DTS Spinal Decompression provides relief to severe back and neck pain sufferers by gently reducing the pressure within spinal discs. The bones of the spine are slowly and methodically separated using the state-of-the-art DTS Spinal Decompression Unit. As the vertebrae are separated pressure is slowly reduced within the disc (intradiscal pressure) until a vacuum is formed. This vacuum “sucks” the gelatinous center of the disc back inside thereby reducing the disc bulge or disc herniation. Significant disc bulge reduction removes pressure off the spinal nerves and drastically reduces pain and disability. This “sucking” vacuum also pulls much-needed oxygen, nutrients and fluid into the injured discs to allow healing to begin.
The treatment motion is computer controlled to provide gentle and painless decompression of the injured spinal discs. Advanced DTS decompression techniques separate slowly and cycle between brief moments of pulling and relaxing (oscillation). This reduces protective muscle spasm that contributed to the poor success rate of outdated “traction” techniques. The DTS unit also incorporates advanced angulated elongation methods to target specific discs of the spine (for example: L5/S1 at the base of the spine). “Angulated Elongation” refers to the angle at which the healing decompression force is applied. This allows the treatment to rely less on brute force (separating multiple levels with high force) and more on finesse (using less decompressive force to focus on a single spinal segment) to rehabilitate individual spinal discs.
Why Spinal Disc Decompression Works:
This FDA approved technology relieves pain by enlarging the space between the discs. The negative pressure of decompression releases pressure that builds on to the disc and nerves, allowing the herniated and bulging disc to eventually go back into normal position. Decompression is the only treatment that is truly most effective for severe cases of herniation, degeneration, arthritis, stenosis and pressure on the nerve root. According to a clinical study performed by the Orthopedic Technological Review in 2004, said that 86% of all cases experienced spinal pain relief with disc decompression.
What is the difference between decompression and traction?
Many clinicians specializing in lumbar spine pathology have criticized traditional traction. Traction fails in many cases because it causes muscular stretch receptors to fire, which then cause para-spinal muscles to contract. This muscular response actually causes an increase in intradiscal pressure. On the other hand, genuine decompression is achieved by gradual and calculated increases of distraction forces to spinal structures, utilizing various degrees of distraction forces. A highly specialized computer must modulate the application of distraction forces in order to achieve the ideal effect. The system uses applies a gentle, curved angle pull which yields far greater treatment results that a less comfortable, sharp angle pull. Distraction must be offset by cycles of partial relaxation. The system continuously monitors spinal resistance and adjusts distraction forces accordingly. A specific lumbar segment can be targeted for treatment by changing the angle of distraction. This patented technique of decompression may prevent muscle spasm and patient guarding. Constant activity monitoring takes place at a rate of 10,000 times per second, making adjustments not perceived by the eye as many as 20 times per second via its fractional metering and monitoring system. Genuine decompression also involves the use of a special pelvic harness that supports the lumbar spine during therapy. Negative pressure within the disc is maintained throughout the treatment session. With genuine decompression, the pressure within the disc space can actually be lowered to about -150 mmHg. As a result, the damaged disc will be rehydrated with nutrients and oxygen.
Isn’t decompression just a fancy name for a traction machine?
No. There is a big different between traction, distraction and decompression. Traction has been around for hundreds, if not thousands of years. The problem with traction as it is known today is that it is not always beneficial. In 1998, the Scientific American rated traction to be of little or no value in the examination of efficacious therapies for lower back pain. This finding is consistent with many studies that report traction can often times signal a nociceptive splinting response and put a patient’s back muscles in spasm, resisting any attempts to effect a change on the disc proper. Distraction, a term used to describe a flexion distraction technique, attempts to reposition the spine from the offending lesion. This technique has been shown to be very effective, even though potentially damaging to the person performing the technique and largely dependent on the skill of the technician. Like traction, distraction procedures are limited in the ability to reduce the intradiscal pressure, or produce a negative pressure within the disc imbibing fluid, nutrients and creating an environment for repair. Decompression therefore is an event – a combination of restraint, angle position and equipment engineering. One can experience traction without decompression, but not decompression without traction. Traction is a machine – Decompression is an event.
What Results Can I Expect?
Many patients with lower back syndromes may experience pain relief as early as the third treatment session. Comparison of pre-treatment MRI’s with post-treatment MRI’s has shown a 50% reduction in the size and extent of herniation. In clinical studies, 86% of patients reported relief of back pain with the our system. Within the past five years, some private practice clinicians have reported success rates as high as 90%.
What Time Commitments Are Required By Patients?
Each treatment session averages 25 to 30 minutes in duration (research has established that optimum results are achieved with sessions that incorporate 10 to 15 decompression/relaxation cycles). On average, one daily session for 20-30 treatments is necessary for patient self-healing to occur. Herniated discs generally respond within 20 sessions, while patients with degenerated discs may need ongoing therapy at regulated intervals to remain pain free. Still other patients, due to lifestyle or occupation, may also require maintenance therapy. Patients with posterior facet syndromes may achieve complete remission with 10 or fewer sessions. Research has demonstrated that most patients achieve full remission from pain after the initial treatment regimen.
What is the typical diagnosis?
Since non-specific low back pain and cervical pain generally encompass a myriad of mechanical failures, including muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissue that encroach or produce pressure on the nerves, the term intervertebral disc syndrome can be used. This diagnosis does not necessarily require (although recommended) an MRI to confirm the presence of a disc involvement.
Who can benefit from using Disc Decompression Therapy?
The following would be inclusion criteria for the Decompression Therapy (1) Pain due to herniated and bulging lumbar discs that is more than four weeks old; (2) Recurrent pain from a failed back surgery that is more than six months old; (3) Persistent pain from degenerated discs not responding to four weeks of therapy; (4) Patients available for four weeks of treatment protocol; and (5) Patient at least 18 years of age. These indications are ideal candidates for enrollment into our program and have the potential of achieving quality outcomes in the treatment of their back pain: (1) Nerve Compression; (2) Lumbar Disorders; (3) Lumbar Strains; (4) Sciatic Neuralgia; (5) Herniated Discs; (6) Injury of the Lumbar Nerve Root; (7) Degenerative Discs; (8) Spinal Arthritis; (9) Low Back Pain w/ or w/o Sciatica; (10) Degenerative Joint Disease; (11) Myofasctois Syndrome; (12) Disuse Atrophy; (13) Lumbar Instability; (14) Acute Low Back Pain; and (15) Post-Surgical Low Back Pain. Lastly, the system should be utilized with patients with low back pain, with or without radiculopathy who have failed conventional therapy (rehabilitation and chiropractic) and who are considering surgery. Surgery should only be considered following a reasonable trial of Decompression therapy protocols.
What conditions are contraindicated?
Patients with the following problems or symptoms are usually excluded from using the Spinal Decompresion therapy: Pregnancy, Prior lumbar surgical fusion, Metastatic cancer, Severe osteoporosis, Spondylolisthesis, Compression fracture of lumbar spine below L-1, Pars defect, Aortic aneurysm, Pelvic or abdominal cancer, Disc space infections, Severe peripheral neuropathy, Hemiplegia, paraplegia, or cognitive dysfunction, Cauda Equina syndrome, Tumors, osteod osteoma, multiple myeloma, osteosarcoma, Infection, osteomyelitis, meningitis, virus, and HNP (sequestered/free floating fragment).
How long is each session and what is the treatment protocol?
Each session on the Decompression equipment is approximately 25-40 minutes long (45 minute sessions include set-up and take-off), accompanied by 15 minutes of stimulation, heat packs and manipulation. The patient comes for 20-30 visits over a 4-6 week period. The doctor will provide a complete copy of the Spinal decompression treatment protocol upon request.
How long before a patient experiences change?
Often times a patient experiences some relief within the first few (3-7) treatments. Usually by the 12th to 15th treatment all patients have reported some remission of symptoms. Patients not showing significant improvement by the 15th to 18th session may be referred for further diagnostic evaluation.
Does Decompression Therapy work for everyone?
Eighty-to-ninety percent of patients who have been properly selected and comply with the Spinal Disc Decompression protocol will have good-to-excellent outcomes. Patient’s conditions that do not respond quickly to the therapy are often unable to be helped by anything quickly. Patients vary in age, sex and body morphology and may require counseling in weight loss, nutrition and other lifestyle changes.
DTS Spinal Decompression Therapy is a pain-free alternative that has shown a very high rate of success at reducing and even eliminating back and neck pain altogether. If you suffer from chronic, debilitating, low back or neck pain, you owe it to yourself to call our office today to make an appointment to see if you’re a candidate for the DTS Spinal Decompression Therapy. Our office is dedicated to offering the latest, state-of-the-art therapies for treating pain in the low back and neck, sciatica, pinched nerves, and bulging or degenerative disc diseases. We believe DTS Spinal Decompression Therapy to be the most advanced, non-surgical and pain-free alternative.
What are Doctors saying about Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy?
“There is a place for surgery, but definitely not at the front line. Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy should be a front-line treatment for chronic back pain patients suffering from bulging, herniated, or degenerative disc disease, and facet syndrome. As a surgeon, I only want to do surgery when I absolutely have to. Spinal Decompression Therapy gives my patients a more conservative treatment option that can eliminate the need for surgery altogether, and that’s a very good thing. Spinal Decompression Therapy also gives me a treatment option for those patients who have had surgery and have a relapse or experience a return of pain following surgery. It allows me to offer patients a key, non-surgical weapon in the war on back pain.” Bernard Zeliger DO, FACOS, FAOAO, FICS Osteopathic Physician and Surgeon Founding Dean and Provost of Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Vallejo, CA
“As an interventional pain physician, I feel that Spinal Decompression Therapy has filled a void in our continuum of treatment for those patients suffering from back and neck pain associated with disc pathology. The majority of the other procedure I perform, such as injections and nerve blocks, treat the pain due to tissue and nerve irritation, which only reduce the patients’ pain. My enthusiasm for Spinal decompression Therapy stems from the fact that it it the only therapy that scientifically attempts to heal and “rejuvenate” the discs. My personal experience with this non-invasive therapy is that qualified patients will show improvement within the first few treatments.” Juan J. Gargiulo MD -Southampton, NY East End Pain Management
“Neurologists like myself have long known that we should do everything possible to help our patients avoid back surgery. Now with Spinal decompression Therapy we finally have a very effective way to treat back pain without surgery. The vast majority of even our worst cases experience significant, long-lasting relief if they complete the entire treatment regimen. Anyone who says this is experimental doesn’t know what they’re talking about.” Orlando Maldonado MD -Bradenton, FL
“We have treated thousands of patients who have experienced long term, pain free healing because of decompression therapy. With non-surgical decompression we offer real modification of the patient’s disc disease processes and rehabilitation of the neuropathic and mechanical symptoms, rather than just offering palliative care. I use it for myself and it is worth its weight in gold.” Phil Fisher DO, PhD -Barboursville, WV
What is the first step?
In order for our Dr Z to determine if you are a candidate for spinal decompression a complete examination/consultation will need to be performed. Depending on the severity and chronicity of your condition, our Doctors may request an MRI of your main region of complaint to properly diagnose your condition. (If you have recent MRI’s please bring the report to your initial consultation.) Once all the medical records and tests have been clearly reviewed by Dr Z, we will then lay out a specific treatment program for your condition. This will include the duration, frequency and length of your decompression therapy. In addition, we will describe to you the decompression rehabilitation (exercises) that will be vital for your treatment success. All of the therapies described will be conducted in our office under the Doctor’s supervision.
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