Some of the injuries Dr. Rudnick treats include disc problems such as protrusion, bulging, or herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, arthritic spinal joints (facet syndrome) and inflamed, damaged or diseased spinal nerve roots (radiculopathy). In addition, he has extensive experience with personal injuries, sports injuries, extremity manipulation, disc injuries, injuries to arthritic spinal joints, and spinal nerve root problems.
Spinal decompression involves gently stretching the spine while using a traction table. It is designed to help patients with acute or chronic conditions such as neck pain, back pain, weakness, tingling, and/or pain in the upper or lower extremities.
How does spinal decompression work?
At Tucson Chiropractic Center, our Decompression Traction System (Triton DTS Spinal Decompression) uses computerized traction that allows for customization. This is accomplished by modifying the angle of the traction, the intensity of the traction, and the timing.
The patient remains fully clothed and lies down on a computer-controlled table. A harness is placed around the head for cervical spine traction or a harness around the pelvis and another around the trunk for lumbar spine decompression traction. We work to create a negative intradiscal pressure to promote retraction or re-positioning of the herniated or bulging disc. Then we create a lower pressure in the disc that will cause an influx of healing nutrients as well as other substances. The goal is to alleviate pressure from the spinal discs, the nerves, and other structures in the spine. The longer-term goal is to create enough negative pressure to help the bulging or herniated discs retract, creating suction similar to a vacuum. By taking pressure off the nerves and other structures in your spine, the therapy also promotes the movement of water, oxygen, and nutrient-rich fluids into the discs to promote healing. The total treatment usually lasts 15 to 20 minutes. Before or after therapy, you may receive other treatments such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and heat and/or ice therapy.
Is Spinal Decompression Right for Me?
Spinal decompression therapy combined with chiropractic care and rehabilitative exercises can be an effective, non-invasive approach to resolve many conditions. There are several contributing factors to help us determine if spinal decompression is appropriate for you. It should be avoided by pregnant women and those with a fracture, advanced osteoporosis, tumor, abdominal aortic aneurysm, or metal implants in the spine.
How Does Spinal Decompression Differ From An Inversion Table?
The computerized Triton DTS traction table by Chattanooga Group is performed while supine and the body position, angles, duration, and weight can be modified for individual patient needs. An inversion table provides a prolonged or sustained traction at a specific angle, which is more limiting. The spinal decompression traction system avoids other incidental issues that can be associated with an inversion table such as affecting high blood pressure and vertigo due to the sustained patient inverted body positioning
If you have any questions regarding spinal decompression or would like to schedule an appointment, contact us today at (520) 323-8989.