Romo Chiropractic

Spinal Decompression is a non-invasive, non-surgical treatment for certain types of chronic back and neck pain. Mechanical Spinal decompression works by slowly and gently stretching the spine, taking pressure off compressed discs and vertebrae. Spinal decompression is one of the most exciting medical treatments developed in many years, since it demonstrates good statistical results for long term pain relief.

FDA cl eared Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression therapy for the treatment of:

Spinal compression can cause disc herniations to expand, putting pressure on surrounding spinal nerve roots. Decompression treatment takes the pressure off these damaged discs so that the disc bulge will shrink back closer to its original size.

Degenerative disc disease is also a common condition treated with decompression therapy. Loss of disc height can be exacerbated by spinal compression, causing the vertebral bodies to move closer together. This can cause nerve compression and other forms of common back pain. Decompression eliminates the overwhelming pressure on degenerated discs reducing or eliminating painful symptoms.

Facet joint syndrome is yet another condition treated with spinal decompression. Of all the conditions, this one shows the least promising results for permanent pain relief. Conceptually, facet syndrome causes pain due to arthritic changes in the vertebral bones. Decompression helps to create more space between the vertebrae, hopefully reducing painful symptoms.

Spinal Decompression Modalities

Forget about old fashioned attempts at decompression therapy. Pulley and weight spinal traction systems have never been proven to do anything, except injure patients in rare circumstances. Inversion therapy might create decompression of the spinal column, but is best left for fitness usage. Cox Technic is a time tested form of decompression used primarily by chiropractors.

What is Spinal Decompression Therapy?

Spinal decompression therapy is a non-surgical traction based treatment outcome for herniated or bulging discs in the neck and lower back. Anyone who has back, neck, arm or leg pain may be helped by spinal decompression therapy.

How many spinal decompression sessions will be needed?

The number of sessions needed and your specific treatment plan will be determined by the doctor after your examination. In almost all cases, the treatments are completely painless.

What type of decompression system is used and is the doctor certified in spinal decompression therapy?

After a significant amount of research, our office chose the Neural-Flex by Kennedy Decompression System, the premier manufacturer of physical medicine equipment. More importantly, we have the brand new computerized head which is the most sophisticated and technologically advanced unit in the world.

What Makes Spinal Decompression Therapy so Effective?

Doctor skill combined with the table and computerized traction head are the keys. Proper assessment, correct positioning and the use of preprogrammed patterns of distraction and relaxation may reduce disc pressure allowing necessary nutrients to enliven and accelerate disc healing.

Who can benefit from Spinal Decompression Therapy?

Anyone who has back pain or neck pain caused in whole or in part by a damaged disc may be helped by spinal decompression therapy. These conditions include herniated, protruding or bulging discs, spinal stenosis, sciatica or even failed surgery.

Are there medical studies that document the effectiveness of Spinal Decompression Therapy?

Yes! One study documented by MRI up to 90% reduction of disc herniations in 10 of 14 cases and other studies reported that the majority of ruptured disc patients achieved "good" to "excellent" results after spinal decompression therapy.

Are there conditions where Spinal Decompression Therapy is not indicated?

Spinal decompression therapy is not recommended for pregnant women, patients who have severe osteoporosis, severe obesity or severe nerve damage.  Spinal surgery with instrumentation (screws or metal plates) is also contraindicated. However, spinal decompression therapy after bone fusion or non-fusion surgery, can be performed.

Are the sessions painful?

In almost all cases, the treatments are completely painless. In fact, some patients fall asleep during the spinal decompression session.

How many will be needed?

The specific treatment plan will be determined after your examination. The best results have been achieved utilizing 20 to 30 sessions over a 4 to 8 week period.

What is the cost?

Our customary fee for each spinal decompression session is only $50 which means the total cost will be a small fraction of the $3000 -$5000+ amounts that some offices are charging.

Will insurance cover the cost of my spinal decompression program?

YES! Some insurance plans provide coverage for the cost of our spinal decompression program. Our office is a provider for many insurance networks, so if your insurance company covers spinal decompression therapy, reimbursement varies but your out-of-pocket expense for all needed services could be as little as your co-pay.

Do most patients receive therapy and rehabilitative exercises in addition to Spinal Decompression Therapy?

To reduce inflammation and assist the healing process, supporting structures are treated with passive therapies (ice/heat/muscle stimulation), nutritional advice, chiropractic adjustments (as indicated) and/or active rehabilitation in order to strengthen the spinal musculature.