Spinal Decompression in Los Angeles

Spinal decompression is an outpatient procedure. While you lie facedown on the motorized VAX-D traction table, Dr. Sheps places a harness around your pelvis and adjusts it to ensure a comfortable fit. Dr. Sheps stands at a computer console, controlling the traction table to gently stretch your spine. He holds each position for several minutes, increasing circulation to the treatment site and relieving pain and inflammation. The procedure takes about 45 minutes. Once you’re finished, Dr. Sheps removes the harness and provides recovery instructions. 

Spinal decompression therapy with the VAX-D traction table is cumulative, meaning it takes several weeks, sometimes months, to experience noticeable results. Dr. Sheps usually recommends at least 20 decompression treatments spaced over several weeks. Some people experience immediate relief; for others, it takes longer. Follow Dr. Sheps’ instructions and attend each session to ensure positive, long-lasting results. 

Spinal decompression is safe and usually well-tolerated. After each treatment session, it’s normal to experience mild soreness and stiffness, like you would after an intense workout. These symptoms typically improve within a day or two. If they continue beyond that time or get worse, contact Dr. Sheps. Depending on the cause of your back pain, Dr. Sheps could recommend complementary treatments, including chiropractic care, laser therapy, or cryotherapy. Call the office of Michael Sheps, DC, today to schedule a spinal decompression in Los Angeles at our Brentwood clinic location, or book your visit online.

There are a few individuals who cannot take advantage of this treatment. These people have conditions such as: Tumors Fractures (broken vertebrae) Osteoporosis (Reduced bone mass/density) Pregnancy or certain conditions (diseases) that compromise the structural integrity of the spine and discs. These conditions are present in only a small percentage of the population.

Generally, the cost of VAX-D is about 1/10th the cost of back surgery. You will need to contact your health insurance provider to see if your policy covers the treatment.

If you have had back surgery that has failed, you may still be a candidate for VAX-D unless you have fixed surgical hardware used to fuse the spine. In fact, a clinical study showed that VAX-D provides relief for patients who have had back surgery.

There are a few individuals who cannot take advantage of this treatment. These people have conditions such as: Tumors Fractures (broken vertebrae) Osteoporosis (Reduced bone mass/density) Pregnancy or certain conditions (diseases) that compromise the structural integrity of the spine and discs. These conditions are present in only a small percentage of the population.

A bulging or “herniated” disc is sometimes incorrectly referred to as a “slipped” disc. VAX-D succeeds at treating bulging or herniated discs over 70% of the time.

Although traction devices can stretch the lower back, they have not demonstrated the ability to decompress the lumbar discs and spinal nerves. Traction tables have an electric winch mounted in a column, or attached at the head of the table. They are easily identified by the simple cable that attaches to the patient’s harness. Either static or intermittent traction modes can be chosen, but no other device has been shown to reduce the disc pressure to negative levels. Frequently, VAX-D research is found on traction table websites.