As many of you know, I have suffered over 20 years from a lumbar disc injury and have had two spinal surgeries to improve my ability to function and enjoy life. While I feel good most of the time, many days still are not as good as I wish they could be. My goal is to keep my patients away from surgery and chronic pain as best as possible through chiropractic care, exercises, behavior modifications and rehab therapies. And now Decompression!
I have been looking for another non-surgical, non-medicated form of care for neck and low back complaints, and Decompression Therapy is a new one for me!
What is Decompression Therapy?
Decompression therapy is exactly what is sounds like: Lay on a table with a belt around your waist, a cable attached to the belt, slowly and deliberately pulling your hips away from your lumbar spine, creating Decompression. This can reduce disc injuries, potentially lessening the size of the herniation, pulling damaged tissues back toward the middle of the spine, and improving your pain and function.
Who does this benefit?
Patients with degenerative disc disease, cervical or lumbar disc herniations, stenosis, scoliosis, and several other spinal conditions.
How many treatments would I need?
This depends on the level of injury, degeneration, and progression of the condition. However, an average treatment plan is between 8-12 visits.
If this helps, how long can I do this for?
For example, if you have moderate to severe degenerative disc disease, and your condition improves with an initial treatment cycle of 10 visits, maintaining the benefits by coming in once a week for the next several months is always up to you. This could become life-long management if it benefits you.
Does my insurance cover this type of care?
No. Insurance companies consider this therapy as Investigational, which means it is not a covered service and is paid for time of service or out of pocket.
What does decompression therapy cost?
An initial examination will be necessary to determine if you are a candidate for Decompression Therapy. This can likely be covered by your insurance. An appointment is 20 minutes with 12 minutes of actual decompression time.
We are offering single visits for $52/session.
If you want to try a treatment plan of 2-9 visits, the cost is $50/session.
If you feel the long-term benefits and want continued care, 10+ visit packages are $48/session.
Should I do chiropractic care and decompression therapy together?
As with massage and chiropractic care, one benefits the other. I would recommend decompression first, then chiropractic care, as the tissues around the spine are relaxed and adjusting will be easier.
We are excited to offer a new form of therapy in our office to potentially help you with your past or present issues with your spine.
If you are interested, we are scheduling starting the week of February 28th.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to email at drrecurtis@yahoo.com, or call me on my cell phone, 360-820-8668.
All the best,
Robert E. Curtis, DC, CCSP
Spine Care Physician