Q: WHAT IS SPINAL DECOMPRESSION THERAPY AND HOW DOES IT WORK?
A: Spinal Decompression therapy is a FDA cleared medical technology that gently stretches the spine and decompresses the discs. It is a non-surgical, traction based therapy for the relief of back and leg pain or neck and arm pain. During this procedure, by cycling through distraction and relaxation phases and by proper positioning, a spinal disc can be isolated and placed under negative pressure, causing a vacuum effect within it.
Q: HOW DOES THIS NEGATIVE PRESSURE AFFECT AN INJURED DISC?
A: During spinal decompression therpay, a negative pressure is created within the disc. Because of the negative pressure, disc material that has protruded or herniated can be pulled back within the normal confines of the disc. It happens only microscopically each time, but cumulatively over four to six weeks, results are quite dramatic.
Q: WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM SPINAL DECOMPRESSION THERAPY?
A: Anyone who has back pain or neck pain caused in whole or in part by damaged disc may be helped by spinal decompression therapy. These conditions include herniated, protruding or bulging discs, spinal stenosis, sciatica or radiculopathy (pinched nerves).
Spinal decompression therapy is not recommended for pregnant women, patients who have severe osteoporosis, serve obesity or severe nerve damage. Spinal surgery with instrumentation (screws, metal plates or "cages") is also contradicted. However, spinal decompression therapy after bone fusion or non-fusion surgery can be performed.
Q: WHAT TO EXPECT?
A: Patients are treated fully clothed and are fitted with a pelvic harness that fits around their pelvis or in a neck piece that fits snug around their neck as they lie face up on a computerized table. Then the Chiropractic Assistant operates the table from a computerized console. Each treatment takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Most patients find the sessions to be comfortable, and in almost all cases, treatment sessions are completely painless. In fact, some patients fall asleep during the spinal decompression session. And best of all, relief of pain can sometimes be noticed in the first few sessions.
Q: WHAT SYSTEM IS USED FOR SPINAL DECOMPRESSION?
A: After a significant amount of research, Wellness First chose the Triton DTS System manufactures by the Chattanooga Group, the premier manufacturer of physical medicine equipment. More importantly, our four systems--yes, we have FOUR complete systems to avoid patient wait times--have brand new computerized heads, which is one of the most sophisticated and technologically advanced units around. In fact, the new Triton head is so revolutionary that it won the Australian Design Award in the "Medical and Scientific" category. We also selected the Triton DTS system due to their ability to treat discs in both the neck and the lower back.
Q: HOW IS SPINAL DECOMPRESSION THERAPY DIFFERENT FROM REGULAR TRACTION?
A: The award winning Triton computer is key. It controls the variations in the traction pull allowing for spinal decompression and eliminating muscle guarding that is typical in coventional traction devices. The preprogrammed patternes for ramping up and down the amount of axial distractions allows for higher levels of spinal decompression and disc rehydration.
Q: HOW MUCH DOES THE THERAPY COST?
A: That depends on many factors, as there are many variations of disc injury and severity. The great news is that it can be affordable. The specific treatment plan will be determined by the doctor after your examination. Based on current research and our clinical experience, the best results have been achieved utilizing 20 sessions over a 6 week period.
Based on that most common protocol, the total cost of the spinal decompression sessions would be only $900 . . . which is a small fraction of the $5,000+ amounts that some other doctors are charging.
We also offer Care Credit that will allow you to finance the entire cost and make 6 monthly payment with no interest.
Q: WILL MY INSURANCE COVER IT?
A: There are many insurance plans, all with different benefits. Many plans do cover the cost of spinal decompression. We will certainly be more than happy you verify your insurance benefits and see what coverage your policy has. Just call our office for any help.
Q: DO MOST PATIENTS RECEIVE THERAPY AND REHABILITATIVE EXERCISES IN ADDITION TO SPINAL DECOMPRESSION THERAPY?
A: 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.
Q: HOW DO I GET STARTED?
A: We want to make it easy for you to learn if you are a candidate for spinal decompression therapy.
To schedule a consultation, call or visit our office today!
(804) 897-3478
15871 City View Drive, Suite 140
Midlothain VA 23113