Unfortunately, there are some patients that require more than chiropractic, physical rehabilitation and medications to alleviate their pain. Some of you may have noticed the advertisements in the newspaper indicating that you should “call for your free report” on a non-surgical approach to back or neck pain. The program the advertisement is referring to is called “Spinal Decompression Therapy,” which we offer in our office! Fortunately, most of you have not required this treatment as you were helped through chiropractic alone. However, I have had a few patients come into my office who have required this intervention in order to provide them with relief from pain.
How does this therapy work anyway? Decompression therapy effectively treats protruding, bulging or herniated discs by creating a vacuum effect within the disc. Therefore, the disc can be gently repositioned and healing can occur naturally. Decompression therapy gets to the cause of pain by repairing the damaged disc and gently taking the pressure off the pain producing nerves. It can also treat degenerative disc disease (thinning of the discs) by taking pressure off the disc and allowing the fluid to go back into the disc. Conditions best treated through this therapy include the following: disc herniations, facet syndrome, degenerative disc disease, sciatica, spinal stenosis and even some headaches.
The treatment protocol is typically between 18-24 visits; however, the diagnosis and severity of the symptoms will dictate the treatment plan. Most of these sessions are covered by most insurance plans; however, cash payment plans are available for those without chiropractic or physical rehabilitation coverage. A typical session for the low back includes the following: 20 minute Decompression Therapy session, ice for 10 minutes (sometimes with electrical therapy if inflammation or discomfort is present), spinal manipulation and/or active rehabilitation. The good news is that current research demonstrates an 86%-94% success rate among participants.
You may know someone who has been suffering from chronic low back or neck pain, who may have already tried chiropractic or physical rehabilitation for their pain. These patients may be a great candidate for “Spinal Decompression Therapy;” however, they will not know whether or not we can help them unless they come in for an evaluation. Please have them contact our office at (540) 824-1005 to schedule an examination to determine if they can be helped with the advanced, non-surgical alternative called Spinal Decompression Therapy.
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