As non-surgical spinal decompression therapy gains recognition in the chronic back pain community, more and more upper back pain sufferers may want to find out if they qualify for the DRX9000 treatment. So what kind of information would you need as a patient researching this type of treatment? Take a look below and you may find several of the most important questions a patient could have.
Who qualifies for the DRX9000™ treatment?
Upper back pain sufferers that may benefit most from non-surgical decompression therapy may be those with: Pain from a herniated or bulging disc that is more than 4 weeks old. If six months after surgery, chronic upper back pain due to a failed back surgery persists. Continual pain from degenerated discs and have not responded well to four weeks of conventional therapy. Patients that have 4 weeks availability for treatment protocol. Patients with a minimum age of 18.
What can I expect during therapy?
Throughout each 30-minute treatment session the patient relaxes comfortably on a heavily-padded bed. After being secured into position by an upper and lower body harness, the upper back pain patient may entirely relax by watching a DVD, listening to music, or simply taking a nap. Usually, each 30-minute session is divided into 18-phases where spinal decompressive forces alternate between a maximum and minimum therapeutic level. The cycling of forces in this method appears to generate a pumping action that simulates the natural processes responsible for nourishing the intervertebral disc.
What will I experience during the course of therapy?
Some patients may experience light side effects with this form of treatment. Mild muscular discomfort during therapy may occur. The feeling would be similar to what a person may feel at the beginning of a new exercise routine. Most patients find this treatment rather comfortable and relaxing. For the period of 30-minute sessions, many patients sense a gentle stretch in the lumbar spine and have a tendency to fall asleep. Adjunctive treatments to non-surgical spinal decompression normally include electrical stimulation and cold therapy. A lumbar support belt and/or exercise are regularly prescribed to maintain the benefits of non-surgical spinal decompression and advance patient compliance.
Am I capable of receiving treatment on the DRX9000 if I have had back surgery?
Yes. It truly depends on the kind of surgery you had. If you’ve had plates, screws, cables, and/or any sort of metal implant inserted in your spine you would not be a candidate for therapy.
Are there any exclusions why someone may not be treated on the DRX9000™?
The DRX9000™ cannot treat patients with: compression fractures, pelvic or abdominal cancer, prior lumbar fusion, severe osteoporosis, spondylolisthesis (unstable), pars defect, Pathologic Aortic aneurysm, disc space infections, severe peripheral neuropathy, hemiplegia or cognitive dysfunction
Can I be treated during my pregnancy?
No. Pregnant patients cannot be treated during any stage of pregnancy.
While under DRX9000™ therapy, will my daily activities be restricted?
During the initial two weeks of treatment, patients are told to limit daily activities and may placed on light duty at work. After the second week of treatment, start activity is allowed. Patients which have improved by 50% are instructed on numerous lumbar stretching exercises to be performed in conjunction with treatment.
After finishing my 20 treatments, will I ever need to be treated again?
Patients may be put on a strengthening and rehabilitation program for approximately 4-6 weeks to help strengthen paravertebral musculature. Patients are to go back one month after treatment for evaluation and follow-up to see if maintenance DRX9000 treatments are required.
If you are experiencing upper back pain and would like to learn more about non-surgical spinal decompression and the DRX9000, please contact your local DRX9000 physician.
This information is not intended nor should be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. Speak with your physician before considering any medical treatment method available.