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Spinal decompression: Is it right for you?

| July 11, 2018 1:00 AM

If you are looking for an alternative to spinal surgery or pain medication, then spinal decompression may be a safe option for you. The normal protocol for back or neck pain is usually a combination of medication and physical therapy, followed by surgery if the desired results are not achieved with conservative treatment. These are considered good options, but the results can vary as well as the side-effects.

Spinal decompression is an FDA cleared treatment that is safe, noninvasive and drug free that has been utilized since being first invented in early ’90s. But it is still a fairly new concept to many parts of the country even though it has been utilized for years around the world. Because it is new to many medical doctors or physical therapists, they don’t fully understand the possible benefits of this procedure. Spinal decompression is an effective treatment for many conditions, but not everyone is a candidate for this therapy and it is important to consult with someone regarding your history, symptoms and recent imaging. My experience and studies show that 85-90 percent of patients who have successfully completed the recommended program of spinal decompression show dramatic improvements. Spinal Decompression has been shown to be highly effective when utilized in the treatment of disc bulges or herniation, degenerative disc disease, sciatica, carpal tunnel and spinal stenosis.

Today, spinal decompression tables are controlled by a computer that monitors the amount of weight applied to the body during the treatment. The computer applies different amounts of pressure and causes an oscillating effect on the disc, creating a negative pressure within the disc. This negative pressure inside the disc causes fluids and nutrients to be pulled into the disc, helping to reduce the disc bulge and allowing the disc material to heal.

Individuals diagnosed with degenerative disc disease are often told they have no options and past surgical candidates have limited options. Unfortunately for these candidates, this procedure is not usually recommended as a viable option, but as more research and testimonials emerge, people are beginning to ask questions. If you have questions or want to see if this is a viable option for you, contact Natural Spine Solutions to schedule a consultation at 208-966-4425.

Dr. Bernard Zeliger stated, “As a surgeon, I only want to do surgery when I absolutely have to. Non-surgical spinal decompression therapy gives my patients a more conservative treatment option that can eliminate the need for surgery altogether, and that’s a good thing.”

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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, 208-966-4425.