Bulging & Herniated Disc Treatment
Dr. Matthew Colby has been successfully treating bulging and herniated discs for over 10 years. Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy is usually a key in resolving a bulging disc. He often emphases that combining this treatment with other forms of treatment to truly resolve the problem.
Spinal decompression therapy, in basic terms, is a very detailed and specific traction applied to the lower back or neck with the intention of pulling a protruding disc back into place. Dr. Colby uses specific angles of traction to pinpoint the area we are treating and specific pull-protocols for various disc problems.
By unloading the spine and separating the vertebrae from one other, we create a vacuum inside the disc or discs that we are targeting. This "vacuum effect" should gently suck a bulging disc back into place enough that we notice a difference on the first day of treatment. With continued treatment, our goal is usually to pull a herniated disc or bulge into place long enough that the annular fibers of the disc can heal, resolving the local problem. Once you’re feeling better, we need to consider exactly how you’ll need to stabilize your spine so you don't continue to damage this area..
The decompression equipment is fairly simple, yet it's specialized for bulging and herniated discs.
"I feel how the equipment is used is what makes decompression such a game-changer for the patient," Dr. Colby explains.
The computerized traction unit is loaded with protocols for various disc problems. The protocols as needed for each patients unique problem.
Research that shows spinal decompression to be successful in about 86% of cases is often quoted. Patients in these studies were treated about 24 times. Most patients don’t need that many sessions. We are hoping to start getting positive results within the first treatment or two. The average number of treatments is approximately 13.
A typical treatment plan that many patients fit into may look like this:
Treatments 1-3 Patient notices less nerve pain, less muscular pain in low back or neck.
We are including other passive therapies (cold-laser, ultrasound therapy, etc.)
Treatments 4-6 Patient begins to estimate how much they’ve improved….20%.....30%?
Treatments 7-9 Patient feels they’ve hit the “halfway point” regarding pain level.
We also begin to start stabilizing the area with specific exercises.
Treatments 10-12 Patient is beginning to have periods of time that are pain-free.
We focus on functional strength, moving correctly and getting stronger.
Tune-up Sessions Some patients need them. Others do not. This depends on everyone’s
unique situation. Everyone’s disc problem is unique. Age, lifestyle,
weight, occupation can affect your condition.
People with any of these conditions should not have spinal decompression:
Fracture
Tumor
Abdominal aortic aneurysm
Pregnancy – There are other forms of treatment that are completely safe to perform while pregnant that utilize the same principle as non-surgical spinal decompression. Dr. Colby often coaches expecting moms and their partner on various forms of stretching and mobility to minimize pregnancy-related back pain.