Decompression Machines

A new approach to a relatively old technique, decompression machines provide patients with specialized and personalized forms of traction. As a safe and alternative treatment option, many patients will elect to be treated with a decompression machine before risking spinal surgery. With a success rate of only around 60% and including other possible permanent health risks, spinal surgery is recommended as a last resort for certain spinal abnormalities. For that reason, decompression is generally recommended as an option before surgery for patients who suffer from chronic and/or substantial disc dysfunction. Some conditions that can be treated with spinal decompression include disc herniation, facet syndrome, degenerative disc disease and sciatica. As far as a timeline is concerned regarding the decompression process and healing results, it is generally recognized that the number of treatment sessions can range from 15-25 visits, depending on the condition of the patient and the extent of their spinal dysfunction. One of the differences between traction and a decompression machine is that traction is a static pull of the vertebrae whereas a decompression machine provides a varied pull based upon the , taken by the computer while a patient is on the decompression table.

Studies

Unfortunately, the amount of studies done on decompression therapy is, at this point, quite small and the studies that have been performed are often lacking in quantity and quality of research. In many instances, the studies are not peer-reviewed and do not have a large amount of patients participating in the study. For these reasons, it is not quite clear as to the long term benefits of spinal decompression and if it is even necessary to receive this care at all. Some physicians would claim that regular traction or even at-home stretches with a therapy ball will have the same beneficial effects as that of a decompression machine. Spinal decompression can be quite expensive and in order to offer it as a covered service by a health insurance company, a provider would have to bill the service as traction and receive a very small percentage of what they are actually billing. Because of this, many providers have decompression therapy as a self-pay option only and this could cost the patient thousands of dollars. As with any form of healthcare, it is always important to research the pros and cons of a service offered and to discuss any questions you may have with a doctor.

References Cited in this Article

www.spinaldecompressionmachines.net