Who is a Good Candidate for Nonsurgical Spinal Decompression?

We have been providing spinal decompression therapy in Vancouver for over 7  years now. The machine we use is the DRX9000. We treat mostly lumbar disc bulges and disc herniations, as well as degenerative disc disease, facet syndrome, and spinal stenosis.

We do not accept every case…because not everyone that presents with the conditions listed above is a candidate for spinal decompression. First of all…if you have had cervical or lumbar spinal fusion you are automatically disqualified from treatment with the DRX9000. If you have any hardware such as screws, plates, metal mesh, or cement work, you are also disqualified.

Some of the other contraindications to spinal decompression are moderate to severe scoliosis, aortic aneurysm, unstable spondylolithesis, advanced osteoporosis, and cancer of the spine. There are more…but the point is not everyone qualifies for decompression.

When a patient does qualify for treatment, we consider the age of the patient, level of spinal degeneration, whether or not there is a single disc herniation or multiple levels of involvement, overall health, and likelihood of treatment compliance. We only want to initiate treatment with those we feel will benefit and are willing to do their part. Because of this, we are able to help the overwhelming majority of the cases we accept.

There are many variables involved that are adjustable that can improve the odds of a favorable outcome. Things such as water intake, diet, exercise, stress, ergonomics, sleeping postures, and attitude. We try to address all of them.

There is also an art to the actual set-up and harnessing process on the spinal decompression machine itself. Mess this up and you can delay healing or even set it back. We like to think we have it mastered…though we continue to learn more every single day. For sure you want a spinal decompression doctor with lots of experience…not just a machine.

if you would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Akhavan for a complimentary consultation, simply call 604-984-4601.