By gently reducing spinal disc pressure, this painless, non-invasive therapeutic treatment is the foremost non-surgical alternative for treating pinched nerves, and herniated discs. DTS is a gentle, non-surgical therapy, which can relieve lower back and lumbar pain as well as symptoms of bulging or degenerative disc disease. Generally, our DTS patients experience a significant pain reduction within just a few sessions. DTS Therapy gradually straightens the spine and alleviates disc, joint and muscular tissue pressure while augmenting the body’s natural healing process.
Spinal Stenosis (the abnormal narrowing of one or more areas of the spine):The spine surrounds and protects the spinal cord and facilitates mobility. Spinal stenosis causes constriction of the spine. Oftentimes occurring in the neck and lower back or neck, this narrowing inflicts pressure on the spinal cord or nerves exiting the spine.Symptoms include acute leg and lower back pain when standing or walking—especially when climbing stairs. Spinal stenosis commonly occurs in men and women over the age of 50. However, younger people who have suffered a spinal injury or were born with a narrow spinal canal are also susceptible. Conditions such as arthritis and scoliosis can lead to spinal stenosis, as well.
There are two viable options for treating spinal stenosis.The narrowing can be expanded through surgical procedure, allowing the nerves to traverse more easily. The option is quite risky due to the proximity of the spinal nerve and the spinal cord. In light of this, the Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression described above is the preferred and optimal treatment alternative.DTS is a precise, computer-controlled therapeutic treatment that decompresses painful and herniated discs through an oscillating sequence of extending and relaxing the vertebra. This innovative technology functions to negate muscle spasms characteristic of the antiquated “traction” methods of days gone by. Further, our DTS unit also integrates a cutting-edge angulated elongation method that targets specific spinal discs such as the L5/S, located at the base of the spine. The term “Angulated Elongation” defines the angle at which the decompression energy is directed. This preferred therapeutic approach diminishes the need for applied strength (manually forcing the separation of vertebra) by focusing on a specific spinal segment to heal and restore individual spinal discs.
The vertebrae are gently separated using the high-tech DTS Spinal Decompression Unit. As the vertebrae begin to separate, pressure is gradually reduced within the disc (intradiscal pressure), forming a vacuum. This vacuum then draws the gelatinous center of the disc inward, thereby reducing disc bulge and/or herniation. Once the bulging and herniation are reduced, spinal nerve pressure is alleviated, which in turn, results in a marked reduction in pain and discomfort. This vacuum also disperses vital oxygen, nutrients and fluid into injured and degenerated discs, which facilitates natural, robust healing.
“Trapped” NerveNerves can also become irritated as they pass through soft tissue, a condition known as peripheral nerve entrapment. Smooth casings facilitate ease of passage through perpetually expanding and contracting muscle tissue. Think of a train passing through a tunnel. Now, when the nerves and their protective casings are damaged, scar tissue forms, creating adhesions between the casing and the nerve. Thus, numbness and tingling are often exacerbated by repetitive motions.
How Can a Nerve Become “Trapped” Within the Soft-Tissues?Repetitive “rubbing” of sensitive soft-tissues or chronic contraction of a damaged muscle deprive the soft-tissue of vital oxygen. This lack of oxygen triggers fibroblastic activity – which plays a large role in the formation of scar tissue (fibrous tissue). As more fibrous tissue is created, muscle oxygenation, flexibility and strength diminish. As the cycle progresses, functionality deteriorates which causes symptoms to present. In fact, it can take months, even years before the first symptoms appear. Over time, the “stickiness” of the soft tissues can invade the spaces between these tissues causing them to fuse. When this occurs in proximity to the nerves, peripheral entrapment (soft-tissue nerve “pinch”) can result.
Freeing “Trapped” NervesTrapped nerves are most effectively treated by employing the Active Release Technique (ART). This approach is an interactive process involving both doctor and patient. Every Active Release session is actually a unique combination of examination and treatment. Dr. Donath applies controlled pressure with a thumb or finger at the site of adhesion while manipulating the affected body part through a complete range of motion. During this process, the tissue is held stationary while the nerve is gently separated from the adhesion. Oftentimes, clients experience immediate symptom relief, and are able to regain flexibility and strength.