What is spinal decompression therapy? Spinal decompression therapy is a proven safe and effective means to treat severe and chronic cervical (neck) and lumbar (low back) conditions. The program consists of FDA-cleared, non-surgical, spinal decompression equipment that focuses on discal and arthritic conditions affecting the spine. Depending on the provider, ancillary care is available in the form of braces/supports, physiotherapy modalities and procedures, spinal manipulation/mobilization, supervised gradual functional restoration/core strengthening program, home/self care program and/or medications.

What conditions does spinal decompression therapy treat? Spinal decompression therapy can effectively treat: disc herniations (low back pain and/or leg pain/numbness and neck pain and/or arm pain/numbness), degenerative disc disease, arthritis, facet syndromes, spinal stenosis, failed back surgery/post surgical pain syndrome.

What are the success rates for spinal decompression therapy? Spinal decompression studies indicate a 71%-90% success rate with one study reporting an immediate resolution of symptoms in 86% of the participants. Results will vary depending on a patient's particular condition, how long the condition has existed and the patient's adherence to the recommended treatment plan.

Does the treatment offer permanent relief? Advanced Back Care's program is designed to bring lasting relief so that ongoing therapy isn't necessary. The program integrates an active exercise component in addition to a home care protocol designed to teach patients to strengthen their backs. In some severe cases, follow-up supportive care may be recommended.

How long does each treatment session take and for how long do I treat? Generally, each treatment session lasts between 15 - 30 minutes depending on whether the patient is undergoing cervical decompression or lumbar decompression and the severity of the condition. A full course of spinal decompression therapy takes between 4-8 weeks (~ 20 treatment sessions).

What if a patient starts the therapy and doesn't feel any different after a number of treatment sessions? Although many patients report an immediate decrease in symptoms, patience is important. Most likely, the condition developed over many years and in some cases, over many decades. Also, the doctor will perform period re-evaluations to determine objective changes (changes found during the physical exam) in addition to subjective changes.

What are the most common reasons that people do not get better during decompression therapy? The most common reason is that patients do not comply with their doctor's treatment prescriptions.

Are there conditions that are contraindicated? Yes, severe osteoporosis, tumors, cancers, ankylosing spondylitis, fractures, post-surgical conditions with hardware (rods, screws, plates, cages) and recent fusions to name a few. That is why a consultation is necessary to rule in or out conditions for spinal decompression therapy.

Can a patient receive spinal decompression therapy if they have had surgery? In most cases YES unless hardware such as screws, rods, plates and cages are present or a recent fusion.

Is there any risk to the patient during treatment on the Evolution DT™? The Evolution DT™ is both safe and comfortable for all subjects providing proper protocol is followed. The system has emergency stop switches for both the patient and the operator. These switches are a requirement of the FDA and terminates the treatment immediately, avoiding injuries.

Are the treatment results permanent? The Evolution DT™ Spinal Decompression System has shown an impressive 86% success rate in treating herniated and degenerative discs with a 4% reoccurrence rate after one year. Typically, additional treatments are not required after the completion of the treatment protocol. However, as with any treatment there are always severe cases that involve particular job/lifestyle activities that may require re-evaluations.