Low back pain can result from various factors, including injuries and age-related changes. The vertebrae, which are bony structures, protect the spinal cord. Soft discs, situated between each vertebra and surrounded by a ligamentous layer, act as shock absorbers to safeguard both the vertebrae and the spinal cord.

Common issues leading to back pain include herniation and degeneration of the intervertebral discs. Degeneration refers to the gradual deterioration of the discs due to wear and tear, while herniation involves the discs bulging and pressing on nearby nerves, leading to pain or numbness.

Most patients report a decrease in pain after just a few sessions, with notable improvements usually seen by the second week of treatment.

Patients typically spend 30 minutes on the Accuspina system along with appropriate manual and physiotherapy modalities.  The duration of the treatment program is 10-12 weeks of active care.  

Since starting to use the Spinal Decompression unit, I’ve received numerous inquiries from doctors and patients regarding the best candidates for this treatment. Proper selection is crucial for achieving positive outcomes, so here are the inclusion and exclusion criteria to help determine if you qualify.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Pain from herniated or bulging lumbar discs lasting over four weeks.

- Recurring pain from a failed back surgery that has persisted for more than six months.

- Ongoing pain from a degenerated disc not improving after four weeks of therapy.

- Age of at least 18 years. 

Exclusion Criteria:

- Presence of devices like pedicle screws and rods.

- Pregnancy.

- Prior lumbar fusion performed less than six months ago.

- Metastatic cancer.- Severe osteoporosis.

- Unstable spondylolisthesis.

- Recent compression fractures in the lumbar spine below L-1.

- Pars defect.

- Pathologic aortic aneurysm.

- Pelvic or abdominal cancer.

- Infections in the disc space.

- Severe peripheral neuropathy.

- Hemiplegia, paraplegia, or cognitive impairments.

Most patients do not experience side effects; however, there have been rare instances of mild muscle spasms for a brief period.

Decompression is achieved through a specific spinal positioning technique that applies varying degrees of force. The process utilizes a gentle pull created by a logarithmic curve, which helps avoid the typical proprioceptor response, allowing for targeted decompression.

Yes, Spinal Decompression is completely safe and comfortable. The system is equipped with emergency stop switches for both patients and operators, complying with FDA requirements to ensure immediate cessation of treatment if needed.

While traction can help with some conditions related to herniated or degenerated discs, it does not address the root cause. Spinal Decompression creates a negative pressure or vacuum within the disc, drawing in herniations and facilitating the flow of blood and nutrients to promote healing and hydration. In contrast, standard traction has minimal effect on intradiscal pressure and may provoke painful muscle spasms that can exacerbate pain.

In most cases, Spinal Decompression is not contraindicated for patients who have undergone spinal surgery. Many individuals have successfully utilized this treatment following unsuccessful back surgery.

In general, individuals with recent spinal fractures, surgical fusions, metallic hardware, repaired aneurysms, spinal infections, or moderate to severe osteoporosis are not candidates for this therapy.  A patient with a spinal fusion may be cleared if the fusion is determined to be stable based on motion x-ray studies and if the fusion was performed more than 6 months ago.

Ideal candidates include those advised to have surgery but prefer to avoid it, individuals who have been told there are no other options available, those who did not respond significantly to conservative treatments (like medications, physical therapy, injections, chiropractic care, or acupuncture), or anyone still experiencing pain who seeks the type of care they desire.