Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression

My interest in non-surgical spinal decompression came about due to a personal crisis with my own spine (2-lumbar disc herniations/extrusions).  After seeing how incredibly effective this treatment was, I purchased my own state-of-the-art SpineMed Decompression table, of which there are only a handful of in the state of Washington.

There are many decompression equipment manufacturers out there, but upon doing my own research on the differences, SpineMed stood out as the best possible decompression table on the market for several reasons:

1. Can better isolate the exact level of disc/joint injury, thereby precisely directing the de-compressive forces for faster results.
2. Uses roughly 50% of the force during decompression, when compared to other tables, so the treatment is much more comfortable; most people fall asleep during the treatment.
3. Every 3.5-milliseconds, the table measures muscle resistance and/or spasm and will back off the de-compressive force within 20-milliseconds so the disc stays in a negative pressure zone (vacuum) for the full treatment session.

What is Decompression?

Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression is a revolutionary new technology used primarily to treat disc injuries in the neck and lower back. This treatment option is very safe and utilizes FDA cleared equipment to apply de-compressive forces to spinal structures in a precise and graduated manner. Decompression is offset by cycles of partial relaxation. Decompression has shown the ability to gently separate the vertebrae from each other, creating a vacuum inside the discs that are targeted. 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 eight 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 on the decompression table, with a set of gel-padded restraints snug around the waist and straps set around the lower chest. For the neck, the patient lies comfortably on his/her back with a set of padded restraints behind the neck. Many patients enjoy the treatment, as it is usually quite comfortable and well tolerated.

Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression is very effective at treating bulging discs, herniated discs, pinched nerves, sciatica, radiating arm pain, degenerative disc disease, leg pain, and facet syndromes. Proper patient screening is imperative and only the best candidates are accepted for care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will Decompression help a slipped disc?

A: A “bulging” or "herniated" disc is sometimes incorrectly referred to as a "slipped" disc. Studies demonstrate that Spinal Decompression Therapy succeeds at treating bulging or herniated discs over 70% of the time. This of course varies depending on the complexity of the injury and other factors. Many times patients are able to avoid more costly and invasive procedures.

Q: How much does the therapy cost?

A: That depends on many factors, as there are many variations of disc injury and severity. The great news is that it can be very affordable, and our office is dedicated to making this safe, breakthrough therapy available to all patients, providing stress-free payment plans. This enables patients to receive the care they desperately need even if they are on fixed incomes and/or Medicare.

Q: Are there any reasons that I can't go on this type of therapy?

A: Dr. Roundy will determine if you are a candidate as there are certain conditions for which this therapy is contraindicated. Dr. Roundy will only accept cases that he believes this therapy will help.

Certain people are not candidates for spinal decompression therapy and usually have conditions such as:

• Tumors
• Abdominal Aortic Aneurism
• Fractures
• Metal Implants/Screws/Plates in the spine
• Advanced Osteoporosis
• Pregnancy or
• Certain diseases