Frequently Asked Questions
What is Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression?
Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression is a treatment system developed to provide a non-invasive treatment for low back or neck pain caused by damaged intervertebral discs.
How does it work?
The DRX9000 spinal decompression system applies gentle spinal distraction forces to the lower back or neck by using and advanced and sensitive computerized feedback mechanism. The mechanism provides relief of low back or neck symptoms associated with sciatica, herniated or bulging discs, degenerative disc disease, carpal tunnel syndrome and headaches.
What will I experience as a patient?
If non-surgical spinal decompression is recommended and your case is accepted, you will be treated on the DRX9000. A patient begins by wearing a pelvic harness and lays comfortably on his back on the machine. A support is placed under the knees to relieve muscle tension in the low back and a pillow is placed under the head to relax neck and shoulder muscles. The doctor isolates the area to be treated either in the neck or low back by placement of the patient on the table and the angle of the attachment of the harness.
The advanced computer system automatically adjusts to the proper angle of distraction and measures muscle response in the area being treated. The patient feels an intermittent and gentle pulling which lasts for approximately a half an hour. During that time many patients fall asleep.
How does Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression differ from traction?
Spinal Decompression avoids many of the problems associated with traction such as patient fatigue; patient’s inability to tolerate the force of traction, or the position; triggering of muscle spasms and exacerbation of pain while in traction.
Do I need an MD’s referral before making an appointment?
No. You can phone our office directly at 519-988-0220. Many people do phone after visiting their MD and come to the appointment with x-rays, Cat scans or MRI’s. If you do not have any imaging studies you may be sent for x-rays.