Non+Surgical+Spinal+Decompression



**Term:** Non Surgical Spinal Decompression

Non Surgical Spinal Decompression is a revolutionary new technology replacing expensive neck and back surgeries. This new technology is used primarily for treating disc injuries in the lower back and neck. The chiropractic procedure is used for several other lower back treatments such as sciatica, stenosis, herniated discs, and osteo-artitis. Using the treatment procedure is very safe and the treatment utilizes FDA cleared equipment which is applies distraction forces to the spinal structures in a precise and graduated manner.
 * Description: **

Dr. Allan Dyer, M.D. developed a non-surgical spinal decompression correction treatment called VAX-D. The purpose of VAX-D is to provide relief for patients suffering from lower back pains and radiating pain. The method used to provide such safe and efficient treatment is accomplished by removing pressure from spinal discs and joints and without using drugs or surgery.


 * How it Works:**
 * Decompression of the herniated disc creates a negative, within disc, pressure
 * The "vacuum effect" reduces the size of the herniation, taking pressure off of the nerve root
 * Reduces/eliminates pain/numbness usually found in the extremities (leg/arm)
 * Allows nutrients to be exchanged in the tissues of the disc
 * Inflammation around the nerve root is dispersed, taking away the pain
 * Benefits: **
 * FDA cleared
 * non-invasive
 * non-surgical
 * promising statistical results for long term pain relief


 * Qualifications for Treatment:**
 * Patient is at least 18 years of age
 * Patient must be available for all 4 weeks of treatment
 * Persistent pain from degenerated disc not responding to 4 weeks of therapy
 * Recurring pain from a failed back surgery more than 6 months old
 * Pain due to herniated and bulging lumbar discs that are more than 4 weeks old


 * Application: **
 * Requirements for patients with lower back problems
 * Patient lies on back or stomach on top of decompression table
 * Patient is strapped in around the waist and lower chest area
 * Requirements for patients with neck problems
 * Patient lies on their back with a pair of rubber pads behind the neck
 * Apply distraction forces to spinal structures in a precise and graduated manner allowing the vertebrae to gently separate from each other creating a vacuum inside the targeted discs.
 * Then the negative pressure induces the retraction of the herniated or bulging disc into the inside of the disc and off the nerve root, thecal sac, or both
 * Initially results are not noticeable but after 4-6 six weeks, results are dramatic.
 * The cycle of decompression and partial relaxation after several visits promote the diffusion of water, oxygen, and nutrient-rich fluids from the outside of the discs to the inside.
 * Decompression heightens the disc space, causing it to return to its original size and function prior to injury and normal aging effects.
 * **NOTE:** It is imperative that ALL patients have proper patient screening prior to undergoing non-surgical spinal decompression. This is necessary because compression techniques are not suitable for all individuals. Consult a physician.



Patients remain on the system 30-45 minutes a day for the first two weeks, then 3 times a week for the following two weeks. Then 2 times a week for the following last two weeks.
 * Duration of treatment:**

Most patients do not experience any side effects. However, it has been reported that some patients have had muscle spasms for a short period of time.
 * Side effects:**

There are no risks, it is a safe and comfortable system. The FDA requires emergency switches for both the patient and operator, making treatment as painless as possible to avoid any injuries.
 * Risks of treatment:**

The computer controls the traction pulls in spinal decompression, while in regular traction there is muscle guarding that affects the variance of traction. There is a higher level of disc therapy involved in spinal decompression because of the pre-programmed trends of increasing/decreasing axial distraction. The phases of distraction and relaxation are what allows the herniated or protruded disc to be put back into place.
 * Regular traction vs. Spinal Decompression:**


 * Conditions Treated with Decompression:**
 * Degenerative Disc Disease- characterized by loss of disc height, vertebral bodies move together, causing nerve compression and back pain
 * Facet Joint Syndrome- characterized by arthritic changes in the vertebral bones

Most patients have reported that the pain has lessened after a few sessions of treatment. Overall, the most improvement is seen after the second week of treatment. 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 ruptured disc patients achieved "good' to "excellent" results after spinal decompression therapy.
 * Proven success?**

Passive therapies such as ice, heat, and muscle stimulation may help reduce inflammation and speed up the recovery process. Nutritional advice, chiropractic adjustments, and/or rehabilitation as indicated to help strengthen spinal musculature.
 * Additional therapy needed with sessions?**

[] [] http://www.spinaldecompressiontacoma.com/tacoma-washington-spinal-decompression-questions.html http://www.romochiropractic.com/spinal-decompression.html
 * Web Resources: **

Back Pain Relief Bulging Disc Neck Pain Spinal Stenosis Spinal Decompression Spinal Therapy
 * Related Terminology: **


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