FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS, RESOLVED!
Here is a list of frequently asked questions to help you learn more about non-surgical spinal decompression and Chiropractic care. If you have any questions unanswered or want to know more, please contact Dr. Janis Guthy - Chiropractor.
What Is Non-surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy?
Non-surgical spinal decompression is a therapeutic back and neck pain treatment process. Usually, the pain associated with spinal disc problems can be treated using non-surgical spinal decompression. In other words, non-surgical spinal decompression therapy is a modern technology “traction” that uses a deeper analysis of human physiology. Generally, back pain is caused by spine misalignment. The non-surgical spinal decompression technology allows your practitioner to isolate and treat specific spinal discs. The treatment alternates between relaxation and gentle stretching to realign the spine.
What Conditions Do You Treat?
Non-surgical spinal decompression is used to treat many conditions of the spine, including:
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Acute and chronic back and neck pain
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Sciatica (leg pain/numbness and tingling)
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Herniated, protruded, or degenerative discs, including spinal stenosis
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Hypomobility (aching, stiffness)
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Pinched nerves (radiculopathy)
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Osteoarthritis (worn-out joints)
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Athletic injuries
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Whiplash
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ICBC/WSIB/Veterans Affairs
How Does Non-surgical Spinal Decompression Work?
Though the physiology may be complex, non-surgical spinal decompression has many benefits. It distracts the spinal joints, which stretches the spinal muscles and ligaments and gives them more mobility, allowing them to relax. Suppose you have a disc problem such as a bulge or herniation touching a nerve. In that case, non-surgical spinal decompression creates a vacuum in the central portion of the disc, which tends to suck the involved area back towards the center, thus reducing the size of the herniation/bulge. This means non-surgical spinal decompression reduces pain by correcting the problem causing it.
Are Non-surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy and Traction Different?
Traction is a one-dimensional, unilateral pull of the spine, not specific to any one segment. The downward intradiscal pressure occurs when an individual stands with 100 mmHg of pressure. In the case of generalized traction or inversion therapy, the intradiscal pressure reduces to 40 mmHg of the positive downward pressure. Muscle spasms can be relieved at this point. However, not enough to create a transfer of fluid from the outside back into the nucleus palposus or the center of the disc. Inversion therapy is another type of generalized traction, pulling the ankles, knees, hips, low back, mid-back and neck without creating enough of a decrease in the intradiscal space to allow the transfer of the fluid from outside of the disc back into its center.
When performing non-surgical spinal decompression therapy, the intradiscal pressure reduces to a negative 160 mmHg. This creates the transfer of fluid from outside to the center of the disc, vacuuming back in the protrusions or herniations as well.
Why Does the Disc Degenerate and Lose Its Fluid?
The fluid leaves the disc usually for one of three different reasons, including time, injury, or a combination of the two. By the age of 55, 85% of people suffer from degenerative or dry disc disease. Just everyday walking, bending or lifting eventually wears out the disc, and the fluid is lost. Hence the diagnosis of dry disc disease is the same as degenerative disc disease.
Is This Treatment Considered Chiropractic?
No. It is not considered Chiropractic. Chiropractic employs adjustment and manipulation of body structures, such as the spinal column, to relieve the spinal pressure on nerves caused due to the displacement of a vertebral body. Non-surgical spinal decompression therapy does not involve the manipulation of the spine or the treatment of displaced vertebrae. It is a medical procedure developed by a Neurologist, Dr. Dryer.
Is There Any Age Limit to Undergo This Program?
Some patients in their early 20s to late 80s have done well. However, certain conditions make a patient not a candidate for non-surgical spinal decompression, which we screen for on your first initial exam. The safety of the patient and an attempt for good results are our primary goals.
Is This Therapy Gentle?
The therapy is gentle and effective. Unlike the conventional mechanical weighted units, our system is computerized and will go up in small increments until the optimum setting is achieved. The same is employed during release. You will hardly notice anything, thanks to the highly efficient computer control.
Will Non-surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy Work for Me?
Every person is different from the other. With years in the industry, Dr. Janis Guthy - Chiropractor knows it takes approximately 20 to 25 visits to provide enough hydration to witness a significant change. This can also go up to 35 visits, depending on the specific person or case. However, each person perceives pain differently. There can be patients who get out of pain within the first 6 visits and patients who achieve the same in 20 visits. No rule states the exact stage cure or improvement will occur. However, with a very high success rate, most people will reach that level at some point, most earlier than later.
Is Non-surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy Covered by the MSP (Medical Services Plan)?
No, this is a private clinic, but in case you have extended health insurance from other insurance firms, it is possible to get reimbursement. We will give you the receipts that you can send to your insurance. We provide a lesser fee than other clinics. Also, you don’t have to travel to other cities to receive the treatments.
Many patients opt for non-surgical spinal decompression therapy as a last resort, maybe after trying Chiropractic, acupuncture, physiotherapy, massage therapy, etc. but have not felt relief, and now they are facing the possibility of surgery. These therapies can be excellent and help many patients, but many times they don’t. No single treatment works 100% always, but non-surgical spinal decompression therapy is non-invasive and may be the solution for you where others have failed.
What Is the Non-surgical Spinal Decompression Protocol?
We aim for non-surgical spinal decompression therapy to be as affordable and available to as many people as possible in the Campbell River area. Your unique treatment plan will be determined after your first consultation and examination. Based on current research and clinical observation, optimum results are usually achieved with 20 sessions for about 6 -8 weeks. After completing the treatment protocol, you will be re-assessed for further maintenance visits.
What Is Cold Laser Therapy?
Cold Laser Therapy stimulates damaged cells to enable regeneration. You do not need downtime, medication or surgery as Cold Laser Therapy is a non-invasive treatment.
Why Choose Cold Laser Therapy?
This therapy is an efficient way of relieving pain. There is little or no recovery time required. The natural healing process is accelerated.
How Can Custom Foot Orthotics Help?
Orthotic therapy reduces stress and strain on your feet by properly aligning them. Custom orthotics fit into your shoe just like an insole, making it a breeze to wear daily. These treat various foot, knee, hip, ankle, and back pain issues. As an experienced chiropractor, Dr. Janis Guthy will determine if orthotics are appropriate for you.
Do You Offer Any Other Solutions?
Dr. Janis Guthy - Chiropractor offers wellness solutions and Registered Clinical Counselling. You will be professionally guided through pain management and pain relief.
I’m Interested; What Are the Next Steps?
First, book an appointment. You must first receive a thorough assessment to determine if non-surgical spinal decompression therapy suits your condition. If you have x-ray or MRI reports from before, please bring them with you. Copies can be requested from your family physician’s office or the institute where they were done.