For those suffering with back pain, any solution offered can seem promising. The latest in a long line of treatments offered is spinal decompression. Similar in many ways to previous traction treatments, decompression offers more specificity and potentially better control.

The Types of Two Machines used in Spinal Decompression
There are two machines used in spinal decompression that you are most likely to hear about. The VAX-D and the DRX9000 are the names you are going to hear when you contact providers about the procedure. Both machines do essentially the same work.

Spinal decompression machines are essentially split tables that are programmed to provide cyclical traction to a specific area of the back. The intensity of the stretching is increased over the course of the treatment allowing the muscles to stretch more easily and with less discomfort. With good positioning, the practitioner can specify a single disc or joint.

The Goals of Spinal Decompression
The goal behind most spinal decompression is to create a negative pressure within a disk that has herniated and cause the material that has extruded to return to the center of the disk. A secondary claim is made that the stretching process encourages fluid and nutrients to come to the area and speed healing.

Evaluation and Treatment for Decompression Therapy
Before attempting decompression therapy, a patient should have a complete physical exam by their attending physician. X-rays should be used to rule out counter-indications such as osteoporosis, vertebral fractures, and spondylolisthesis.

Treatment protocols often call for 20 sessions over the course of a month, with the patient coming in daily for decompression. Decompression therapy is rarely covered by insurance and can be quite expensive. It isn’t unusual to hear of patients paying in excess of $100 per session; and remember, this is out of pocket.

Trouble in Paradise
A lawsuit is currently ongoing in California because decompression practitioners have been making unsubstantiated claims about the efficacy of the DRX9000. Despite several warnings, one clinic was fined $25,000 for false advertising. They were unable to produce any evidence for their claims of success and results. Be wary of any practitioner that claims he/she can fix anything with a spinal decompression protocol.

Does Decompression Work?
Well, there lies the rub. In general, studies don’t seem to find this treatment any more effective than traditional traction. What may work for one person may not for another. If other methods of treatment have not done anything for your back pain, spinal decompression is certainly worth trying out.

Take into consideration that many insurance companies will pay for traditional traction partially or fully, but not for decompression. There are conditions that are worsened by decompression therapy. So if you are not improving, or worse, are deteriorating, stop the treatments immediately.

Spinal decompression may be a viable option for those who have had no success with other, more traditional, treatments for back pain. Make sure to request referrals from your practitioner and have everything explained thoroughly and carefully, and make sure that you can stop the procedure at any point if your condition isn’t improving.