Chronic neck and back pain are significant health problems in modern society. Treatment options vary from the extreme — such as surgery and spinal fusion — to non-invasive options like traction and spinal decompression. Many pain sufferers are rejecting surgery as the first course of action and considering less invasive approaches instead. Unfortunately, the information on nonsurgical options can be confusing;  leading many people to ask: “What is the difference between traction and spinal decompression? Aren’t they the same thing?” 

The short answer is, “No.” Read on to understand the differences between traction and spinal decompression — particularly a relatively new, yet highly successful technique called the DRS Protocol®.

What is Traction?

Traditional traction has been used for decades. Traction treatments of the spine and back can best be defined as the application of force to the long axis of the spine — the act of pulling or stretching the muscles and joints in an attempt to elongate the spine. While traction may provide some relief from back and neck pain, it isn’t as effective when used alone. And, because traditional traction tables only have 1 setting — stretching, it can cause the muscles to tighten up preventing the disc space from opening and allowing proper healing.

What is Spinal Decompression?

Spinal decompression is a modified, modernized form of traction. It utilizes computer technology to control the force and speed of the pull on the spine. The muscle contraction response is reduced in patients because of the gradual and gentle increase of the force being applied. This allows the patient to feel more comfortable and remain in a relaxed state. Yes, these machines are still able to produce a strong enough suction force within the discs to retract protruding disc tissue and pull essential fluid and nutrients back in so that the disc can quickly heal.

The DRS Protocol®

Because spinal decompression is more effective when used with other treatment methods, Dr. Busch of the Busch Chiropractic Center in Fort Wayne, IN developed the DRS Protocol®. DRS stands for Decompression, Reduction, and Stabilization. The DRS treatment for back pain and neck pain applies an “axial” force to the spine to change the intradiscal pressure from a positive to a negative. The DRS Protocol® combines spinal decompression with multiple therapies for the safe and effective treatment of chronic back and neck pain conditions.

“In layman’s terms,” explains Dr. Busch, “this treatment reduces the pressure that can build up inside of the compromised discs. Relieving the pressure increases the blood flow to the injured area. This leads to tissue repair, more mobility and less pain.”

The DRS Protocol® treatment utilizes spinal decompression along with protocols customized for each patients condition. The DRS Protocol® has been proven extremely successful in treating chronic pain conditions of the neck and spine – conditions such as herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, numbness of the feet or hands, sciatica, posterior facet syndrome, and spinal stenosis. It also has proven highly effective at alleviating the pain caused by prior unsuccessful back or neck surgeries. The DRS Protocol® is also beneficial in treating the degeneration of discs caused by injury and aging. The customizable features of DRS make it an effective treatment for patients of any age.

“For me, the particularly appealing aspect of this treatment is that it is ‘patient-centered’,” says Dr. Busch. “Meaning, the combination of treatments and therapies are customized to each of my patients’ individual pain issues and health conditions. The equipment used in DRS has the latest technology to offer us instant feedback and adjust the patient’s treatment accordingly. The research studies I consulted prior to developing and implementing this protocol at my chiropractic practice in Fort Wayne, IN, all concluded that for patients with chronic back and neck pain issues, the DRS Protocol® is a ‘front-line, premier treatment’.”

Consider which treatment option best fits your situation. With a better understanding of the differences between traction and the DRS Protocol®, you are now equipped to talk with your doctor about which treatment you prefer for addressing your chronic back and neck pain.

Neck & Back Pain Treatment in Fort Wayne

To learn more about traction, spinal decompression, he DRS ProtcProtocol, and how they can help relieve your chronic neck or back pain, contact Buch Chiropractic at (260) 471-4090 today to schedule an appointment.