Who is a candidate for Spinal Decompression?
Most of our patients have had unsuccessful care with physiotherapists, medication, injections, massage therapists and acupuncturists, and come to us for help. The overwhelming majority of patients complete care with outstanding results. A common phrase we hear is "I wish I would have come in to see you first!" Definitely look into Spinal Decompression before you consider surgery.
Speak with Dr. Chris Kelley, and allow him to determine whether or not you are a candidate for care. Many patients who come to him think they have done everything possible to get rid of their pain and have no options left. Weeks later they walk out pain free.
I’ve tried just about everything. What is different about this care?
Many of the patients we see have tried a myriad of other treatments. Some have even had failed back surgery. It’s natural that people are skeptical. The main reasons why spinal decompression may work with Dr. Chris Kelley are:
- The care specifically targets and heals the problem—the damaged disc—in ways that no other procedure has ever been able to do. This is not a Band-Aid solution. It actually heals the problem to allow freedom from pain to be a reality!
- The patient selection process is extremely specific and rigorous to ensure only the most appropriate qualified candidates are accepted for care.
Many back pain patients who undergo Spinal Decompression therapy, including those who are long-term chronic or post-surgical cases, are able to resume normal activities.
I have had surgery on my spine. Is Spinal Decompression still effective?
Only a small percent of spinal surgeries for the relief of pain are successful. We regularly see patients in our clinic who have had failed back surgery. In many cases you can still qualify for care providing you don’t have metal implants or fusions
How do I know if I qualify for Spinal Decompression treatment?
Dr. Chris Kelley will hold a consultation with you. At this time he discusses your problem and creates a detailed health picture where he looks closely at past health history, current health state, reports and previous health tests including any X-Rays, MRIs and CT-Scans.
Then Dr. Chris conducts a comprehensive examination. He performs an orthopedic test, nerve test and muscle test, all of which are painless. All this information is compiled and carefully considered by Dr. Chris to determine if you are a good candidate for care and can be accepted for Spinal Decompression treatment.
How does this treatment work and why is it so effective?
Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression heals the cause of the problem. It is designed to gently apply specifically calculated decompression forces to the area of the spine where the cause of the problem is. This pulling force increases the damaged disc space, creating negative pressure—like a vacuum—inside the disc. This vacuum effect rehydrates the disc by allowing water and nutrients to draw back into the disc. It allows the disc to increase in height and simultaneously draw back and heal disc bulges and herniations in the same way. As the rehydration and disc healing takes place, pressure on the nerve is reduced and nerve healing takes place.
How does Spinal Decompression treatment differ from ordinary spinal traction
Traction is an antiquated procedure that stretches your spine with a non-specific generalized force. It is unable to target its effects to a specific damaged disc. As well, the general, non-specific characteristics of traction make it unable to create the magnitude of healing forces necessary to repair a damaged disc. With traction the body naturally pulls in the opposite direction of the traction forces, which can trigger painful muscle spasms.
Spinal Decompression is a medically tested breakthrough technology that is capable of focusing up to 90 percent of the healing forces of true decompression to the single specific area of damage. Decompression forces are individually calculated for each person. Also, the Spinal Decompression system used by Dr. Chris Kelley has a patented feedback system which constantly monitors and adjusts the motor’s activity to the patient’s response to the care, ensuring a pain-free experience.
Is the care painful?
It is not painful. In fact, many patients find it to be relaxing. The system is very quiet. You can watch a video, listen to a CD, read a book, or even nap during treatment. After a session, some patients may feel a slight tenderness, similar to that which you would feel after working out in the gym. Will this care permanently fix the problem, or are the results temporary?
Spinal Decompression technology was designed and developed to correct the problem (i.e. the source of your pain), not mask your symptoms temporarily. Unless you injure yourself or re-damage your spine, you should not have to undergo treatment again. In some cases, the doctor may recommend maintenance care. It all depends upon the individual.
Why do medical doctors not know about this technology?
They may know. But the facts are: The technology is relatively new. It also falls outside the realm of traditional medicine as it corrects the problem without drugs or surgery. Doctors are always learning about new pharmaceuticals and surgical procedures, usually from the drug and surgical companies that manufacture the drug or the surgical technique. So, Spinal Decompression may not show up on their radar screen. Even so, many doctors do refer patients to us. And many doctors receive care themselves.
Do I need a referral from my family doctor?
No, you don’t need a referral. You can come directly to Dr. Chris Kelley without a referral.
However, many patients have already seen their doctor for their severe back and neck pain, and they may have X-rays, MRIs, or a CT-Scan. If you have any of these reports, bring them to your consultation appointment.
If I undergo Spinal Decompression treatment, how long does it take to see results?
Most patients find their pain is less after the first few sessions. Typically, significant improvement is obtained by the second week of treatment.
How long does it take to complete Spinal Decompression treatment?
A typical program can include up to 20 treatment sessions, scheduled over a 6-8 week period. But this varies from patient to patient. If Dr. Chris determines that you are a candidate for Spinal Decompression, he will design a specific program of care for you based on your individual needs. Spinal Decompression is not and should not be a cookie-cutter treatment program. Dr. Chris will recommend the ideal program to help each patient achieve top results.
Are there any side effects to the treatment?
No. Some patients feel a slight achiness after a treatment session, similar to a muscle ache you might feel after a good workout. That’s all!
Is there any risk to the patient during Spinal Decompression treatment?
No. Spinal Decompression is safe and comfortable for all patients. The system used by Dr. Chris Kelley has a unique and ingenious computerized feedback system that actually monitors and makes changes to the performance of the decompression motor. These changes occur in response to many factors, including the patient’s response to the decompression forces. This ensures that the patient’s treatment is pain-free and precise in its performance and delivery.
Can I continue to work while I’m undergoing care?
Many of our patients continue to work while having Spinal Decompression. In the event your work requires you to perform physically stressful activities, discuss this with Dr. Chris so he can recommend the best way to perform your work tasks.