Spinal decompression therapy is a highly precise, non-surgical, non-invasive, computer-applied regimen that utilizes treatment forces to manipulate and mobilize specific spinal segments. When properly administered, the treatment can achieve several objectives. First, unloading compressed spinal segments helps reduce built-up pressure on the affected disc. Second, the nature of the cyclical graduating waveform also creates a spinal pumping effect inducing a vacuum within the disc and oxygen flow essential to the disc’s health. Finally, a secondary modality called oscillation is delivered to the surrounding muscle tissue working to release and re-educate guarded spasmed muscle. All of this is performed while you rest comfortably in a soothing glow of light, listening to relaxing music.
Spinal Decompression Therapy FAQ
Who can benefit from using Spina System™ equipment?
The following would be inclusion criteria for the Spina System units: (1) Pain due to herniated and bulging lumbar discs that is more than four weeks old; (2) Recurrent pain from a failed back surgery that is more than six months old; (3) Persistent pain from degenerated discs not responding to four weeks of therapy; (4) Patients available for four weeks of treatment protocol; and (5) Patient at least 18 years of age.
These indications are ideal candidates for enrollment into the Spina program and have the potential of achieving quality outcomes in the treatment of their back pain: (1) Nerve Compression; (2) Lumbar Disorders; (3) Lumbar Strains; (4) Sciatic Neuralgia; (5) Herniated Discs; (6) Injury of the Lumbar Nerve Root; (7) Degenerative Discs; (8) Spinal Arthritis; (9) Low Back Pain with or without Sciatica; (10) Degenerative Joint Disease; (11) Myofasctois Syndrome; (12) Disuse Atrophy; (13) Lumbar Instability; (14) Acute Low Back Pain; and (15) Post-Surgical Low Back Pain.
Lastly, the Spina System should be utilized with patients with low back pain, with or without radiculopathy who have failed conventional therapy (physiotherapy and chiropractic) and who are considering surgery. Surgery should only be considered following a reasonable trial of the Spina System IDD Therapy® protocols.
What is the difference between spinal decompression and traction?
Many clinicians specializing in lumbar spine pathology have criticized traditional traction. Traction fails in many cases because it causes muscular stretch receptors to fire, which then causes para-spinal muscles to contract. This muscular response causes an increase in intradiscal pressure. On the other hand, genuine decompression is achieved by gradual and calculated increases of distraction forces to spinal structures, utilizing various degrees of distraction forces.
A highly specialized computer must modulate the application of distraction forces to achieve the ideal effect.
What Time Commitments Are Required By IDD Therapy® Patients?
Each treatment session averages 25 to 30 minutes in duration (research has established that optimum results are achieved with sessions that incorporate 10 to 15 decompression/relaxation cycles). On average, one daily session for 20-30 treatments is necessary for patient self-healing to occur.
Herniated discs generally respond within 20 sessions, while patients with degenerated discs may need ongoing therapy at regulated intervals to remain pain-free. Still other patients, due to lifestyle or occupation, may also require maintenance therapy. Patients with posterior facet syndromes may achieve a complete remission with 10 or fewer sessions. Research has demonstrated that most patients achieve full remission from pain after the initial treatment regimen.
What conditions are contraindicated?
Patients with the following problems or symptoms are usually excluded from using the Spina System: pregnancy, prior lumbar surgical fusion, metastatic cancer, severe osteoporosis, spondylolisthesis, compression fracture of lumbar spine below L-1, pars defect, aortic aneurysm, pelvic or abdominal cancer, disc space infections, severe peripheral neuropathy, hemiplegia, paraplegia, or cognitive dysfunction, Cauda Equina syndrome, tumors, osteoid osteoma, multiple myeloma, osteosarcoma, infection, osteomyelitis, meningitis, virus, and HNP (sequestered/free floating fragment).
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