Decompression
Traction SYSTEM (DTS)
Watch and Learn more about DTS (Short 9 minute video)
DTS is the newest computerized table
available to provide non-surgical treatment for the management of serious low
back and leg, or neck and arm pain. It
provides spinal decompression therapy
that can relieve the pain associated with bulging, protruding, herniated, and
degenerative discs, facet syndrome, spinal stenosis,
sciatica, joint pain, and radicular pain, among other
problems.
Much of the cause of back and neck pain is mechanical compression. Spinal decompression is a direct remedy and
unlike other treatments it can focus its effect at the source of the pain. The DTS table relieves pain through
decompression of lumbar or cervical discs and joints. This individualized and computerized cyclical
painless stretching reduces pressure and promotes blood and fluid flow
Research has
proven discs may be a primary site of back and leg pain, as well as neck and
arm pain.
Many discs are
damaged by “compression & flexion”.
The disc is avascular (it has no direct blood supply). It gets its nutrients in—and waste products
out—by diffusion (like a sponge). The
healthier the disc, the greater its’ diffusion.
Over time, loss of
strength of the abdominal and low back muscles, poor posture, trauma, etc.
increase the “compression” on the discs, especially of the lower discs (L4/L5)
and the mid-neck discs (C5/C6).
The DTS table stretches the spine in a safe and
controlled way to gradually open the disc spaces. This decreases the pressure on the discs and
allows an increase of blood flow to help reduce inflammation.
Since traction
works with the body’s natural healing processes, it does take time to gain full relief. Twelve sessions is the usual minimum number
for disc injuries, especially with leg or arm radiation. If your condition continues to improve, a
maintenance program may be beneficial. Although
spinal decompression therapy can help many conditions, it is not a cure for
everyone.
Spinal
decompression is a safe and comfortable treatment. It rarely causes pain or worsens
symptoms. If traction is painful, it is
simply discontinued or reprogrammed for a gentler start. Occasionally, spasms can create
post-treatment discomfort, which can be relieved with ice or electric muscle
stimulation.
Overtime, compression weakens the
annulus, creating tears, inflammation and possible protrusion of the
nucleus. The increase of pressure sets
the stage for herniation and irritation.
Negative intradiscal pressure created by spinal decompression
therapy facilitates nutrition and diffusion into the disc. In some cases actual retraction of the
protruded material may take place, but most often the source of pain relief is
reduced inflammation.
DTS Frequently Asked Questions
What is spinal
decompression therapy?
Spinal
decompression therapy is a non-surgical, comfortable traction 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.
What happens during a
spinal decompression session?
You will be positioned either face-up or face-down; clinical
consideration and your comfort are used in deciding which position will be
suitable for you. It is best to wear
loose fitting clothing and no belt. A
small wrap-around harness is fitted around your body. Once comfortable on the DTS table the
computer controlled traction device is programmed to deliver a gentle
stretching force to the spinal vertebra.
Your position on the table, the harness, and the angle of the
distraction allows for accurate and focused treatment to the affected disc. The
system gradually applies the force then releases it approximately every minute
throughout the session.
How long does each session
last? How often do I take treatment
sessions?
Each session of
decompression therapy takes about 15-20 minutes. Spinal decompression is usually performed 3
times a week for a minimum of 12 sessions for most conditions.
Who
can benefit from spinal decompression?
Spinal
decompression therapy is designed to unload the spinal disc. Any 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).
Are there conditions where
spinal decompression is not indicated?
Spinal
decompression therapy is usually not recommended for pregnant women, or
patients who have severe osteoporosis, severe obesity or severe nerve damage.
It is not recommended for patients over 70.
Spinal surgery with instrumentation (screws and metal plates or “cages”)
is also contraindicated. Surgery to the discs without fusion or fusion using
bony replacement is not contraindicated.
Every patient is evaluated on an individual basis to assess whether they
would be a good candidate.
What results can I expect?
This therapy is
a comfort-based procedure and patients usually report a sense of relief and
relaxation during the session, some patients even fall
asleep. Most studies find over 70% of
patients have good pain relief.
I have had spinal surgery,
but continue to have pain. Can I try spinal decompression?
Spinal
decompression therapy can help people with back pain after failed spinal
surgery. It can be performed in most
patients who have not been left with an unstable spine after surgery.
Reference Information About DTS
An Overview of Spinal Decompression Therapy
Effects of Intradiscal Pressure
MRI Evidence of Non-Surgical Mechanical Reduction