Back And Neck Pain Beware: Spinal Decompression Therapy Is Here!

NonSurgical Spinal Decompression Therapy is extremely safe, and very affordable. Optimal Health Center uses the State-of-the-Art Kennedy Neural-Flex Decompression Table.

"Patients are often able to return to work, play with their kids again, avoid surgery, and ENJOY LIFE AGAIN!"

The Basics of Spinal Decompression

Spinal Decompression Therapy is a non-surgical traction based treatment that can effectively treat back, neck, arm and leg pain. Both neck decompression and lumbar decompression work extremely well for treating herniated or bulging disks in the neck and lower back along with degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, facet arthritis, failed back surgery syndrome, sciatica and radiculopathy. The FDA cleared spinal decompression in 1996. It is extremely safe, affordable, and revolutionary.

How Does Spinal Decompression Treatment work?

The treatment is traction based, with gradual application and release of traction forces designed to "trick" the para-spinal muscles so they do not guard or spasm. This creates a negative pressure on the spine which then allows increased blood flow bringing along with it substantial oxygen and nutrients. This allows the protruded or herniated disc to be pulled back within the normal confines of the disc, which permits healing to occur.

What Conditions Benefit from Lumbar and Cervical Spinal Decompression?

Is Spinal Decompression Painful? How Many Sessions are Needed?

For almost all patients, treatment is completely painless. With Kennedy Neural-Flex Decompression, patients are able to relax during treatments and a considerable number of patients actually fall asleep during the therapy session. Based on research and on our clinical experience the best results are typically achieved with 10-20 cervical or lumbar decompression sessions over a six week period, however, your specific treatment plan will be determined by the doctor after your examination.

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

Are there Clinical Trials that document the effectiveness of Spinal Decompression Therapy?

There are quite a few actually. One of the most well known studies on decompression therapy was published in the Orthopedic Technology Review by Gionis et al. Out of 219 patients, 86% who completed treatment reported immediate resolution of their symptoms, while 84% remained pain free 90 days post-treatment. Physical examination findings showed improvement in 92% of the patients and remained intact in 89% of the patients 90 days after treatment. To read more published studies on the effectiveness of decompression therapy Click here.

Are there conditions where Spinal Decompression Therapy is not indicated?

Spinal decompression therapy is not recommended for pregnant women, people who have severe osteoporosis or post spinal surgery with instrumentation (screws, metal plates or "cages".) However, spinal decompression therapy after bone fusion or non-fusion surgery, can be performed. Patients who are pregnant can still benefit from other treatments at Optimal Health Center including pre-natal chiropractic care, exercise and other passive therapies.

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. Spine 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 your Yardley Chiropractor at Optimal Health Center. Please remember to bring any MRI reports so the doctor can review them and best advise you about your treatment options.