What causes low back pain?
Low back pain can arise from various sources including injuries and natural aging processes.
The spinal cord is safeguarded by vertebrae, which are bony structures. Between these vertebrae lie soft discs with tough outer ligaments. These discs act as shock absorbers, shielding both vertebrae and spinal nerves. Many back pain issues stem from disc herniation or degeneration. Degeneration is the gradual wearing down of discs over time. Herniations, or bulging discs, push against nearby nerves, causing discomfort or numbness.
If I undergo DRX 9000 treatment, how long does it take to see results?
Most patients notice pain relief within the first few sessions. Significant improvement usually happens by the second week of treatment.
How long does it take to complete DRX 9000 treatment?
The typical DRX 9000 program involves 20 to 29 sessions spanning 6 to 9 weeks. Each session lasts about 30 minutes. Treatment duration and session length depend on individual condition severity.
What is the success rate of the DRX 9000 Treatment?
Clinical studies show an 86% success rate for DRX 9000 in treating herniated and degenerated discs, with less than 4% recurrence.
Do I qualify for the DRX 9000 treatment?
Since introducing the DRX 9000 spinal decompression at DeKalb Chiropractic Center, many patients and doctors ask who benefits most. Proper patient selection is key for results. Here are the criteria to help you decide if DRX is right for you.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Back pain from herniated or bulging lumbar discs lasting more than four weeks
- Recurrent pain after failed back surgery older than six months
- Ongoing pain from degenerated discs unresponsive to four weeks of therapy
- Availability for at least four weeks of treatment
- Patients aged 18 years or older
Exclusion Criteria:
- Presence of pedicle screws or rods
- Pregnancy
- Recent lumbar fusion (less than six months old)
- Metastatic cancer
- Severe osteoporosis
- Unstable spondylolisthesis
- Recent lumbar compression fractures below L-1
- Pars defects
- Pathologic aortic aneurysm
- Pelvic or abdominal cancer
- Disc space infections
- Severe peripheral neuropathy
- Hemiplegia, paraplegia, or cognitive dysfunction
What is the difference between the DRX 9000 and the VAX-D?
The DRX 9000 is three generations newer than the original VAX-D table. The current manufacturer of DRX, formerly the North American VAX-D distributor, developed DRX after VAX-D upgrades were declined. This led to the DRX 9000’s release two years ago, addressing VAX-D’s limitations.
Key differences include success rates and patient comfort during treatment. Here’s a side-by-side comparison:
DRX 9000
- 86% success rate
- Patient lies on back (supine)
- Comfortable harnesses avoid shoulder or arm strain
- Decompression targeted to specific disc levels through adjustable traction angles
VAX-D
- 72% success rate
- Patient lies face down (prone), often uncomfortable
- Patients must hold on with hands, causing shoulder and arm discomfort
- Straight-line traction, non-specific to disc levels
Are there any side effects to the treatment?
Most patients experience no side effects. Occasionally, mild muscle spasms may occur briefly.
Will my insurance pay for it?
Many insurance plans cover parts of the DRX 9000 protocol. Check with your doctor to confirm your coverage options.