. Let’s look at a few:

• A study by the Department of Neurosurgery and Radiology, Rio Grande Regional Hospital and Health Sciences Center, and the University of Texas showed the pressure within the disc was reduced up to -100 mm Hg, ultimately creating a vacuum within the disc. Published in the Journal of Neurosurgery (vol. 81, Sept. 1994).
• In Another study of 219 patients with herniated discs and degenerative disc disease, 86% who completed decompression therapy showed immediate improvement and resolution of their symptoms. 92% showed an overall improvement, and 5 patients (2 percent) relapsed within 90 days of treatment. (“Spinal Decompression,” Nov/Dec 2003, Vol. 5, No. 6, Thomas Gionis, M.D. and Eric Groteke, D.C., Orthopedic Technology Review).
• “Vertebral axial decompression therapy for pain associated with herniated or degenerated discs or facet syndrome: An Outcome Study” in Neurological Research, April 1998. This study showed that pain, activity, and mobility scores all improved after therapy. The researchers showed a success rate of 72% for those with multiple herniated discs and 73% for a single herniated disc. The authors concluded that for patients with low back pain, decompression therapy should be considered a front-line treatment.

What conditions will spinal decompression treat?

This treatment can help patients who experience:

• Pain in the neck or low back due to bulged or herniated discs
• Recurrent pain following a failed neck or back surgery that is more than 6 months old
• Pain due to degenerated discs
• Lower back pain with or without leg pain
• Neck pain with or without arm pain

Those who are not candidates for spinal decompression fall under these headings:

• Pregnancy
• Prior neck or lower back fusion surgeries with screws, metal plates, or cages (but OK if fusion was done with bone)
• Severe osteoporosis
• Unstable spondylolisthesis
• Recent spinal compression fracture
• Severe obesity
• Severe nerve damage
• Cancer

What are the treatments like?

The treatments are quite gentle. In our clinic, you will first lie on a table to heat, massage, and relax your muscles. Following that, you will lie on the D.T.S. decompression table (usually lying on your back with a pillow under your knees). Our doctors will wrap a belt strap around your pelvis. This belt is connected to a part of the machine that gently distracts your spine with varying amounts of pull. For many patients, the treatment is so relaxing that they actually fall asleep during the treatment!

When you are finished with the belt strap, we will use ice packs and electrical stimulation to further decrease swelling in the painful area. If needed, we also use very light spinal adjustments. Finally, we utilize a cold laser, which stimulates your cells to create more energy and add further healing (you will not feel anything with the laser treatment). In total, each day’s treatment lasts about 50-60 minutes.

How many treatments are needed, and what is the cost?

Though it may take fewer treatments for you, most people need approximately 12-15 treatments.
Although other clinics may charge from $250 to $500 per treatment, our charges are only $60 per treatment. All spinal decompression machines do the same thing, but we just feel it necessary to keep our quality high and our prices low so that more people can afford to get the care they need.

If all spinal decompression machines do the same thing, why should I come to you?

First, you can get treatment wherever you want. The most important thing is that you get treatment. But here are a few things to consider:

• If experience is important to you, Dr. Dan Hendricks and Dr. Spencer Rollins have been treating patients with decompression for nearly 8 years longer than any other clinic in the area.
• To give you more convenient treatment opportunities, we are open 5 ½ days each week.
• We use cold lasers, or low-level light lasers, as an additional part of your treatment. This technologically advanced approach will help you heal faster through cellular energy stimulation.
• We keep your costs low while giving you a high quality of care. At approximately $60 per treatment, you do not have to put yourself under a financial burden in order to get out of pain. Your insurance may even pay a part of your care.
• Once your pain is decreased, our doctors will work with you one-on-one to teach you proper exercises that will strengthen your neck and/or low back, thus supporting the healing process and protecting you from future injury.
• We have two doctors in our clinic and can therefore give you more time for your questions and your care. Learn more about our doctors here.

What can I do to get started?

First, if you have additional questions, we provide free consultations. Just call 801-784-4807 and ask us to schedule a free consultation. However, if you know you are ready to get out of your pain, contact us for an appointment as a new decompression patient. Our chiropractors in Layton, UT are here and ready to help you return to a pain-free life!