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Spinal Decompression in Boise and Eagle

Understanding the Spine and How Decompression Works

Adjusting table

  • Point 1: There are 23 shock absorbing discs that are interwoven into the vertebrae (spinal bones) above and below. The discs are amazing structures and can handle hundreds of pounds of pressure without collapsing. The central core of the disc is made of pulpy gelatinous material (Nucleus Pulposus). It is surrounded by hundreds of tough fibrous layers (Annulus Fibrosus) that keep the soft Nucleus material in the center. The Nucleus acts as a spring and separates the vertebrae and also functions as a ball bearing. Because of its central location, the Nucleus allows the vertebrae above and below it to rotate, tilt and flex in any direction.
  • Point 2: The discs are integral components of the spinal curves. These curves are seen from the side of the body. The lumbar spine (red curve line) arches forward and the thickness of the discs are greater in the front. The joints in the spine are in the rear of the vertebral units and are called articular facets, as seen in the illustration above. When you bend forward, the discs are compressed by the vertebrae above and below (like scissor action). The discs are extremely flexible and elastic and can handle the body’s own weight, and then some. The fibers in the Annulus layers can be compressed, stretched and twisted millions of times over, in one lifetime.
  • Point 3: As we age, the circulation to the discs becomes less and the fibrous and nucleus material begin to dry out (desiccation). The Annulus fibers become more brittle as a result and become less elastic. Time, usage and desiccation (compression, stretching, twisting and drying) tear the micro-Annulus fibers. The tearing of the fibers allow the soft gelatinous nucleus material to break through the many Annulus layers and the results are devastating to the function of the spine. Because the Nucleus is no longer gathered in the center, the height of the disk flattens and the function of the joint becomes abnormal and inflexible

Usually, when the disc is compressed, the Nucleus is forced back and to one side, usually invading the space occupied by the spinal cord and spinal nerves. This is called a ‘bulging disc’. If the Nucleus material reaches the outside layers of the disc and leaks outside the spinal column, it is called a ‘disc herniation’ and is like a flat tire. As a result, the nerves and spinal cord are trapped (pinched). This trapping causes partial or total malfunction of nerve impulses going in and out of the spinal cord. Muscles, organs and the brain receive altered messages. Sometimes, this can cause disabling pain, numbness and weakness in various parts of the body.
NEW PATIENTS

Disc Decompression Traction Procedures

Dr. Watson talkingDr. Watson incorporates Non-invasive, non-surgical specific Mechanical Traction Procedures with his adjustments to increase the chances of total recovery and long term relief.  These Procedures were developed by a team of top physicians and engineers.

This therapy offers relief at an astounding 86% to 94% success rate for the following conditions:

  • Herniated, slipped and buldging discs with or without complications
  • Degenerative disc disease
  • A relapse or failure following surgery even with multiple levels of herniation
  • Facet syndromes
  • Spinal Stenosis
  • Sciatica

Lumbar and Cervical specific mechanical traction procedures effectively treats these conditions to help patients live a pain-free life and return to more active lifestyles. It relieves lower back pain by enlarging disc space and creating a negative pressure or vacuum, drawing the soft gelatenous material to the center and reducing the disc herniation, strengthening outer ligaments and reversing high intradiscal pressure. Twelve to twenty 15-30 minute treatment sessions over 4-6 weeks are usually required.

The clinical outcomes of this study showed that 86% of the 219 patients who completed the therapy reported immediate resolution of symptoms, while 84% remained pain-free 90 days post-treatment. Physical examination findings showed improvement in 92% of the 219 patients, and remained intact in 89% of these patients 90 days after treatment. This Disc Decompression Traction Procedures study shows that disc disease-the most common cause of back pain, which costs the American health care system more than $50 billion annually-can be cost-effectively treated using Disc Decompression Traction Procedures.

FAQs

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.

What are the results?

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.

Get Started Today

The cost for successful non-surgical Disc Decompression Traction Procedures therapy is less than a tenth of that for surgery. These results show that biotechnological advances of Disc Decompression Traction Procedures reveal promising results for the future of effective management of patients with disc herniation and degenerative disc diseases.
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Spinal Decompression Boise, Eagle ID