 
Dr. Steven S. Menard, DC, FIAMA
201 W. Broadway, Ste. 3E
Columbia, MO 65203
Phone: (573) 443-3400
Do you have herniated discs problems?
Do you have neck or back pain?
DECOMPRESSION
When a disc is “decompressed” negative pressure
is created within the disc which allows for the reintroduction
of water, oxygen and nutrients into the disc which heals the
disc from the inside out. Decompression decreases the pressure
within a damaged disc allowing the disc to rehydrate which
restores the normal height to the disc and reduces the irritation
associated with the damaged disc.
VIEW PROCEDURE
The procedure is non-invasive and has been structured with
patient comfort in mind. Patients are fitted with unique chest
and lumbar harnesses. The harnesses are connected to both
the end of the table and to the control tower respectively.
Arm supports are placed in the armpit region immobilizing
the upper torso. The lower pelvic belt is attached to the
control tower, which is elevated 0 to 30 degrees above the
patient. The procedure alternates angle of pull intervals
of 60 seconds of decompression with 30-second intervals of
partial relaxation. The entire procedure, including set up
time, takes approximately 15-20 minutes per session. Decompression
is achieved throughout the process creating up to 200 mm of
negative intradiscuclar pressure retracting the herniation
and healing the damaged area.
WHAT CLINICAL STUDIES HAVE BEEN CONDUCTED USING SPINAL DECOMPRESSION
In December 2003 in the journal of Surgical Alternatives a
study of 219 patients with herniated discs were treated using
spinal decompression. The study showed that 86% of people
who completed the therapy reported immediate resolution of
symptoms. Studies using spinal decompression have been published
in the journals Pain Management and Neurological Research.
Additional studies have been conducted and are awaiting publication.
 WHAT
RESULTS CAN PATIENTS EXPECT?
Our treatment protocols are based on the 2003 study. Most
patients are scheduled for 20, thirty-minute treatments over
a 4 to 5 week period. A majority of patients experience relief
within the first 5 treatments. Pre and post treatment MRIs
have revealed 50% reduction in the size and extent of herniations
after 4 weeks of treatments.
WHAT ARE THE INTENDED USES?
Patients with acute and chronic low back pain will benefit
from spinal decompression therapy. The decompression system
provides a program of treatments for relief from pain for
those patients suffering from low back or neck pain. Each
treatment consists of a prescribed treatment program on the
decompression table and is designed to provide static, intermittent
and cycling distraction forces to relieve pressures on structures
that may be causing low back pain. Spinal Decompression relieves
pain associated with herniated discs, arthritis, degenerative
disc syndrome and sciatica. It achieves these effects through
decompression of invertebral discs and spinal joints, that
is, unloading due to distraction and positioning.
Call us today to find out how we can help you feel your best!
Dr. Steven S. Menard, DC, FIAMA
201 W. Broadway, Ste, 3E
Columbia, MO 65203
Practice phone: 573.443.3400
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