After almost twenty years of working with all sorts of spinal problems and dreading every time someone had to be referred for spinal surgery, there is now another option that we can recommend to our patients. An alternative to the horrors of low back surgery was introduced in 1997. Since then, this FDA registered equipment has evolved to become even more comfortable, effective, and successful.
     Clinical studies have documented an 86% improvement rate for IDD (Internal Disc Decompression) Therapy ^TM in relieving the pain from ruptured intervertebral discs. This is in stark contrast to the commonly reported “30% Rule” for spinal surgeries, i.e. 30% get better, 30% notice little or no change, and 30% get worse. Dismal results indeed when you consider the costs, the hazards, and the time lost from work to recover from surgery.
     IDD TherapyTM can help with herniated or bulging discs, degenerative disc disease (thinned and/or collapsed discs), posterior facet syndrome, sciatica (pain down your legs that is coming from pressure on your sciatic nerve), acute or chronic back pain, back problems that do not seem to respond to anything else, failed back surgery, and most any other type of back pain especially if it includes leg pain. Internal Disc DecompressionTM is non-invasive, essentially painless, and does not involve drug therapy or injections.
     The treatment protocol was developed by a team of renowned neurologists, chiropractors, orthopedists, and neurosurgeons to rehabilitate and heal damaged structures in the spine. There are now several different types of Disc Decompression machines being used. The best allow targeting of specific levels of your spine, such as your fifth lumbar vertebra or your fourth, or whichever area is the focus of your problem. Once you are comfortably and securely fitted with chest and pelvic harnesses, you are then slowly lowered on the table to a reclining position (on your back) with pillows under your head and your knees. The specific angle required for your therapy is set along with all the other parameters required for your treatment. Your computer generated and monitored decompression therapy lasts approximately thirty minutes while you enjoy relaxing CDs on headphones along with heat and massage from the table. You can find practitioners with these tables in Corvallis, Eugene, Albany, Salem, Portland and other larger cities.

Q: How does IDD TherapyTM work?

A: IDD TherapyTM is performed on a patented decompression table. The procedure is a multi-stage process that decreases pressure inside the disc and promotes self-healing by increasing the water content and reducing pressure within the disc. As the pressure in the discs is decreased, bulging disc material retracts and damaged structures in the spine can heal and rehabilitate.

Q: If I use IDD Therapy, when will I start feeling better?

A: Many patients start feeling improvement by the second week.

Q: Are there any side effects to the treatments?

A: Most patients do not experience any adverse side effects. Occasionally, especially at the beginning of the treatment program, a few people experience brief muscle spasms.