This is a powerful technique for patients that are suffering from injuries to the discs in their neck or back. This treatment utilizes equipment approved by the FDA to apply distractive forces to the intervertebral discs. Through this distraction a vacuum effect is created within the discs due to the negative intra-discal pressure. This pressure may help to retract some of the herniated or bulging disc on each successive treatment. This can take pressure off of the nerve root or thecal sac that is sometimes compressed due to these disc disorders.
There are numerous Spinal Decompression machines on the market with more similarities than differences. The table that we have chosen to utilize allows us to place the patient in a wide array of positions and pull at specific angles based off of where the bulging or herniated disc is located. We believe that the treatment should target not only the specific disc that is injured, but also the specific area within that disc that is bulging or herniated. The specific location of the bulge or herniation is determined by the directional disc diagnosis technique or through the use of a MRI.
If a disc injury is suspected as the cause of the patient’s pain then further testing is needed. If the pathology is significant then a MRI will be ordered. Often times the pain is caused by the disc (discogenic pain) but the symptoms do not warrant a MRI. When this is the case directional disc diagnosis tests are utilized. This is a series of movements that the practitioner puts the patient through to help zero in on the exact area of the disc that is affected. When this is done correctly it gives the practitioner the ability to be very specific in the treatment regimen. The hope is that this will decrease treatment times and increase the effectiveness of the therapies. It is a very valuable tool.
Through our use of the directional disc diagnosis mentioned above, as well as MRI findings when applicable, we are able to develop a very specific plan to rehabilitate the disc and surrounding structures to minimize the chances of these symptoms reoccurring.