Nonsurgical Spinal Decompression

About Spinal Decompression Therapy and the Dynatronics Dyna Pro Spinal Decompression Traction System

If you suffer from neck and back pain in Hopkinton, Westborough, or Holliston, MA, spinal decompression therapy can provide the relief you need. Dr. Binh Nguyen and the team at Cedar Chiropractic and Sports are committed to helping you heal as naturally as possible.

Cedar Chiropractic & Sports is pleased to offer the Dynatronics Dyna Pro Spinal Decompression Traction System, which is used for spinal decompression therapy, an advanced form of spinal decompression traction. Spinal decompression therapy can be a successful, non-surgical alternative treatment for relieving low back, neck pain, and radiating arm and leg pain. Spinal decompression therapy is an effective treatment for:

Herniated or Bulging Discs
Sciatica
Degenerative Disc Disease

Post-surgical Patients
Facet Syndrome
Spinal Stenosis

What Is Spinal Decompression Therapy?

Spinal decompression therapy is a modern, non-surgical traction procedure that effectively treats low back, neck, and radiating leg and arm pain. This type of traction is very successful in relieving pain associated with spinal disc herniation, degenerative spinal discs, and facet joint syndromes. Spinal decompression therapy decompresses spinal discs and facet joints by utilizing traction, distraction, and body positioning.

Research to develop this procedure was conducted by prominent physicians, engineers and technicians at major teaching hospitals. Our Dynatronics Dyna Pro Decompression System is FDA approved and has been clinically proven to provide pain relief and decrease symptoms associated with herniated and/or bulging discs.

Studies have shown that the spinal disc injury is responsible for a significant number of lumbar/leg pain and neck/arm pain syndromes. Excessive compression forces from daily activities increases internal spinal disc pressure which can lead to spinal disc protrusion, herniation, and bulging of disc material.

Using the Dynatronics Dyna Pro in conjunction with other chiropractic and adjuncts therapy treatments provided in our clinic can effectively relieve the pain and disability resulting from disc injury and degeneration. The treatment aids in the healing of damaged discs and reverses dystrophic changes in nerves. The Dyna Pro treats the functional and mechanical aspects of spinal disc pain through non-surgical traction (decompression) of spinal discs.

Our new, computer-controlled Dyna Pro is designed to apply distraction and decompression to the patient's spine without producing reflex paravertebral muscle contractions.

By significantly reducing internal disc pressure, the Dyna Pro promotes retraction of the herniation spinal disc material back to a normal physiologic position and promotes the intake of fluids, oxygen, and other substances necessary for healing the spinal disc and surrounding tissues. This decompression stimulates the repair of tissues and inhibits leakage of the internal material of the spinal disc (also known as the nucleus pulposus).

Recent research has shown that 86% of the 219 patients who completed decompression therapy reported immediate resolution of symptoms, while 84% remained pain-free 90 days post-treatment. Physical examination findings showed improvement in 92% of the 219 patients, and remained intact in 89% of these patients 90 days after treatment (Gionis, Thomas MD; Groteke, Eric DC. Surgical Alternatives: Spinal Decompression. Orthopedic Technology Review. 2003; 6 (5).

How Is Spinal Decompression Therapy Using the Dynatronics (Dyna Pro) Spinal Health Decompression System Different From the Older Form of Traction?

The older form of traction is a simple steady force that is put on the patient's body with the intent of unloading the body's joints, muscles, and other structures. For example, hanging upside-down on an "inversion table" is a common method to put the spine into traction. Inverse tables use one's body weight to put traction force on the spine, thus, the body weight is working to unload the spine while the person is upside down. Inversion tables may be contraindicated for patients with vascular disease, heart problems, high blood pressure, and other health conditions.

Spinal traction has been around for over 1000 years and it has been seen in a variety of forms. Old forms of spinal traction can be uncomfortable and do not always produce pain relief. Clinical studies have shown ordinary traction with a steady pull can be an ineffective treatment for back and neck pain relief. The lack of success with older forms of traction may be due to our bodies' reaction to the steady pull of the traction machine. Under a steady traction pull our spinal muscles may involuntarily contract which makes unloading the injured spinal disc unsuccessful. So, rather than achieving the desired effect of unloading the spinal disc, the contracting spinal muscles may actually increase the intradiscal pressure. This old form of traction does not allow the spinal discs to heal or the spinal nerves to become decompressed.

Spinal decompression therapy using the Dynatronics Dyna Pro is a modern, computerized, updated form of traction. The Dyna Pro Decompression Traction System uses computer technology to control variations in the unloading (traction pull) of the spine, effectively avoiding the body's muscle contraction response. Your chiropractor can control how many progressive tension steps you experience before reaching the maximum tension. Also, the chiropractor has complete control over how long the tensions are held steady and how often they are repeated through the computerized system.

What Are The Treatments Like?

After lying on the comfortable Dynatronics Decompression Traction System table, you will be fitted in a support system. The support system helps to stabilize your body. The advanced computer-controlled system automatically adjusts to the proper angle of pull (distraction), allowing us to target the specific spinal discs that are causing your pain and symptoms. The distractive forces utilize a computer controlled logarithmic curve to avoid reflex responses which would create muscle spasm. The split table design decreases friction and allows decompression of the spinal disc.

While lying down on the table, the Dynatronics Dyna Pro computer simulates an anti-gravity effect on your spine that helps herniated spinal disc material to move toward its normal position, thus, reducing spinal disc pressure and pain. Patients typically describe the treatment as a gentle, painless, intermittent pulling sensation.

When you visit Cedar Chiropractic and Sports for spinal decompression therapy, you’ll experience the following:

You will lie down on a specialized table. This table is designed so that the upper and lower parts can move independently of one another.
Depending on the condition and the treatment plan, you will either lie face down or face up. You’ll be fully clothed during this process.
A harness will be placed around you and attached to the table.
While the upper section remains still, the bottom section of the table moves to provide a gentle stretch in the spine.
As the table moves and the spine stretches, pressure is taken off of muscles and discs.
This movement creates a type of vacuum that typically pulls any herniated or bulging discs back into place. It, in turn, takes the pressure off of the nerves.
It also pulls oxygen, blood, and nutrients to the spine, promoting healing and health.

Spinal decompression is carried out through a personalized treatment plan, which Dr. Nguyen develops according to your needs. It is often used in conjunction with other types of treatment and therapeutic exercise to ensure optimal results.

How Long Are Treatments And How Many Do You Need?

Patients typically undergo 15 to 20 decompression treatment sessions and the treatment session will include additional adjunct rehab therapy. A complete chiropractic & decompression session can last between 30 and 45 minutes. However, treatment time will vary upon a patient's condition and is determined by a thorough pre-treatment chiropractic evaluation. It is important to note that many patients get substantial, immediate relief after just a few to several treatments.

Can Spinal Decompression Therapy Using Dynatronics Dyna Pro Help My Pain?

Though each patient is different and no chiropractor can guarantee success, the clinical results of this type of therapy have been shown to be effective in 86% of patients treated. The common problems of many back conditions are damaged spinal discs and poor spinal muscle control. Our treatment program addresses both of these core problems. The specially-designed Dynatronics Dyna Pro Decompression Traction System creates a controlled unloading of the spine which appears to decrease spinal disc pressure while increasing blood and nutrient exchange. This blood and nutrient exchange is critical to aid in the spinal disc healing process. Muscle strength, control, and endurance can all be improved with our spinal chiropractic program which will includes specific controlled spinal exercises.

Will Spinal Decompression/Traction Therapy Hurt?

Treatments using the Dynatronics Dyna Pro are one of the most gentle and comfortable therapies available. The treatments utilize FDA-cleared equipment with proven safety and efficacy. Most patients report a mild sense of stretching on their back or hips, and often fall asleep during treatment sessions. The Dynatronics Dyna Pro Decompression Traction System is produced by one of the world's largest manufacturers of hospital-based therapy and rehabilitation equipment, Dynatronics based in the USA.

Is Spinal Decompression A New Type of Treatment?

Although traction therapy has been around for thousands of years, spinal decompression therapy using the Dynatronics Dyna Pro is new. Advances in equipment and procedures have dramatically improved effectiveness of the treatment. Continual improvements in the traction / decompression system and regular updates in protocol keep this system in the forefront of non-invasive disc therapy. Each year over 50,000 patients are treated with this type of therapy and that number is growing.

How Long Will My Treatment Program Be?

This depends on the complexity and extent of treatment needed, however, we typically treat patients 3 times a week for approximately 1 to 2 month, and then the patient is transitioned from passive to active treatments. The treatment is administered over a reasonable time frame and the patient's response to treatment is continually evaluated. Chiropractic treatment may be increased or reduced in frequency depending on the response to treatment.

The Chiropractic therapy phase may include additional spinal decompression treatments using the Dyna Pro coupled with therapeutic exercise, stretching, and spinal adjustment / manipulation to enhance the response to treatment. Most patients discontinue spinal decompression / traction treatments after 4 to 6 weeks.

Why Is This Type Of Therapy More Successful Than Other Treatment Options?

Spinal decompression therapy using the Dyna Pro, as practiced in our clinic, is a comprehensive program of the newest decompression traction techniques. This therapy can integrate other therapies which may include: targeted spinal muscle stabilization exercises, spinal and soft tissue manipulation. Our approach to treating spinal disc injury with a combination of treatments is what sets our clinic apart. Our clinic may also couple various other form of treatments such as Graston Technique, Myofascial Release, Cold Laser and Shockwave.

Additionally, spinal discs have been shown to be a predominant site of pain, so directing treatment the spinal disc can be an effective treatment approach. The blending of focused decompression traction at the injury site, rehabilitation to the supporting structures, and overall strengthening / conditioning of musculature makes the treatment unique.

Why the Need for Therapeutic Exercises And Other Therapies?

In addition to the injury to the spinal disc, it is important to condition the supporting spinal muscles. A complete physical therapy program targeting the function of the spinal stabilization muscles is vital. Moist heat, electric stimulation, cold laser, shockwave therapy, ultrasound therapy, soft tissue and joint mobilization can offer additional benefits for reduction of inflammation and muscle spasm.

A gradual weakening of the spinal muscles and secondary supporting muscles of the spine and the consequential decrease in spinal stability can put undue stresses on the spinal discs and leads to premature spinal disc degeneration, pain, and loss of function. Our program of spinal exercise and adjunctive therapies will assist in rehabilitating these structures.

Will My Pain Go Away For Good?

Although it is difficult to predict the future, experience has shown that most patients do find long-term relief or effective management of their pain when they complete the entire recommended program of treatments. Regular home exercise will help in maintaining your spinal health and reduce the probability of reoccurrence. As with any comprehensive rehabilitation program, your continued home care exercises and discretion in some daily activities are essential to long-term relief.

How Much Will Chiropractic and Spinal Decompression Cost?

Most basic Chiropractic services are covered and only some insurance cover Spinal Decompression by your health insurance and patients are typically responsible for co-payment, co-insurance, and / or insurance deductibles as well as any balances. Since insurance coverage varies between insurance plans, our billing staff will review all costs, payment options, and insurance coverage before treatment begins.

Spinal decompression therapy is a natural and effective way to achieve back and neck pain relief in Hopkinton, Westborough, and Holliston, MA. Call (508) 435-8182 today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Nguyen at Cedar Chiropractic and Sports to experience the benefits for yourself.