Herniated, Bulging, Slipped Discs

No matter which term is used, all describe a misalignment of the soft cushion or disc that sits between each of the spinal bones or vertebrae. These discs are composed of a stiff outer cartilage known as the annulus fibrosus, with a soft jelly like center called the nucleus pulposis.There job is to function like shock absorbers, similar to the ones in your car, absorbing shock when you walk, run, jump or even sit. When unequal weight is placed on one side of the disc, such as someone who turns to pick up something heavy, it can result in the disc being herniated or pushed out on the opposite side. This occurs because during rotation, unequal forces apply pressure to the disc making it more likely to herniate. Discs function best when they are able to hold and distribute body weight evenly.

A disc herniation takes place when the jelly like center of the disc bulges or pushes outwards, tearing the stiff outer ring of fibers, allowing the disc material to spill out. This is similar to a jelly doughnut leaking out when you squeeze it. Once the “jelly” center of the disc spills out into the spinal canal, it can compress nerve roots or even the spinal cord. This causes inflammation and swelling of surrounding tissue, which can lead to further compression of the nerve root in the confined space of the spinal canal.

What causes Symptoms of a Herniated Disc?

The area surrounding the spine is a very confined space, so when a disc ruptures and pushes outward, nerves that are nearby can easily become compressed and irritated. This causes nerves to malfunction passing along abnormal signals and in severe cases no signal at all. These aberrant signals travel along nerves going down the arms and legs, causing the classic symptoms of a herniated disc such as:

• Sharp, Shooting, Electricity pain
• Numbness & Tingling
• Muscle Weakness

How can Spinal Decompression help heal a Herniated Disc?

Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression slowly lengthens and decompresses the spine, creating negative pressures within the discs. This reversal of pressure creates a vacuum like effect inside the discs, drawing the bulging disc material back into place thereby taking vital pressure off pinched nerves. Spinal experts state that nutrients, oxygen, and fluids are drawn back into the disc, to create a revitalized environment conducive to healing.

What are Treatments like?

At the start of each session, you will be comfortably fitted with a harness designed to achieve optimal decompression of the low back or neck. Once the session of spinal decompression begins, you will start to notice a slow lengthening of your spine, as your discs are gradually decompressed and relieved of pressure. The treatment process is quite safe and relaxing. While some patients with more extensive injuries have reported mild discomfort during the first few treatment sessions, their discomfort quickly subsides upon subsequent visits. A patient safety switch provides an extra measure of security, allowing you to stop at any point should you feel discomfort. Each treatment session lasts approximately 25 minutes. Individual patient results may vary.

What is the Typical Treatment Protocol?

A spinal decompression treatment protocol consists of anywhere from a few visits, to a series of visits taking place over several weeks. Some conditions require fewer visits, while others require more consistent care. All of this depends on the severity of your case and overall spinal health. Many patients report pain relief and relief from other symptoms during the first few treatment sessions, along with most experiencing dramatic pain relief after completion of their prescribed treatment program.

How is Spinal Decompression Different from Traction, Physical Therapy, or Chiropractic Manipulation?

While traction, physical therapy, and manipulation may reduce disc pressures to as low as 40 mm Hg, only spinal decompression has been shown to achieve negative pressures within the spine. It has been clinically proven that spinal decompression creates negative pressures as low as -110 mm Hg3 within the injured disc during the treatment session. Normally, pulls exerted on the spine trigger sensory receptors in the back to tighten the muscles surrounding the vertebrae and discs in an effort to protect them from injury (known as muscle guarding or spasm). Spinal Decompression bypasses this response by slowly and gradually pulling on the spine to allow the neck and back to relax over an extended period of time. This allows the discs to be repositioned without tension or resistance, due to muscle spasm and guarding.

It is important for patients to make sure that they are treated on spinal decompression tables and not simply traction tables, along with the supervision of a physician with years of experience.

Is it true that Research has shown up to 88.9% Success Rate for Spinal Decompression?

Yes, Absolutely! Numerous research articles have shown success rates for spinal decompression to be up to 88.9% effective. In fact the Mayo Clinic and John Leslie M.D., reported at the 18th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Pain Management in Tampa Florida , the following amazing statistics:

• Multi-center, phase II, non-randomized pilot study utilizing spinal decompression.
• Designed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of spinal decompression in the treatment of chronic lower back pain.
• Patients enrolled have an average of ten years of chronic back pain.
• After two weeks of treatments of spinal decompression — 50% reduction in pain scores.
• Upon completion of the entire six week protocol success rate of 88.9% was documented.

Is it true that Pro Athletes, Celebrities, and even Patients in their 90s have turned to Spinal Decompression as a Successful, Non-surgical Option to Neck and Back Pain WITHOUT the use of drugs, shots, and surgery?

Yes, Absolutely! Professional athletes, celebrities and even patients in their 90s are turning to spinal decompression therapy as an affordable, non-surgical alternative to neck and back pain without the use of drugs, shots and surgery. People are tired of taking pills that simply mask the pain, and can cause all kinds of serious side effects. People are frustrated with getting shots that work the first one or two times with some temporary relief, and then eventually have minimal or no effect at all. And people are scared to death of surgery as they have seen firsthand as their friends and relatives who spent thousands of dollars, had weeks of “down time”, have scars, and risked serious side effects, and still ended up with a “failed back surgery syndrome”. New non-surgical spinal decompression is not only effective and affordable, but is also non-invasive and safe.

If you have more questions please go to the Common Questions section or call us anytime.