DTS Decompression Traction Therapy is an effective alternative to Surgery for Disc syndrome and Spinal Degeneration.
Spinal Decompression is promoted as safe and effective without the normal risks associated with invasive procedures such as injections, anesthesia or surgery. ICC is pleased to introduce this therapy for the first time in Cambodia, right here in central Phnom Penh.
DTS Therapy uses simple, yet sophisticated equipment manufactured by the leading rehabilitation equipment manufacturer in the US, The Chattanooga Group. DTS Technology was first innovated in America and is now recognized as the leading treatment for back and neck pain resulting from Disc Syndrome or Spinal Degeneration.
If you have lower back pain, a pinched nerve, sciatica, neck pain, or a variety of symptoms related to damaged or degenerative discs like bulging, protrusion, herniation and spinal stenosis, this gentle, non-surgical therapy can provide welcome relief.
This technique of spinal decompression therapy has shown the ability to gently separate the vertebrae from each other, creating a vacuum inside the discs that we are targeting. This ‘vacuum effect’ is also known as negative intra-discal pressure.The negative pressure may induce the retraction of the herniated or bulging disc into the inside of the disc, and off the nerve root, thecal sac, or both. It happens only microscopically each time, but over cumulative treatments, the results are quite dramatic.
The cycles of decompression and partial relaxation, over a series of visits, promote the diffusion of water, oxygen, and nutrient-rich fluids from the outside of the discs to the inside. These nutrients enable the torn and degenerated disc fibers to begin to heal.
For the low back, the patient lies comfortably on his/her back or stomach on the decompression table, with a set of nicely padded straps snug around the waist and another set around the lower chest. For the neck, the patient lies comfortably on his/her back with a pair of soft rubber pads behind the neck. Many patients enjoy the treatment, as it is usually quite comfortable and well tolerated. Many patients even fall asleep during treatment!
DTS Spinal Decompression Therapy is highly effective in treating the following conditions:
• Cervical Disc syndrome*
• Lumbar Disc syndrome*
• Degeneration of lumbar and cervical spine
• Low back pain.
• Neck pain
• Sciatica (leg pain) or arm pain
• Spinal Stenosis (success are more limited to 20% to 50% improvement)
• Failed back surgery (if there is no metal implant and depending of the condition)
• Osteoarthritis
• Facet syndrome
* Disc Syndrome refers to a collection of degenerative disorders that can lead to low back pain as people age (even though the latest sudies have shown people as young as 16 years old in this category now!). It is also known as vertebral spondylosis . There are three main processes that make up disc syndrome:
• Internal disc disruption (bulged, slipped, herniation, pinched nerve etc.)
• Degenerative disc disease
• Segmental instability
DTS Spinal Decompression Therapy leads to long term cure of chronic problems. There are 3 Phases to care.
Phase I: Treatment
Phase II: Stabilization of Structure
Phase III: Support of Muscular System
DTS Decompression Therapy is performed on a specially designed table in either a face up or face down position. Patient remains fully dressed during the treatment Patient will be comfortably positioned on the table and fitted with a wrap-around harness.The computer controlled traction device is programmed to deliver a gentle stretching force to the spinal vertebra.This force is delivered directly to the harness system.The DTS system applies the gentle force then releases it approximately every minute throughout the session.The total treatment time is usually less than 18 minutes and often just 5-10 minutes initially. Most patients report simply feeling a subtle and gentle stretching at their lower back or around their hips.Since DTS Therapy is a comfort-based procedure, patients usually report a sense of relief and relaxation during the session. Many patients even fall to sleep.
When a disk looses water, it becomes unhealthy. It begins to degenerate.In Phase I, the DTS machine stretches the disk, and it begins to fill with fluid.This can re-supply the disc with nutrients and blood contact that help the disc heal from the inside out.The traction also takes the pressure out of the disk, and helps the bulge of the disk to reduce, taking the pressure off of the nerve.
There is usually pain relief in the first 3 to 5 treatments. However, spinal disc structures can take months to heal. Even though the pain is gone, it is important to follow the treatment to the end, for a complete cure of the condition. As the disk heals, patient can move more freely without pain. Movement is life, and the spine depends on the muscle activity to support it and create fluid movement to and from the discs. In phase two, our doctor will begin to prescribe some exercises in addition to the decompression to help with the structural improvements.
Most patients feel significant pain reduction in as few as five DTS Therapy treatments. That however does not mean the healing process is complete, or that the pain won’t return. During Phase II of DTS Therapy treatments, our doctor will prescribe a series of rehabilitative exercises in order to more fully heal the discs and keep the pain from returning. Most low back pain suffers have two compounding problems that have contributed to their disc injury and limited their natural healing abilities. A program of focused rehabilitative exercises, with biofeedback, may begin during or after your DTS Therapy course of treatment. Our rehabilitation program involves several clinically effective yet simple, pain-free activities. All the body systems must work in concert for optimum health so nutritional and lifestyle advice may be given as well as an at-home exercise program. We cannot over emphasize the importance of the at-home exercises. What patient does at home will dramatically improve the effectiveness of the treatment, and our doctor at ICC, along with our trained Therapist will guide the patient in performing and learning exactly the exercises right for their problem.
During Phase III, we will structure an in-office and home-based exercise program that will help to bring the patient’s spine back to full health.This exercise program may include in-office resistance training, at home stabilizer exercise and resistance training and other “core” exercises. Regular and consistent home based exercise is one of the keys to long-term relief.We have found through experience the simple home-based exercises we prescribe are most effective.Introduction to the low tech movement exercises patient can do to speed the healing process are one of the most important parts of the DTS Therapy System.
DTS Therapy is a comprehensive program of the newest traction techniques and targeted “core” stabilization exercises with Biofeedback.In addition, we use other adjunctive treatments that have proven effectiveness in back care. It is this multi-faceted approach that makes the overall treatment so effective.Additionally, discs have been shown to be a pre-dominate site of pain, so treating it as directly as possible makes sense. The blending of focused traction to the site, rehabilitation to the supporting structures, and overall strengthening of global musculature makes the treatment unique.DTS Therapy affects the disc as directly as possible without surgery. At ICC we are screening patients first of all to know which ones are candidate of this therapy to insure higher success rate.
Along with the damage in the disc we also need to treat the supporting spinal muscles.A complete program targeting the function of the stabilization muscles is a vital part of DTS Therapy.Heat, muscle stimulation,Ultrasound, Diathermy, and, of course, specific Chiropractic manipulations can offer an additional benefit for inflammation and spasm reduction.Our hope is not only to help heal the disc but enhance muscle control and support of the low back.A gradual breakdown of the foundational support of your back is what puts undue stresses on the discs and leads to pain and loss of function. Exercise and adjunctive therapies will assist in rehabilitating these structures.
Though each patient is different and no doctor can guarantee success, the clinical results of this type of therapy have been effective in over 75% of patients treated.The common problems behind the majority of back conditions are damaged discs and poor spinal muscle control. Our treatment program address both of these core problems. The DTS system creates a controlled unloading of the vertebra to decrease disc pressure thus increasing blood and nutrient exchange. This exchange of fluids is something the damaged disc desperately needs to help it heal from the inside out. (Muscle strength, control and endurance can all be improved with other facets of DTS Therapy that include specific controlled exercises.) Although it is always difficult to predict the future, our experience is that most patients do find long-term relief or effective management of their pain when they complete the entire program of treatments. Regular home exercise and periodic visits to our clinic will help maintain your spinal health and reduce the probability of re-occurrence. As with any comprehensive rehabilitation program your continued home care exercises and discretion in some daily activities is essential to your long-term relief.
How long will my treatment program be?
It depends on the complexity and extent of the rehabilitation needed; however, we typically treat 3 times a week for 6 weeks, transitioning from passive to active treatments as you respond.It is important to note that many patients get substantial, immediate relief after as little as 5 treatments! The treatment is administered over a reasonable time frame and your response is continually evaluated.Further treatments may be necessary or a reduced frequency may be recommended at that time.The rehabilitative phase may include additional DTS Therapy treatments, with spinal adjustments to enhance the results.Most patients are release from treatments after 9 weeks.
Although traction therapy has been around for thousands of years, spinal decompression therapy using the DTS technology is new. Advances in equipment and procedures have dramatically improved effectiveness of the treatment. Continual improvements in the decompression system and regular updates in protocol keep this system in the forefront of non-invasive disc therapy.
“Eighty-six percent of ruptured intervertebral disc (RID) patients achieved ‘good’ (50-89% improvement) to ‘excellent’ (90-100% improvement) results with decompression. Sciatica and back pain were relieved.” “Of the facet arthrosis patients, 75% obtained ‘good’ to ‘excellent’ results with decompression.”
C. Norman Shealy, MD, PhD, and Vera Borgmeyer, RN, MA.
Decompression, Reduction, and Stabilization of the Lumbar Spine: A Cost-Effective Treatment for Lumbosacral Pain.
American Journal of Pain Management Vol. 7 No. 2 April 1997
“Serial MRI of 20 patients treated with the decompression table shows in our study up to 90% reduction of subligamentous nucleus herniation in 10 of 14. Some rehydration occurs detected by T2 and proton density signal increase. Torn annulus repair is seen in all.”
Eyerman, Edward MD. Simple pelvic traction gives inconsistent relief to herniated lumbar disc sufferers. Journal of Neuroimaging. Paper presented to the American Society of Neuroimaging, Orlando, Florida 2-26-98.
“Results showed that 86% of the 219 patients who completed the therapy reported immediate resolution of symptoms, while 84% remained pain-free 90 days post- treatment. Physical examination findings showed improvement in 92% of the 219 patients, and remained intact in 89% of these patients 90 days after treatment.”
Gionis, Thomas MD; Groteke, Eric DC. Surgical Alternatives: Spinal Decompression. Orthopedic Technology Review. 2003; 6 (5).
“All but two of the patients in the study improved at least 30% or more in the first three weeks.” “Utilizing the outcome measures, this form of decompression reduces symptoms and improves activities of daily living.”
Bruce Gundersen, DC, FACO; Michael Henrie, MS II, Josh Christensen, DC. A Clinical Trial on Non- Surgical Spinal Decompression Using Vertebral Axial Distraction Delivered by a Computerized Traction Device. The Academy of Chiropractic Orthopedists, Quarterly Journal of ACO, June 200#1D93D1