Frequently Asked Questions

Spinal Decompression Therapy FAQs

Wondering if spinal decompression therapy is right for you? Read our FAQs now and learn about the incredible benefits of spinal decompression. Or, simply reach out and schedule your free consultation with Dr. Clanahan today!

If I have Spinal Decompression treatment, how long does it take to see results?

Most patients report a decrease in pain after the first handful of sessions. Generally, substantial improvement is obtained by the second week of treatment.

How much time does it take to complete Spinal Decompression therapy?

Patients are on the system for 30-45 minutes, on a daily basis for the first two weeks, 3 times a week for the following two weeks, and followed up by two times a week for the last 2 weeks.

Do I qualify for Spinal Decompression treatment?

Since I began using Spinal Decompression unit, I’ have been flooded with questions from both medical professionals and patients regarding which cases it will best help. Obviously proper patient selection is vital to favorable outcomes, so let me explain to you of the Inclusion and Exclusion criteria so you may make the right decision since not everybody is a candidate for Spinal Decompression treatment.

Inclusion Criteria:

Pain because of herniated and bulging lumbar disks that is more than four weeks old
Recurring pain from a failed back surgery that is more than 6 months old.
Persisting pain from degenerated disk not reacting to four weeks of treatment.
Patients available for 4 weeks of treatment protocol.
Patient at least 18 years old.

Exclusion Criteria:

Appliances like pedicle screws and rods
Pregnancy
Prior lumbar fusion less than 6 months old
Metastatic cancer
Extreme osteoporosis
Spondylolisthesis.
Compression fracture of lumbar spine below L-1 (recent).
Pars defect.
Pathologic aortic aneurysm.
Abdominal or pelvic cancer.
Disc space infections.
Severe peripheral neuropathy.
Hemiplegia, paraplegia, or cognitive dysfunction.

Are there any side effects to the treatment?

Almost all patients do not experience any side effects. There have been some mild cases of muscle spasm for a brief period of time.

Exactly How does Spinal Decompression separate each vertebra and allow decompression at a particular level?

Decompression is attained using a specific combination of spinal positioning and varying the degree and level of force. The trick to producing this decompression is the soft pull that is generated by a logarithmic curve. When distractive forces are generated on a logarithmic curve the typical proprioceptor response is avoided. Preventing this response allows decompression to occur at the targeted spot.

Is there any risk to the patient during treatment on Spinal Decompression?

Definitely No. Spinal Decompression is completely safe and comfortable for all subjects. The system has emergency stop switches for both the operator and the patient. These switches (a requirement of the FDA) end the treatment immediately thereby preventing any injuries.

How does Spinal Decompression treatment differentiate from spinal traction?

Traction is helpful at treating some of the conditions arising from herniated or degeneration. Traction can’t take care of the source of the problem. Spinal Decompression produces a negative pressure or a vacuum inside the disk. This effect causes the disk to pull in the herniation and the rise in negative pressure also induces the circulation of blood and nutrients back into the disc allowing the body’s natural fibroblastic response to heal the injury and re-hydrate the disk. Traction and inversion tables, at best, can lower the intradiscal pressure from a +90 to a +30 mmHg. Spinal Decompression is clinically proven to decrease the intradiscal pressure to between a -150 to -200 mmHg. Traction triggers the body’s normal response to stretching by creating painful muscle spasms that worsen the pain in affected area.

Can Spinal Decompression be utilized for individuals that have had spinal surgery?

In most cases Spinal Decompression treatment is not contra-indicated for patients that have had spinal surgery. A lot of patients have found success with Spinal Decompression after a failed back surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Spinal Decompression Therapy FAQs

New Patient Special