Frequently Asked Questions

On Spinal Decompression Therapy

---

What is Spinal Decompression Therapy?

Spinal Decompression Therapy is a non-surgical traction based treatment outcome for herniated, bulging or degenerative discs in the neck and lower back. There is a common misconception that the treatment involves simple traction, which is not true. The treatment includes a frequency and oscillation making it more complicated and effective than simple traction.

Anyone who has back, neck, arm or leg pain may be helped by spinal decompression therapy.

---

How many Spinal Decompression Therapy sessions will be needed and are they painful?

The number of sessions needed and your specific treatment plan will be determined by the doctor after your examination. It can range from 10 to 20 depending on your diagnosis. In almost all cases, the treatments are completely painless. In fact, with our advanced chiropractic spinal decompression equipment, some patients fall asleep during the spinal decompression session.

---

What type of Spinal Decompression equipment is used, and is the doctor certified in Chiropractic Spinal Decompression Therapy?

After a significant amount of research, Optimal Health Center chose what we believe to be the most sophisticated, technologically advanced, state-of-the-art spinal decompression equipment in the world, the Kennedy Neural-Flex Spinal Decompression Table. It is the only table allowing patients to be comfortably treated either in the supine (belly up) or prone position (belly down) depending on diagnosis


In regard to clinical skills, Dr. Petrucci has completed the Kennedy Decompression Technique course work and passed the qualifying examination to achieve the status of "Certified Practitioner" in Spinal Decompression Therapy.

---

What Makes Spinal Decompression Therapy so Effective?

Doctor skill combined with the table and computerized components are the keys. Proper assessment, correct positioning and the use of preprogrammed patterns of distraction and relaxation may reduce disc pressure allowing necessary nutrients to enliven and accelerate disc healing.

---

Who can benefit from Spinal Decompression Therapy?

Anyone who has back pain or neck pain caused in whole or in part by a damaged disc may be helped by spinal decompression therapy.

These conditions include herniated, protruding or bulging discs, spinal stenosis, sciatica or even failed surgery.

---

Are there conditions where Spinal Decompression Therapy is not indicated?

Spinal decompression therapy is not recommended for pregnant women, patients who have severe osteoporosis, severe obesity or severe nerve damage.

Spinal surgery with instrumentation (screws, metal plates or “cages”) is also contraindicated. However, spinal decompression therapy after bone fusion or non-fusion surgery, can be performed.

---

Do most patients receive therapy and rehabilitative exercises in addition to Spinal Decompression Therapy?

To reduce inflammation and assist the healing process, supporting structures are treated with passive therapies (ice/heat/muscle stimulation), chiropractic adjustments (as indicated) and/or active rehabilitation in order to strengthen the spinal musculature.

---

Are there medical studies that document the effectiveness of Spinal Decompression Therapy?

Yes! One study documented by MRI up to 90% reduction of disc herniations in 10 of 14 cases and other studies reported that the majority of ruptured disc patients achieved "good" to "excellent" results after spinal decompression therapy.

Click here if you would like to review the studies yourself or click here to read an article about spinal decompression that appeared in "To Your Health" Magazine.

---

The Bottom Line.

Spinal Decompression Therapy has saved many people from spinal surgery. According to a recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, surgery is no more effective than non-invasive treatments, including chiropractic care, for patients with lumbar disc herniation causing sciatica. Spinal decompression (neck decompression and low back decompression) is extremely safe, FDA cleared, affordable, and very effective for many conditions such as back, neck, arm, and  leg pain.

---

How do I get started?

Request an appointment online or just call our office at (215) 493-4463 to arrange a consultation with the doctor

Please remember to bring any MRI reports so the doctor can review them and best advise you about your treatment options.