Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression FAQ

Do I need a medical referral to become a patient?

No, we are a Private Clinic. Appointments can be made directly to our clinic at 519-988-0220

What Does Spinal Decompression Treatment Feel Like?

Most patients find the treatment quite comfortable and relaxing. Patients will experience a gentle stretch in the lumbar or cervical spine, and tend to fall asleep.

If I undergo Spinal Decompression treatment, how long does it take to see results?

Patients vary in the speed of response to treatment dependent upon factors such as severity of condition, length of condition, lifestyle choices, adherence to Doctor’s recommendations. Most will start to see results within the first few weeks after beginning treatment.

How long does it take to complete Spinal Decompression treatment?

Patients remain on the system for approximately 20 minutes. Most patients are seen twice weekly with at least a day in between treatments. The initial phase of treatment usually lasts for a period of three months. Additional treatment is based upon re-evaluation after the first three months.

Proper patient selection is essential to favourable outcomes, so let me explain to you of the Inclusion and Exclusion criteria so you may make the right decision, since not everyone qualifies for our Spinal Decompression Program.

Do I qualify for Spinal Decompression treatment?

Proper patient selection is essential to favourable outcomes, so let me explain to you of the Inclusion and Exclusion criteria so you may make the right decision, since not everyone qualifies for Spinal Decompression treatment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Pain due to herniated and bulging lumbar discs that is more than four weeks old
• Recurrent pain from a failed back surgery that is more than six months old
• Persistent pain from degenerated disc not responding to four weeks of therapy
• Patient at least 18 years of age

Exclusion Criteria:

• Appliances such as pedicle screws and rods
• Pregnancy
• Prior lumbar fusion less than six months old
• Metastatic cancer
• Severe osteoporosis
• Spondylolisthesis (unstable)
• Compression fracture of lumbar spine below L-1 (recent)
• Pars defect
• Pathologic aortic aneurysm
• Pelvic or abdominal cancer
• Disc space infections
• Hemiplegia, paraplegia, or cognitive dysfunction

Are there any side effects to the treatment?

To fully restore a disc takes approximately one year of treatment. Frequency of visits depend upon each case determined by the Doctor.

How does Spinal Decompression separate each vertebra and allow for decompression at a specific level?

Decompression is achieved by using a specific combination of spinal positioning and varying the degree and intensity of force. The key to producing this decompression is the gentle pull that is created by a logarithmic curve. When distractive forces are generated on a logarithmic curve the typical proprioceptor response is avoided. Avoiding this response allows decompression to occur at the targeted area.

Is there any risk to the patient during treatment on Spinal Decompression?

No. Spinal Decompression is a proven safe and measured treatment for all subjects. The treatment is non-invasive so there is no risk of infection or surgical complications.

How does Spinal Decompression treatment differ from ordinary spinal traction?

Traction may be helpful at treating some of the conditions resulting from herniation or degeneration. However, traction cannot address the source of the problem. True Spinal Decompression creates a negative pressure or a vacuum inside the disc. This effect causes the disc to pull in the herniation and the increase in negative pressure also causes the flow of blood and nutrients back into the disc allowing the body's natural fibroblastic response to heal the injury and re-hydrate the disc. Traction and inversion tables, at best, can lower the intradiscal pressure from a +90 to a +30 mmHg. Spinal Decompression is clinically proven to reduce the intradiscal pressure to between a -150 to -200 mmHg.

Can Spinal Decompression be used for patients that have had spinal surgery?

In most cases Spinal Decompression treatment is not contra-indicated for patients that have had spinal surgery. In fact many patients have found success with Spinal Decompression after a failed back surgery.

Who is a candidate for Spinal Decompression?

Anyone who has been told they need surgery but wishes to avoid it, anyone who has been told there is nothing more available to help, anyone who failed to significantly respond to conservative options (medications, physical therapy, injections, chiropractic, acupuncture).

How Do I Become A Patient At The Schisler Spine Centre?

Most of our patients come through referrals from our existing practice. However, if you are inquiring independently for yourself or a loved one, an application can be made by filling out the online form within the website. You can also call us at 519-988-0220 and let our Front Desk know you’re interested in becoming a new patient.

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