What is Spinal Decompression Therapy?
DTS Spinal Decompression Therapy is FDA-approved and has a high success rate for pain associated with herniated or bulging discs…even after failed surgery. It is a non-surgical, traction based therapy for the relief of back and leg pain or neck and arm pain. During this procedure, involving distraction and relaxation phases and with proper positioning, a spinal disc can be isolated and placed under negative pressure, causing a vacuum effect within the disc.

What can this vacuum effect do?
The vacuum effect accomplishes two things. From a mechanical standpoint, disc material that has protruded or herniated outside the normal confines of the disc can be pulled back within the disc by the vacuum created within the disc. Also, the vacuum within the disc stimulates growth of blood supply, secondarily stimulating a healing response. This results in pain reduction and proper healing at the injured site.

Are there medical studies that document the effectiveness of Spinal Decompression Therapy? Yes. One study documented by MRI shows up to 90% reduction of disc herniations in 10 of 14 cases and other studies reported that the majority of ruptured disc patients achieved “good” to “excellent” results after spinal decompression therapy.

Another study showed 86% of the patients who completed therapy reported immediate resolution of symptoms. Examination showed improvement in 92% of patients and re-examination after 90 days showed that 89% of all patients retained those improvements.

In fact, all but two patients studied showed at least 30% improvement in the first three weeks!

Are there conditions where Spinal Decompression Therapy is not indicated?
Spinal decompression therapy is not recommended for pregnant women, patients who have severe osteoporosis or severe nerve damage. Spinal surgery with instrumentation (screws, metal plates or cages) is also contraindicated. However, spinal decompression therapy can be performed after bone fusion or non-fusion surgery.

Are the sessions painful, how many will be needed and what is the cost?

What is Triton DTS Spinal Decompression Therapy?

Triton DTS Spinal Decompression Therapy is an FDA cleared and clinically proven non-surgical treatment for pain and symptoms associated with herniated or bulging discs…even after failed surgery.

Spinal Decompression therapy may also provide relief for low back and leg pain or neck and arm pain.

During treatment; a spinal disc and joint is isolated and placed under negative pressure, causing a vacuum or “unloading” effect within it. Additionally, there is a widening of the foramen (the opening for the nerve) to relieve nerve pressure and compression. Ligaments and muscles are gently stretched; improving circulation and enhancing mobility.

What is the benefit of this vacuum effect?

The vacuum effect accomplishes two things. From a mechanical standpoint, disc material that has protruded or herniated outside the normal confines of the disc may be pulled back within the disc by the vacuum created within the disc. Also, this vacuum within the disc stimulates growth of blood supply, secondarily stimulating a healing response. This results in pain reduction and proper healing at the injured site.

Who may Benefit

Who can benefit from Spinal Decompression Therapy?

Anyone who has back pain or neck pain caused in whole or in part by a damaged disc may be helped by spinal decompression therapy. These conditions include: protruding discs, spinal root impingement, bulging discs, hypomobility, herniated discs, degenerative joint disease, degenerative disc disease, facet syndrome, posterior facet syndrome, compression fracture, acute facet problems, joint pain, radicular pain, discogenic pain and prolapsed discs.

Why Triton DTS?

At Gates Chiropractic  Wellness Center, we use the Triton® DTS™ Decompression System manufactured by the Chattanooga Group, the foremost manufacturer of physical medicine equipment. Our office has the state-of-the-art computerized 600 Series table which is one of the most technologically advanced units available. No other office has a more “sophisticated” spinal decompression system. In fact, the new Triton® System is so revolutionary that it won the 2006 Australian Design Award in the “Medical and Scientific” category. It is also the system that the University of Texas purchased for the treatment of its world-class athletes. We also selected the Triton® DTS systems due to its ability to treat both the neck and the low back.