Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression in Ball Ground

Dr. Ryan Klopfer • December 15, 2023

Are you living with the burden of chronic back pain? If so, spinal decompression therapy may be an option for finding relief. This treatment is non-surgical and does not involve drugs – it has been demonstrated to help alleviate discomfort while also reducing pressure on injured discs and nerves in your spine.

In this blog post, we will examine all aspects of decompression therapy as well as other treatments which might provide effective back pain respite.

Our unique combination of Modern Pain Neuroscience, Chiropractic Orthospinology and Spinal Decompression allows us to see relief in patients in about 1/3 the time of traditional decompression treatments.

Here’s how we do it:

  • Empowerment Focus : Our role as guides is to assist individuals in achieving their own goals and realizing their autonomy in managing their situation. We aim to create a pathway that transitions them from their current state to their desired outcomes. Our support is a guiding hand; we don’t do the work for them. Instead, we foster the belief that they are capable of handling challenges, such as pain, on their own.
  • Education and Support : Education in this context is a nuanced process, involving the development of a therapeutic relationship and shared decision making process in order to help the patient understand the complex underpinnings of the perception of pain. When it comes to pain, this might involve exploring the individual’s understanding of their pain and the interpretations they attach to it based on their experiences. We then work towards helping the patient understand why the pain is occurring and Knowing Pains = Knowing Gains.
  • Enhance Self-Efficacy : Self-efficacy, or the belief in one’s capability to execute actions and achieve goals, is crucial. Since pain is influenced by context, we assess the individual’s objectives and the obstacles they face in achieving them. This stage involves discussing and promoting Goal-Directed Activities.
  • Address Catastrophizing : Dealing with Catastrophizing involves addressing fears and concerns the individual may have about their situation, particularly if they are prone to catastrophic thinking. This type of thinking often involves excessive worrying, exaggerating the severity of the situation, and a sense of helplessness, leading to imagining the worst possible outcomes.
  • Combat Kinesiophobia : we collaboratively work to challenge the fear of physical activity and movement in a way that builds confidence and self-efficacy. This is done by understanding that it’s acceptable to experience symptoms within a manageable threshold and starting with activities that are within their comfort zone. As they achieve small successes, their confidence grows, reducing fears and increasing control over their situation.
  • Foster Independence : Aim for individuals to be self-reliant, not dependent upon our treatments. We celebrate self-management and take joy in our patients independently handling their condition.
  • Cost Effective : Being that we get you relief and results in 1/3 the time, we are far more cost effective than other decompression treatment clinics. 
  • How We Are Different: Us: 6-10 visits ($600-1000) vs Them: 24-36 visits ($1200-$4000). See the infographic below for a clear view on how we are different at Ball Ground Upper Cervical Chiropractic.


The Patient Process of Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression

Initial consultation and assessment

Visit us during your scheduled consultation for spinal decompression in Ball Ground, GA.

Before beginning treatment, patients undergo a thorough evaluation, including medical history, physical examination, and possibly imaging tests, to determine if they are suitable candidates for spinal decompression therapy.

Customized treatment plans

You can expect between 6 – 10 visits, depending on the case.

It is important to note that some other clinics will offer and implement high frequency care plans. It is in my humble opinion, that this is considered over treatment and damaging to the patient and lines the pocket of the business. They typically will utilize a low barrier of entry to the office and incorporate fear mongering education to upsell the patient into a 36 visit (or more) care plan that can cost anywhere from $2,000 – $5,000.

What to expect during a session

During the session, patients lie on the decompression table, and the device gently applies a horizontal force to the expand the spine and its associated structures.

Duration and frequency of treatment

Sessions can last anywhere from 12-35 minutes. This is dependent on the state and condition of the spine and the status of the injury.

 

Learn more about our process in our New Patient Center. If you have specific questions and/or concerns about the treatment process, consult directly with your Ball Ground spinal decompression medical professional.

Benefits of Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression

  • Pain relief
  • Increased mobility
  • Reduced nerve pressure
  • Long-term benefits & short-term relief
  • Avoiding the use of drugs or surgery

Spinal decompression therapy is particularly beneficial for individuals with:

  • Herniated or bulging Discs
  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Numbness and tingling in the arms or legs
  • Posterior Facet Arthropathy/Syndrome
  • Sciatica
  • Chronic Low Back Pain

Contraindications and Risk Considerations for Treatment

Non-surgical spinal decompression therapy can be an effective treatment for certain types of back pain and spinal issues. However, like any medical treatment, it is not suitable for everyone. There are several contraindications and considerations to keep in mind:

  • Pregnancy : Due to the nature of the treatment and the positioning of the body, non-surgical spinal decompression is generally not recommended for pregnant women.
  • Severe Osteoporosis : Individuals with severe osteoporosis or bone weakness may be at risk of fractures or other complications from the forces applied during spinal decompression therapy.
  • Spinal Fusion or Metal Implants in the Spine : Patients who have had spinal fusion surgery or those with metal implants, rods, or screws in their spine may not be suitable candidates for certain types of spinal decompression therapy.
  • Spinal Tumors or Spinal Infections : Those with spinal tumors, infections, or malignancies should avoid this therapy and seek medical treatment for their condition.
  • Severe Nerve Damage : Individuals with severe or advanced nerve damage in the spine should approach spinal decompression with caution, as it may not be effective or could potentially worsen their condition.
  • Spinal Fractures : Patients with recent spinal injuries or acute spinal fractures should avoid this therapy until they have had a chance to heal or stabilize.
  • Aortic Aneurysm : Patients with known aortic aneurysm should not undergo spinal decompression therapy due to the potential risk of exacerbating this serious condition.

It’s important for patients to fully disclose their medical history and current health conditions to their healthcare provider before starting non-surgical spinal decompression therapy. A thorough medical evaluation is necessary to determine if this treatment is appropriate and safe for each individual patient. Additionally, it’s crucial to have this therapy supervised by a qualified healthcare professional who can monitor the treatment and adjust as necessary for the patient’s safety and benefit.