You've probably seen the newspaper ads that "hype" Spinal Decompression Therapy asking you to call some unknown doctor's office in order to receive a free report in the mail. We do not believe anyone should have to do that! Our website will give you the complete facts about Spinal Decompression Therapy including published studies that support its effectiveness. And we will also tell you the approximate treatment cost. We do that so you will be better able to make an informed decision about what you should do for your condition and because our fees are a fraction of what some other clinics charge.
If you need any additional information, please call our office at (318) 445-2513 and ask to speak to Dr. Dufrene. That's right, he'll talk to you personally in order to help you make the right decision.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS
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What is Spinal Decompression Therapy?
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Spinal
decompression therapy is FDA cleared and has a high success rate for pain
associated with herniated or bulging discs...even after failed surgery. It
is a non-surgical, traction based therapy for the relief of back and leg
pain or neck and arm pain. During this procedure, by cycling through distraction
and relaxation phases and by proper positioning, a spinal disc can be isolated
and placed under negative pressure, causing a vacuum effect within it.
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How does this negative pressure affect an injured
disc?
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During spinal
decompression therapy, a negative pressure is created within the disc.
Because of that negative pressure, disc material that has protruded
or herniated can be pulled back within the normal confines of the disc, and
permit healing to occur. |
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What
system is used for this purpose?
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After a significant
amount of research, our office chose the Triton®
DTS system manufactured by
the Chattanooga Group, the premier manufacturer of physical medicine equipment.
More importantly, we have the brand new 2006 computerized head which
is the most sophisticated and technologically advanced unit in the world.
No office - and we do mean NO OFFICE - has a more "state of the art" spinal
decompression system.
In fact, the new
2006 Triton®
head is so revolutionary that
it won the 2006 Australian Design Award in the "Medical and Scientific" category.
We also selected the Triton®
DTS systems due to their ability
to treat discs in both the neck and the low back.
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How
is Spinal Decompression Therapy different from regular
traction?
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The award winning
Triton®
computer is the key. It controls
the variations in the traction pull allowing for spinal decompression and
eliminating muscle guarding that is typical in conventional traction devices.
The preprogrammed patterns for ramping up and down the amount of axial
distraction allows for higher levels of spinal decompression and disc
rehydration. |
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Who
can benefit from Spinal Decompression
Therapy?
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Anyone who
has back pain or neck pain caused in whole or in part by a damaged disc may
be helped by spinal decompression therapy. These conditions include herniated,
protruding or bulging discs, spinal stenosis, sciatica or radiculopathy (pinched
nerves). |
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Are
there medical studies that document the effectiveness of Spinal Decompression
Therapy?
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Yes!
One study documented by MRI up to 90% reduction
of disc herniations in 10 of 14 cases and other studies reported that the
majority of ruptured disc patients achieved "good" to "excellent" results
after spinal decompression therapy.
Click
here if you would like to review the studies
yourself. |
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....
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The February 2007 issue of "To Your Health" Magazine features an article about spinal decompression therapy that discusses the safety and effectiveness of this non-surgical treatment for spinal disc herniations.
Click here to read the article. |
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Are
there conditions where Spinal Decompression Therapy is not indicated?
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Spinal
decompression therapy is not recommended for pregnant women, patients who
have severe osteoporosis, severe obesity or severe nerve damage.
Spinal surgery
with instrumentation (screws, metal plates or cages) is also
contraindicated. However, spinal decompression therapy after bone fusion
or non-fusion surgery, can be performed. |
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Are
the sessions painful, how many will be needed and what is the
cost?
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In almost all
cases, the treatments are completely painless. In fact, some patients
fall asleep during the spinal decompression session.
The specific treatment
plan will be determined by the doctor after your examination.
If your insurance company covers spinal decompression therapy, reimbursement varies but your out-of-pocket expense for all needed services could be as little as your co-payment. |
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Do
most patients receive therapy and rehabilitative exercises in addition to
Spinal Decompression Therapy?
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To reduce
inflammation and assist the healing process, supporting structures are treated
with passive therapies (ice/heat/, chiropractic adjustments
(as indicated) and/or active rehabilitation in order to strengthen the
spinal musculature. |
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How
do I get started?
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We want to make it easy for you to learn if you are a candidate for spinal decompression therapy. Just call our office at (318) 445-2513 to arrange a consultation with Dr. Dufrene.
Please remember to bring any MRI reports so the doctor can review them and best advise you about your treatment options. |
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HOME PUBLISHED STUDIES
To Talk to Dr. Dufrene or
Schedule an Appointment, Call
(318) 445-2513
Dr. Meril J. Dufrene
3327 Jackson Street Suite F
Alexandria, Louisiana 71301
EMAIL DUFRENE CHIROPRACTIC
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