There are many advertisements on television and in the newspapers regarding spinal decompression. Decompression equipment commonly called DRX 900 or VAX-D applies a traction force to relieve nerve compression associated with low back pain, sciatica, and disc protrusion. The DRX 900or VAX-D costs between $10,000-$100,000, so many health care practitioners will attempt to "lock you in" to a series of treatments "about 20 a month" at a price of thousands of dollars. The DRX-900 and VAX-D use up to 80 pounds of traction; Dr. Spresser uses 120 pounds of pressure on his traction table.

The DRX 9000 or VAX-D are called logarithmic traction devices. Dr. Spresser has a linear traction device. Comparing data between the two traction tables reveals identical results, according to a study published in April, 2008 by Dr. J. Kennedy entitled, "Debunking the Myths of Decompression." The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) also has stated that the linear and logarithmic traction devices are "substantially equivalent." If a chiropractor is trying to market a traction device as "Real" or "True", these are simply catchy marketing phrases.

Spinal decompression is also called spinal traction. The technology of spinal traction brings new hope to those suffering from disabling spinal conditions such disc herniations, disc degeneration, sciatica, and facet syndrome. It also helps with back pain, bulging discs, failure following surgery, and spinal stenosis. In the office of Dr. Spresser we offer a multifaceted approach to healthcare that includes spinal misalignment correction techniques in addition to spinal decompression. Currently patients suffering from disc problems usually are given pain medications, instructed to refrain from physical activities and referred for physical therapy. Unfortunately when progress isn't appropriate the patient is sent for surgery. Chiropractic care is a conservative care proven to be helpful in musculoskeletal situations, especially to avoid surgery.

Today you don't have live with pain anymore. Spinal traction has been developed to the point where it can effectively treat lower back pain and sciatica resulting from herniated or deteriorated discs. Spinal traction significantly reduces back pain and allows a majority of patients to return to more active lifestyles.

How does spinal traction work? A distraction force is used to relieve nerve compression associated with low back pain and sciatica. How do you get started on this treatment? Please call our office at 303-425-9057 for an examination to determine if you are a candidate for spinal traction. After an examination and a review of x-rays Dr. Spresser will recommend a plan of action. After answering your questions about the procedure, treatment will begin on the same visit.

Most patients report a reduction in pain after their first few sessions of spinal decompression. Typically, significant improvement is obtained in the second week of treatment. Commonly treatment is three times a week for two to four weeks. However, the number of sessions may vary depending upon the severity of the condition and the relief that the patient feels. Sometimes there is a side effect of mild muscle spasm for a short period of time.