Spinal Decompression is a revolutionary new technology used primarily to treat disc injuries in the neck and in the low back. This treatment option is very safe and utilizes Health Canada cleared medical equipment to apply axial distraction forces to spinal tructures in a precise and graduated manner. Distraction is offset by cycles of partial relaxation. This technique of spinal decompression therapy, that is, unloading due to distraction and positioning, has shown the ability to gently separate the vertebrae from each other, creating a vacuum inside the discs that we are targeting. This ‘vacuum effect’ is also known as negative intra-discal pressure.

The negative pressure may induce the retraction of the herniated or bulging disc into the inside of the disc, and off the nerve root, thecal sac, or both. It happens only microscopically each time, but cumulatively, over four to six weeks, the results are quite dramatic.

The cycles of decompression and partial relaxation, over a series of visits, promote the diffusion of water, oxygen, and nutrient-rich fluids from the outside of the discs to the inside. These nutrients enable the torn and degenerated disc fibers to begin to heal.

For the low back, the patient lies comfortably on his/her back or stomach on the decompression table, with a set of nicely padded straps snug around the waist and another set around the lower chest. For the neck, the patient lies comfortably on his/her back with a pair of soft rubber pads behind the neck. Many patients enjoy the treatment, as it is usually quite comfortable and well tolerated. Many patients even fall asleep during treatment.

 How does Spinal Decompression work?

SPINAL DISTRACTION SYSTEM

1. As the Spinal Decompression table pulls on your spine, it gently separates the vertebrae from each other, creating a vacuum inside the discs that we are targeting. This vacuum begins to suck the bulges or herniations back into the inside of the disc, and off of your nerve root. It happens only microscopically each time, but cumulatively the results are quite dramatic.
2. Also, this pumping action pumps nutrient-rich fluids from the outside of the discs to the inside. These nutrients enable the torn and degenerated disc fibers to begin to heal back up. Only a few years ago, it was thought that once a disc has degenerated, there was nothing you could do. Now we routinely see discs gain one to two millimeters of sustained increased disc height. While this may not seem like much, it can make all the difference in the world for your nerves.

Conditions Treatable with Spinal Decompression:

• Herniated disc
• Degenerative disc disease
• Osteoarthritis
• Bulging discs
• Slipped disc
• Ruptured disc
• Sciatica
• Spinal stenosis
• Facet syndrome
• Chronic lower back pain
• Arm and leg pain
• Failed back surgery (without metal implants)
• Compression fractures.

Contraindications to Spinal Decompression:

• Metallic spinal implants (bolts, plates, screws)
• Fresh disc surgery (less than 6 months)
• Severe bony stenosis
• Severe osteoporosis
• Grade II or greater spondylolisthesis
• Cancer or tumors of the spine
• Infection of the spine
• Pregnancy
• Aortic aneurysm repair
• Inability to lie flat