Who is a Good Candidate for Spinal Decompression Therapy?

Chronic back pain can be debilitating, and for many patients, the fear of surgery looms large. Fortunately, advances in medical technology have made non-surgical spinal decompression a highly effective alternative for specific spine conditions. But is it right for you?

Conditions That Respond Best

Spinal decompression using the DRX9000 is specifically designed to treat conditions caused by pressure on the spinal discs and nerves. You may be a good candidate if you have been diagnosed with:

• Herniated or Bulging Discs: When the disc material pushes out and presses on a nerve.
• Sciatica: Pain radiating down the leg associated with nerve compression.
• Degenerative Disc Disease: Wear and tear that causes discs to thin and lose hydration.
• Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal (in certain cases).
• Facet Syndrome: Pain coming from the small joints of the spine.

Who Is NOT a Candidate?

While safe for most, decompression is not appropriate for everyone. Contraindications include:

• Pregnancy
• Severe osteoporosis
• Recent spinal fracture
• Surgical fusion with metal hardware in the area to be treated
• Active infection or tumor in the spine

The "Failed Back Surgery" Patient

One of the most promising applications of decompression therapy is for patients who have already had back surgery but are still in pain (often called Failed Back Surgery Syndrome). As long as there is no metal hardware in the specific segment we are treating, decompression can often provide the relief that surgery failed to deliver.

How We Determine Candidacy

At Madalian Wellness, we don't guess. Before you start treatment, we perform a comprehensive evaluation which includes:

1. Detailed review of your medical history and imaging (MRI/X-rays).
2. Orthopedic and neurological testing.
3. A functional assessment of your spine.

If we determine that decompression isn't the right tool for your specific condition, we will tell you upfront and recommend a more appropriate course of action.