spine disc
decompression
Disc Decompression Therapy is a non surgical treatment option for spinal injuries and spine pain. Decompression Therapy can relieve the pain associated with disc herniation , degenerative discs, spinal stenosis, posterior facet encroachment, sciatica, headaches and other spinal related syndromes, by reducing the pressure in the spinal discs and facet joints through unloading created by distraction and patient positioning with moderate traction creating a suction and then release effect which pumps fluid back in to the disc creating more internal pressure which lifts the spine and reduces the bulge, just like putting the correct air pressure into your car tyre, the flat tyre sidewall bulge resolves and the car chassis lifts up.
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This occurs WITHOUT any manipulation or twisting of the body, sometime positioning for other therapies is impossible due to patient pain, the decompression table positioning is simple either laying on your back or on your stomach simple and easy to get on and off.
decompression therapy
Decompression therapy begins with a series of sessions, typically 3-4 times per week for chronic cases or intensive 5 times per week for acute to severe cases, based upon the severity of each individual’s symptoms. Dr Billing (D.C), a certified Kennedy Decompression practitioner, will determine the amount of total sessions that will be necessary for your optimal recovery, each case is different, so no cookie-cutter approach.
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Research states the Decompression therapy has a high percentage of preventing low back and neck disc patients from having to pursue surgery. By employing this new therapy, an osmotic interchange of fluid can be used to speed healing of the disc by 71%.
In our Wanaka Clinic, we observe that patients recover in around 100 days versus the 300-500 days needed for healing using the wait for the disc to dehydrate approach.
why is it so effective?
We use Class 4 laser therapy- This is also know as Photo-bio-modulation, the deep stimulation of the pain nerve receptors has an analgesic effect, the 2 specific frequencies of ultraviolet light activate your Mitochondria to produce energy and to switch on your cellular RNA healing processes (read more about Laser therapy)
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We use Nutritional Genomics. Metagenics nutraceuticals are often employed to give a synergistic effect of natural anti-inflammatory and pain relief as well as providing your body with specific amino acids and building blocks for cartilage/spinal disc and nerve regeneration, each patient will get recommendations based on their specific case.
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Functional Movement retraining- we use a combination of tailored exercises to rehabilitate your movement patterns and correct the weakness in your spinal stabilising muscles.
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ACC is a possible option for patients who have existing disc issues which are injury based and have MRI confirmed findings. Chronic degenerative cases are not covered by ACC, however private health insurance also covers some of the costs, check with your insurance provider.
The case fee structure is case by case, the case fee is a single upfront payment, and financing options are available.
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Most research has shown spinal decompression to be successful in 71% to 89% of patients
OK, but does it last?
Does the success of spinal decompression treatments last or does the pain just come right back when a patient is done with treatments?
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“Results have been reported in a small series of patients with chronic low back pain caused by disc herniations, bulges and degeneration who were treated with a spinal decompression device. 4 years after receiving spinal decompression treatments, of the 23 patients who responded, 52% had a pain level of zero and 91% were able to resume their norma; daily activities. Over 80% showed 50% or Better Pain Reduction at the End of the 4 Year study. And greater than 50% Still Had a Pain Level of Zero. Thus pain relief not only improved but lasted.”
~ Decompression Reduces Chronic Back Pain: A four year Study; R. Odell M.D., D Boudreau D.O., Anesthesiology News March 2003
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In conclusion, nonsurgical spinal decompression provides a method for physicians to properly apply and direct the decompressive force necessary to effectively treat discogenic disease. With the biotechnological advances of spinal decompression, symptoms were restored by subjective report in 86% of patients previously thought to be surgical candidates and mechanical function was restored in 92% using objective data. Ninety days after treatment only 2% reported pain and 3% relapsed, by physical examination exhibiting motor limitations and decreased spinal range of motion.
~ Surgical Alternatives: Spinal Decompression; Thomas A. Gionis, MD.
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