doctor looking at x ray of spine

Relief Has Come

New Treatment Offers Back Pain Relief


As we and our spines age, the outer coverings of these discs can wear thin from repetitive strain and the jelly-like center can start to ooze out. We are now in the realm of herniated or “slipped” discs. Contributing factors such as smoking, strenuous exercise, improper lifting and carrying excess body weight accelerate the process. Pain occurs when the disc encroaches on the adjacent nerve, creating symptoms coined “sciatica.” 

Treatments Offered for Herniated Discs

There are all kinds of treatments for herniated discs but surgery should be the last choice before trying a conservative route. Back in the day, the traditional method for herniated discs was spinal traction. It involved being confined to a bed and using an archaic apparatus of weights and pulleys to separate the vertebrae involved. It did more harm than good by reducing the functionality of the individual and inducing muscular atrophy. 

Now the patient had to endure a complete round of rehabilitation once released from their bedridden confinements. Doctors realized that patients should try moving around immediately after the injury to try and facilitate the healing process. Keep things moving! 

Inversion Therapy and Spinal Decompression

Inversion therapy has become popular with people that are experiencing low back pain and have been diagnosed with a degenerative or herniated disc. Inversion therapy consists of being suspended upside down by a table or a boot and rack system. 

Although the idea makes sense, it is hard to control the reversed force of gravity that is enacted on the spine or the precise location of the vertebrae involved. Additionally, the amount of force applied is impossible to control. Now-a-days, inversion is mostly recommended for fitness activity, not a medical treatment.

Recently, technology has allowed for a non-surgical approach to all types of disc dysfunctions. Modern spinal decompression, such as the DRX9000, incorporates a computer to pull at different weights, with multiple cycles, and at fluctuating intervals. 

A precise angle of pull can now target the affected disc involved. The treatment plan of six to 10 weeks can be lengthy, but it offsets the alternative, which is surgery. The results have been promising and there is very little downside to the treatment. Not all modern spinal decompression machines can enact results, so it is imperative to shop around for the optimal system that suits you, as well as an experienced provider before agreeing to treatment. 

To yours in better health! 

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Dr. Shawn Snow author biography

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