Can Herniated Discs Be Treated Using Spinal Decompression?

Spinal Decompression Used To Treat A Herniated Disc

Spinal decompression, a type therapy, stretches the spine to ease back and leg pain. Non-surgical spinal decompression therapy is performed using a traction table, or similar device.

What is Spinal Decompression and how can it help you?

The same principles as spinal decompression are used by chiropractors, therapists, and other health professionals. The aim is to relieve back discomfort and provide faster healing for bulging, herniated, or degenerating discs.

Spinal decompression gently stretches the spine and releases pressure from the spinal disks. The discs that are being stretched create a vacuum. Negative pressure can make herniated or bulging discs worse. This helps to accelerate the recovery process by allowing healing nutrients to reach discs.

During spinal compression, the patient is strapped in a harness around his pelvis and one around his abdomen. The doctor will adjust the FDA approved computer system for you. You lie on a bed. Treatments can take anywhere from 30-45 minutes. Treatments are typically daily for the first two week, then three times per week for the following two weeks. For the second and third weeks, two treatments are required. Two treatments per week are recommended for the final two weeks.

What can Spinal Decompression treat?

Doctors have used spinal decompression to treat bulging discs, herniated discs and degenerative discs. It has also been used as a nonsurgical option for pain in the back and neck, sciatica, worn spine joints, and damaged or diseased spinal roots.

If you are looking for an alternative to medication or surgery, spinal decompression might be a good option. You can combine it with other treatments to get the best results. Before you decide to undergo spinal decompression therapy, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor. Costs for this treatment vary depending on the individual. To confirm if your insurance covers this alternative treatment, you should check with your provider.

Ways that Decompression Therapy can Help Your Spine

You should consider spinal decompression therapy, before you cancel surgery or think you are doomed for lumbar pain forever. Although you can request spinal decompression therapy at any time your doctor feels it appropriate, this nonsurgical treatment is often used by patients who haven’t received the desired results from other treatments. 

People with low back pain often visit Northeast Spine and Sports Medicine after their doctor has recommended decompression therapy. These patients can often avoid surgery and receive long-lasting relief from their back or nerve pain.

Although this sounds promising, you may still be skeptical about spinal decompression. It’s OK to be skeptical. We are here to help you make informed decisions. Find out how decompression therapy may help your spine.

Spinal Decompression Can Help Reduce Nerve Pressure

Your spine will be gently moved as you lay down on a decompression bed. This allows you to release the pressure on your spine that causes it to move out of alignment. What does that all mean? In many cases, putting pressure on the spinal discs of your spine can help reduce pain and inflammation.

You may feel sharp, shooting pains when misaligned disks compress nerves. These sensations can extend from your back to the hips, legs, legs, feet, and thighs. Also, you may feel tingling, numbness or burning sensations. This can be avoided by moving herniated and bulging discs from near nerves.

Spinal Surgery can be Prevented with Decompression Therapy

Many people turn to therapeutic injections for relief when chiropractic care and physical therapy fail. Some patients fear that these injections won’t provide lasting relief. Spinal decompression therapy is a method that can be used to delay or prevent the need for spinal surgery. Many patients are shocked at the results of this non-surgical treatment for lower back pain. Patients may feel relief even after one session. However, ongoing care is often required to achieve the best results. Decompression therapy is a gentle stretching of your spine that allows herniated disks to slip back into their proper positions. These changes may be accepted by your body, and you might not need surgery.

You can get your spine to heal from chronic pain with decompression therapy

Although some treatments can only treat acute flare-ups or asymptomatic pain, spinal decompression can also address chronic pain. This is because spinal decompression addresses the root cause of your discomfort, not just the symptoms. This will allow your body to heal without any surgery or other invasive procedures.

Bulging discs can be shortened, which makes it easier for your body to deliver oxygen and other nutrients to the spinal area. These nutrients are essential for your body to repair damaged nerves, muscles, and reduce inflammation. Inflammation is often the cause of pain in the spine. So, decreasing inflammation can also help to reduce symptoms from a misaligned spinal column.

Different conditions are treated by spinal decompression

Decompression therapy is typically performed on patients suffering from pain in the low-to mid back. But, this procedure is not limited to any particular condition. These conditions are treated with spinal decompression.

  • Sciatica
  • Spinal stenosis
  • Herniated and bulging discs
  • Infected or injured nerves in spine
  • Posterior facet syndrome

If you aren’t sure if you have one or more of these conditions, we can conduct a comprehensive physical exam. This may include digital imaging.

The decompression therapy can provide quick relief

The treatment lasts approximately 45 minutes. Spinal decompression is not known to cause pain or discomfort. Many people notice a decrease in pain after just one treatment. However, it is possible to need additional appointments to achieve the best results. This is because discs can return to their favorite spots even though it’s not good for your spine.

Multiple spinal decompression sessions may help your spine retain its proper position. This can provide long-term relief for the constant pain that has plagued you. You may need to see us several times per week for treatment. This allows us to provide maximum healing for your spine.

Spinal Decompression Can Help Retract Herniated Disks

Herniated disks can be very difficult to treat. Your body may prefer the location of discs that have been moved. Even though it may cause discomfort, your body becomes used to the disc’s new position, so it can be challenging to put them back in their proper place. Many doctors fail to notice discs moving back to their correct positions after they have performed follow-up care.

Decompression of the spine gently aids herniated discs, such as those with bulging discs, to return to their original locations for long-term relief. Decompression therapy might help your discs to stay put and not migrate out of their designated spots.

Decompression Therapy gently stretch your spine

Compression of the spine can make it difficult to move parts back to their proper places. Decompression therapy can be used to stretch your spine and expand the area surrounding it temporarily so that discs may return to their original positions. You can also increase fluid circulation to areas that have been previously restricted so your body can supply nutrients to diseased or damaged parts of your spine.

While you lie on a flat table, spinal decompression therapy can be done. We may be able to place a pillow underneath your knees in some cases to alleviate pressure and help you relax. While you rest, a harness is attached to your machine. Once we have entered your information, the machine can work for up to 45 minutes per session. You may also be offered additional treatments like cold laser therapy or electric stimulation.

Before you decide to do spinal decompression, here are some things to consider

Decompression therapy can be used as a non-surgical treatment for back pain. Although some patients see immediate relief, others experience long-lasting pain relief. Please let us know if your back has been reconstructed in the past, or if there are any implants. Patients who have suffered from aneurysms, tumors or fractures of their vertebrae may wish to avoid spinal decompression therapy.

While spinal decompression can be very safe, some patients may experience rare side effects. Side effects can include muscle spasms, increased pain, or tingling. By giving us detailed information about your condition and treatment plans, you can help avoid side effects. We can also talk to your other doctors and health care providers in order to have complete information about you.

Also, we conduct an extensive exam before recommending or prescribing decompression therapy at Northeast Spine and Sports Medicine. This will help us decide if spinal decompression can be a good option for your pain.

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Kevin Pauza, M.D.

SPECIALTY

  • Disc Biologics
  • Interventional Spine

EDUCATION & DEGREES

  • Fellowship: Interventional Spine, University of Pennsylvania
  • Residency: PM&R, University of Pennsylvania
  • Internship: Surgery & Medicine, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons
  • Medical Doctorate: Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine
  • Bachelor of Arts: Biology, Lehigh University
  • Bachelor of Arts: Psychology, Lehigh University

CERTIFICATIONS & LICENSES

  • Texas State Medical and Surgical License
  • New York State Medical and Surgical License
  • Florida State Medical and Surgical License

HONORS

  • Lehigh University Four-year Academic Scholarship
  • Magna Cum Laude, Lehigh University
  • Lehigh University President’s Award
  • Lehigh University Tower Society
  • Distinguished Alumnus, Penn State University (selected from 500,000 Penn State alumni)
  • North American Spine Society, Outstanding Paper of the Year, 2003
  • President-Elect, International Spine Intervention Society
  • Founding Partner, Texas Spine and Joint Hospital
  • Commencement Speaker: Penn State University College of Medicine
  • Advisory Board, AMA
    Keynote Speaker, Harvard Pain Center Commencement
  • Founding Chairman, Standards Committee, International Spine Intervention Society
  • Chairman, Spine Committee, Amercian Academy of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
  • Appointed Spine Advisor, Japanese Prime Minister
  • Appointed Spine Advisor, Allied Royal Families

EXPERIENCE

  • Founding Partner & Principal, Texas Spine & Joint Hospital

Haley Burke, M.D. - Colorado Rehabilitation & Occupational Medicine

Dr. Burke is board-certified in both Interventional Pain Management and Neurology and has completed an accredited Pain Fellowship with the Department of Anesthesiology at MD Anderson Cancer Center, one of the nation’s most prestigious hospitals. Dr. Burke completed her residency in Neurology at the University of Colorado, where she received the department’s ‘Excellence in Teaching’ award during her year as Chief Resident. Her Doctor of Medicine degree was completed at the University of Texas Health Science Center, where she was elected to the ‘Gold Humanism Honor Society.’

Haley Burke, M.D. - Colorado Rehabilitation & Occupational Medicine

Dr. Burke is board-certified in both Interventional Pain Management and Neurology and has completed an accredited Pain Fellowship with the Department of Anesthesiology at MD Anderson Cancer Center, one of the nation’s most prestigious hospitals. Dr. Burke completed her residency in Neurology at the University of Colorado, where she received the department’s ‘Excellence in Teaching’ award during her year as Chief Resident. Her Doctor of Medicine degree was completed at the University of Texas Health Science Center, where she was elected to the ‘Gold Humanism Honor Society.’

Matthias H. Wiederholz, M.D. - Performance Pain and Sports Medicine

Founding Partner, Triple Board Certified – Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation; Sports Medicine; Anti-Aging, Regenerative & Functional Medicine

Dr. Matthias H. Wiederholz is cofounder of Performance Spine & Sports Medicine, LLC. He is a fellowship-trained interventional pain physician whose clinical interests include: Interventional Pain Management, Sports Medicine, Musculoskeletal Medicine, Minimally-Invasive Spine Surgery, Non-Surgical Orthopedics, and Anti-Aging / Functional Medicine.

He received his specialty training in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas where he served as chief resident. He completed fellowship training in Interventional Pain Management in Marietta, Georgia. He is board-certified in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine. He also received advanced fellowship training through the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine and is board-certified in Anti-Aging, Regenerative & Functional Medicine.

Dr. Wiederholz performs a myriad of interventional pain procedures including, but not limited to the following: epidural steroid injections, facet joint injections, radiofrequency ablation, sacroiliac joint injections, discography, percutaneous disc decompression, epidural lysis of adhesions spinal cord stimulator implants, and minimally-invasive discectomies. Endoscopic spine surgery is a very unique and valuable tool in his armamentarium and makes Dr. Wiederholz one of the most specialized physicians in the field of Pain Medicine.

Dr. Wiederholz uses musculoskeletal ultrasound in the diagnosis of musculoskeletal injuries. He incorporates ultrasound for precise injection therapy including cortisone injections, prolotherapy, and PRP (platelet rich plasma). This technology is also utilized to perform the Tenex procedure, a percutaneous procedure for treating chronic tendon pain (tennis elbow, rotator cuff, plantar fasciitis, etc).

Dr. Wiederholz is the fellowship director for the sports and spine fellowship at Performance Spine & Sports Medicine. Dr. Wiederholz holds an affiliation with Capital Health System and JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute.

Being advanced fellowship trained in Anti-Aging, Regenerative & Functional Medicine means that Dr. Wiederholz has the most advanced training in Anti-Aging Medicine available. He is a leading expert in Bio-Identical Hormone Restoration and helps patients achieve wellness through nutrition, lifestyle, and hormone therapies.

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Yasuyuki Nonaka, M.D. - Nonaka Lumbago Clinic

Kevin Pauza, M.D. - Turtle Creek Surgery Center

Prior to attending Penn State University, Dr. Pauza earned his undergraduate degree from Lehigh University, and furthered his training with a Surgical and Medical Internship at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. He continued his specialty training at the University of Pennsylvania, followed by an Interventional Spine Fellowship. In addition to his research, philanthropic, and clinical endeavors, Dr. Pauza remains a motivated educator. He established a Spine Fellowship program and continues training physicians from around the world. He heads international committees responsible for establishing standards and educating surgical and non-surgical physicians.

After helping hundreds of patients who failed to experience relief after spine surgery, it became evident to Dr. Pauza that current methods needed to change. This motivated him to seek better ways to help patients, by thinking outside the box.

Dr. Pauza is the first physician in history to pursue FDA approval for using biologics to treat the spine. Millions of patients will benefit from his development of minimally invasive treatments for degenerative disc disease and other more common and serious disorders of the spine.

SPECIALTY

  • Disc Biologics
  • Interventional Spine

EDUCATION & DEGREES

  • Fellowship: Interventional Spine, University of Pennsylvania
  • Residency: PM&R, University of Pennsylvania
  • Internship: Surgery & Medicine, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons
  • Medical Doctorate: Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine
  • Bachelor of Arts: Biology, Lehigh University
  • Bachelor of Arts: Psychology, Lehigh University

CERTIFICATIONS & LICENSES

  • Texas State Medical and Surgical License
  • New York State Medical and Surgical License
  • Florida State Medical and Surgical License

HONORS

  • Lehigh University Four-year Academic Scholarship
  • Magna Cum Laude, Lehigh University
  • Lehigh University President’s Award
  • Lehigh University Tower Society
  • Distinguished Alumnus, Penn State University (selected from 500,000 Penn State alumni)
  • North American Spine Society, Outstanding Paper of the Year, 2003
  • President-Elect, International Spine Intervention Society
  • Founding Partner, Texas Spine and Joint Hospital
  • Commencement Speaker: Penn State University College of Medicine
  • Advisory Board, AMA
    Keynote Speaker, Harvard Pain Center Commencement
  • Founding Chairman, Standards Committee, International Spine Intervention Society
  • Chairman, Spine Committee, Amercian Academy of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
  • Appointed Spine Advisor, Japanese Prime Minister
  • Appointed Spine Advisor, Allied Royal Families

EXPERIENCE

  • Founding Partner & Principal, Texas Spine & Joint Hospital

Brandon Tolman, D.O. - Nashville Spine Institute

Boris Terebuh, M.D. - Regenerative Spine & Joint Center

Boris Terebuh, MD specializes in providing personalized nonsurgical solutions for spine problems that interfere with the function patients desire and the independence they deserve. Dr. Terebuh completed his Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation residency training at The Ohio State University in 1997 and has been in solo practice in Ohio since 2001 because he is committed to providing accessible, individualized and attentive care to his patients. His regenerative approach to solving spine problems enhances the body’s natural ability to heal itself. His guiding principle is integrity – doing what is right for patients in a conscientious manner with the motivation of helping them become fully functional, independent and satisfied. Dr. Terebuh is a very unique Medical Doctor because he has earned seven Board Certifications in the field of musculoskeletal medicine and nonsurgical spine care. Boris Terebuh, MD is delighted to be a Discseel® provider because this revolutionary new technology aligns perfectly with his preferred regenerative treatment approach and patient care philosophy. Dr. Terebuh is also grateful to Discseel® developer, Kevin Pauza, MD, for all the years of diligent and meticulous research to create this innovative, paradigm-shifting intervention, which will certainly spare countless individuals the prospect of avoidable spine surgical procedures.

Thierry Bonnabesse, M.D. - Champlain Spine and Pain Management

Gregory Lutz, M.D. - Regenerative Sportscare Institute

Dr. Gregory Lutz is the Founder and Medical Director of the Regenerative SportsCare Institute (RSI). In addition, he currently serves as Physiatrist-In-Chief Emeritus at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) and a Professor of Clinical Rehabilitation Medicine at Weill Medical College of Cornell University. Dr. Lutz is one of the world’s leading experts in the field of regenerative interventional orthopedic medicine, appearing annually on Castle Connolly’s and New York Magazine’s “Top Doctors” lists.

Janet Pearl, M.D. - The Boston Stem Cell Center

Dr. Janet Pearl has been in practice since 1999 and is the Medical Director of The Boston Stem Cell Center. She is also the Medical Director of  Complete Spine and Pain Care  an interventional integrated Pain Management practice, both located in Framingham, Massachusetts. Dr. Pearl is Triple Board Certified in Regenerative Medicine, Pain Medicine and Anesthesiology and has over 20 years experience in doing these procedures.

Previously, Dr. Pearl was the Co-Director of the Pain Management Center at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center, where she was also the Director of the Pain Management Fellowship program.

After graduating from Harvard College with an A.B. in Applied Mathematics with Economics, Dr. Pearl received a M.Sc. in Health Planning and Financing at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. She then received her M.D. from the Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons, where she represented the Medical School as a senator in the Columbia University Senate.

Watch Dr Pearl give an introduction to The Boston Stem Cell Center

Dr. Pearl completed her internship in Internal Medicine at New England Deaconess Hospital, her residency in Anesthesiology at the Massachusetts General Hospital, and her fellowship in Pain Management at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Dr. Pearl was the first resident ever to serve on the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)’s Residency Review Committee for Anesthesiology. She is a Joseph Collins Scholar and a Rotary Scholar and was awarded the AMA/Glaxo Welcome and AMA/Burroughs Welcome Resident Leadership Awards.

From 2004 to 2010, Dr. Pearl served on the University of Massachusetts Board of Trustees. While there she chaired the Committee on Science, Technology and Research, was a member of the Committee on Academic and Student Affairs and the Governance Committee and also served as Vice Chair of the Advancement Committee, and as a member of the Committee on Athletics.

Dr. Pearl is Board Certified in Regenerative Medicine, Pain Medicine and Anesthesiology with the American Board of Regenerative Medicine and the American Board of Anesthesiologists.

Memberships:

  • The American Pain Society;
  • The Massachusetts Medical Society;
  • The Massachusetts Society of Anesthesiologists;
  • The Massachusetts Society of Interventional Pain Physicians;
  • The American Society of Anesthesiologists;
  • The American Society of International Pain Physicians;
  • The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine; and,
  • The American Board of Regenerative Medicine.

PUBLIC SERVICE:

  • Member, Massachusetts Department of Industrial Accidents, Health Care Services Board 
  • Member of the Association of Harvard College Class Secretaries and Treasurers
  • Past Member of the Board of Directors of the Harvard Alumni Association
  • Former Member of the Board of Trustees University of Massachusetts. (10/2010 – 10/2014) 

Travis Foxx, M.D. - Premier Anesthesiology & Pain

Mark Reecer, M.D. - Fort Wayne Physical Medicine

Dr. Mark Reecer is board certified in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Pain Management. He has over 20 years of work comp experience, and he routinely provides Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs) for the Indiana Workers’ Compensation Board. Dr. Reecer has lectured extensively and has authored multiple publications that promote his specialty and the use of treatment modalities to eliminate pain, improve function and avoid surgery.

Dmitry Buyanov, M.D. - IV Infusion Treatment Center

Dr. Buyanov is originally from Kiev, Ukraine. He received his training in Anesthesiology and his Interventional Pain Management Post-Doctoral at Penn State Medical Center, PA. Dr. Buyanov moved to San Antonio in 2003 at which time he was part of a multi-specialty group before he founded Premier Pain Consultants in 2004. His practice has over 5000 active patients in his practice. Dr. Buyanov treats his patients in a cost-effective manner although giving them the best care with interventional pain treatments/procedure to help each patient improve their quality of life. Dr. Buyanov strongly believes in an individualized and multidisciplinary approach to pain management, he believes in the Buddhist saying: “pain is inevitable but suffering is optional”. He works closely with the area internists, physical therapists, chiropractors, psychiatrists, neurologists, and spine surgeons to insure that each patient has the most optimal individualized treatment plan. Dr. Buyanov enjoys spending his spare time with his children.

Desmond Hussey, M.D. - NASA Neuroscience and Spine Associates. P.L

Dr. Hussey earned his undergraduate degree from Dartmouth College, and proceeded to earn his Medical Degree from The University of Miami School of Medicine. He then attended Northwestern University Internal Medicine Program, followed by a Neurology Residency Program at Emory University. Dr. Hussey continued his specialty training at John Hopkins University pain clinic. A member of The Spinal Injection Society and The American Academy of Neurology and Psychiatry.

Haley Burke, M.D. - Colorado Rehabilitation and Occupational Medicine

Dr. Burke is board-certified in both Interventional Pain Management and Neurology and has completed an accredited Pain Fellowship with the Department of Anesthesiology at MD Anderson Cancer Center, one of the nation’s most prestigious hospitals. Dr. Burke completed her residency in Neurology at the University of Colorado, where she received the department’s ‘Excellence in Teaching’ award during her year as Chief Resident. Her Doctor of Medicine degree was completed at the University of Texas Health Science Center, where she was elected to the ‘Gold Humanism Honor Society.’

Maxim Moradian, M.D. - Interventional Spine Care & Orthopedic Regenerative Experts

Dr. Moradian is triple-board certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R), Sports Medicine and Pain Management. Dr. Moradian’s clinical practice is devoted to the comprehensive care of spine, joint, muscle, tendon, ligament, and peripheral nerve disorders. He is proficient in performing advanced, minimally-invasive procedures under fluoroscopic and/or ultrasound guidance in the entire spine. Dr. Moradian performs electrodiagnostic testing (EMG/NCS) for the accurate diagnosis of muscle and/or nerve disorders. He has a special interest in regenerative medicine, sports concussions, neuromuscular ultrasound, medical education, and clinical research. His true passion is to treat his patients like his family and friends.

Wendi Lundquist, D.O. - Active Life Physical Medicine & Pain Center

Dr. Lundquist is the Medical Director and founder of Active Life Physical Medicine & Pain Center, Innovative Surgery Center, and Regena Spa. She is dual board certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation along with Pain Management and a diplomat with the American Board of Pain Medicine. She completed her training at Loyola University in Chicago, Illinois in July of 2005. During her time there, she served as Chief Resident and was involved in several research projects. Prior to, she completed medical school at Midwestern University at the Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine campus in Glendale, Arizona and internship at Doctors Hospital in Massillon, Ohio. She also has a Bachelor of Science in Biology and minor in Chemistry from the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. She has a special interest in sports medicine, pain and spine. With 17 years experience, she has great enthusiasm towards regenerative medicine.

Michael Wolff, M.D. - Southwest Spine & Sports