Spinal Decompression

Spinal Decompression is relatively new in healthcare, the research has yet to catch up. However, preliminary studies, although limited, are very favorable in outcomes targeted in reduction of pain and an increase in activities of daily living. A six-week course of twenty decompression treatments significantly reduced the severity of chronic low back pain in 89% of treated patients from 6.4 to a 3.1 on the visual analog scale, where 0 is no pain and 10 is severe pain, after two weeks, and to 0.8 after completion of treatment. Oswestry Disability scores improved from 23.7 to only 5.5 at the end of therapy. No significant adverse events or safety issues resulted from these treatments.

Observationally, my outcomes with decompression over the last few years have mirrored the above preliminary research results. The most important factor in achieving a favorable outcome is to have an accurate diagnosis, primarily through MRI results and, again, I urge every doctor utilizing decompression to maintain control over that decision by becoming an expert at reading your own MRI’s. To use a computer metaphor; “Garbage in – garbage out.”

Source: Robert A. Kenul. D.C.