Spinal decompression is often misunderstood. It gets confused with traction. The two words are not interchangeable. Spinal traction is an outdated technique to treat disc injuries. Modern technology uses an innovative process to achieve much better treatment outcomes for spinal disc injuries than traction used to.  This technology is called IDD therapy which we will explain here.

Intervertebral Differential Dynamics Therapy is a highly precise computer applied regimen which utilizes treatment forces to manipulate specific spinal segments. IDD Therapy is administered through the Accu-SPINA, a state-of- the- art computer directed spinal rehab system. When properly administrated, the treatment is able to achieve several objectives. First, unloading compressed spinal segments helps reduce built-up pressure on the affected disc. This is primary in relieving and resolving the pain. The nature of the cyclical graduating wave form also creates a spinal pumping effect inducing a vacuum within the disc and oxygen flow essential to the disc health. Finally, a secondary modality called oscillation is delivered to the surrounding muscle tissue working to release and re-educate guarded muscle spasms. All this is performed while you rest comfortably in a soothing glow of light, listening to relaxing music. A heated massage bed feature assures that you will complete your treatment session feeling refreshed. 

Patients often ask if spinal decompression hurts. The treatment actually is relaxing and is not painful, but treating a disc injury requires patience. The decompression process is a gradual one. The intensity of the pull on the spine has to ramped up slowly  to allow the guarded tight muscles to relax. Prior to beginning decompression, the muscles around the inured disc are very tight and stiff. They are tight for a reason...to protect the injured disc. As the disc starts to improve, the muscles gradually start to relax since they do not need to protect the disc as much. As the back or neck starts to relax, the intensity of the pull increases until eventually the disc bulge has been reduced to a point where it is not contacting the nerve root or spinal cord any more. At this point, patients' are out of pain and ready to start the rehabilitative phase of spinal decompression. This is where you are prescribed a specific set of exercises to strengthen the core muscles if you have a lower back disc injury or neck and postural exercises if you have a disc injury in your neck. The therapy is administered by Dr. Frank Acunia our physical therapist who also is a chiropractor.  For more information on spinal decompression, how it works and how it can help you, please contact  Dr. Zappala.