1. Who are the best candidates for treatment?
Patients that will benefit most from the DRX9000 True Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression System™ may be those with: 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 discs not responding to four weeks of therapy. Patients available for four weeks of treatment protocol. Patients at least 18 years of age
2. What can I expect during treatment?
During each 30-minute treatment session the patient relaxes comfortably on a heavily-padded bed. After being secured into position by an upper and lower body harness, the patient can completely relax by watching a DVD, listening to music, or simply taking a nap. Typically, each 30-minute session is divided into 18-phases where spinal decompressive forces alternate between a maximum and minimum therapeutic level. The cycling of forces in this manner appears to create a pumping action that simulates the natural processes responsible for nourishing the intervertebral disc.
3. What can I expect during the course of treatment?
Some patients may experience light side effects with this type of therapy. Mild muscular soreness during treatment may occur. The sensation would be similar to what a person might experience at the onset of a new exercise regimen. Most patients find this therapy quite comfortable and relaxing. During an average 30-minute session, most patients experience a gentle stretch in the lumbar spine and tend to fall asleep. Adjunctive therapies to spinal decompression typically include electrical stimulation and cold therapy. Exercise and/or the use of a lumbar support belt are often prescribed to support the benefits of spinal decompression therapy and improve patient compliance.
4. I have had back surgery, am I still a possible candidate?
Yes. It depends on the type of surgery you have had. If you had plates, screws, cables, and/or any type of metal implant inserted in your spine you would not be a candidate for treatment.
5. Are there any exclusions why someone could not be treated on the DRX9000™?
The DRX9000™ cannot treat patients with: compression fractures, pelvic or abdominal cancer, prior lumbar fusion, severe osteoporosis, spondylolisthesis (unstable), pars defect, Pathologic Aortic aneurysm, disc space infections, severe peripheral neuropathy, hemiplegia or cognitive dysfunction
6. Can I be treated during my pregnancy?
No. Patients who are pregnant cannot be treated during any stage of pregnancy.
7. While under DRX9000™ therapy, will my activities be restricted?
During the initial two weeks of treatment, patients are instructed to limit activities and are placed on light duty at work. After the second week of treatment, beginning activity is permitted. Patients who have improved by 50% are instructed on various lumbar stretching exercises to be performed in conjunction with treatment.
8. After finishing my 20 treatments, will I ever need to be treated again?
Patients will be put on a strengthening and rehabilitation program for about 4-6 weeks to help strengthen paravertebral musculature. Patients are to return one month after treatment for evaluation and follow-up to see if maintenance DRX9000™ treatments are needed.
