Spinal Decompression - Spine Care/Surgery

Spinal decompression is a medical treatment designed to relieve pain, increase mobility and alleviate symptoms of tingling and numbness in the body caused by compression, or pressure caused by spinal disks and vertebrae pressing against or crowding nerves in the spine.

Pressure against discs or vertebrae in the spine may be caused by a variety of issues, including herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, bulging disks, or inflammation. Nonsurgical spine decompression therapy offers individuals a variety of techniques that relieve pressure, helping the back to heal properly and naturally.

Who Benefits from Nonsurgical Spinal Decompression Therapy?
Anyone suffering from back pain, herniated discs, degenerative disc disease processes, neck pain, protruding or bulging disks in the spine, as well as those diagnosed with sciatica or posterior facet syndrome may benefit from spine decompression therapies.

Individuals who have sought relief through physical therapy, chiropractic, and medications without success are prime candidates for spinal decompression therapies, which offer a natural, nonsurgical approach to chronic back pain and neck pain relief.

Nonsurgical Spine Decompression Therapy
Nonsurgical spine decompression therapy utilizes a variety of approaches, including:

• Pelvic or thoracic harness that utilizes pulleys and traction (mechanical decompression)
• Electric stimulation
• Thermo therapy (heat therapy)
• Cryotherapy (cold therapy)
• Ultrasound

One of the most common approaches to relieving back pain through nonsurgical methods is mechanical decompression, which slowly stretches the spine, offering more room for nerves, reducing squeezing, pressure, and inflammation that pinches or blocks nerve pathways, resulting in tingling, numbness and pain. The most commonly utilized mechanical decompression tools utilized today include inversion tables and pelvic or thoracic harnesses.

One newer piece of technology that provide relief for chronic low back pain is the DRX9000, manufactured by Axiom Wordwide, a computerized mechanical decompression systems that may offer large benefits in therapeutic approaches for low back pain rehabilitation through its digital electroceutical device.

Cycles of decompression, usually lasting between 30 and 45 minutes, offer gradual relaxation of bulging or herniated discs, inflamed muscles, or decreased vertebral spaces, depending on the location and severity of the compression area. The decompression process often utilizes hot and cold water treatments and therapies as well as oxygen and ultrasound therapies to help facilitate the healing process.

According to research engaged by the Pain Relief Center of Austin and the Mayo Clinic, DRX 9000 studies are showing nearly a 90% success rate in relieving chronic back pain and restoring mobility and function in individuals diagnosed with chronic lower back pain, spinal stenosis, and sciatica.

How Much Does Spinal Decompression Cost?
In the United States, spinal decompression therapies and treatments can cost between $100 and $200 per visit. This can get quite expensive when 20 visits may be required for effective and beneficial results, often resulting in a price tag of between $2,000 and $4,000.

In some cases, individual medical or health insurance policies may help pay for the procedure, but consumers are cautioned to check with their healthcare providers and insurance carriers for coverage questions.

Individuals traveling to locations such as Mexico, Costa Rica, or India may save hundreds of dollars on treatments, especially when arranging special travel package deals determined by length of stay, destination, and number of treatments required.

Who Performs Spinal Decompression Therapy?
Spine care specialists, including neurologists, orthopedic surgeons, chiropractic physicians, pain specialists, family physicians, physical therapists and others trained and experienced in spine decompression technologies in the United States, Europe, Canada, Asia and Latin America should be certified to perform spine and decompression therapies and procedures.

Always check the credentials and training as well as experience of doctors performing spinal decompression and make sure they are accredited or certified in their country or region by national or international accreditation committees, organizations or associations.