Decompression FAQs at Active Health & Wellness
Specific Mechanical Traction Procedures Questions
What is this Therapy?
This therapy is a non-surgical, comfortable mechanical traction 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.
What can this vacuum effect do?
The vacuum effect accomplishes two things. From a mechanical standpoint, disc material that has protruded or herniated outside the normal confines of the disc can be pulled back within the disc by the vacuum created within the disc. Also, the vacuum within the disc stimulates in growth of blood supply, secondarily stimulating a healing response. This results in pain reduction and proper healing at the injured site.
What machine is used for this purpose?
There are a number of machines presently used in the United States. After significant research, Active Health & Wellness has chosen to use the Triton DTS machine manufactured by Chattanooga, Inc.
Who can benefit from Specific Mechanical Traction Therapy?
This therapy is designed to unload the spinal disc by decompressing the area of the spine where the patient has problems. Any back pain or neck pain caused in whole or in part by a damaged disc may be helped by this therapy. These conditions include herniated, protruding or bulging discs, spinal stenosis, sciatica or radiculopathy (pinched nerves).
Are there conditions where this therapy is not indicated?
It is not recommended for pregnant women, or patients who have severe osteoporosis, severe obesity or severe nerve damage. However, every patient is evaluated on an individual basis. Spinal surgery with instrumentation (screws and metal plates or “cages”) is also contraindicated. Surgery to the discs without fusion or fusion using bony replacement is not contraindicated.
How often do I take treatment sessions? How long does each session last?
Each session takes about 30 minutes. This therapy is usually performed 3-5 times a week for 15-20 sessions.
Over 70% of patients have good pain relief.
I have had spinal surgery, but continue to have pain. Can I try this Therapy?
We can help people with back pain after failed spinal surgery. It can be performed in most patients who have not been left with an unstable spine after surgery or have had metal implants in the area of treatment.
