AmericanSpineCenter.com

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1) What is Spinal Decompression Therapy?
Spinal Decompression Therapy is FDA cleared, and has a high success rate
for pain associated with herniated or bulging discs... even after failed surgery. It
is a non-surgical, distraction based therapy for the relief of back and leg pain or
neck and arm pain. During this procedure, by cycling through distraction and
relaxation phases and by proper positioning, a spinal disc can be isolated and
placed under negative pressure, causing a vacuum effect within it. Spinal
decompression is achieved with axial distraction utilizing specific angles and
weights.

2) What can this vacuum effect do?
The vacuum effect accomplishes two things. From a mechanical standpoint,
disc material that has protruded or herniated outside the normal confines of the
disc can be suctioned back within the disc by the vacuum created within the
disc. Also, the vacuum within the disc stimulates growth of blood supply,
secondarily stimulating a healing response. This results in pain reduction and
proper healing at the injured site.

3) Who can benefit from Spinal Decompression Therapy?
Anyone who has back pain or neck pain caused in whole or in part by a
damaged disc may be helped by spinal decompression therapy. These
conditions include herniated, protruding or bulging discs, spinal stenosis,
sciatica, or radiculopathy (pinched nerves).

4) Are there medical studies that document the effectiveness of Spinal
Decompression Therapy?
Yes! One study documented by MRI up to 90% reduction of disc herniations in
10 of 14 cases and other studies reported that the majority of ruptured disc
patients achieved "good" to "excellent" results after spinal decompression
therapy.

5) Are there conditions where Spinal Decompression Therapy is not
indicated?
Spinal decompression therapy is not recommended for pregnant women,
patients who have severe osteoporosis, severe obesity, or severe nerve
damage. Spinal surgery with instrumentation (screws, metal plates or "cages")
is also contraindicated. However, spinal decompression therapy after bone
fusion or non-fusion surgery, can be performed.

6) Are the sessions painful?
In almost all cases, the treatments are completely painless, In fact, it feels like
a gentle stretch which usually feels good. In fact, some patients fall asleep
during the spinal decompression session.

7) How much does it cost, and how long does the treatments take?
The specific treatment plan will be determined by the doctor after your
examination.

The cost will vary depending on the severity of your condition, what treatments
you have already tried, and what treatment will be needed to effectively treat
your condition. The projected cost will be covered with you after the doctors
have made their recommendations.

Each treatment requires about 20-40 minutes in the office. The overall amount
of time a person is under treatment is around 4-6 weeks.

8) Do most patients receive physical therapy and rehabilitative
exercises in addition to Spinal Decompression Therapy?
In some cases, physical therapy may be recommended to reduce inflammation
and assist the healing process. The spinal supporting structures can be treated
with passive therapies (ice/heat/laser/muscle stimulation), spinal manipulation
(as indicated), and/or active spinal rehabilitation in order to strengthen the spinal
musculature.

9) Will you work with my Doctor?
Yes. Our office specializes in the non-surgical management of neck, back, &
joint pain. For your information, most primary care physicians do not offer this
service, so it is our duty to keep them informed of your progress. In fact, many
physicians refer patients to our centers for this very reason. If at anytime you
would want us to speak with your Doctor about your condition, we will be glad to
inform them of your status.

Likewise, if you have a medical condition that is not within our treatment
guidelines, or if you do not respond to the treatment as we would anticipate, we
will not hesitate to refer you to the appropriate specialist.

Our treatment focus is based on results, and you returning to an active
pain-free lifestyle.

10) How do I get started?
We want to educate you about this new technology, and make it easy for you to
learn if you are a candidate for Spinal Decompression Therapy.

Call us today to schedule a Free Evaluation to see if you are a
candidate for Spinal Decompression.

CALL 618-233-6824

American Spine Center

Belleville: 233-6824
100 Mascoutah Avenue
Belleville, IL 62220