Decompression therapy vs. traction for lower back and neck pain
The key difference between old school traction and Spinal Decompression Therapy is the computer. With normal traction, there is just a static pull. Let’s say it is set at 50 pounds and it pulls at 50 pounds. With spinal decompression, the computer changes the amount of “pull."
For example, we set it for 50 pounds it will pull at 50 pounds for a minute then reduce down to 25 pounds for 30 seconds. This varying in poundage creates an oscillating effect in the desired disc. This in return causes a negative pressure that is created within the disc.
Another advantage to decompression being computerized, it can respond to the body’s natural defense mechanism of muscle guarding. The computer senses muscle guarding and adjusts accordingly. The preprogrammed patterns for ramping up and down the amount of axial distraction allows for higher levels of spinal decompression and disc rehydration.
Regular traction systems simply pull on the spine at a pre-set rate and force. Spinal Decompression systems gradually build up the force of the pull, and the more sophisticated Spinal Decompression systems can also adapt to the body’s reactions to the treatment. This adaptability of the machine allows the body to stay relaxed for the majority of the treatment and by keeping the body relaxed, the treatment effects are much greater on the spinal discs than what can be achieved with regular traction.
The latest generation of Traction tables are more cleverly disguised — just remember that no matter how large and “hi-tech” the unit may look, traction machines pull on the spine in only one direction.
No simple traction device has ever shown before-and-after MRI’s where there was increased disc height or a visible reduction of a DISC HERNIATION. (If you go to our website you can actually see one of our patient’s before and after MRI’s). The problem with traction is that it just pulls and pulls and pulls, and after a few minutes your body says “Hey, I’m being stretched!” It reacts by tightening or even creating spasms in the surrounding muscle.
Spinal Decompression tables not only pull the spine, they can actually “sense” how much force the body is pulling back with. The table’s computer puts this information together and can actually decrease the amount of pull when needed — or in some cases, shut down the machine completely if that is required. Just like traction tables, no matter how large and “hi-tech” the unit may look, some decompression machines pull on the spine in only one direction.
At Natural Spine Solutions our decompression table is different. The core difference between our system and other decompression systems is we have the possibility to change their position in the 3D space. This gives the advantages of being able to set the spinal column to the exact position according to the personalized therapy parameters of each patient through the choice of flexion angle, axial rotation angle and lateral flexion angle. We have a high success rate using spinal decompression along with other treatments to reduce the size of your herniation and regain your life back.
Please visit www.naturalspinesolutions.com for more information.
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Dr. Wayne M. Fichter Jr. is a chiropractor at Natural Spine Solutions. The business is located at 3913 Schreiber Way in Coeur d’Alene.