What is Spinal Decompression?
Why do Spinal Decompression?
What is a treatment like?
What conditions does Spinal
Decompression treat?
Will I get better?
When will I get better?
Are the results permanent?
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Who isn’t a candidate for Spinal Decompression?
- Patients with a history of systemic disease that may affect the integrity of the spine, such as cancer, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, or infection.
- Trauma such as a fracture or a dislocation
- Hiatal or abdominal hernia
- Spinal cord compression
- Pregnancy after 1st trimester (lumbar traction)
- Spinal hypermobility
- Vertebral artery occlusion (cervical traction)
- Aortic aneurysm
- Spinal surgery in past six months
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| I began seeing Dr. Trudeau in December for severe back pain. I had been to a chiropractor for quick fixes several times. Dr. Trudeau and his office staff explained that these “quick fixes” are not the answer but only a bandage. After 3 months of treatment, I have more mobility in my back and neck, and little to no pain. Dr. Trudeau is very pleasant to be around, and his office staff is courtous and professional. Dr. Trudeau has always gone that extra mile and I would recommend him highly.C.B., Virginia Beach, VA |
What is Spinal Decompression?
 Excessive stress or injury to a disc weakens the outer fibers, allowing the inner part of the disc to bulge out. As the disc compresses, the space between the vertebrae decreases, causing compression of the nerve roots, leading to spasms and inflammation. The subsequent swelling reduces normal spinal biomechanics and movement of the joints, which diminishes the pumping action responsible for supplying nutrition to the discs. Without this nutrition, the fibers of the disc dry out further
accelerating the degenerative process. Spinal Decompression is a way of stopping this degenerative cycle through gentle traction that targets the affected part of the spine, relieving the pressure on the discs. It is a proven safe and effective means to treat severe neck and low back conditions without the use of drugs or surgery.
Why do Spinal Decompression?
 Spinal surgery is the second leading surgical procedure in America, with the total number performed in the country being over 600,000 per year. If you have been considered a candidate for spinal surgery, then you may qualify for Spinal Decompression. Many medical professionals and surgeons themselves believe strongly that every non-invasive option should be considered prior to surgery. Surgeons often quote a 98% success rate with spinal fusions, but that number often refers to the success of the fusion process, and not the reduction of pain. Failed Back Surgery Syndrome is a term used to
describe spinal surgeries that fail to reduce the pain and loss of mobility following surgery. It is estimated that 40% of patients that undergo traditional open back or neck surgery have this negative response. Spinal Decompression offers a safe and more conservative treatment option that can remove the need for surgery altogether.
What is a treatment like?
At the beginning of each treatment, a pelvic harness designed to achieve optimal decompression of the spine will be fitted around your waist. While you are comfortably reclined, a gentle traction will be applied to the harness, and you may notice a slow, gentle lengthening in your spine as your discs are gradually decompressed and relieved of pressure. For most patients, the process is safe and relaxing. Some patients with extensively injured discs have reported a very slight discomfort during their first few treatment sessions, which subsides upon subsequent visits.
What conditions does Spinal Decompression treat?
 Spinal Decompression can effectively treat bulging or herniated discs, sciatica, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, facet syndrome, failed back surgery, and radiculopathy. It can also cause negative pressure in discs, relieve nerve root compression, stretching muscles and ligaments, improve synovial movement in facet joints, increase blood flow to the disc and surrounding muscles, elongate muscles, tendons, and ligaments, and relieve pain.
Will I get better?
 Studies on Spinal Decompression have indicated a success rate between 71-90%. Results depend on multiple factors including the particular condition being treated, length of time with that condition, and your compliance with the treatment plan. Some patients experience a significant reduction in pain after just a few treatments and decide that they are cured without completing the prescribed regimen of care. Quitting the treatment regimen often results in a relapse of symptoms. It is important to remember that pain reduction does not mean a full recovery, and a full recovery is needed to prevent re-injury.
When will I get better?
Typically, about 20 sessions are required to produce the desired results. Performing the Decompression Treatments in a relatively short period of time is paramount to the healing process. This means that the treatments are done 3-4 times per week for 4-6 weeks.
Are the results permanent?
 According to the studies, 86% of patients that undergo a treatment Spinal Decompression for herniated and degenerative discs are successful with only a 4% recurrence rate after 12 months. Normally additional treatment sessions are not required following a regimen of care, but in a few rare cases, certain lifestyle or job activities may give cause for a re-evaluation
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