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All About Spinal Decompression

How To Safely And Effectively Treat Your Chronic Neck Or Back Pain…without Drugs Or Surgery

  • You’ve had a chronic neck or back pain issue for longer than 8 weeks…
  • You’re tired of taking drugs or would like to avoid them altogether…
  • You definitely want to avoid surgery if at all possible…

If this sounds like you, please read on…

If any of the above statements sound like you, this report about Spinal Decompression could be one of the most important actions you take to finally figure out and fix your neck or back pain condition – permanently… and without using drugs or surgery.

Tallahassee Chiropractor

Hi, my name is Dr. Elton Powell and in this brief yet powerful report I’m going to cover in detail:

Tallahassee Chiropractor
  • What Spinal Decompression actually is… so that you can understand ALL of your options, not just what the commonly held beliefs are –
  • What conditions that Spinal Decompression is able to treat effectively… so that you can understand why some options you’ve tried up to this point may not have worked –
  • The signs and symptoms of conditions related to chronic neck and back pain… so that you can have a better understanding of what’s happening with your body –
  • The difference between Spinal Decompression and traction therapy… so that you don’t get tricked into a therapy that won’t have the same benefits –
  • What a typical treatment and treatment schedule looks like… so that you can get determine if this right for you –
  • Whether insurance covers Spinal Decompression… and what to do if it doesn’t –
  • How we determine whether you’re a great candidate for Spinal Decompression… and what to do if you are or aren’t –

Sound good? Let’s dive in, I think you’ll feel much more comfortable after reading this report once you’ve educated yourself about your body and the conditions it’s going through.

WHAT IS SPINAL DECOMPRESSION?

First off, what the heck is Spinal Decompression? Let’s take a look at a typical machine…

Dynamic Spine & Wellness Center

Spinal Decompression Machine

Spinal decompression works on the theory that by gently separating the vertebrae from each other, it is possible to create a space, or a vacuum, between the vertebrae.

This is referred to as negative pressure, and when successful, causes bulging or herniated disks to retract into place, thereby reducing the pressure on the nerve root that has been the source of the pain.

The actual amount of space created is minuscule in scope, but over the course of the treatment, the results can be a significant reduction in the level of pain and other symptoms. The procedure is able to stimulate the flow of water, oxygen, and nutrients into the disks, which helps to boost the healing process.

Studies support the benefits of the treatment. Dr. John Leslie, of the Mayo Clinic, conducted research that indicated non-surgical spinal disc therapy is 88.9% effective, based on a multi-center, non-randomized pilot study.

The patients included in the research had been suffering chronic back pain for an average of 10 years. Two weeks of treatment was enough to produce a 50% reduction in pain scores.

WHO AND WHAT CONDITIONS DOES SPINAL DECOMPRESSION TREAT EFFECTIVELY?

The spine and back form a complicated system and there is no one-size-fits-all diagnosis. Back and cervical pain, as well as other symptoms, can be the result of injured muscles, tendons, ligaments, or other soft tissue that lead to pressure being placed on the nerves.

Herniated Disk

Treatment at Dynamic Medical Center

This type of condition is commonly referred to as intervertebral disc syndrome and does not necessarily require an MRI to be diagnosed (though an MRI is recommended to pinpoint the exact problem area).

That being said, below are conditions that Spinal Decompression can help:

  • Those suffering from herniated or bulging discs, with pain lasting for more than four weeks;
  • Those suffering from chronic pain after an unsuccessful back surgery that has lasted for more than six months;
  • Those suffering from chronic pain from degenerative discs, with pain lasting for at least four weeks;
  • Those suffering from nerve compression or lumbar disorders;
  • Those suffering from sciatica or an injury to the lumbar nerve root;
  • Those suffering from spinal arthritis or degenerative joint disease;
  • Those suffering from myofascit is syndrome or disuse atrophy;
  • Those who are considering surgery after conventional therapy has failed.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF DISC CONDITIONS?

Common signs and symptoms of disc conditions are:

  • Pain, numbness or tingling that travels down the arms or legs
  • Weakness in either your arms or legs
  • Chronic pain that hasn’t resolved with conservative treatment such as chiropractic or physical therapy

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TRACTION AND SPINAL DECOMPRESSION?

While traction and decompression are commonly confused by many patients, they are actually two very different forms of treatment.

In medicine, traction is defined as the application of a sustained pull on a limb or muscle, especially in order to maintain the position of a fractured bone or to correct a deformity.

Doctors who specialize in lumbar spine medicine do not generally recommend traction for back treatment, as it can actually aggravate the problem by inducing the para-spinal muscles to contract. The result is actually an increase in the pressure on the disk, rather than a lessening.

Decompression, on the other hand, is induced by gradually increasing the distraction forces in a prescribed manner in order to create the negative space mentioned above. A dedicated machine, such as the Lordex or the DOC Decompression Table, can regulate the alternating application of distraction forces offset by periods of relaxation to optimize the decompression effects.

A good decompression system is able to monitor the amount of spinal resistance and then adjust the distraction forces in response. The machine will target a specific area, such as a lumbar segment, by regulating the exact angle of distraction. Doing the procedure in this manner reduces the chances of muscle spasms, which can also prevent decompression.

These machines also use a pelvic harness that will provide support for the lumbar region of the spine during decompression. In this way, over the course of the entire process, the negative pressure is consistently maintained. By properly analyzing the area of pain and applying pressure in this calculated manner, damaged discs can be re-hydrated, allowing them to more quickly heal.

WHAT A TYPICAL TREATMENT AND TREATMENT SCHEDULE LOOKS LIKE

A typical treatment lasts between 25 to 30 minutes. An average patient will require between 20 and 30 treatments, although many patients report improvements after as few as 3 sessions.

The treatment length differs according to the type of ailment. Patients suffering from bulging or herniated discs will typically find relief within 20 visits.

On the other hand, those patients who have some form of degenerative disc disease may require continued treatment to deal with the pain.

As every individual responds differently to treatment, this is why we work with you extensively in the evaluation to determine the best care plan specifically for your body.

DOES INSURANCE COVER SPINAL DECOMPRESSION?

Spinal decompression therapy is a relatively new treatment. Despite its documented success, as with Lasik eye surgery and gastric bypass surgery, insurance companies are often slow to accept new treatments even when they have a proven track record.

With that being said, some insurance companies have already recognized the efficacy of decompression therapy and have begun to cover it, as have some worker compensation programs.

HOW DO WE DETERMINE IF YOU’RE A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR SPINAL DECOMPRESSION? 

Not everyone unfortunately is a good candidate. Through an extensive evaluation, including orthopedic and neurologic testing, x-rays or MRIs, consultation, etc. we will be able to determine whether or not you’re a great candidate for Spinal Decompression.

Some conditions though will preclude a patient from utilizing Spinal Decompression. These include:

  • Aortic aneurysm
  • Cauda Equina syndrome
  • Compression fracture of lumbar spine below L-1, Pars defect
  • Disc space infections
  • Hemiplegia, paraplegia, or cognitive dysfunction
  • Infection, osteomyelitis, meningitis, virus, and/or HNP (sequestered/free floating fragment)
  • Metastatic cancer
  • Multiple myeloma, or osteosarcoma
  • Osteoid Osteoma
  • Pelvic / Abdominal cancer
  • Pregnancy
  • Prior lumbar surgical fusion
  • Severe osteoporosis
  • Tumors

WHAT TO DO NOW?

Are you interested in finding out if you’re a good candidate for Spinal Decompression Therapy?

If so, just call our office at (850) 402-9061 or visit us online at www.dynamicspine.us to schedule your initial evaluation.

Please keep in mind that our office is very busy so the sooner you call or schedule, the sooner we’ll be able to bring you in for an evaluation to determine if you’re a good candidate for care.

And if so, the sooner you’ll be able to get back to doing those things that you love, and that the condition you’re suffering from has taken away from you.

PATIENT TESTIMONIALS

Dr. Powell changed my life. I am forever grateful for his spinal decompression program. I have a few herniated disk in my neck and was suffering from terrible neuropathy and pain in my right arm. After being examined and starting my healing program, it felt like no time before I was completely pain and tingling free. If you are suffering from any related issues please do yourself a favor and go see Dr. Powell!

Benjamin P.

Before I started spinal decompression with Dr. Powell I could hardly walk because of a herniated disk in my low back.  I was in crutches and I had an appointment for a consultation for low back surgery.  After starting spinal decompression therapy I was able to walk without crutches after one week of treatment.  Three weeks into the treatment I was back golfing three times a week with my buddies.  Once the treatment was over I am pain free and my quality of life is back to normal.  I highly recommend spinal decompression therapy with Dr. Powell if you are suffering with severe low back pain.

James W.

I’ve suffered from a variety of injuries, from sports to auto accident injuries for over 15 years, so I knew my problems would be very complicated. I started out by going to a few doctors in Miami, FL to see if I can find a natural way to deal with the constant pain but that journey was unsuccessful. I then moved to Fort Lauderdale, FL where I again pursued getting treated for my back, leg and neck pain. Aside being offered physical therapy, the doctors didn’t address the main issues I had. Ten years living in this pain, I moved to Tallahassee, FL. I went to Tallahassee Orthopedic Clinic (TOC) where I was told I needed to have spinal surgery along with bolts in my back (this was the same opinion of another doctor in Tallahassee, FL). After driving back from TOC, I saw “Dynamic Medical Center” and started my research. I’m glad I found Dr. Powell, he helped me by first evaluating my situation, taking the time to review my MRI and since he firmly believes that surgery should be the last option, I was pleased to start my treatment with him. As mentioned, I had a variety of issues, which now included Diabetes. The pain was now compounded with Neuropathy. That didn’t stop Dr. Powell. He took on the challenge head on and after a couple months of treatment, I am 90% pain free. I can still enjoy sports and a normal lifestyle. Before Dr. Powell, I could not even bend down to pick up my kids. Now I can play football, basketball, racquetball and so much more with my children. Dr. Powell definitely restored my health and help my back, neck and feet pain. He is a very caring and compassionate doctor, which today unfortunately seems to be a rare encounter. Highly Recommended!

OMAR A.

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Dr. Elton Powell

Dr. Powell graduated from the University of West Florida receiving a Bachelors of Science degree in Exercise Science.

I always had a passion to help people live a healthy and happy lifestyle. In May of 2015, I opened Dynamic Medical Center in Tallahassee, Florida.

One of my key components is to strive to provide safe, gentle, and effective treatments by utilizing the latest technology chiropractic has to offer.