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Spinal Decompression in Decatur, GA

FDA Cleared Indications

Pain relief related to:
  • Protruding and herniating discs
  • Degenerative disc disease (DDD)
  • Facet joint disorders
  • Spinal root impingement
  • Degenerative joint disease (DJD)
  • Hypomobility
  • Compression fractures


Common Causes of Back and Neck Pain

Back and neck pain is related to different causes:

  • Active support system failure (muscle strain/injury)
  • Structural support system failure (Ligament, disc injury)
  • Chronic conditions usually have failure of both systems: structural damage and muscle imbalance


Goals of Mechanical Decompression

Mechanical effects:

  • Stretch ligaments, muscles
  • Relax musculature
  • Decrease intradiscal pressure
  • Widen intervertebral foramen

Physiological effects:

  • Relief nerve root compression
  • Possible disc retraction
  • Mobilize joint and muscle
  • Improve blood flow
  • Decrease pain


Patient Selection

Radiating pain in dermatomal distribution:

  • With or without sensory loss
  • With or without decreased strength in key muscles

Decreased ROM in capsular pattern of restrictions:

  • With or without radiculopathy
  • No exacerbation of pain after "trial" of manual traction
  • With or without degenerative spondylotic changes
  • Centralization of the pain after "trail" of manual traction is indicator of favorable outcomes of mechanical traction.


Expected Outcomes of Decompression

Symptomatic relief:

  • Back pain treatment
  • Neck pain treatment
  • Increased ROM
  • Decreased muscle tone

Functional improvement:

  • Increased participation in exercise
  • Increased work tolerance
  • Increased participation in ADLs

Red flags:

  • Pain increases or starts referring
  • Muscle guarding increases