Fort Collins Spinal Decompression Therapy is a non-surgical treatment alternative used to treat painful spinal conditions of the neck and back including herniated and bulging disc, sciatica, degenerative disc, spinal stenosis, headaches, osteoarthritis, and pinched nerves.
The treatment works by creating a variable traction force that according to research creates a negative pressure inside the disc and nerve root up to -150mm Hg (mercury). Through computer programmed sequences, the treatment cycles through distraction and relaxation phases that can be isolated at specified levels of the spine causing a vacuum or negative pressure.
The DTS system was designed to do what traditional traction has never able to accomplish: create the vacuum effect without reflex muscle spasm. Traction often increases intra discal pressure that can make pain worse. An increase in disc pressure also causes the muscles that support the spine to reflexively spasm. With the DTS system designed by Chattanooga, the design of the table and treatment mechanism does not cause any of these potentially harmful effects.
Our Fort Collins chiropractic office is one of only a handful in Colorado to own the Chattanooga DTS-600 System.
How It Works
Patients will find comfort laying either face up or down on the treatment table. Based on patient weight and MRI and other imaging findings, the scientifically designed DTS pull patterns cycle to create a negative pressure/vacuum affect at the damaged area. Treatment sessions take between 20 and 25 minutes.
Negative Pressure / Vacuum Effect
Gentle stretching and relaxation of spinal joints cause a pumping action that promotes fluid and nutrition intake into spinal discs. This mechanism is often lost in damaged and degenerative disc conditions. In healthy discs, fluid and nutrition intake occurs naturally with body movements and positions. When injured or degenerated, discs gets fewer nutrients and are less hydrated. Controlled stretching of the spine helps re-establish a more normal pumping action to re-supply the disc with nutrients and fluid to help the disc heal. The decompression therapy that creates the negative pressure inside the disc can help the drawing in of a bulge and help take pressure off a “pinched” spinal nerve.
To better explain, imagine a jelly donut with jelly that has slipped out the side. The jelly represents the central part of the disc, called the nucleus, which is the tissue that is herniated, bulged, prolapsed, or extruded. As long as the jelly that slipped out remains attached to jelly inside the donut, pulling the top away from the bottom of the donut will cause the jelly will be sucked back inside.
Core muscle strength & conditioning
Research has shown that consistent stabilization and endurance exercises control back pain and reduce injury. Even though many people find relief from the DTS treatment in only a few weeks, this does not mean the treatment is complete. In order to prevent the pain from returning and to create stability and strength of the tissues that support the disc and spine, rehabilitative exercises are used as part of the DTS treatment program. During of after your DTS treatment sessions you will perform a series of specific core strengthening exercises using Stabilizer Pressure Biofeedback. Monitoring yourself, the Biofeeback monitor continually shows you that you are performing the exercise correctly and effectively to allow for a quality exercise session.
Other Supportive Treatment
Treatment is always customized for each individual person. Depending on your particular needs, supportive care may be necessary to make the DTS treatment more effective. We offer 3 core disciplines (CPR) of treatment in our office (Chiropractic, Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation). Several of methods we offer are very complimentary to decompression therapy. These include: interferential muscle stimulation, cold laser therapy, chiropractic adjustments of spine, pelvis/hips, feet, and knees, and muscle activation therapy.
Treatment Recommendations
Treatment recommendations depends on the complexity your individual condition(s), age, weight, and lifestyle. Spinal decompression therapy is a healing process that that generally takes between 6-10 weeks of treatment and from 20-28 sessions at 3-5 times per week. Additional DTS treatment may be necessary as well as supportive care.
Conditions Treated With DTS
1. Herniated Disc (Bulge / Protrusion)
2. Degenerative Disc
3. Spinal Stenosis
4. Facet Syndrome
5. Sciatica
6. Post-Surgical Patients
7. Headaches
8. Cervical Nerve Compression Syndromes
9. Numbness & Radiating Pain in Arms or Legs
Consider Spinal Decompression Before Surgery
If a Fort Collins chiropractic doctor suggests you need back surgery, make sure you know what type of disc lesion you have. If you do not have a sequestered disc, you may want to consider conservative alternatives before submitting to the surgeon and the operating room. Non-surgical Spinal Decompression can be very effective in just a few weeks.
Herniated material frequently occupies the same space where the nerves exit the spine. As a result, a compression or irritation to the nerve root at this location can cause pain to shoot down a person’s leg or arm. In severe cases, people have weakness in their legs, feet, arms or legs, and experience significant amounts of pain and numbness.
Dr. Coleman’s Philosophy on Patient Care
Our Fort Collins chiropractic patients who are candidates for spinal decompression therapy involves treating serious medical conditons. We often see patients with a complex diagnosis that often requires other complimentary treatment components offered in our office in addition to spinal decompression treatment to ensure patients have a good response to treatment. As such, it is essential that proper care, time, and attention to detail be given to each person up front during a detailed consultation, examination, and review of medical imaging tests. Each person’s condition is treated uniquely and personally. In our office, the doctor is responsible for managing each treatment session, which results in better patient outcomes compared to axillary staff performing procedures in other offices.
Looking for a way to avoid back surgery?
Call our Fort Collins chiropractic pain center at 970-493-3100 and schedule an appointment today. We offer a complimentary 20-minute consultation including free x-ray/MRI review to determine if we can help you. Sit down with Dr. Gil and see how you feel working together. No strings, No pressure. No charge. Simply our experience working to help you.
In order to help you better understand and appreciate the experience, equipment and technology involved in Spinal Decompression Therapy in our Fort Collins chiropractic office, please watch this educational video. You can also visit the testimonials page, and learn what our Fort Collins patients say about their experiences in our office and treating their disc conditions using our unique and integrated approach that includes chiropractic, physical therapy and rehabilitation.