Spinal Decompression in Decatur, GA
FDA Cleared Indications
Pain relief related to:
- Protruding and herniating discs
- Degenerative disc disease (DDD)
- Facet joint disorders
- Spinal root impingement
- Degenerative joint disease (DJD)
- Hypomobility
- Compression fractures
Common Causes of Back and Neck Pain
Back and neck pain is related to different causes:
- Active support system failure (muscle strain/injury)
- Structural support system failure (Ligament, disc injury)
- Chronic conditions usually have failure of both systems: structural damage and muscle imbalance
Goals of Mechanical Decompression
Mechanical effects:
- Stretch ligaments, muscles
- Relax musculature
- Decrease intradiscal pressure
- Widen intervertebral foramen
Physiological effects:
- Relief nerve root compression
- Possible disc retraction
- Mobilize joint and muscle
- Improve blood flow
- Decrease pain
Patient Selection
Radiating pain in dermatomal distribution:
- With or without sensory loss
- With or without decreased strength in key muscles
Decreased ROM in capsular pattern of restrictions:
- With or without radiculopathy
- No exacerbation of pain after "trial" of manual traction
- With or without degenerative spondylotic changes
- Centralization of the pain after "trail" of manual traction is indicator of favorable outcomes of mechanical traction.
Expected Outcomes of Decompression
Symptomatic relief:
- Back pain treatment
- Neck pain treatment
- Increased ROM
- Decreased muscle tone
Functional improvement:
- Increased participation in exercise
- Increased work tolerance
- Increased participation in ADLs
Red flags:
- Pain increases or starts referring
- Muscle guarding increases