Disc Decompression Therapy in Waynesburg, PA

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Spinal Decompression Therapy?

Spinal decompression therapy is FDA cleared and has a high success rate for pain associated with herniated or bulging discs...even after failed surgery. It is a non-surgical, traction based 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 beisolated and placed under negative pressure, causing a vacuum effect within it. DTS


 How does this negative pressure affect an injured disc?

During spinal decompression therapy, a negative pressure is created within the disc.  Because of that negative pressure, disc material that has protruded or herniated can be pulled back within the normal confines of the disc, and permit healing to occur. Spine2

 What system is used for this purpose?

After a significant amount of research,  the Penn. Chropractic

and Rehab Center chose the ATX Decompression table seen above. 

 The ATX has brand new computerized control unit which is

 the most sophisticated and technologically advanced unit

in the world. No office has more "state of the art" spinal

decompression systems. 

 

We also selected the ATX systems due to their ability to

 treat discs in both the neck and the low back.

How is Spinal Decompression Therapy different from regular traction?

The ATX computer is the key. It controls the variations in the traction

pull allowing for spinal decompression and eliminating muscle guarding

 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?

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


Are there medical studies that document the effectiveness of Spinal Decompression Therapy?

 Yes!  One study documented by MRI up to 90% reduction of disc herniations in 10 of 14 cases and other studies reported that the majority of ruptured disc patients achieved "good" to "excellent" results after spinal decompression therapy.

Click here if you would like to review the studies yourself.

Spine Xray result

Cover photo of a woman and a man

The February 2007 issue of "To

Your Health" Magazine features an article

about spinal decompression therapy

 authored by Dr. James Edwards.  

In the article, Dr. Edwards discusses

the safety and effectiveness of this non-surgical treatment for

spinal disc herniations.  

 

Are there conditions where Spinal Decompression Therapy is not indicated?

Spine

Spinal decompression therapy

is not recommended

for pregnant women, patients who

 have

severe osteoporosis, severe obesity

or severe nerve damage.

Spinal surgery with instrumentation

(screws, metal plates or "cages")

is also contraindicated. 

However, spinal decompression

therapy after bone fusion or

non-fusion surgery,

can be performed.

Are the sessions painful, how many will be needed?

In almost all cases, the treatments are completely painless.  

In fact, some patients fall asleep during the spinal decompression

session. The specific treatment plan will be determined by the

doctor after your examination.  Based on current research 

and our clinical experience, the best results have been

 achieved utilizing 20 sessions over a 6-week period.

 

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/light therapy/ultrasound), chiropractic adjustments

(as indicated) and/or active rehabilitation in order to strengthen

the spinal musculature.

Call (724) 852-4222 to Schedule an Appointment!

Location

Office Hours

Hours Subject to Change

Regular Office Hours

Monday

10:00 am - 1:00 pm

2:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Tuesday

2:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Wednesday

10:00 am - 1:00 pm

2:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Thursday

2:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Friday

10:00 am - 1:00 pm

2:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Saturday

By Appointment

Sunday

Closed

Regular Office Hours

Monday
10:00 am - 1:00 pm 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Tuesday
2:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Wednesday
10:00 am - 1:00 pm 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Thursday
2:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Friday
10:00 am - 1:00 pm 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Saturday
By Appointment
Sunday
Closed