spinal decompression

[davemchine]

I have two discs that protrude into my spinal canal and cause great pain and muscle spasms. I already do yoga which is helpful but it is not a full solution. Conventional medicine would have me fuse my spine or shave the discs but of course I would prefer a non-surgical option if possible.

I have been reading about spinal decompression but I have not been able to determine if it is a legitimate option or not. Apparently some chiropractic offices have machines that do this but the cost is supposed to be high.

Does anyone have experience with spinal decompression? I would love to hear about your experience.

 

[pendlewitch]

TatooedMac might be able to help but he's not in a good place at the moment http://www.mac-forums.com/forums/schwebs-lounge/171366-spine-blocker.html

 

[rpg51]

There have been extensive studies done in the last 5-10 years on the efficacy of surgical v non surgical treatment of this sort of disorder and my layman's understanding is that roughly speaking the data suggest that on average 7 or 8 years out or so there is little or no difference in outcome whether patients have been treated surgically v conservative treatment modalities. If you search around you should be able to find information. The studies - or some of them - were done at Dartmouth - not sure who's name is attached to the work. Need to find a doctor you like and have faith in and discuss options and get a second opinion. I suspect you will find they are still doing surgery to treat this sort of thing but that the criteria are probably more strict than in the past and they are probably doing less of these surgeries - by a lot - than in the past. I'm a total layman so take it for what its worth which is very little.

 

[RavingMac]

I have a friend who was considering surgery but went through spinal decompression instead and it relieved his symptoms and he has been relatively pain free for years now.

It seems to have worked for him, but no idea how effective it is in general. Regardless, hope you get better. Been there, thankfully mine got better with rest and therapy.

EDIT: I have to add this FWIW, I have never known anyone who was ultimately glad they decided to have back surgery (and I know many who have had surgery).

 

[rpg51]

My understanding is that over time the protrusion reduces and sometimes goes away. Maybe the material is absorbed somehow, not sure. But I agree, I have never known anyone who was happy about having that surgery and I know two people, one my son, who a few years out have literally no back symptoms any longer. But I don't think you can generalize about this sort of thing. Every case is different.

 

[SeanL]

Our clinic has been specializing in spinal decompression since 2005. It is the only protocol that can restore the health of your disc as opposed to just attacking the symptoms by cutting of the protruding nucleus.
There is more info at the ASDA site at American Spinal Decompression Therapy Association. | Home if you have not already looked at it.
Good luck!

 

[rpg51]

Could you point us to peer reviewed studies supporting the statement that spinal decompression restores the health of the disc in any manner differently than doing nothing?

 

[SeanL]

Studies

Could you point us to peer reviewed studies supporting the statement that spinal decompression restores the health of the disc in any manner differently than doing nothing?

The studies are out there if you know how to search. I was just at a seminar in Chicago where Cory Ferguson who hosts the ASDA site shared the latest studies supporting the efficacy of spinal decompression. I would start on his site. If you are trying to truly understand what is happening I hope you have at least some premed schooling otherwise the biochemistry discussed gets pretty dense in the studies.

I can tell you that most patients experience significant relief but certainly not all. We just don't have the diagnostic capability yet to evaluate the true health or lack thereof of the spine. A spinal injury is unlike someone breaking their arm. Most patients don't understand how an injury early in life started the cascading degenerative process that eventually results in a herniated disc. 92% of disc problems were started before the patients 18th birthday. The accident may have seemed inconsequential because the severe pain went away but they readily admit that things were never the same afterwards. The real problem is lack of education since they don't show up at our office typically until 30-40 years after the accident. The rare cases where we see patients under 40 or even 50 years old (our youngest was a 14 year old girl who herniated a disc when running hurdles and missed one) are the ones that do extremely well and go on to complete recovery. In the next 20-30 years patients will get as educated about this protocol as they are about needing to see the dentist when they have a cavity. Until then we just educate patients one by one as they come in.

I think we do have some studies posted on our site at www.spinaldecompressiontacoma.com. If you want to email me at info at backandjointpaininstitute.com I can send you some more info.

 

[rpg51]

The short version of your response is "No".
.

 

[Emily Grace]

I was suffering from same condition for a long span of time and tried almost everything. I recently finished decompression therapy with Physician Partners of America. The Disc putting pressure on surrounding nerves in my lower back. The procedure was affordable and worth the future benefits. I Started feeling the benefits on the first day of my therapy. While on the decompression machine, all of the pressure was relieved from my lower spine. It is actually a very relaxing and comfortable experience. Furthermore, about 3 weeks into the program I started noticing significant relief from the uncomfortable pain.

 

[harryb2448]

An old, ol thread last active six years ago.