Spinal Decompression Therapy

What is Spinal Decompression Therapy?

Spinal Decompression Therapy is a relatively new approach to the treatment of neck or back pain often associated with herniated or bulging discs. It is a non-surgical, traction-based therapy for the relief of neck pain, back pain, tingling in the arms, sciatica, and other conditions. Though frequently used for the treatment of spinal disc disorders, it is not limited to these conditions alone. Spinal decompression therapy can be extremely beneficial in treating osteoarthritis of the spine and is often used in our office as a substitute-alternative to spinal manipulative therapy in severe cases. During the procedure, by cycling through stretching and relaxation phases a spinal disc and spinal region can be isolated and placed under negative pressure, causing a vacuum effect within it.

What can this vacuum effect do?

The vacuum effect accomplishes several things. Disc material that has protruded or herniated outside the normal confines of the disc can be pulled back within the disc by the vacuum created. The vacuum within the disc stimulates circulation of fluids to and within the disc itself promoting healing. Pressure on pinched or compressed nerves is decreased.

What system is used for this purpose?

After a significant amount of research, our office chose the Triton system by Chattanooga, the premier manufacturer of physical medicine equipment.

How is spinal decompression different from traction used in the 80’s and 90’s?

The computer controlled traction head is the key. It controls the variations in the traction pull allowing for spinal decompression and eliminating muscle guarding that is typical in older traction devices. The preprogrammed patterns for ramping up and down the amount of axial distraction allows for higher levels of spinal decompression and circulation of fluids to and within the disc.

Who can benefit from Spinal Decompression Therapy?

Patients who experience neck and back pain from bulging or herniated discs can be helped by spinal decompression therapy but so can patients who have neck and back pain from other causes such as osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease.

Are the sessions painful and how many will be needed?

In almost all cases, the treatments are completely painless. In fact, some patients fall asleep during the spinal decompression session. The specific treatment plan will be determined by Dr. Allen after your examination. The best results have been achieved utilizing 10-15 sessions over an approximate 6-8 week period.

How do I get started?

We want make it easy for you to learn if you are a candidate for Spinal decompression therapy. Please call our office for a telephone consult. Our phone number is: (719) 487 - 7372. After that, we will schedule you for a consultation at our office.