Spinal Decompression

Spinal Decompression Therapy

Do you constantly suffer with Disc Herniations, Pinched Nerves and chronic Low back pain and neck pain? Do You suffer with Leg Sciatica, Arm and Hand Numbness and tingling? Do you have radiating pain shooting down your Arms and/or legs?

Let Dr. William Johnson finally relieve the pain by trying Spinal Decompression.

The Challenge of Back Pain

The Mayo Clinic estimates that a staggering 80% of Americans will experience Back Pain at some point in their life.  In fact, the cost of treating spinal dysfunction has grown to 50 billion annually.  As a result, patients, clinicians and third-party payers are now demanding less invasive, less expensive, non-pharmacoligical solutions to back pain.

Mechanical/Physiological Effects of Spinal Traction (decompression) Therapy

  • Unloads pressure in the spine
  • Decrease bulging and protruding discs
  • Separate Vertebrae
  • Decrease Pain
  • Increase blood flow to nerves for healing

Mobilization of the Spine

  • Stretch ligaments and tendons
  • Mobilize the capsule, facet joints and intravertebral discs
  • Increase range of motion
  • Increase flexibility

What is Spinal Decompression Therapy?

Spinal decompression therapy is a non-surgical, comfortable traction therapy for relief of back and leg pain or neck and arm and hand pain, numbness or tingling. During this procedure, by cycling through distraction and relaxation phases and by proper positioning, a spinal disc can be isolated and placed under negative pressure, casing a vacuum effect within it.

How does Spinal Decompression separate each vertebrae and allow for decompression at a specific level? Decompression is achieved by using specific combination of patient positioning and varying the degree and intensity of force. The key to producing this decompression is the gentle pull that is created by a computer generated force. When distractive forces are generated by the computer, the typical spasms in the back muscles caused by normal traction is avoided. Traction triggers the body’s normal response to stretching by creating painful muscle spasms that worsen the pain in the affected area. Avoiding this response with Spinal Decompression allow decompression to occur at the targeted area.

Who Can benefit from Spinal Decompression Therapy?

Any Back 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 radiculopathy.

Is there a risk to the patient during treatment?

No, spinal decompression is totally safe and comfortable for all subjects. The system has emergency stop switches for both the patient and the operator. If Dr. Johnson evaluates that you have you a specific condition that contradicts care such as pregnancy or severe osteoporosis or a severe nerve condition, care would be contraindicated. Patient bring in MRI, X-rays or other reports.

Has Spinal Decompression Treatment proven to be Effective?

Yes, In a recent study outcome by T. Gionnis (submitted to the Journal of Musculoskeletal Medicine), 500 potential patients with low back and pain radiating into the lower extremities were treated with Spinal Decompression. With treatment success defined by a reduction of pain to 0 or 1 on the pain scale, Spinal Decompression treatment was successful for 86% of the 219 patients included in the study.

Are the treatment results permanent?

Spinal Decompression has an impressive 86% success rate in treating herniated and degenerative discs with a 4% re-occurrence rate after one year. Typically additional treatments are not required after the completion of the full treatment protocol. However, as with any treatment, there are always severe cases that involve particular job/lifestyle activities that may require re-evaluations or maintenance treatments.

What is the length of Treatment and Costs?

Each session includes decompression therapy, electrical Stimulation, Ice, Adjustments and therapeutic exercises that takes about 30-60 minutes. Spinal Decompression is usually performed 4 to 5 times per week depending upon condition for the first 2 weeks, 3 times per week for 2 weeks, and then twice a week for 3 weeks. The cost of Spinal Decompression in most offices are $150.00 per visit. In our office, its only $75.00 per visit if insurance doesn’t cover. Spinal decompression therapy patients remain on the system for approximately 20 to 30 minutes each visit.