Spinal Decompression vs. Surgery

Unlike other non-surgical treatments, Spinal Decompression therapy aims to restore the affected disc to its normal function and form. Most patients have experienced no pain after the course of treatment. It usually takes about 20 treatment sessions in order to fully eliminate pain and other symptoms. Follow-up sessions are advised for patients who experience flare-ups in the coming years.

Spinal decompression is considered a low-cost therapy compared to other conventional treatments. With this treatment, you’ll save the money and improve your life at the same time.

Surgery Risks vs. Spinal Decompression Risks

Surgery has about 25% to 50% success rate, but its risks don’t outweigh the benefits.

Risks and side effects of back surgery

• Pain could get worse
• Scarring
• Painful and longer recovery period
• Risk of infection
• Very expensive
• Patient is confined into some degree of movement
• Use of medications (pain killers)
• 72% of patients who had back surgery would probably need more surgeries

Risks and side effects of spinal decompression

• No Safety Issues
• No Adverse Effects
• Little risk of making your condition worse

Research Shows

Disadvantages of Surgery

• Significant pain relief is experienced by approximately 40% of patients who had spinal fusion
• Only 29% of patients who had Microdiscectomy have returned to their previous occupations without pain medications
• ¼ patients are dissatisfied with their surgery after two years. (Surg Neuol 1998 Mar; 49(3): 263-7)
• In the long run, spinal fusion eventually wears out segments above and below the site thus, requiring more surgeries
• Scar tissue can lead to pain, inflammation, restriction
• Discectomy could remove essential disc materials
• 72% of patients may need further surgery (April 8 2002 New Yorker online)
• Approximately 41 percent of patients who had surgery increase their use of pain killers (University of Cincinnati College of Medicine)

Success Rates of Surgery

Eugene Carragee, MD, of Stanford University, only performs spinal surgery on select patients which he carefully screens.

He concluded that:

• Only less than 25% will be a complete success
• Surgery does not have a dramatic impact on patient’s pain or mobility (in most cases)
• A patient’s goal of eradicating back pain is far from reach

An Audacious Testimonial on Surgery

“No operation in any field of surgery leaves in its wake more human wreckage than surgery on the lumbar discs. Many of these patients are subjected to numerous operations and after each operation the patient is worse.”

~Anthony DePalma M.D. and Richard Rothman M.D. (Professors of Orthopedic Surgery)

Is the ‘Laser Spine Institute’ the Next Big Thing?

• According to some experts, laser is ineffective, expensive, and potentially dangerous
• There’s little evidence that shows laser is better than traditional surgery
• The institute has had trouble recruiting academics to examine their “Success Rates”
• $30,000 is charged for each procedure
• A lack of research to confirm safety and effectiveness is Aetna and Cigna’s reason for covering laser treatment.
• A 2X the malpractice rates of national averages for surgeries (Zurich North America)
• An increase by up to 87% in the number of surgeries performed is expected since their investors are doctors (Journal Health Affairs)

Could surgery be not right for you?

Spinal Decompression Therapy in Naples, FL

Spinal decompression therapy is now available in Florida Spine and Disc of Naples, FL. We provide this service to people who are suffering from back pain. After Spinal decompression therapy, research shows that patients are able to resume about 89% of previous activity.

Prior to treatment, it is necessary to see our chiropractors first. Your chiropractor will assess your condition and will discuss the plan of care.

Kindly contact us for more information. We would be glad to hear from you soon. Let’s work hand in hand for you to have a life away from pain.

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