For many people, having back pain and sciatica puts a halt to any enjoyment in their life. They might not be able to pick up their kids, work, or even sit in the car for a short trip. But, sciatica and back pain are NOT “just a part of life” and something they have to live with.

Why do so many people have back pain?

There are many lifestyle issues that contribute to a person’s predisposition to experiencing back pain. Most people go through life with poor postural habits that over time create unnecessary stress on the discs, joints, and muscles of the back. Incorrect lifting or carrying heavy loads puts you at a higher risk for a low back injury. To understand how physical stress contributes to back pain, it is important to understand that the intervetebral disc can be the main culprit to chronic back and leg pain. 

A normal disc provides flexibility and shock absorption for the spine.  When the disc undergoes too much stress, the disc can bulge, tear, and eventually herniate.

The discs in the lumbar spine are subjected to the most stress. When the roots of the sciatic nerve, L4 and L5, are irritated, the pain can radiate down the buttocks, and into the leg. This is called sciatica.

Proven Non-Surgical Treatment for Back Pain

Spinal Decompression Therapy is a non-surgical therapy proven to treat back pain and sciatica caused by bulging, herniated, and degenerative discs, facet syndrome, and spinal stenosis. 

Spinal Decompression, not to be confused with traction, gently lengthens and decompresses the spine, creating a negative pressure within the disc.  This negative pressure creates a vacuum that not only takes pressure off pinched nerves, but helps to pull the disc material back into place. In other words, the disc is given a chance to heal and therefore function normally.

Spinal decompression treatments are so gentle, patients sometimes fall asleep.

You are a candidate for Spinal Decompression if:

You have chronic or severe back pain caused by bulging or herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, sciatica, and/or facet syndrome and have tried other conservative therapies with minimal or no resolve.  Also, you are a candidate if you have failed back surgery syndrome or you have been told to consider surgery.

You are not a candidate for Spinal Decompression
 
If you are pregnant, suffer from SEVERE osteoporosis, or you have sustained a recent vertebral fracture.  Also, if you have surgical hardware (titanium rods or fusion cages) in the lumbar spine, it would not be right for you.

What can I expect during the course of treatment?

Most patients find this therapy quite comfortable and relaxing. During an average 30-minute session, most patients experience a gentle stretch in the lumbar spine and tend to fall asleep. Adjunctive therapies and exercises are typically performed to support the benefits of spinal decompression therapy and improve patient outcomes.

Does it Work?

MRI studies taken before and after treatment show that herniated discs may be repositioned and re-hydrated using this technology.

Studies have shown positive results for many patients.

 “86% of the 219 patients who completed the therapy reported immediate resolution of symptoms” – Orthopedic Technology Review

"good to excellent" relief in 86% of patients with Herniated discs” –  The American Journal of Pain Management

“decompression therapy reported 76.5% with complete remission and 19.6% with partial remission of pain and disability” – Rio Grande Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery

How do I get started?

Dr. Moore offers a complimentary consultation in his office and can be reached at (781)826-5555.