Spinal Decompression

Spinal Decompression Hattiesburg MSWhat is Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD)?

Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression is a revolutionary new technology used primarily to treat disc injuries in the neck and in the low back. This treatment option is very safe and utilizes FDA cleared medical equipment to apply axial distraction forces to spinal structures in a precise and graduated manner. Distraction is offset by cycles of partial relaxation. This technique of spinal decompression therapy, that is, unloading due to distraction and positioning, has shown the ability to gently separate the vertebrae from each other, creating a vacuum inside the discs that we are targeting. This ‘vacuum effect’ is also known as negative intra-discal pressure.

The negative pressure may induce the retraction of the herniated or bulging disc into the inside of the disc, and off the nerve root, thecal sac, or both. It happens only microscopically each time, but cumulatively, over four to six weeks, the results are quite dramatic.

The cycles of decompression and partial relaxation, over a series of visits, promote the diffusion of water, oxygen, and nutrient-rich fluids from the outside of the discs to the inside. These nutrients enable the torn and degenerated disc fibers to begin to heal.

For the low back, the patient lies comfortably on his/her back or stomach on the decompression table, with a set of nicely padded straps snug around the waist and another set around the lower chest. For the neck, the patient lies comfortably on his/her back with a pair of soft rubber pads behind the neck. Many patients enjoy the treatment, as it is usually quite comfortable and well tolerated. Many patients even fall asleep during treatment.

Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression is very effective at treating bulging discs, herniated discs, pinched nerves, sciatica, radiating arm pain, osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease, leg pain, and facet syndromes. Proper patient screening is imperative and only the best candidates are accepted for care. If you are interested in finding out more information about Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression please call Dr. Brandon Herrington to schedule your exam. Please bring any x-rays or MRI reports with you.

Understanding Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression

This web site is designed for anyone suffering from back pain, sciatica, leg pain, herniated disc, degenerative disc disease, bulging disc, tingling, numbness, arm pain, neck pain, and some patients with spinal stenosis and failed low back syndrome. It also educates current and future patients, physicians, and other medical specialists not familiar with Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression across the country. Spinal Decompression is a safe and non-surgical form of therapy that allows patients an excellent chance of resuming a normal lifestyle. Our web site is designed to fully inform the millions of people who suffer with debilitating pain on a daily basis. Patients can now be informed and updated with current working knowledge of these conditions and the latest non-surgical breakthrough call non-surgical spinal decompression.

We sincerely want you to utilize all the material and animations provided for your benefit. You are going to have some decisions to make, and you should be making those decisions based on your comfort level. Choices must be made. Some treatments are aimed at pain suppression and temporary pain relief. Other treatments are corrective in nature. Know the difference! Empower yourself to choose those procedures that make sense to you, it’s your health. EXPLORE this new technology! LEARN how it works! START getting pain relief today.

Understanding Sciatica

The sciatic nerve is a collection of several nerve roots that arise between your lumbar spinal bones (vertebrae). These nerve roots join together and form the largest nerve in the body, the sciatic nerve. This nerve travels down from the low back under the buttock muscles all the way down the legs and feet. Sciatica is a term to describe an irritation or pressure on the nerve, which is commonly caused by a herniated or bulging disc (also referred to as a ruptured disc, pinched nerve, or slipped disc) in the lumbar spine. The pressure or irritation leads to a complex of symptoms that include sharp, radiating pain, burning, and/or numbness and tingling. This is a very debilitating condition that affects thousands of people every year. Dr. Herrington will rule out piriformis syndrome which mimics Sciatica. Dr. Herrington will then perform a detailed exam.

Generally, herniated discs, facet joints, or SacroIliac Joints (SI) are the cause of the problem. In regards to the herniated disc, it will compress or contact the exiting nerve root producing the symptoms. Sometimes central canal stenosis, lateral canal stenosis, spondylolithesis, or degenerative disc disease can cause this nerve compression as well. The problem is often diagnosed as a ‘radiculopathy’, meaning that one or more intervertebral discs have herniated or protruded from its normal position in the vertebral column and is putting pressure on the nerve root in the lower back, which forms part of the sciatic nerve. Sciatica occurs most frequently in people between 30 and 50 years of age. On many occasions this condition slowly develops as a result of general wear and tear on the structures of the lower spine and discs. Rarely is this condition surgical. Unless there is a progressive neurological deficit, or cauda equina syndrome, the majority of people who experience sciatica get pain relief with non-surgical treatments. Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression is very effective for these conditions in conjunction with Chiropractic care. You may be a candidate if you have tried cortisone shots, nerve blocks, physical therapy, and had little relief, but are still holding off on spinal surgery.

Spinal Decompression

For your low back, you will be lying comfortably on your back with a set of nicely padded straps snug around your waist and another set around your lower chest.

For your neck, you will be lying comfortably on your back with a pair of soft rubber pads behind your neck.

How does Spinal Decompression work?

The pumping action described below does two amazing things:

As the Spinal Decompression table pulls on your spine, it gently separates the vertebrae from each other, creating a vacuum inside the discs that we are targeting. This vacuum begins to suck the bulges or herniations back into the inside of the disc, and off of your nerve root. It happens only microscopically each time, but cumulatively the results are quite dramatic.

Also, this pumping action pumps nutrient-rich fluids from the outside of the discs to the inside. These nutrients enable the torn and degenerated disc fibers to begin to heal back up. Only a few years ago, it was thought that once a disc was degenerated, there was nothing you could do. Now we routinely see discs gain one to two millimeters of sustained increased disc height. While this may not seem like much, it can make all the difference in the world for your nerves.

Does Spinal Decompression work for all spinal conditions?

No. But it is effective in most cases we accept in our office. We’ve treated many cases, some of these patients had both neck and low back pain.

Typically dramatic improvements:

Sciatica (pain radiating down one or both legs)
Radiating neck pain (typically down one or both arms, into the chest, and/or into the upper and middle back)

Typically very good improvements:

Arthritis
Headaches
Chronic neck pain
Chronic low back pain

Typically tough cases with 20-50% improvement:

Spinal stenosis caused by significant bone spurring

How long does it take?

Every patient is different and has a treatment plan tailored specifically to his or her condition. Following a detailed consult, examination, x-rays, and MRIs, Dr. Herrington can give you a better, detailed timeline of your program of care. Typically in the beginning, visits are more frequent, but they begin to taper off as your spine heals and stabilizes.

Do you bill insurance, and does it cover any of this treatment?
We will be happy to verify your insurance, we will do our best to maximize your benefits. Most insurance companies will pay for the spinal decompression portion of your treatment. Many patients choose treatment here due to the convenience, flexibility, and experience – even if insurance doesn’t cover this treatment. Patients call us ‘the nicest chiropractic clinic in town’, both in terms of the physical appearance of the office and the friendliness and caring of the staff.

Is there any research on the effectiveness of Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression?
Absolutely! There are many tables that perform non-surgical decompression of the spine. The following results were obtained from spinal decompression therapy:

studies on spinal decompression indicated between a 71-90% success rate with one study reporting an immediate resolution of symptoms in 86% of the participants involved.
Clinical Trials:

Clinical Trials:

Another article in Journal of Neurological Research reported that vertebral axial [spinal] decompression was successful in 71% of the 778 cases. The success rate varied from 73% for patients with a single herniated disc. It was 72% for people with multiple herniated discs.

The American Journal of Pain Management reported ‘good to excellent’ relief in 86% patients with Herniated discs, with back pain and sciatica symptoms being relieved. Good to excellent results were also obtained in 75% of those with facet syndrome.

A small non-randomized study in Anaesthesiology News reported of the 23 patients who responded to therapy, 52% had a pain level of zero, 91% were able to resume their normal daily activities, and 87% were either working or were retired without having back pain as the cause of retirement.

In a small study to determine the long-term effects of vertebral axial decompression, the following results were obtained: ‘Among 23 patients, 71% showed more than 50% reduction in pain immediately after treatment, and 86% showed a 50% or better pain reduction at four years. After four years, 52% of respondents reported a pain level of zero. Thus, pain relief not only improved but lasted. This pilot study shows great promise for long term relief and new pain management techniques.

An interesting study at the Rio Grande Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery compared the effects of 20 treatment sessions vs. 10 treatment sessions on chronic low back pain sufferers. The group receiving 20 treatments of decompression therapy reported a 76.5% with complete remission and 19.6% with partial remission of pain and disability. The second group, receiving 10 treatments of decompression therapy, reported a 42.9% rate of remission and 24.1% with partial remission. Failure rate was only 3.9% for those receiving 20 treatment sessions while it was 32.9% for those receiving only 10 sessions. Remission was defined as 90% or greater relief of pain, back to work without limitations, and abilities to carry out Activities of Daily Living (ADL’s). Partial remission was defined as persistence of some pain but ability to carry out most ADL’s and return to work with some restriction of duties, depending on the occupation. Failure rate was defined as no change in the level of pain and or/ADL.

As you can see from the above referenced Clinical Trials, Spinal Decompression Therapy may be the only effective therapy for some people experiencing Discogenic or Arthritic pain (pain arising from the disc or caused by various types of Spinal Arthritis). In addition, promising research suggests that the effects of Spinal Decompression Therapy can be a long-lasting solution to certain chronic back pain disorders. Although failure rates are relatively low, studies suggest that completion of prescribed treatments can reduce failure rates from 32.9% to 3.9%.

Contraindications to Spinal Decompression:

  • Metallic spinal implants (bolts, plates, screws)
  • Fresh disc surgery (less than 6 mos)
  • Severe bony stenosis
  • Severe osteoporosis
  • Grade II or greater spondylolisthesis
  • Cancer or tumors of the spine
  • Infection of the spine
  • Pregnancy
  • Aortic aneurysm repair
  • Inability to lie flat

Conditions Treatable with Spinal Decompression:

  • Herniated disc
  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Bulging discs
  • Slipped disc
  • Ruptured disc
  • Sciatica
  • Spinal stenosis
  • Facet syndrome
  • Chronic lower back pain
  • Arm and leg apin
  • Failed back surgery (without metal implants)
  • Compression fractures.

How Do I Get Started?

Dr. Herrington would like to make it easy for you to learn if you are a candidate for Spinal Decompression Therapy. Call 601) 450-4567  to arrange a thorough consultation and examination.

Please bring any MRI, CT, or x-ray reports for Dr. Herrington to review.


Call Dr. Herrington at

Address

423 Weathersby Rd Suite 110,
Hattiesburg, MS 39402

Phone

601-450-4567

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