What Is Spinal Decompression?
It is unlike anything you have experienced. Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD), not to be confused with linear traction, slowly lengthens and decompresses the spine, creating a negative vaccuum effect reducing (sucking in) the size of the disc herniation while at the same time taking pressure off of the involved nerve root. It involves the use of a specially designed table that helps to decompress the injured disc. It is safe, comfortable, and non-invasive.
All Dyer, MD, inventor of the cardiac defibrillator, invented the first true decompression table. Winchester Chiropractic Center, LLC and Winchester Spine and Disc, in conjunction with Exclusive Nerve and Disc, are pleased to now offer a comprehensive program for sciatica, herniated and bulging discs, degenerative disc disease, neck, and lower back pain.
What Types of Conditions Can Be Treated With Spinal Decompression?
Herniated Discs
Bulging Discs
Extruded Discs
Degenerated Discs
Peripheral Neuropathy
Sciatica
Numbness, Tingling, Weakness
Severe and Chronic Neck Pain
Severe and Chronic Back Pain
In Addition to the NSSD Therapy, What Other Treatments and Inventions Are Part of the Program of Care?
Gentle Spinal Adjustment / Manipulation Spinal adjustment / manipulation is performed for the purpose of correcting underlying joint dysfunction and restoring motion to the involved vertebra of the spine.
Class IV Laser Therapy This increases microcirculation, increases vasodilation, accelerates nerve regeneration, increases tissue repair, reduces inflammation and reduces edema. For more information on Class IV Laser Therapy at Winchester Chiropractic Center, learn more here.
Electro-Medicine Helps with pain reduction, accelerates the healing process, increases circulation, and helps with edema control. Patients are usually dispensed a Home Foot Stimulator if there is altered sensation at the feet.
Whole Body Vibration (WBV) 30hz - 50hz vibration produces increased blood flow to the skin. This is helpful for patients with diabetes, neuropathy, and circulatory problems. WBV also reduces pain and can improve strength and balance.
Exercise and Nutrition Nutritional recommendations, including an anti-inflammatory diet may be prescribed. Therapeutic exercises are implemented to strengthen and stabilize the spine and core, coupled with de-loading exercises may also be prescribed.
What Can I Expect During the Course of Treatment?
Most patients find Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD) quite comfortable and relaxing. Some patients have been known to even fall asleep while the decompression table is being administered! During an average session, most patients may experience a gentle stretch in the lower back or neck (depending on the area being treated). Some patients may experience muscular soreness during or after a treatment. The sensation would be similar to what a person might experience when they start exercising for the first time.
What is a Typical Treatment Regimen?
A typical Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD) program consists of about 20-25 sessions in a period of 6-8 weeks with supportive care to follow. Many patients report relief from their pain during the first week. Some conditions may require fewer sessions; some may require more. Most experience dramatic pain relief after completion of their prescribed program.
Am I a Candidate? Are there Contraindications?
You are a candidate if you have severe or chronic back or neck pain caused by bulging or herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, sciatica and / or facet syndrome. Many patients come to us after they have been told they need surgery and are looking for a more conservative approach.
You are not a candidate if you have surgical hardware (rods and cages) in the area being treated, instability in the spine such as a grade 2 or above spondylolisthesis. Other contraindications include rare conditions such as certain cancers or spinal infection, if you have a recent fracture of one of the vertebra, severe osteoporosis (T-score of -2.5 or lower), pregnancy, abdominal aortic aneurysm, or anykylosing spondylitis.
"If I have a patient that comes in, I don't care who they are, and they'e got back pain or neck pain, before I would ever recommend that they have surgery, a surgical procedure, or
even an epidural, an injection, I would recommend Spinal Decompression because there's no down side to trying this and it works."
— Timothy Kremcheck, MD,
Orthopedic Surgeon as seen on ESPN, HBO, USA Today,
and Sports Illustrated.