What is Spinal Decompression Therapy?
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 gently lengthens and releases the spine through repetitive movements by the revolutionary HillDT Spinal Decompression table.
As the table pulls and releases, a negative pressure change is created within the intervertebral disc, surrounding soft tissue and spinal joints. The reduction of pressure inside the disc (decompression) allows the disc bulge or herniation and the nutrients to be pulled back into the disc.
Rehydration of the disc and surrounding structures creates a physiological change which decreases pain levels and assists the body’s natural healing process.
Patients typically experience significant improvement within 25-30 treatments.
Research shows that continued improvement is seen up to 4 years following the Spinal Decompression Therapy program.
Ready to find out more call or contact our skilled Chiropractor and Spinal Decompression Therapy expert, Dr Milan at the Disc Doctor
on 02 9734 0044 for your complimentary initial consultation.
Why Spinal Decompression Therapy?
There are 10 major reasons to consider Spinal Decompression Therapy
- Bulging or Herniated Discs
- Spinal Stenosis
- Sciatica
- Disc Degeneration
- Facet Syndrome
- Spondylosis
- Pinched Nerves
- Failed Back Surgery
- Arm/Leg Pain and Numbness
- Chronic Neck or Back Pain that is not responding to traditional spinal treatment.
How Does Spinal Decompression Work?
A Formula for Relief
When a bulging or herniated disc slips out of alignment, it may compress nearby nerves.
The compression can block the nerves from sending and receiving messages from the central nervous system and brain, leading to chronic pain.
As long as compression continues, damaged discs seldom heal and patients will suffer pain and other symptoms.
When Negative is Positive
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.
Your Spinal Decompression Therapy Journey
Detailed Assessment
Customised Treatment Plans
Advanced Technology Application
Patient Education
Monitoring and Adjustment
The 5 components of the Spinal Decompression Therapy Program
1. Spinal Decompression Therapy
Using the latest technology, you can be assured that our Hill DT Spinal Decompression tables are safe and reliable. They are integrated with seven sensors which continually monitor the patient to ensure proper treatment is delivered.
A total of 8 different programs may be selected, customising to your needs to create phasic physiological change.
2. Post-Spinal Decompression Therapy
Post-Decompression Therapy is necessary to ensure that your target regions are relaxed and pre-conditioned for Chiropractic manual treatment.
Post-treatment may include massage therapy, dry needling, electro-stimulation and cold laser.
These forms of treatment further facilitate blood and nerve exchange into the decompressed region.
3. Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic adjustments complements your Spinal Decompression program by correcting your mechanical and structural misalignments. With your spine functioning properly, spinal decompression will then effectively target areas to relieve pressure between the vertebral discs.
4. Nutritional Recommendations
Everyone knows that a healthy diet and nutritional supplements are important in any recovery process.
Supplements like Arthrex, Glucosamine and essential vitamins not only support repair and restoration of the disc but also decrease inflammation.
5. Posture Rehab & Core Strengthening
Besides the spine, the only thing holding the torso and the lower body together are muscles! You have to do core exercises to take away pressure and strengthen the muscles holding up the spine.
Our doctors will prescribe specific exercises, posture rehab and yoga unique to each individual as part of your program.
Benefits of the Spinal Decompression Therapy Program
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
Spinal Decompression Therapy Research
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.