Is Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Right For You?

Dr. Michael J. Paralovos, chiropractor at TOTALHEALTH of Naples Chiropractic and Functional Rehab discusses the different spinal decompression options most commonly available in Naples, FL.

To find out if you are a candidate for non-surgical spinal decompression and you live in the Naples, FL area, please call TOTALHEALTH of Naples to schedule a consultation 239.260.1426 or visit our website www.totalhealthnaples.com

Non-surgical spinal decompression is an optimal alternative approach to helping sufferers of low back and neck pain caused by herniated/bulging discs and the consequences of spinal stenosis (neuroforaminal and central canal).  Currently chiropractors tend to be at the forefront of this technology and advancement in healthcare.  This is likely due to the fact that chiropractors are the leaders in non-pharmalogical/surgical spinal health and wellness.   

So what is non-surgical spinal decompression?  This technology utilizes a computerized traction system to target damaged/herniated spinal discs that are limiting the patient from normal everyday activity.  The system is programmed to affect the disc lesion at a particular level, ie. if your herniation is at the level of the fifth lumbar disc then the decompression table will be set to that area, whereas traditional traction would give a non specific stretch in the entire lumbar region.  Once programmed, the patient will undergo intermittent loading and unloading cycles over the course of 15-30 minutes.  This repetitious protocol allows for nutrients to be pumped into the damaged disc and allow for waste by-products to be expelled.  The protocol is also designed to prevent any muscle spasticity from occurring.  Treatment plans can range anywhere from daily to weekly sessions for 2-4 weeks.

Now that you are familiar with the concept non-surgical spinal decompression, let’s focus on the differences of the types of tables that are commonly used in Naples, FL.  Though there are many manufacturers of this technology these are the big three: Vax-D, DRX 9000 and the Triton DTS. 

Vax-D was the first device on the market.  The Vax-D is diverse as it allows for treatment of the cervical and lumbar discs.  It also has the capability to perform the lumbar decompression prone and supine.  Through the years it continues to show progress and continues to attract people based on its reputation and effectiveness.  Generally this service is not covered by most insurance therefore the cost to the patient can range from $2500-$5000 on average.

The DRX-9000 is yet another big player in the spinal decompression arena.  Based on a similar concept to the Vax-D, the DRX-9000 comes with more features that can WOW the patient.  It comes with a built in DVD player to help pass the time by and it is equipped with bright flashing buttons to make it appear hi-tech.  The best feature of this device is it’s capability to lower the patient from a standing to recumbent position, this is ideal for the extreme acute cases.  Unfortunately the DRX-9000 is not diverse with its patient positioning and has limited program settings.  Due to the high cost of the device and limited insurance coverage the patient can expect to pay anywhere from $3000 and up.

The third decompression device is the Triton DTS.  This machine is manufactured by Chattanooga, one of the leading physical rehab companies in the industry.  Like the Vax-D the Triton DTS allows for cervical and lumbar decompression and also has the capability to perform the lumbar decompression prone or supine.  This is the most diverse table of the three as it can swivel to target a specific side, this is a key feature as most disc herniations are not symmetrical and are usually one sided.  It can raise or lower to assist with patient mounting and dismounting.  The Triton DTS is also diverse as it has multiple programming which can be beneficial to the patient depending on their degree of pain, limitation and prognosis.  Besides the effectiveness of the device on spinal disc problems, the Triton DTS tends to have shorter treatment time as it has advanced non-surgical spinal decompression with improved technology.  Triton DTS treatment has some insurance coverage but typically is more cost effective to the patient than most non-surgical spinal decompression units on the market.

You now have some information on the different types of non-surgical spinal decompression devices that are available in Naples FL.  Dr. Michael J. Paralovos, chiropractor at TOTALHEALTH of Naples has chosen to use the Triton DTS to help his patients with back and neck pain because he believes it is superior to the competition and more cost effective.  To find out if you are a candidate for non-surgical spinal decompression and you live in the Naples, FL area, please call TOTALHEALTH of Naples to schedule a consultation 239.260.1426 or visit our website www.totalhealthnaples.com

Also, check out TOTALHEALTH of Naples YouTube channel for a video demonstrating spinal decompression http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1P2Qed-f5c&feature=g-all-u as well as other videos on health and chiropractic.