November 13, 2009 - 1:36pm
Spinal Decompression?
Hi all -
I've been seeing advertisements lately for places such as this one:
http://www.sespinecenter.com/
which offer spinal decompression as a way to avoid surgery. Does anyone have any experience with this?
Thanks,
Joyce
I am pretty sure this is for the DRX machine... It is basically very expensive traction. Neither of my insurance companies paid for my treatments.
I would be careful if you have an injury and use this. You probably wouldn't want to use this equipment on an old injury or on an unstable segment.
My first pain doctor believed in this alot. He thought that the traction would pull the herniated disc back in. That may be the case for some people.
If you want to try it. Find a PT who has the machine and get your insurance to pay for it if you can.
Julie
I am not a doctor, my opinions are not meant to be medical advice. Just opinions from my personal experiences dealing with multiple spinal issues.
True, It's a glorified traction machine. PT's have been using it for ages. They've added a few bells and whistles, charged 100000 dollars for the machine and now marketing it aggressively.
For more information on Traction/Spinal Decompression check out this page:
http://www.greatlakes-physiotherapy.com/spinal-decompression.html
Your PT should be able to determine if you are likely to benefit from it.
The newspaper ads are similar and appeal to your emotions.
I wish I could find some very positive reviews on these machines (DRX) other than what is presented by chiropracters. Sure I'd try it as an alternative to continued pain or surgery but my feeling is that it will be costly both in $ and emotion and would not help me. Then perhaps I would be told it helps 92% but not everyone or maybe I need some additional treatments. I have not had any luck with chiro. or P.T. Only my own hard work and perserverence has helped me. However, this sciatica is now with me 4.5 months and I will have a micro discectomy done.
THis is after chiro. treatment, P.T. & injections.
I do intend to lay low after surgery but to then make a complete and healthy recovery.