Millions of Americans suffer from severe back and neck pain as a result of herniated or bulging discs. Few options are available to these patients, mainly: dangerous surgeries, painful injections, or simply being told that they will just have to learn to live with the pain. There is an alternative that is both effective and comfortable spinal decompression. However, spinal decompression, also known as DRX (Decompression Reduction Extraction), is very expensive costing thousands of dollars when you see “spine specialists” who utilize the DRX9000 machine.
Fortunately, Capital City Chiropractic has an alternative that is just as effective and comfortable and much more affordable than the DRX9000. I am talking about highly sophisticated, Spinal Decompression. It is my attempt to answer some the questions that you may have about our Spinal Decompression therapy.
Sincerely,
Dr. Travis Grondin, D.C.
What is Spinal Decompression?
It is a non-surgical, traction based treatment designed to relieve back and leg pain, or neck and arm pain that has resulted from disc herniations or bulges. Research has shown that this is highly effective at treating those painful conditions associated with disc herniations and bulges. By utilizing specific traction and relaxation cycles throughout the treatment, along with proper positioning, negative pressure can actually be created within the disc to begin the healing process.
What is negative pressure and how can it treat my disc herniation or bulge?
Negative pressure is a suctioning or vacuum type effect that is created by the disc during the treatment. This vacuum effect can actually help pull the herniated disc material back into the disc itself, allowing the outer part of the disc to heal.
How is Spinal Decompression different from regular traction?
The key to our machine is the sophisticated computer that is being used to create and follow a specific protocol that has been individualized for each patient. This computer allows the treatment to go through specific traction and relaxation cycles to create the negative pressure needed to treat the disc. Regular traction machines don’t have the capability to follow such a complex treatment, thus they can’t create the vacuum effect that is needed for treatment and healing.
What conditions can be treated with Spinal Decompression?
Any condition that is caused at least in part by a disc related problem! Some of these conditions include: herniated, protruding or bulging discs, spinal stenosis, sciatica, or radiculopathy (pinched nerves).
Are there any conditions that shouldn’t be treated with Spinal Decompression?
It is not recommended for pregnant women, patients who are severely obese, patients who have severe osteoporosis, or patients that have extensive nerve damage. Spinal Decompression/Mechanical Traction is also not indicated for patients who have had spinal surgery where hardware was installed in the spine, such as screws, metal plates, rods, or cages. However, it can be performed after bone fusion or non-fusion surgery.
Which Spinal Decompression system is used at Capital City Chiropractic?
Dr. Grondin did extensive research before purchasing all of his equipment so that his patients could get the best and most effective treatment possible. At Capital City Chiropractic, we utilize the Triton® DTS system, manufactured by the Chattanooga Group. This device is state of the art and highly sophisticated. In fact the 2006 Triton® DTS computer head is so advanced that it won the Australian Design Award in the “Medical and Scientific” category in 2006. This system also allows the doctor to treat discs in both the low back and neck.
Is there any research that indicates its effectiveness?
Yes, there have been several studies on Spinal Decompression and since our machine offers the same programmable protocols as the DRX9000 Spinal Decompression machine you can rest assured the research applies to the Triton® DTS system as well. Here are just a couple of the findings:
“Results showed that 86% of the 219 patients who completed the therapy reported immediate resolution of symptoms, while 84% remained pain-free 90 days post-treatment. Physical examination findings showed improvement in 92% of the 219 patients, and remained intact in 89% of these patients 90 days after treatment.”
Gionis, Thomas MD; Groteke, Eric DC. Surgical Alternatives: Spinal Decompression. Orthopedic Technology Review. 2003; 6 (5).
“Eighty-six percent of ruptured intervertebral disc (RID) patients achieved ‘good’ (50-89% improvement) to ‘excellent’ (90-100% improvement) results with decompression. Sciatica and back pain were relieved.” “Of the facet arthrosis patients, 75% obtained ‘good’ to ‘excellent’ results with decompression.”
Shealy, Norman MD; Borgmeyer, Vera RN MA. Emerging Technologies: Preliminary Findings: Decompression, Reduction, and stabilization of the lumbar spine: A cost-effective treatment for lumbosacral pain. American Journal of Pain Management. 1997; 7(2).
How many treatment sessions are usually needed?
Individual treatment plans may vary and will be determined by the doctor following an initial exam. However, research has shown that the most effective treatment protocol is to have 20 treatments over a period of approximately 6 weeks.
How do I get started?
Give us a call at Capital City Chiropractic (207) 620-8291, where we can set you up with a free consultation to determine if you are a candidate for this effective treatment option.