Drx9000 lumbar
Family Chiropractic Complex of Tullahoma, Tennessee now offers Spinal Decompression with the DRX900 Decompression Machine!

What is spinal decompression and how does the DRX9000 True Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression System™ work?

Spinal decompression on the DRX9000™ involves application of forces logarithmically to elongate the spine without causing the muscles that guard the spine to contract. The technology required to apply spinal decompressive forces is very advanced. Engineering research and development efforts involved in the evolution of the DRX9000 True Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression System™ have been ongoing since 2001!

The DRX9000 True Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression System™ utilizes high-speed treatment computers to calculate the logarithmic spinal decompression treatment curve for each patient. A servo-motor / servo amplifier ("servo-motion system") takes the logarithmic curve and applies the forces to the patient. The servo-amplifier constantly checks (several thousand times per second) and corrects the servo-motor's movement. Measurement devices inside the DRX9000™ monitor changes in decompressive force experienced by each patient.

All of this data is constantly fed back into the treatment computers. The treatment computers constantly calculate corrections and ensure the therapy is true to each patient's logarithmic curve. This constant monitoring, measuring, and correcting process is called a Nested Closed-Loop Feedback System. This methodology is one of the hallmarks of the DRX™ technology suite.

The DRX9000 True Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression System™ provides relief of pain and symptoms associated with herniated discs, bulging or protruding intervertebral discs, degenerative disc disease, posterior facet syndrome, and sciatica. The therapy is non-invasive and non-surgical.

The theory behind spinal decompression is a process whereby forces are applied to the spine in a manner that maximizes spinal elongation. Spinal elongation is maximized when paraspinal muscles, the muscles that guard the spine from injury, are relaxed. When paraspinal muscles relax, applied spinal decompressive forces spread apart the bony vertebra of the spine. This relieves pressure on nerves and intervertebral discs. Where this spinal elongation occurs, pressure drops within the disc which facilitates movement of fluid, carrying nutrients and oxygen inside the disc. Additionally, the reduction in pressure can help draw in herniated disc fluids, reducing the size of the herniation.

2. What can I expect during treatment?
During each 30-minute treatment session the patient relaxes comfortably on a heavily-padded bed. After being secured into position by an upper and lower body harness, the patient can completely relax by watching a DVD, listening to music, or simply taking a nap. Typically, each 30-minute session is divided into 18-phases where spinal decompressive forces alternate between a maximum and minimum therapeutic level. The cycling of forces in this manner appears to create a pumping action that simulates the natural processes responsible for nourishing the intervertebral disc.

3. What can I expect during the course of treatment?
Some patients may experience light side effects with this type of therapy. Mild muscular soreness during treatment may occur. The sensation would be similar to what a person might experience at the onset of a new exercise regimen. Most patients find this therapy quite comfortable and relaxing. During an average 30-minute session, most patients experience a gentle stretch in the lumbar spine and tend to fall asleep. Adjunctive therapies to spinal decompression typically include electrical stimulation and cold therapy. Exercise and/or the use of a lumbar support belt are often prescribed to support the benefits of spinal decompression therapy and improve patient compliance.

4. Spinal Decompression Studies
A recent case study published in the US Musculoskeletal Review 2007 underwritten by a grant from Axiom Worldwide entitled, "Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings After Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression", was just released through a press release following the treatment of a 33 year old man with a 6 year history of lower back pain.

Prior to treatment an MRI was obtained of his lumbar spine showing moderate degenerative disc disease throughout as well as disc bulges at L3/L4, L4/L5 AND L5/S1.

The patient also reported an overall pain level of 6/10. The patient received spinal decompression over 6 weeks and at his final treatment reported a pain level of 0.

Follow-up MRI showed re-hydration of the discs at L3/L4, L4/L5, and at L5/S1. The authors concluded that "Our case report demonstrates the positive hydrating effects that spinal decompression treatment has on the inter-vertebral disc."

If you'd like to know more about this treatment or have any questions regarding the DRX9000™ System, please contact our office for a free consultation.