OPTIMA

The Center for Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation

Lumbar Decompression
Lumbar decompression therapy is a non-surgical, non-invasive, effective treatment for chronic and acute low back pain sufferers. Clinical studies show that up to 86% of low back pain sufferers gained relief in as little as six to eight weeks. Pre- and post-treatment MRIs have shown a 50% reduction in the size and extent of herniations after four weeks of treatments.

Lumbar decompression therapy has been indicated for the following conditions:
  • Chronic Low Back Pain
  • Acute Lumbosacral Strain/Sprain
  • Disc Herniation/Bulge
  • Sciatica
  • Degenerative Joint Disease
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Spinal Stenosis
  • Intervertebral Foramina (IVF)
  • Failed Low Back Surgery
  • Facet Syndrome
  • Disc Rupture Extrusion


Why Decompression Works

Decompression relieves pressure that builds up on the discs and nerves. The task of relieving pain is a result of the application of negative pressure to reverse high intra-disc pressure. The pain is relieved by moving areas of herniated disc back into place by the creation of negative pressure to draw disc material back into the disc space and relieve pressure. Decompression allows for strengthening of the outer ligament bands that hold the disc material in place and which become weak and stretched during the bulging effect.


What is the difference between decompression and traction?

Traction disperses the energy of weights between the majority of spinal segments thus reducing the actual amount of pull necessary to create negative pressure. Lumbar decompression isolates L1 through L5 by its unique air bladder and angle of distraction. Simple traction does not create high negative interdiscal pressure. Lumbar decompression focuses on overcoming intrinsic muscle responses of the spine by relaxing the patient.

A thorough evaluation is performed on every patient to determine if the patient is a potential candidate for lumbar decompression therapy. Contraindications of decompression include:
  • Spondylolisthesis
  • Spondylolysis
  • Spondylolytic Spondylolisthesis
  • Pregnancy
  • Tumor/neoplasm
  • Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
  • Lumbar sacral/pelvic fracture
  • Patient weight greater than 400 lbs.
  • Children under 15

Research and Informational Articles:

Long-term effect analysis of IDD therapy in low back pain: A retrospective clinical pilot study
New Concepts in Back Pain Management: Decompression, Reducation, and Stabilization, Chapter 20
New Device Review: Non Surgical Decompression and the DRX9000, page 3
Surgical Alternatives: Spinal Decompression
The American Chiropractor: Treatment for Herniated Discs

OPTIMA
Education • Function• Strength • Stability • Independence
3225 International Circle, Suite 100 • Colorado Springs, CO 80910
Phone: (719) 471-4221 • Fax: (719) 471-3734 • E-mail: pt@optimarehab.com

Website powered by Network Solutions®

Home

About Us

Employment

Services

MedX

Functional Capacity Evaluation

Lumbar Decompression

Modalities

Cancer Rehabilitation

Provisions

Forms/Paperwork

Patient Information

Conditions

Patient Agreement

Testimonials

Insurance

Financial Policy

HIPAA

Links

Map/Directions

Contact Us