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Spinal Decompression Therapy

Spinal decompression therapy is a perfect approach to relieve chronic back pain. Learn how this non-surgical intervention works and benefits the individuals.

WHAT IS SPINAL DECOMPRESSION THERAPY?

Spinal decompression therapy is FDA cleared and has been clinically proven with an 86% success rate for pain associated with herniated, bulging or degenerative discs… even after failed surgery. It is a non-surgical, traction therapy for the relief of back and leg pain or neck and arm pain. During this procedure, by cycling through distraction and relaxation phases and by proper positioning, a spinal disc can be isolated and placed under negative pressure, causing a vacuum effect within it.

WHAT CAN THIS VACCUM 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 blood supply, secondarily stimulating a healing response. This results in pain reduction and proper healing at the injured site.

WHAT MACHINE IS USED FOR THIS PURPOSE?

There are a number of spinal decompression machines presently used in the United States. After significant research, Legacy Clinic has chosen to use the Kennedy KDT Nero flex machine manufactured by Mettler, Inc., the premier manufacturer of physical therapy equipment in the world.

HOW IS SPINAL DECOMPRESSION THERAPY DIFFERENT FROM REGULAR TRACTION

The DTS computer is the key. It controls the variations in the traction allowing for spinal decompression and eliminating muscle guarding and subsequent compression that is typical in conventional traction devices. The preprogrammed patterns for ramping up and down the amount of axial distraction allows for higher levels of spinal decompression and disc rehydration.

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: degenerative, herniated, protruding or bulging discs, spinal stenosis, sciatica or radiculopathy (pinched nerves).

ARE THERE CONDITIONS WHERE SPINAL DECOMPRESSION THERAPY IS NOT INDICATED?

Spinal decompression therapy is usually not recommended for pregnant women, or patients who have severe osteoporosis, severe obesity or severe nerve damage. However, every patient is evaluated on an individual basis.

ARE THERE MEDICAL STUDIES THAT DOCUMENT THE EFFECTIVENESS OF SPINAL DECOMPRESSION THERAPY?

Most certainly! One study documented by MRI up to 90% reduction of disc herniations in 10 of 14 cases! Another study reported that 86% of ruptured disc patients achieved “good” (50-89% improvement) to “excellent (90-100% improvement) results after spinal decompression therapy!

HOW MANY SESSIONS WILL BE NECESSARY, WHAT IS THE COST AND ARE THE TREATMENTS PAINFUL?

The doctor will determine the specific treatment plan after your examination and evaluation. Based on CURRENT RESEARCH, the best results have been achieved utilizing a protocol of 24 sessions over a 8-week period. Most insurance companies will cover the treatment. In almost all cases, the treatments are completely painless. In fact, some patients fall asleep during the spinal decompression session.

DO MOST PATIENTS RECEIVE THERAPY AND REHABILITATIVE EXERCISES IN ADDITION TO SPINAL DECOMPRESSION THERAPY?

To reduce inflammation and assist the healing process, supporting structures are treated with passive therapies (ice/heat/muscle stimulation), chiropractic adjustments (as indicated) and/or active rehabilitation in order to strengthen the spinal musculature.

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Piriformis Syndrome Management

Piriformis Syndrome Management

Also known as pseudo sciatica, piriformis syndrome is a painful condition when the piriformis muscle puts pressure on the sciatic nerve. The piriformis muscle is a major hip flexor muscle (located in the buttocks). It plays an important role in stabilizing the hip joint and allows you to rotate the thigh (away from the body). Thus, a healthy piriformis is necessary for dancing, playing pickleball, and even walking.

As you age, the hip joint and the muscles undergo degeneration and there is a generalized loss of mobility. Thus, even simple activities lead to overstretching of the piriformis muscle fibers. This manifests as sharp radiating pain, numbness, burning, and tingling.

Diagnosing piriformis can be a little tricky for healthcare providers and treating it is even more problematic. The location and anatomical importance of piriformis make access and healing difficult. Therefore, there is a need for a special approach.

Piriformis Syndrome Treatment At The Legacy Clinic

While most health professionals emphasize cold application to provide relief from piriformis syndrome, Legacy clinic experts have cracked the code for quick and long-lasting relief. As per experienced professionals at the Legacy clinic (who have been dealing with piriformis patients for years), these are the most effective ways of relief:

Rest And Medications

Studies show that piriformis syndrome accounts for 6% of all low back pain cases. There are multiple (surgical and non-surgical) ways of treating the syndrome but the most important step is to take ample rest. Bed rest allows natural healing and pain-killer medications provide momentary relief from pain.

Ultrasound Therapy

The introduction of ultrasound (sound waves) within the body causes micro-vibrations of the tissues leading to heat production. This heat improves blood flow and thereby enhances the healing potential of the affected muscles. Interferential therapy and ultrasound therapy effectively strengthen the piriformis muscle and help relieve symptoms. According to a study, continuous ultrasound therapy alleviates pain in different kinds of pain syndromes like piriformis and myofascial pain syndrome.

Heat Application

According to experts, heat application does a wonderful job of releasing muscle tension. Diathermy, also known as deep heating, is a procedure that induces heat by delivering electromagnetic currents (high frequency) into the body.

Shortwave diathermy is frequently employed to relieve piriformis syndrome patients. The procedure has shown promising results. Therefore, it is an important modality at the Legacy Clinic. At the clinic, most patients become pain-free with a couple of sessions, thanks to the deep penetration of the waves and enhanced internal healing. However, if a patient doesn’t get relief after four sessions, Dr. Perry advises trigger point injections.

Trigger Point Injections

A trigger point in a muscle is a tender, and painful-to-touch point that arises due to muscle knots. If conventional therapies (ultrasound, diathermy, physical therapy) are ineffective, doctors opt for trigger point injections to achieve quick results.

A trigger point injection (TPI) may be void of any substance i.e., dry needling which physically releases the muscle tension. However, sometimes, doctors inject corticosteroids or botulinum toxin for inflammation reduction and muscle relaxation, respectively.

TPI technique is proven to be effective in the management of piriformis syndrome. New studies reveal that dry needling (trigger point injections) can reduce pain within 15 minutes of administration. Case studies show that symptoms of multiple patients resolved after dry needling which significantly improved quality of life.

Piriformis Syndrome Care At Legacy Clinic

If your piriformis syndrome keeps you off the pickleball court and conventional therapies have failed, we suggest you visit the Legacy Clinic of Chiropractic. Here, seasoned clinicians like Dr. Perry will use diathermy and trigger point injections to wane off the discomfort and improve your quality of life.