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Spinal decompression
Axial Spinal Decompression Therapy - State-of-the-Art Treatment
Decompression Therapy System (DTS) is the most comprehensive program available, allowing the safe delivery of this (previously hospital based) procedure in our office. DTS is a cost-effective alternative to surgery with a high success rate in reducing and even eliminating low back and neck pain. DTS relieves pain by gently stretching discs and joints allowing the disc and vertebral joints to heal naturally without surgery. Leon's Chiropractic Clinic is the local source in Houston, TX for lumbar spine adjustments, herniated disk treatment, and chronic back pain treatment.
DTS Treatments are:
If you suffer from chronic, debilitating, low back or neck pain, you may be a candidate for spinal decompression therapy. Spinal Decompression Therapy is FDA approved and clinically proven with an 86% success rate for pain associated with herniated or bulging discs... even after failed back surgery.
What Makes Spinal Decompression Therapy so Effective?
The DTS system creates a controlled unloading of the vertebrae to decrease disc pressure, thus increasing blood and nutrient exchange. This exchange of fluids is something that the damaged disc desperately needs to help it heal, from the inside out.
During the procedure, the computer controlled decompression system cycles between distraction and relaxation phases. With proper positioning, a specific spinal disc can be isolated and placed under negative pressure, causing a vacuum effect within it.The vacuum effect accomplishes two things. From a mechanical standpoint, protruded or herniated disc material can be pulled back within the disc relieving pressure on nerves. Also, the vacuum within the disc stimulates increased blood supply and nutrient exchange within damaged tissues. Since the disc is an avascular structure, it doesn't receive fresh blood and oxygen with every beat of the heart. It requires "diffusion" created by motion and "decompression" to restore nutrients and enhance healing. This results in pain reduction and increased healing at the injured site.
How long till I see results from Spinal Decompression Therapy?
Most patients report a reduction in pain after the first few sessions. However, Dr. Leon does not only look at pain, but also at increase in range of motion, increase at the person’s capacity to do his/her daily and work activities, and reduction in any predisposing factor.
Are there medical studies that document the effectiveness of Spinal Decompression Therapy?
Yes! One study documented by MRI up to 90% reduction of disc herniations in 10 of 14 cases and other studies reported that the majority of herniated disc patients achieved "good" to "excellent" results after spinal decompression therapy.
Do most patients receive therapy and rehabilitative exercises in addition to Spinal Decompression Therapy?
Yes. Herniated Disc disease is a complex condition that is usually not limited to the rupture disc. Things like inflammation, muscle spasms, and structural problems need to also be addressed in order to have a better result. Adjunctive therapy, active rehabilitation, and chiropractic treatments are incorporated into the protocol in order to reduce inflammation, reduce muscle spasms, assist in the healing process, and strengthen the spinal musculature.
Spinal Decompression Therapy
Dr. Leon is dedicated to offering the latest, state of the art therapies for treating pain in the low back and neck, sciatica, pinched nerves, and bulging or degenerative disc diseases. We believe DTS Spinal Decompression Therapy to be one the most advanced, non-surgical and pain-free alternative available today.
What machine is used for this purpose?
There are a number of spinal decompression machines presently approved for use in the United States. After significant research Dr. Leon chose to use the Triton DTS machine manufactured by Chattanooga, Inc., the premier manufacturer of physical therapy machines. The award winning Triton® computer is the key. It controls the variations in the spinal decompression and eliminating muscle guarding that is typical in conventional traction devices. The preprogrammed patterns for ramping up and down the amount of axial distraction allows for higher levels of spinal decompression and disc rehydration.
I have had spinal surgery, but continue to have pain. Can I try Spinal Decompression Therapy?
Spinal decompression therapy can help people with back pain after failed spinal surgery. It can be performed in most patients who have not been left with an unstable spine after surgery.
Will Spinal Decompression Therapy treatments hurt? Is it safe?
Decompression therapy is one of the safest and most comfortable therapies available for spinal conditions. Most patients described the treatment as mild stretch of their back or hips, and often fall asleep during treatment sessions.
Is Spinal Decompression Therapy new?
Traction has been used for over one hundred of years, but spinal decompression therapy is a modern and technologically advanced treatment. Scientific researchand modern procedures have dramatically improved effectiveness and success rates using computer controlled delivery system and regular updates in protocol keep the decompression system in the forefront of non-invasive disc therapy.
Why is DTS Therapy Program more successful than other non-surgical treatment options?
DTS therapy is a comprehensive program of the newest traction techniques and targeted “core” stabilization exercises with Biofeedback. In addition, we use other adjunctive treatments that have proven effectiveness in back care. It is this multi-faceted approach that makes the overall treatment so effective. DTS therapy affects the disc as directly as possible without the damaging effects of surgery.
Why the need for exercises and other therapies?
A gradual breakdown of the foundational support of your back is what puts undue stresses on the discs and eventually leads to injury, pain, and loss of function. A complete program targeting the function of the tabilization musclesis a vital part of DTS therapy Program.
Will my pain go away for good?
The future is difficult to predict and every case is unique. However, our clinical experience shows that patients who completed the entire DTS treatment program are experiencing long-term pain relief or effective pain management.
How much will it cost?
Costs vary as to the extent of care needed which is assessed on an individual basis.
Who can benefit from Spinal Decompression Therapy?
Back pain or neck pain caused in whole or in part by a damaged disc and/or facet joint may be helped by spinal decompression therapy. These conditions include herniated, protruding or bulging discs, spinal stenosis, sciatica or radiculopathy (pain going down arms/legs), pinched nerves.
Are there conditions where Spinal Decompression is not advised?
Spinal decompression therapy is usually not recommended on pregnant women, or patients who have severe osteoporosis, severe obesity, or severe nerve damage. It is not recommended for patients over 70. However, every patient is evaluated on an individual basis. Spinal surgery with instrumentation (screws and metal plates or “cages”) is also contraindicated. Surgery to the discs without fusion or fusion using bony replacement is not contraindicated.
How often is treatment needed and how long does each session last?
Each decompression session requires approximately 20-30 minutes; but the whole protocol may take about one hour. Spinal decompression is usually performed 3-5 times a week for a total of 15-20 sessions. The extent and seriousness of the symptoms will determine the number of treatment needed and if more than three sessions per week should be utilized. Most patients experience significant pain relief after 4-6 sessions.
What kind of results can I expect with Spinal Decompression Therapy?
Over 80% of patients in this clinic have good pain relief. This success rate is similar to surgical results. Decompression therapy is just as effective and much less expensive than surgery.
A study published in Neurological Research found that out of 778 cases of patients receiving spinal Decompression 92% said they showed improvement in pain relief. (Neurological Research; Volume 20, Number 3, April 1998). Long termpain relief can be enhanced with proper exercise, weight control, nutrition, and periodic check-ups.
Schnebel B. Simmons J, Chowing J, Davidson R. A digitizing technique for the study of movements of intradiscal dye in response to flexion and extension of the lumbar spine. Spine 1988; 13:309-12.
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If you're interested in learning more about spinal decompression therapy, don't waste another moment. Reach out to our clinic today! Dr. Leon offers an array of innovative treatment options from the comfort of a warm and welcoming facility. We've developed the perfect setting to ease the concerns of local pain sufferers from Houston, TX and all the surrounding communities. If you're interested in scheduling an appointment, be sure to contact one of our friendly representatives. We'll take care of the rest!