Guisachan Physiotherapy is one of only two clinics in British Columbia that operate the Spine Med spinal decompression Therapy Program.

What is Spine Med Therapy?

The Spine Med table is a type of lumbar traction which allows decompression of the lumbar spine to relieve lower back pain and sciatic pain. The machine is a proven non-surgical method of relieving lower back pain and is often viewed as a last alternative to back surgery. Each patient is assessed by a physician or a physiotherapist to determine if they are a suitable candidate for Spine Med Therapy. Although there is not success with every patient, at least 85% of the patients treated have marked improvement in their condition and most are pain free. They will continue to improve for at least 3 to 4 months post treatment.

The patient has the choice of having treatment twice daily for at least 2 weeks or once daily for at least a 4 week period. Both methods work equally well. The physiotherapist assesses the patient, and MRI, CAT scans and lumbar x-rays are reviewed. Provided that there are no contra-indications, treatment can be started.

Treatments begin with an infrared heating pad for 15 minutes to relax the lumbar muscles prior to treatment. The patient is then started on the Spine Med decompression table for a period of 30 minutes. Unlike conventional lumbar traction tables, the Spine Med table is computerized and allows decompression of the spine at exact specific levels. The angle of pull is altered by positioning of the pelvis on the table. For example, if the patient has a problem between the L5 and S1 vertebrae, the angle would be at 0 degrees, while if the L3/L4 disc was involved, the angle of pull would change to 20 degrees. If the patient has multiple levels involved, the angle of pull is adjusted accordingly. The distraction allows a negative pressure in the disc to be created. Fluid will then flow from the surrounding tissue to the disc and allows it to re-expand. This transfer of fluids, nutrients and oxygen back inside the disc results in the retraction of bulging and herniated discs, and often the relief of nerve pressure causing leg pain. The treatment is also very useful for patients with facet joint problems in the lumbar spine and spinal stenosis. Following the Spine Med treatment, the patient is then treated with ice, interferential current therapy and laser to reduce pain, inflammation, and muscle spasm. Later in the progression of treatment, exercises are introduced slowly.

The patient undergoes a minimum of 20 treatment sessions - some patients require up to 25 or 30 sessions, depending on the severity of their condition. Not every patient improves, but the success rate is very high. Spinal Disc Decompression is designed to correct the causes of back pain and sciatica, and not just treat the symptoms.

The Spine Med treatment program has allowed patients with even a 40 year history of lower back pain to be pain free. Many patients have returned to tell us that "we have given them their life back again."

Many private insurance companies and sometimes WCB are now paying treatment costs. If patients have been off work for long term disability claims, the costs are relatively small to help people to get back to a normal life style and back to work. Spine Med Therapy is safe for patients aged 20 to 90 years old, provided there are no contra-indications. Prior to starting treatment, contra-indications such as severe osteoporosis, spinal tumors, spinal fusions with surgical hardware, and a few other medical conditions must be ruled out.

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Spinal Disc Decompression - What to Expect

Preparation for your First Visit
Your first visit will include an initial assessment by a trained therapist. Please pick up copies of your most recent X-Ray, CT scan, or MRI reports from your doctor to bring with you for this visit. Photocopies of the reports are all that are required, not the actual films. If the therapist decides that you are a candidate for Spinal Disc Decompression, you will then be scheduled for your treatment sessions. It is recommended that patients who do not consume adequate quantities of milk each day as a dietary source of calcium, should ingest at least 800 mg of elemental calcium. Research findings have indicated that patients seem to benefit with reduced incidence of spasms when their daily intake exceeds 800 mg of elemental calcium. The routine use of anti-inflammatory medications during the course of Spinal Decompression therapy has proven to enhance success of the treatment. If you do not have a current prescription for an anti-inflammatory, Ibuprofen is available without a prescription at any pharmacy. However, as with all medications you should consult your physician prior to use.

What to Wear
Please wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing.

What will you Experience
For your first few treatments, the therapist will set the Spine Med System at a low tension and increase it during subsequent sessions. As you are able, the tension will be increased until the optimum levels are reached. Each session consists of several, decompression-relaxation cycles for a total of approximately 30 minutes. Each decompression session is followed by 15 minutes of Ice Therapy, Interferential Current Therapy and Laser.

After Each Treatment
The decompression of your spine can significantly increase its mobility and cause it to feel unstable for 30 to 45 minutes. A pelvic support belt should be worn between treatments to aid lower back support. Your back should be left in a stable position for at least two hours after each treatment. Resting on your back is ideal. Any exercises that result in rotation or flexion of the spine should be avoided as well as any activity that compresses the discs such as running or jogging.

When will I Notice any Change?
Each case is different, and healing time is dependent on the severity and length of the injury. However, most people notice improvement after 10 to 12 treatments and significant or complete remission of symptoms after 18 to 20 treatments. Some severe cases may require an additional 5 to 10 treatments.

The Cost
The cost for Spinal Decompression is $250.00 per treatment or a package of 20 treatments may be purchased for $4500.00 ($225.00 per treatment). The block of 20 treatments must all be booked and paid for at the time of the first treatment. Patients aged 65 and older are also entitled to a discount package price of $3900. You will be provided with receipts for physiotherapy services which may be submitted to your extended health plan for reimbursement, or to be used as a deduction on your Income Tax Return as a medical expense. Methods for payment are cash, cheque, debit, Visa or Mastercard.

For more information please visit the Spine Med Therapy website at www.spinemedtherapy.com