Spinal Decompression Therapy

Northern Nevada Chiropractic chose what we believe to be the most sophisticated, technologically advanced, state-of-the-art Spinal Decompression Therapy system in the world to relieve back pain. We selected this system because of its ability to treat discs in both the neck and the low back.

Spinal Decompression Special Package: Six treatments for $225

Buy six spinal decompression sessions for $225, which is a 25% savings as opposed to purchasing individual visits. Call to claim this special package today: (775) 829-8686.

Back Pain Relief Without Drugs or Surgery

Spinal Decompression Therapy is FDA cleared and has a very high success rate for pain associated with herniated or bulging discs – even after failed surgery. It is a non-surgical therapy for the relief of back and leg pain or neck and arm pain.

We specialize in nonsurgical spinal decompression to help relieve back pain at Northern Nevada Chiropractic. Spinal decompression works by gently stretching the spine and relieving intradiscal pressure from the spinal discs. Spinal discs are gel-like cushions between the bones in your spine and if they are injured, ruptured, or out of place this causes pain and limited mobility. The therapy causes bulging or herniated disks to retract by creating negative pressure in the disc and stretching the spine, which takes pressure off nerves and other structures in your spine. This helps promote movement of water, oxygen, and nutrient-rich fluids into the disks so they can heal.

A spinal disc in the neck or low back can be isolated and placed under negative pressure by cycling through distraction and relaxation phases, and by proper positioning, which causes a vacuum effect. The vacuum effect accomplishes two things:

1. Disc material that has protruded or herniated outside the normal confines of the disc can be pulled back within the disc by the vacuum created within the disc.
2. The vacuum within the disc stimulates growth of blood supply and stimulates a healing response. This results in pain reduction and proper healing at the injured site.

The computer head of the machine is the key because the pre-programmed patterns for ramping up and down the amount of axial distraction allows for higher levels of spinal decompression and disc re-hydration.

How Spinal Discs Cause Back Pain

Your spine is similar to 24 blocks stacked on top of each other and between each set of blocks is a disc. Discs are similar to a shock absorber on your car’s suspension. The outside of the disc is made up of tough fibers called the annulus fibrosus and the inside has a soft, jelly like substance called the nucleus pulposus. The jelly-like substance on the inside can protrude or leak out when your disc is injured or torn, which is called a herniated disc. This substance is highly irritating to the surrounding anatomy and is a source of back pain. Discs can bulge without herniating if the outer material is not torn. This is similar to stepping on a balloon and it bulges out to one side or the other without popping.

Bulging or herniated discs are a major cause of back pain. These conditions can also cause nerves to be pinched that can cause pain or loss of sensation in your extremities including legs, arms, toes, etc.

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. These conditions include:

• Herniated, protruding or bulging discs
• Spinal stenosis
• Facet syndrome
• Arm or leg pain/numbness

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

Most certainly! One study used an MRI to document up to 90% reduction of disc herniations in 10 of 14 cases. Other studies have reported that the majority of ruptured disc patients achieved “good” (50-89% improvement) to “excellent” (90-100% improvement) results after completing treatment.

Are there conditions where Spinal Decompression Therapy is not recommended?

This treatment is not recommended for pregnant women, patients who have severe osteoporosis, severe obesity or severe nerve damage. Patients who have had spinal surgery with instrumentation (screws, metal plates or “cages”) are also not good candidates. However, spinal decompression after bone fusion or non-fusion surgery can be performed.

What should I expect with Spinal Decompression Therapy?

Treatment begins with a series of sessions typically three to four times per week. Each session is approximately 15 to 25 minutes. Following each session, electrical muscle stimulation and ultrasound is applied to help relax your muscles and ligaments. It is administered to patients fully clothed either face down or face up on the table.

After treatment, your doctor may prescribe specific exercises designed to help you regain control and strengthen the co-contractor muscles which are responsible for stabilization.

Are the sessions painful?

The treatments are completely painless in almost all cases and some patients fall asleep during the session.

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

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

How do I get started?

Simply call the office at 775-829-8686 for your first appointment ask to set up a free consultation with one of the doctors so we can discuss your condition in detail. We will evaluate you for the best treatment options for your particular condition.