Decompression Therapy

Free yourself of Back and Neck Pain, Headaches and Sciatica

The cutting-edge innovation for low back agony and sciatica. In the event that neck or low back symptoms have not settled with different kinds of treatment, spinal decompression treatment ought to be considered for these individuals.

What is spinal decompression?

Spinal Decompression therapy is a safe, non- surgical and drug free treatment method for patients who suffer from chronic neck and back pain caused by disc problems and other spinal related conditions. A decompression treatment slowly and gently lengthens and releases pressure in the spine through repetitive movements by the revolutionary spinal decompression table. The table pulls and releases, creating a negative pressure change within the intervertebral disc, surrounding soft tissue and spinal joints. Providing a natural healing which is activated and requires 22-24 treatments within 10-12 weeks.

What does it treat?

  • Bulging/ Herniated Discs
  • Spinal stenosis
  • Degenerative Disc Disease
  • Sciatica
  • Facet Joint Syndrome
  • Spondylosis
  • Failed Back Surgery Syndrome

How does it treat?

When a bulging or herniated disc slips out of alignment, it may compress nearby nerves which can block the nerves from sending and receiving messages from the central nervous system and brain, leading to chronic pain. As long as there is compression, healing occurs at a slower rate.

Spinal Decompression Therapy creates space between the different vertebrae, providing room for the bulging or herniated disc to be drawn back into its central position in the spine. This relieves pressure on the nerves and the surrounding soft tissues. By reversing the effects of axial load or compression in the spine, increased circulation occurs which facilitates the flow of nutrients, oxygen and fluids back into the disc which helps stimulate the body’s healing mechanism.

How is spinal decompression different to traction?

Traction does not provide with logarithmic movement, systematically increasing and decreasing like the spinal decompression table. This pattern of movement is a vital part of this treatment and it helps bring in essential nutrients and oxygen to this area to heal.

Do I have to be tested before spinal decompression therapy?

Yes. An assessment will be carried out by a physiotherapist to ensure that you are suitable for the decompression therapy and do a thorough assessment. Unfortunately, there are some people who are not suitable for this treatment and that includes, pregnant woman, people who weigh more than 155kg, have severe vascular disease or osteoporosis.

What are the benefits of spinal decompression?

Physiological benefits:

  • Increases blood flow, improving nutrient supply into the disc.
  • Decreases intradiscal pressure
  • Promotes the regression of disc herniation
  • Reduces nerve compression
  • Facilitates disc rehydration

Physical benefits:

  • Decreases pain levels
  • Improves spinal mobility
  • Reduces muscle guarding
  • Enhances postural integrity
  • Develops core strength
  • Increases joint flexibility
  • Lowers stress levels
  • Reduces risk of re-injury

So if you’re interested and want to know more about the decompression therapy make an appointment by calling 07 5302 2933 or email us at gattonphysiotherapy2@yahoo.com.

What research has been done about spinal decompression therapy?

Orthopedic Technology Review (2003; 6 (5))

SURGICAL ALTERNATIVES: SPINAL DECOMPRESSION

CONCLUSION: 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. It was shown to be effective for herniated and degenerative discs.

Journal of Neurologic Research (Vol. 29, No. 3, March 2003)

EFFICACY OF VERTEBRAL AXIAL DECOMPRESSION ON CHRONIC LOW BACK PAIN.

CONCLUSION: This 144 patient study showed 76% achieved remission of pain. Except in emergent conditions, Vertebral Axial Decompression should be used on all conditions before surgery is undertaken.

US Musculoskeletal Review 2007

“Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings After Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression”, the follow up MRI showed rehydration of the discs at L3/L4, L4/L5, L5/S1 of a herniated disc patient.

American Journal of Pain Management (Vol. 7, No.2, April 1997)

DECOMPRESSION, REDUCTION, AND STABILIZATION OF THE LUMBAR SPINE: A COST EFFECTIVE TREATMENT.

CONCLUSION: Eighty six percent of herniated intervertebral disc patients achieved ‘good’ (50-89% improvement) to ‘excellent’ (90-100% improvement) results with decompression. Sciatica and back pain were relieved. Facet arthrosis patients, 75% obtained ‘good’ to ‘excellent’ results with decompression.

Disc Distraction Shows Evidence of Regenerative Potential in Degenerated Intervertebral Discs, SPINE 2006

DISC REPAIR FUNDAMENTALLY DEPENDS ON THE STAGE OF DISC DEGENERATION.

CONCLUSION: This study with respect to previous reports, confirms that disc distraction enhances hydration in the degenerated disc and may improve disc nutrition via the vertebral endplates. Thorsten Guehring, MD, et al; Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Heidelberg, Germany. SPINE (Vol. 31, Number 15, 2006)

Anesthesiology News, (Vol. 29, No. 3, March 2003)

VERTEBRAL AXIAL DECOMPRESSION REDUCES CHRONIC DISCOGENIC LOW BACK PAIN-4 YEAR STUDY.

CONCLUSION: Four year follow-up after Decompression method shows a sustained 86% reduction in pain and that 91% of patients had resumed their normal activities and has remained pain free.

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Medicine February 2008

PROTOCOLS FOR PATIENTS WITH ACTIVITY – LIMITING LOW BACK PAIN

A total of 296 patients with low back pain and evidence of a degenerative and or herniated disc at 1 or more levels were in this study. 8 Week course of treatment consisting of 5, 30 minute sessions of Decompression Therapy per week for 4 weeks and 1, 30 minute session for a week for 4 additional weeks. CONCLUSION: Patients showed continued statistical improvement in both pain scores and functional movement scores after their treatment programs were completed for 180 days post-treatment.