Comparing Options

Comparing Treatment Options

How Does Non-Surgical Spinal Disc Decompression Compare to Other Treatment Methods?

There are several treatment options a patient may consider, and these may include:

Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression
Oral and/or Injected Medication
Physical Therapy
Chiropractic Treatment
Surgery

Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression

Non-Surgical Spinal Disc Decompression provides relief to severe back and neck pain sufferers by gently reducing the pressure within spinal discs. These bones of the spine are slowly and methodically separated using specialized Spinal Decompression equipment (Kennedy Neural-Flex Decompression table). As the vertebrae are separated, pressure is slowly reduced within the disc (intradiscal pressure) until a vacuum is formed. This vacuum “sucks” the gelatinous center of the disc back into the disc thereby reducing the disc bulge or disc herniation. Significant disc bulge reduction removes pressure off the spinal nerves and drastically reduces pain and disability. This “sucking” vacuum also pulls much-needed oxygen, nutrients and fluid into injured and degenerated discs allowing the healing to begin.

The treatment motion is computer controlled to provide gentle and painless decompression of the injured spinal discs. The latest Spinal Decompression treatment protocols have been demonstrated by scientific research to be up to very effective. Comparisons of pre-treatment MRIs to imaging taken after the completion of treatment have shown significant, often dramatic, reductions in disc bulges and disc herniations.

Oral and Injected Medications

The majority of treatment options available to sufferers of disc bulges and disc herniations are directed at masking pain, reducing inflammation or relaxing muscles in spasm with the use of medication. The effectiveness of these treatments lasts for as long as you take the medication even though the actual problem still exists behind the numbing effects of the drugs. Spinal injections can also be used to reduce pain and inflammation near the spine. Several varieties of spinal injections exist including cortisone injections for inflammation, epidural pain injections and “nerve blocks”. However, injections are only a temporary solution and carry with them other inherent risks (eg. infection, thinning of the cartilage around the join joint, weakening of surrounding ligaments etc.)

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy methods vary by practitioner. Some methods provide modest benefit for disc herniation problems while others provide little to no benefit. The least effective methods focus entirely on pain control and, therefore, have the same limitations as noted above with medication – namely that they are temporary and do not address the source of the pain. These methods include the application of ice, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, cold laser treatments, massage, vibratory massage, iontophoresis (combining electrical stimulation with medication) and phonophoresis (combining ultrasound with medication). Muscular strengthening protocols, the mainstay of many physical therapy clinics, are often recommended to improve “core” spinal strength. These methods have been demonstrated to be beneficial at preventing future injury. However, research indicates that exercising unstable spinal regions can actually cause greater harm to the delicate disc and nerve tissue. Therefore, muscle stretching and strengthening techniques should be considered for only mild to moderate spinal disc problems. Self-directed exercise routines and exercise programs created by personal fitness trainers would also apply to the previous statement.

Chiropractic Treatment

Research on chiropractic treatment of low back pain is quite favorable. However, severe disc bulges and herniations are less likely to respond to chiropractic adjustment intervention. Chiropractic care is recommended more often for mild to moderate cases of disc-related spinal pain. In fact, large disc herniations are considered a contraindication to certain chiropractic treatment methods. A Doctor of Chiropractic is the most qualified professional to determine whether care would or would not be beneficial in your particular case. If chiropractic intervention is not appropriate for you or does not achieve adequate recovery then Non-Surgical Disc Decompression would likely be recommended.

Surgical Treatment Options for Disc Herniations and Disc Bulges

Surgery should always be considered the last option. Surgery is by far the most dangerous of all available treatment options AND is associated with the lowest success rates AND has the longest recovery time AND is the most expensive AND is the most painful. In very rare circumstances, surgery cannot be avoided. Patients that may have no other option than to forego conservative treatment and receive surgery include those with progressive neurological deficits (motor weakness, loss of reflexes, etc.) or cauda equina syndrome (bilateral sciatica, saddle dysesthesia, motor weakness in the lower extremities and/or loss of bowel and bladder control). Nearly all other cases should consider less dangerous, non- invasive interventions first.

Surgery is not without its risks. According to a study published in the respected medical journal, Spine (1991; 16[1]), 1 out of every 575 lumbar discectomy surgeries (one of the most commonly performed low back spinal surgeries) will involve severe vascular complications. Of these complications 37-61% will result in the death of the patient. In other words, approximately 1 out of every 1000 lumbar discectomy patients will die as a direct result of the surgery.

The risk associated with surgery is not always the procedure itself, but the general anesthesia necessary to perform the operation. A small percentage of patients die every year or are permanently disabled as a direct result of both properly and improperly applied anesthesia. Some surgeons are incorporating epidural anesthesia into their less-invasive surgical protocols in an attempt to reduce some of these risks.

The failure rate of surgery for back pain and neck pain is very high. Some 200,000 patients undergo lumbar spine surgery every year. On average, approximately 53 percent of all lumbar spine disc surgeries fail to relieve symptoms according to a study published in International Orthopedics (1987; 11:255-259). The results from another study published in Spine (2004; 29[17]:1931-7) showed that 20-40 percent of patients will fail to gain the desired outcome and 10 percent of patients will be worse after the initial surgery. The same study followed the progress of 3,362 patients that received spinal surgery. The results of a SF-36 Health Survey showed that patients with a history of spine surgery faired significantly worse on areas such as physical functioning, general health and mental health compared to those patients with no prior history of spine surgery. The researchers went on to say that “previous back surgery is associated with significantly worse general health status than those without surgery…”

Treatment	Non Invasive	Safe	Success Rate	Painless
Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy	YES	YES	EXCELLENT	YES
Laminectomy (Surgical Excision of Herniated Disc)	NO	Standard Surgical and Anesthesia Risks	Depends on Severity of Condition and Skill of Surgeon	NO
Discectomy (Surgical Removal of Diseased Disc)	NO	Standard Surgical and Anesthesia Risks	Standard Surgical and Anesthesia Risks	NO
IDET (Intradiscal Electrothermal Treatment)	NO	Standard Surgical and Anesthesia Risks	Standard Surgical and Anesthesia Risks	NO
Percutaneous Laser Disc Decompression	NO	Minimal Surgical Risks	Usually Good	Mild
Do Nothing	YES	Condition Usually Continues To Get Worse	NONE: Can Have Very Poor Prognosis	Very Painful, Not Advised

Testimonials

“I searched everywhere for an answer to my back pain and the nagging sciatica in my right leg. Painkillers helped for a while but I knew that wasn’t the long-term solution. After an MRI scan confirmed my L5 disc was bulging in my low back ..."

Gillian K. Read more >>>

“I suffered a whiplash injury in 2008 and one of the discs in my lower neck was injured. I tried many different types of treatment and was desperate to avoid surgery. A friend told me about this new Spinal Decompression Therapy..."

John C. Read more >>>

“I went to Dr. Doug when I found out that I had spondylosis and two worn out discs at the base of my spine. My back was so stiff and sore, especially in the mornings and I knew I had to do something about it before it got any worse ..."

Kieran M. Read more >>>

“I injured my back during a heavy lifting incident. I was eating painkillers everyday just so I could keep working. When my aunt told me about the Cork Spine & Disc Cener and the Spinal Decompression system, I was skeptical ..."

Paul G. Read more >>>

What is Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression?
Will Spinal Decompression Therapy treatments hurt? Is it safe?
Is Spinal Decompression Therapy new?
Will I require an x-ray, MRI or CT scan?
Why is Spinal Decompression Therapy more successful than other treatment options?
Why the need for exercises and other therapies?
How much will it cost?
Can Spinal Decompression Therapy help my pain?
Will my pain go away for good?
How long will my treatment program be?

What is Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression?

Non-surgical spinal disc decompression is a non-invasive treatment for acute and chronic spinal pain associated with herniated, ruptured, bulging or degenerative discs and sciatic leg pain or spinal stenosis associated with these conditions. It is also used for the treatment of conditions such as facet syndrome, spondylosis and even failed spinal surgery. It is safe and effective without the normal risks associated with invasive procedures such as injections, anesthesia or surgery. Spinal decompression works through a series of alternating decompression and relaxation cycles with a total treatment time of 12-25 minutes.

The theory behind non-surgical spinal decompression is that significant distractive forces, when applied to the lumbar spine in variable directions can create a negative pressure in the center of the intervertebral disc, thereby creating a suctioning effect or “vacuum phenomenon” in order to retract or reduce the size of the herniated or bulging disc's gelatinous internal nucleus pulposus, thus diminishing or eliminating nerve compression, while at the same time creating an osmotic gradient which helps bring nutrients and water into the disc. Since intervertebral discs have poor circulation, they depend upon receiving their nutrition through diffusion across the endplates of the vertebrae above and below.

The appeal of non-surgical spinal decompression is that it is a non-invasive, non-surgical, drug-free alternative treatment for low back pain, sciatica, disc degeneration, disc bulges, disc herniations, and facet syndrome. There is copious anecdotal evidence of its effectiveness and more case studies are being published demonstrating very positive results in patients who have tried other conservative treatments that have failed.

Will Spinal Decompression Therapy treatments hurt? Is it safe?

Spinal Decompression Therapy treatments are one of the most gentle and comfortable therapies available. The treatments utilize equipment with proven safety and efficacy. Most patients report a mild sense of stretch on their back or hips, and often fall asleep during treatment sessions.

Is Spinal Decompression Therapy new?

Although traction therapy has been around for thousands of years, spinal decompression is relatively new. Advances in equipment and procedures have dramatically improved effectiveness. Cork Spine & Disc Rehabilitation Centre is the only clinic in Co. Cork that uses the Kennedy Neural-Flex Decompression table. We believe this to be the most sophisticated, technologically advanced, state-of-the-art decompression system in the world. Dr. Doug Meckelborg is currently the only “Kennedy Certified Practitioner” in Co. Cork.

Will I require an x-ray, MRI or CT scan?

After your initial consultation at our clinic and a comprehensive physical examination, it will be determined whether diagnostic imaging is required. Often, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scans, or in some cases, CT (Computerized Tomography) scans help to confirm the diagnosis and elucidate the nature and extent of the underlying problem. If required, we would refer you to one of the clinics in Cork that provide such services.

Why is Spinal Decompression Therapy more successful than other treatment options?

Spinal Decompression Therapy is a comprehensive program of the newest traction techniques and targeted “core” stabilization exercises. Doctor skill, combined with the decompression table and computerized traction head, are the keys. Proper assessment, correct positioning and the use of pre-programmed patterns of distraction and relaxation reduces intervertebral disc pressure, thus allowing necessary nutrients to “enliven” and accelerate disc healing. In addition, we use other adjunctive treatments that have proven effectiveness in spinal care. It is this multi-faceted approach that makes the overall treatment so effective. Additionally, the disc has been shown to be a predominate site of pain in many spinal conditions, so treating it as directly as possible makes sense. The blending of focused decompression to the site, rehabilitation to the supporting structures, and overall strengthening of global musculature makes the treatment unique.

Why the need for exercises and other therapies?

Along with the damage in the disc we also need to treat the supporting spinal muscles. A complete program targeting the function of the stabilization muscles is a vital part of Spinal Decompression Therapy. Our hope is not only to help heal the disc but enhance muscle control and support of the low back or neck. A gradual breakdown of the foundational support of your back or neck is what puts undue stresses on the discs and leads to pain and loss of function. Exercise and adjunctive therapies will assist in rehabilitating these structures.

How much will it cost?

We offer affordable and individually tailored programs of spinal care depending on the nature of your condition and the extent of care needed. Most major insurance companies in Ireland (VHI, Quinn Direct, Hibernian Aviva) will cover a portion of your care. You always have the choice as to the extent of care you receive. Our staff will review all costs, payment options and insurance coverage up front. We want to help, and believe finances shouldn’t stand in the way of you and good health.

Can Spinal Decompression Therapy help my pain?

Though each patient is different and no doctor can guarantee 100% success, our office is seeing great results from spinal decompression therapy. Damaged discs, joint dysfunction and poor spinal muscle control are among the most common problems underlying mechanical back pain. Our treatment program addresses both of these core problems. The Spinal Decompression Therapy creates a controlled decompression of the vertebral discs to decrease disc pressure thus increasing blood and nutrient exchange. This exchange of fluids is something the damaged disc desperately needs to help it heal from the inside out. Muscle strength, control and endurance can all be improved with other facets of Spinal Decompression Therapy that include specific controlled exercises.

Will my pain go away for good?

Although it is difficult to predict the future, our experience is that most patients do find long-term relief or effective management of their pain when they complete the entire program of treatments. Regular home exercise and periodic visits to our clinic will help in maintaining your spinal health and reduce the probability of reoccurrence. As with any comprehensive rehabilitation program your continued home care exercises and discretion in some daily activities is key to long-term relief.

How long will my treatment program be?

It depends on the nature of your injury as well as the complexity and extent of the rehabilitation needed; however, we typically begin with 3-4 treatments per week for 1 month followed by re-examination to assess progress. The treatment is administered over a reasonable time frame and your response is continually evaluated. Further treatments may be necessary or a reduced frequency may be recommended at that time. The rehabilitative phase may include additional Spinal Decompression treatments, with other adjunctive spinal therapies to enhance the results.