Donegal Spinal Decompression

A: Spinal decompression is a therapeutic service provided by different medical providers but primarily used by chiropractors. Spinal decompression has two goals:

a.) Open up the spinal canal and take pressure off an effected nerve root.

• Treat herniated, bulging and protruding disc.

A: The DRX9000 is a true non-surgical spinal decompression treatment for back pain and has been designed to aid healthcare providers in their efforts in treating low back (lumbar) and neck (cervical) pain. The DRX9000 spinal decompression machine has been cleared by the FDA to treat herniated discs, bulging discs, degenerative disc disease, and posterior facet syndrome. The DRX9000 is the only system available in its field to utilize a servo motor; in doing so, the DRX9000 contains nested closed-loop feedback that ensures that the therapy stays true to each patient’s logarithmic spinal decompression treatment.

A: Spinal traction is a therapeutic device with the primary goal to elongate the spine and take pressure off an effected nerve root. Traction pulls the entire spine rather than focusing on one specific area. Spinal decompression on the other hand focuses on one specific vertebra/disc level by setting the table at a specific angle depending on which spinal level we’re treating. The most important difference between decompression and traction is that decompression tables provide a pumping mechanism that helps rehydrate and heals the disc.

Specifically with the DRX 9000, it works on injuries that occur due to nerve compression by applying an equal amount of pressure on the vertebral columns. By stretching the spine, this creates a gap in between the discs, thus improving the flow of nutrients through both the vertebral columns. The injuries slowly and steadily heal after regular DRX9000 decompression treatment sessions.

• Bulging, protruding and herniated discs
• Sciatica
• Pain, numbness, tingling and/or weakness in the arms or legs
• Degenerative Disc Disease

Posterior Facet Syndrome

A: Typically, sessions are just under 30 minutes; 20-30 DRX 9000 treatment sessions are recommended, although, in some cases, it may require more.

Treatment Frequency:

• Weeks 1&2: 5 times per week
• Weeks 3&4: 3 times per week
• 2 times per week for the remaining treatment

A: During the first few sessions, most patients begin to feel relief from chronic pain as pressure from compressed nerves are relieved and the spine is in a decompressed state. Many patients state a 30%-50% improvement after just 3-5 treatments! After each treatment, it is common to feel sore in the back/neck muscles because they are stretching more than usual. Post treatment, patients receive 10 minutes of electric muscle stimulation to help reduce inflammation and relax the muscles. Patients also receive a back brace to help stabilize the spine and maintain proper positioning to help secure treatment and assure optimal healing processes.

A: Patients above the age of 18 suffering from back/neck pain, sciatica or any symptoms due to herniated, bulging, or protruding discs, degenerative disc disease or posterior facet syndrome, may be candidates.

All patients receive a thorough examination on their first visit to determine treatment as a chiropractic, neuropathy or decompression case. An examination consists of a Surface EMG, x-rays in the region of complaint and a thorough neurological exam. Once we perform the exam, we will determine the necessary course of treatment. Having a copy of a most recent MRI if available will better help us determine candidacy for our spinal decompression therapy.

• Pregnancy
• Prior Lumbar Fusion
• Metastatic Cancer
• Severe Osteoporosis
• Spondylolistheses (unstable)
• Compression fracture of the lumbar spine below L-1 (recent)
• Pars Defect
• Pathologic Aortic Aneurysm
• Pelvic or Abdominal Cancer
• Disc Space Infections
• Severe Peripheral Neuropathy
• Hemiplegia, Paraplegia or Cognitive Dysfunction

A: Currently, studies show that decompression has a 93% success rate. In published clinical, studies, nearly 9 out of 10 patients benefit from the DRX 9000 treatment protocol. One particular study conducted by medical doctors associated with the University of California, Stanford, Johns Hopkins and Georgetown showed DRX 9000 spinal decompression helps in reducing back pain with a correlated increase in disc height.