Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression is the latest non-surgical procedure to take care of chronic back pain. Widely used in Europe and recently approved in North America and Singapore, the method of therapy helps induce negative pressure in the vertebral joints, thereby creating space and relieving pressure from the nerves. Considered safe, and unlike surgery, the method of therapy does not entail the use of anaesthesia, needles or joint manipulations.

Besides chronic back pain,it has been used to take care of sciatica, facet joint syndrome, herniated discs, degenerated discs from arthritis, and pain resulting from failed back surgery.

Unlike surgery, this therapy can be a first line of help for individuals with chronic back pain. The therapy is ideal for individuals who have:

• Undergone surgery and continue to have back pain
• Persistent pain after 4-6 weeks of other supportive care methods
• Lower back or leg pain that is caused by herniated discs, bulging disc, osteoarthritis or trauma

Yes, here are some individuals who may not be suitable candidates for this therapy.

• Individuals who are pregnant or breast feeding
• Individuals in recent trauma with a resultant spinal fracture – it is advisable to wait at least 6-9 months before undergoing this therapy.
• Individuals with failed back surgery and retained surgical rods and nails may not be suitable depending on location of hardware. Therapy sessions may lead to further loosening of metal hardware.
• Individuals who have osteoporosis are generally still candidates for this therapy. However, it will limit the amount of pull and tension a patient may receive.
• Individuals who have cancer of the spine, or metastases from other cancers to the spine.
• Individuals who have an infection of the spine or vertebrae.
• Individuals with conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis, cauda equina syndrome, severe scoliosis, lordoisis or kyphosis

Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression is an outpatient therapy that will require 15-23 sessions for optimal results. Your physician will determine the number of therapies necessary based on your condition and examine how you fare with each session. Lasting about 30-60 minutes, therapies are comfortable and free from undue pain.

Yes. An X-ray, MRI or a CT scan is required. Prior to therapy, our physician will review the CT scan or MRI results to determine where the pathology is and the severity of it.

Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression is not a traction therapy. It generates negative pressure between the discs and decompresses the joint. This vacuum effect essentially relieves pressure on the nerves and eases the pain.

Yes, studies show that most people who have undergone this therapy benefitted from improved posture and flexibility. It is also believed that it can help realign back muscles and restore normal anatomy of the joints.

As you will be expected to lie down on an adjustment table. it is advisable that you wear comfortable or loose-fitting clothing during therapy sessions.

Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression may or may not produce immediate results. Healing of tissues is time-dependent. Most individuals begin to experience pain relief after 2 to 8 therapy sessions. Maximum relief is obtained with 15 to 20 therapies and lasts up to 4 years.

Not at all. Patients can comfortably lie flat on their back, on a special bed, without feeling the slightest bit of pain. Perhaps the only discomfort is the pulling forces along the spine.

You will be required to lie down on a specially designed bed before being comfortably fitted with a harness that goes around your pelvis. A technician will be present to operate the equipment and monitor you throughout the therapy session.

There are no major side effects or complications. However, the most common complaint is that of muscle spasms which are transient in nature.

Unfortunately, no. As it is difficult to predict who will or will not respond to this therapy, we recommend that all individuals undergo 6 to 9 sessions before determining their responsiveness. Those who do not respond well after the 9th session are likely not to respond at all.

Yes, there are several scientific articles that attest to its effectiveness.