Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD)

Dr. Duke explains how spinal decompression can help patients avoid spinal surgery.

Duke Chiropractic offers Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD) therapy as an effective treatment for treating neck and lower back pain, as well as sciatica. All can be caused by:

Bulging/Herniated Discs
Degenerative Discs
Facet Syndrome
Failed Back Surgery

Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression slowly lengthens and decompresses the spine, creating negative pressure within the discs. This reversal of pressure creates a vacuum that pulls the discs away from pinched nerves and helps reposition the herniated or bulging disc and pull extruded disc material back into place.

Dr. Duke explains, to a renowned yoga teacher, the non-surgical approach to relieving her neck pain.

HOW DOES NON-SURGICAL SPINAL DECOMPRESSION WORK?

Depending upon the severity of your condition and your doctor’s recommendation, treatment regimens usually consist of 20 sessions spread over a course of six to eight weeks. Each session lasts about 45 minutes, including post-treatment use of passive modalities. Most patients experience dramatic pain relief after completion of their prescribed NSSD program.

During an NSSD session, a sophisticated treatment table creates a cycle of slow pulls, holds and releases on the spine. This super-smooth therapy is so relaxing, many patients fall asleep during the session.

Over a series of treatment sessions, patients experience significant pain reduction and healing. Some notice an improvement in their symptoms after the first few treatments. Even post-surgical patients and those suffering from certain types of spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal, causing nerve and cord compression) have reported significant pain relief.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT NSSD

What is required in order to begin Spinal Decompression treatment?

Proper patient selection is essential to favorable outcomes; therefore, before administering NSSD treatment, one of Duke Chiropractic’s doctors will examine you and review the inclusion and exclusion criteria with you; not everyone qualifies for NSSD treatment.

Who is a candidate for Spinal Decompression?

Anyone who has been told they need surgery, but wishes to avoid it; anyone who has been told there is nothing more available to help; anyone who failed to significantly respond to conservative options (medications, physical therapy, injections, chiropractic, acupuncture); or anyone who still has pain but wishes to obtain the type of care they want.

Who is not a candidate for Spinal Decompression therapy?

NSSD is not recommended for anyone with recent spinal fractures, surgical fusion or metallic hardware, surgically repaired aneurysms, or infection of the spine. It is also not recommended if you are pregnant; under 18; or suffering moderate to severe osteoporosis.

How long does it take to see results?

Most patients report a reduction in pain after the first few sessions. Typically, significant improvement is noticed by the second week of treatment. Generally, patients undergo three treatments a week for the first four weeks, then two times a week for the next four weeks.

How long is a single NSSD treatment?

On average, patients remain on the table for 20 minutes, followed by an additional 20 minutes of passive modalities consisting of Ultrasound, Electrical muscle stimulation and Ice or Heat, depending on the doctors recommendations.

Is there any risk to the patient during NSSD treatment?

No. Spinal Decompression is safe and comfortable for all subjects. The system has emergency stop switches for both the patient and the operator. Required by the FDA, these switches terminate the treatment immediately, thereby preventing any injuries.

Are there any side effects to the treatment?

Most patients do not experience any side effects from Spinal Decompression. In rare cases, patients experience brief, mild cases of muscle spasm, and those are easily remedied by the short-term use of ice.

Specialized treatment