Crawford Chiropractic is pleased to offer the Triton Decompression Traction System (DTS), which is used for spinal decompression therapy, a modern, non-surgical traction procedure that effectively treats low back, neck, and radiating leg and arm pain through traction (decompression) of spinal discs. This type of traction is very successful in relieving pain associated with spinal disc herniation, degenerative spinal discs, and facet joint syndromes. Spinal decompression therapy decompresses spinal discs and facet joints by utilizing traction, distraction, and body positioning.

 

Research to develop this procedure was conducted by prominent physicians, engineers and technicians at major teaching hospitals. Our Triton Decompression Traction System is FDA cleared and has been clinically proven to provide pain relief and decrease symptoms associated with herniated and/or bulging discs.

 

Using the Triton DTS in conjunction with spinal manipulation and other therapy treatments provided in our clinic can effectively relieve the pain and disability resulting from disc injury and degeneration. By significantly reducing internal disc pressure, the Triton DTS promotes retraction of the herniation spinal disc material back to a normal physiologic position and promotes the intake of fluids, oxygen, and other substances necessary for healing the spinal disc and surrounding tissues. This decompression stimulates the repair of tissues and inhibits leakage of the internal material of the spinal disc (also known as the nucleus pulposus).

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What Are The Treatments Like?

 

After lying on the comfortable Triton Decompression Traction System table, you will be fitted in a support system. The support system helps to stabilize your body. We will adjust the table height to the proper angle of pull (distraction), allowing us to target the specific spinal discs that are causing your pain and symptoms. The distractive forces utilize a computer controlled logarithmic curve to avoid reflex responses which would create muscle spasm. The split table design decreases friction and allows decompression of the spinal disc.

 

While lying down on the table, the Triton DTS's computer simulates an anti-gravity effect on your spine that helps herniated spinal disc material to move toward its normal position, thus, reducing spinal disc pressure and pain. Patients typically describe the treatment as a gentle, painless, intermittent pulling sensation.

 

How Long Are Treatments And How Many Do You Need?

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Patients typically undergo 12-20 decompression/traction treatment sessions each lasting 15-20 minutes. However, treatment time and need for additional spinal treatment/therapy will vary upon a patient's condition and is determined by a thorough pre-treatment spine evaluation. It is important to note that many patients get substantial, immediate relief after just a few physical therapy treatments.

 

Will Spinal Decompression/Traction Therapy Hurt?

 

Treatments using the Triton DTS are one of the most gentle and comfortable therapies available. The treatments utilize FDA-cleared equipment with proven safety and efficacy. Most patients report a mild sense of stretching on their back or hips, and often fall asleep during treatment sessions.

 

Is Spinal Decompression A New Type of Treatment?

 

Although traction therapy has been around for thousands of years, spinal decompression therapy using the Triton DTS is new. Advances in equipment and procedures have dramatically improved effectiveness of the treatment. Continual improvements in the traction / decompression system and regular updates in protocol keep this system in the forefront of non-invasive disc therapy. Each year over 50,000 patients are treated with this type of therapy and that number is growing.

 

How Long Will My Treatment Program Be?

 

This depends on the complexity and extent of spinal treatment needed, however, we typically treat patients 2-3 times a week for approximately 1 month, and then the patient is transitioned from passive to active treatments. The treatment is administered over a reasonable time frame and the patient's response to treatment is continually evaluated. Spinal manipulation and therapy treatments may be increased or reduced in frequency depending on the response to treatment.

 

Why the Need For Therapeutic Exercises And Other Therapies?

 

In addition to the injury to the spinal disc, it is important to condition the supporting spinal muscles. A complete physical therapy program targeting the function of the spinal stabilization muscles is vital. Moist heat, electric stimulation, ultrasound therapy, soft tissue and joint mobilization can offer additional benefits for reduction of inflammation and muscle spasm.

 

A gradual weakening of the spinal muscles and secondary supporting muscles of the spine and the consequential decrease in spinal stability can put undue stresses on the spinal discs and leads to premature spinal disc degeneration, pain, and loss of function. Our program of spinal exercise and adjunctive therapies will assist in rehabilitating these structures.

 

Will My Pain Go Away For Good?

 

Although it is difficult to predict the future, experience has shown that most patients do find long-term relief or effective management of their pain when they complete the entire recommended program of treatments. Regular home exercise will help in maintaining your spinal health and reduce the probability of re-occurrence. As with any comprehensive rehabilitation program, your continued home care exercises and discretion in some daily activities are essential to long-term relief.