Frequently Asked Questions

What causes low back pain?

Low back pain can be caused by a number of factors from injuries to the effects of aging.The spinal cord is protected by the vertebrae, which are made of bone. Between each vertebra are soft discs with a ligamentous outer layer. These discs function as shock absorbers to protect the vertebra and the spinal cord. Many of the problems that cause back pain are the result of herniation and degeneration of the intervertebral disc. Degeneration is a process where wear and tear causes deterioration of the disc. Herniations, or bulging of the disc are protrusions from the disc that press on surrounding nerves, causing pain or numbness.

If I undergo Spinal Decompression treatment, how long does it take to see results?

Most patients report a reduction in pain after the first few sessions. Typically, significant improvement is obtained by the second week of treatment.

Do I qualify for the DRX 9000 Spinal Decompression treatment?

Since we began using the DRX 9000 Spinal Decompression table, we’ve been inundated with questions from both doctors and patients as to which cases it will best help. Obviously proper patient selection is essential to favorable outcomes, so please contact us so we can better understand your pain conditions – then we can better explain the Inclusion and Exclusion criteria so we may make the right decision since not all patients qualify for Spinal Decompression treatment.

Are there any side effects to the treatment?

Most patients do not experience any side effects. Though, there have been some mild cases of muscle spasm for a short period of time.

How does Spinal Decompression separate each vertebra and allow for decompression at a specific level?

Decompression is achieved by using a specific combination of spinal positioning and varying the degree and intensity of force. The key to producing this decompression is the gentle pull that is created by a logarithmic curve. When distractive forces are generated on a logarithmic curve the typical proprioceptor response is avoided. Avoiding this response allows decompression to occur at the targeted area.

Is there any risk to the patient during treatment on the DRX 9000 Spinal Decompression table?

NO. Spinal Decompression is totally safe and comfortable for all subjects. The system has emergency stop switches for both the patient and the operator. These switches (a requirement of the FDA) terminate the treatment immediately thereby avoiding any injuries.

How does Spinal Decompression treatment differ from ordinary spinal traction?

Traction is helpful at treating some of the conditions resulting from herniated or degeneration. Traction cannot address the source of the problem. Spinal Decompression creates a negative pressure or a vacuum inside the disc. This effect causes the disc to pull in the herniation and the increase in negative pressure also causes the flow of blood and nutrients back into the disc allowing the body’s natural fibroblastic response to heal the injury and re-hydrate the disc. Traction and inversion tables, at best, can lower the intradiscal pressure from a +90 to a +30 mmHg. Spinal Decompression is clinically proven to reduce the intradiscal pressure to between a -150 to -200 mmHg. Traction triggers the body’s normal response to stretching by creating painful muscle spasms that worsen the pain in affected area.

Can the DRX 9000 Spinal Decompression treatments be used for patients that have had spinal surgery?

In most cases Spinal Decompression treatment is not contra-indicated for patients that have had spinal surgery. In fact many patients have found success with Spinal Decompression after a failed back surgery.

Who is not a candidate for Spinal Decompression?

Anyone who has recent spinal fractures, surgical fusion or metallic hardware, surgically repaired aneurysms, infection of the spine, and/or moderate to severe osteoporosis.

Who is a candidate for Spinal Decompression?

Anyone who has been told they need surgery but wishes to avoid it, anyone who has been told there is nothing more available to help, anyone who failed to significantly respond to conservative options (medications, physical therapy, injections, chiropractic, acupuncture), or anyone who still has pain but wishes to obtain the type of care they want.

Disclosure: The information contained on this website is for informational purposes only, and should not be used to replace professional health care advice. Results vary widely between patients, even with the same diagnosis. Visitors to the website are responsible for how they chose to utilize this content. This information should not be considered complete, nor should it be relied on in diagnosing or treating a chiropractic or medical condition. Content on this website does not contain information on all diseases, ailments, physical conditions or their treatment. It is best to seek advice and attention from your chiropractor or qualified healthcare provider. Dr. Michael Rouhana and Southern Tier Spine & Disc does not endorse nor have responsibility for the content of any other websites linked to or from www.painreliefwellnessny.com or www.southerntierspinedisc.com