What Causes low back pain?
If
I undergo Spinal Decompression treatment, how long does it take to see
results?
How long does it take to complete Spinal Decompression
treatment?
Do
I qualify for Spinal Decompression Treatment?
Are there any side effects to the treatment?
How
does Spinal Decompression separate each vertebra and allow for decompression
at a specific level?
Is
there any risk to the patient during treatment on Spinal Decompression
?
How
does Spinal Decompression treatment differ from ordinary spinal traction?
Can
Spinal Decompression be used for patients that have had spinal surgery?
Who
is a candidate for Spinal Decompression ?
What
causes low back pain?
Low back pain can be caused by a number of factors ranging from traumatic
injuries to the natural effects of aging and gravity. The spinal cord
is protected by the vertebrae, which are made of bone. Between each
vertebra are liquid filled discs with a durable, yet flexible outer
layer of cartilage. These discs function as protective cushions or "shock
absorbers" to protect the vertebra, spinal cord and spinal nerves.
Many of the problems that cause back pain are the result of herniation
and degeneration of the intervertebral disc. Degeneration is due to
the process of wear and tear through repetitive trauma or severe trauma,
that causes deterioration or degenerative changes of the disc. Herniations,
protrusions, bulges and extrusions of the disc occur when the inner
liquid substance known as the nucleus pulposis pushes outward. This
creates a painful distortion and thinning of the disc, resulting in
severe pain from the damaged disc itself, and often associated nerve
pain or neurological deficit (numbness, weakness, loss of balance) from
direct pressure against the spinal cord or adjacent spinal nerve.
If
I undergo Spinal Decompression treatment, how long does it take to see
results?
Most patients report a reduction in pain after the first few sessions.
Typically, significant improvement is obtained during the second week
of treatment. The rate of recovery is usually dependant upon the severity
of the condition, and the age and health of the patient, and the patient's
compliance to the doctor's recommendations and treatment protocol.
How
long does it take to complete Spinal Decompression treatment?
Each spinal decompression treatment, including pre and post decompression
therapy lasts approximately 60-75 minutes. The complete course of care
ranges from 20 to 30 spinal decompression therapy visits, depending
on the individual needs of each patient, over a course of 5 - 7 weeks.
Do
I qualify for Spinal Decompression treatment?
Only a qualified professional, trained to thoroughly examine your condition
and interpret your diagnostic imaging findings, (MRI, CT, X-Ray) can
determine if you qualify for our program of care. Obviously, proper
patient selection is essential to favorable outcomes.
The list of Inclusion and Exclusion criteria below are provided as a
guideline to determine the primary factors Dr. Bell considers in the
patient selection process. Additionally, each case must be evaluated
on an individual "face to face" basis in order to address
the unique health status of each of our potential patients. If Dr. Bell
determines that you cannot be helped by his non-surgical spinal decompression
and rehabilitation program, he will review the best medical or alternative
options available to you and refer you to the appropriate specialist.
Inclusion
Criteria:
- Pain
due to herniated and bulging lumbar discs that is more than four
weeks old
-
Recurrent pain from a failed back surgery that is more than six
months old.
- Persistent
pain from degenerated disc not responding to four weeks of therapy.
- Patients
available for four weeks of treatment protocol.
- Patient
at least 18 years of age.
Exclusion
Criteria:
- Appliances
such as pedicle screws and rods
- Pregnancy
- Prior
lumbar fusion less than six months old
- Metastatic
cancer
- Severe
osteoporosis
- Spondylolisthesis
(unstable)
- Compression
fracture of lumbar spine below L-1 (recent).
- Pars
defect
- Pathologic
aortic aneurysm.
- Pelvic
or abdominal cancer
- Disc
space infections
- Severe
peripheral neuropathy
- Hemiplegia,
paraplegia, or cognitive dysfunction.
Are
there any side effects to the treatment?
Most patients do not experience any side effects. However, some patients
on rare occasions may experience temporary soreness, or occasionally,
mild muscle spasms following their decompression therapy session.
How does Spinal Decompression separate
each vertebra and allow for decompression at a specific level?
Our Spinal Decompression DRX machines use advanced technology in the
form of medically engineered computer software and computer controlled
servomotors, combined with the finest engineered decompression tower
and table to apply "disc focused" decompression forces to
specific segments and discs of the spine. This decompression technique
utilizes a logarithmic pulling curve that creates and sustains a precise
negative pressure within the targeted disc for a pre-programmed length
of time. Research has caused medical experts to believe this negative
pressure creates a vacuum effect that draws in nutrients and fluids
to promote the repair of injured discs and surrounding tissues. This
vacuum effect has also been shown to aid in the retraction or "suction"
of escaped cushioning fluid-gel from the herniated or protruding discs.
Is
there any risk to the patient during treatment on Spinal Decompression
?
Patients who qualify as candidates for our program have minimal to no
risks of injury. Certain medical conditions may require specific adjustments
to the individual's treatment protocol, which are discussed before treatment
begins. Our DRX Spinal Decompression machines also have emergency stop
switches (a requirement of the FDA) for both the patient and the operator
for immediate termination of the decompression treatment at any time
during treatment.
How
does Spinal Decompression treatment differ from ordinary spinal traction?
Traction can be helpful for reducing, but not reversing pressure within
the disc. As a result, traditional traction cannot address the source
of most disc problems. DRX True Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression creates
a negative pressure or suction effect inside the disc. This effect pulls
back the herniated or protruding inner disc material toward the center
of the disc where it belongs. This negative pressure also restores the
flow of oxygen, water and nutrients back into the disc allowing the
outer bands or layers of the injured discs to be repaired and healed.
According to medical research, traction and inversion tables, can only
reduce the pressure within the disc to about +30 mmHg. This positive
pressure prevents retraction of herniated disc material and cannot draw
additional oxygen or healing elements into the disc. Relief obtained,
if any, is temporary and must be repeated regularly, since the disc
is never healed. Simple traction also often triggers the body's normal
stretching reflex response, causing painful muscle spasms that worsen
the pain or even further compress damaged discs in the affected area.
Computerized Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression, however, has been clinically
proven to reverse the intradiscal pressure (pressure measured within
the disc) to between a -150 to -200 mmHg. This is the only way herniated,
bulging or extruded inner disc material can be drawn back into the center
of the disc, allowing the outer ligamentous bands to be repaired and
healed. It is also the only way fresh oxygen, water, and healing elements
can be drawn back into the disc safely and effectively, allowing the
disc become healthy once again.
Can
Spinal Decompression be used for patients that have had spinal surgery?
In most cases Spinal Decompression treatment is not contra-indicated
for patients that have had spinal surgery. In fact many patients have
found success with Spinal Decompression after a failed back surgery,
including microdiscectomy, laminotomy, and laminectomy. However, recent
spinal fusions, or any procedure involving screws or plates would preclude
an individual from our care.
Who is a candidate for Spinal Decompression
?
Candidates for DRX Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression include the following:
1] Someone you know who is suffering from severe lower back pain, leg
pain, or neck pain due to a herniated or degenerated disc or discs.
2] Someone you know who has been told they need surgery, but wishes
to avoid it.
3] Someone you know who has been told there is nothing more that can
be done to relieve their pain, and they are relying on potentially dangerous
medication for minimal relief, and would like a non-surgical, non-drug
solution to their pain.
4] Someone you know who has failed to significantly respond to conservative
options (medications, physical therapy, bed rest, exercise, injections,
chiropractic, acupuncture, massage, etc.) who still has severe pain
and wants a highly effective, long lasting, proven and safe solution
to their pain.
That someone could be you or someone you know. If you or someone you
know and care for is suffering from chronic and severe low back pain,
sciatica, or neck pain, please call our offices today for a convenient
time and date where Dr. Bell can provide you with the information and
advanced professional care you need to finally get out of pain, and
get your life back!
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