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Frequently Asked Questions
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Click on any of the Questions, answer will appear at the top of the page for your review.
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What is DTS and how does it work?
What can this vacuum effect do?
What machine is used for this purpose?
Is DTS better than surgery?
If I've already had back surgery, can I still have DTS?
Will DTS help a slipped disc?
If I go on DTS, how many treatments will I need, and how quickly can I expect to get better?
Are there any reasons that I can't go on DTS?
If DTS works so well, how come I haven't heard more about it?
How is DTS different from traction or the other treatment claiming to decompress the spine?
Why should I consider DTS Therapy?
How much does DTS cost, and will my health insurance or Workers' Compensation cover it?
What is Low Level Laser therapy?
What is Low Level Laser being used to treat?
Why did my doctor recommend Low Level Laser Therapy?
Will I feel anything during the laser treatment?
Is Low Level Therapy safe?
Is the laser FDA approved?
What are some other terms used for Cold Laser?
What is Reiki?
What is chiropractic care?
How does chiropractic work?
What type of education do chiropractic doctors receive?
What is a chiropractic adjustment?
Can I tell if I have a subluxation?
Do children need chiropractic care?
Are all patients adjusted the same way?
Is chiropractic safe?
What causes the sound during an adjustment?
Can I adjust myself?
Is chiropractic care addictive?
Can a person who had back surgery see a chiropractor?
Does chiropractic work for all types of health problems?
Is it OK to see a chiropractor if I'm pregnant?
What is the difference between a chiropractor and an osteopath?
Why do chiropractors take x-rays?
Is a good work-out the same as getting adjusted?
What is DTS and how does it work?
DTS (Decompression Traction System) is a patented process that employs three very important procedures: 1)gentle traction that stretches the spine and decompresses discs. Pressures in the lower lumber spine can be as high as +170 mm of mercury during many common daily activities. DTS Treatment is able to reduce the pressure in the lumbar spine down to levels of -160 mm of mercury, allowing fluids and nutrients to re-enter the disc; reducing swelling and relieving the pressure on compressed nerves. Simply put, DTS breaks the pain cycle caused by bulging or degenerated discs and helps the body heal itself. Patients are treated fully clothed and are fitted with harnesses that fit around their pelvis and thorax as they lie either face down or face up on a traction device. A Certified SDC technician operates the computerized device. 2) electrical stimulation of the affected area to restore normal circulation and increase interstitial fluid support of the injured areas. 3) Biofeedback Stabilization which re-educates supportive musculature that has failed as a primary cause of the condition. This stabilization and eventual rehabilitation provides for gradual relief of the symptoms as well as long term correction. Each treatment takes about 45 minutes. Most patients find DTS to be comfortable and relief of pain can usually be noticed in the first few sessions.
Spinal decompression therapy is a non-surgical, comfortable traction therapy for the relief of back and leg pain or neck and arm pain. During this procedure, by cycling through distraction and relaxation phases and by proper positioning, a spinal disc can be isolated and placed under negative pressure, causing a vacuum effect within it.
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What can this vacuum effect do?
The vacuum effect accomplishes two things. From a mechanical standpoint, disc material that has protruded or herniated outside the normal confines of the disc can be pulled back within the disc by the vacuum created within the disc. Also, the vacuum within the disc stimulates in growth of blood supply, secondarily stimulating a healing response. This results in pain reduction and proper healing at the injured site.
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What machine is used for this purpose?
There are a number of spinal decompression machines presently used in the United States. After significant research, Hopkins Clinic for Physical Medicine has chosen to use the Triton DTS machine manufactured by Chattanooga, Inc., the premier manufacturer of physical therapy machines.
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Is DTS better than surgery?
In most cases, DTS is better than surgery. This is due to the fact that surgery has inherent risks and physically alters the spine by removing all or part of the disc when sometimes, the disc is not the only part of the spine causing the problem.. Although this can reduce the pressure on the nerve, and relieve the back pain, the surgery tends to place more stress on the healthy discs above and below. Complications from surgery can be severe and may result in debilitating conditions. Clinical Studies show that DTS is successful in about 8 out of 10 cases.
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If I've already had back surgery, can I still have DTS?
Having back surgery does not prevent you from having DTS unless you have fixed surgical hardware used to fuse the spine. In fact, clinical studies show that DTS provides relief for patients who have had one or more back surgeries.
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Will DTS help a slipped disc?
A bulging or "herniated" disc is sometimes incorrectly referred to as a "slipped" disc. DTS succeeds at treating bulging or herniated discs over 70% of the time.
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If I go on DTS, how many treatments will I need, and how quickly can I expect to get better?
The number of treatment sessions required depends upon the diagnosis and the overall severity of your condition. One treatment session is about 40 minutes long. The total number of treatments averages between 15 and 20 sessions. Some difficult cases may require some additional sessions. Relief from pain varies with each individual and their physiology. However, most patients will experience some pain relief within the first few treatments.
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Are there any reasons that I can't go on DTS?
There are a few individuals that cannot take advantage of this treatment. These people have conditions such as:
Tumors
Fractures
Advanced Osteoporosis
Pregnancy
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.
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If DTS works so well, how come I haven't heard more about it?
DTS is a relatively new medical procedure in the United States. The therapy has worked for thousands of patients, and over 2800 patients per day, worldwide, are now being treated. The awareness of DTS is growing every day, as physicians and healthcare providers learn about DTS and the phenomenal results it has achieved in numerous clinical studies. As a result, DTS is now becoming the standard of care for chronic low back pain.
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How is DTS different from traction or the other treatment claiming to decompress the spine?
Although traction devices can stretch the lower back, they have not demonstrated the ability to decompress the lumbar discs and spinal nerves like DTS. Traction tables have a small electric motors in the table. Frequently, DTS research is found on traction table websites. DTS also employs electrical stimulation and a biofeedback routine that creates permanent healing and support. Unlike any other system, the DTS protocol is the whole package
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Why should I consider DTS Therapy?
DTS is a Non-Surgical Treatment for Low Back Pain and the only treatment that delivers DTS's decompression. DTS Therapy has been proven safe and effective in numerous clinical studies. Many patients are being treated with DTS Therapy every day. Other so-called 'decompression treatments' simply do not provide all three aspects of DTS necessary to accomplish both relief and restoration of spinal function without compression. DTS Therapy is non-invasive and without the risks and complications associated with surgery, injections and anesthesia. DTS is painless and patients can remain at light duty work while taking treatment. DTS is also easy and convenient. Sessions last about 45 minutes a day, for 15 - 20 days.
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How much does DTS cost, and will my health insurance or Workers' Compensation cover it?
DTS Therapy is covered by most insurance policies, either in whole or in part. Generally, the cost of DTS is about 1/15th the cost of back surgery. Workers Compensation coverage varies by state. Several carriers have agreed to cover DTS through a series of contracted and accredited Spinal Decompression Centers.
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What is Low Level Laser therapy?
Light or photon energy with the unique property of being able to penetrate up to two inches below the skin surface causing an increase in cellular metabolism with no tissue damage whatsoever.
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What is Low Level Laser being used to treat?
Low Level Laser is being used to treat a variety of painful and inflamed conditions of the soft tissues and joints such as carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, back pain, sport injuries.
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Why did my doctor recommend Low Level Laser Therapy?
Dr. Weatherwax is one of a limited number of doctors in the country using this laser under an approved protocol. You may have a condition that he feels falls within the criteria of being an acceptable candidate for this therapy.
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Will I feel anything during the laser treatment?
No, the therapy is painless and totally non-invasive.
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Is Low Level Therapy safe?
Yes, the FDA has ruled that the therapy is safe. The only contraindication (warning) is for use directly in the eye.
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Is the laser FDA approved?
Yes, the laser was approved on Feb. 11, 2002 for the treatment & management of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome among other types of injuries.
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What are some other terms used for Cold Laser?
LLLT ( Low Level Laser Therapy ) is the dominant term in use today. In the literature LPLT ( Low Power Laser Therapy ) is also frequently used. " Therapeutic laser ", " low level laser " or " low power laser ", " low-energy laser " are also used for laser therapy. The term " soft laser " was originally used to differentiate therapeutic lasers from " hard lasers ", i.e. surgical lasers. Several different designations then emerged, such as " MID laser " and " medical laser ". " Biostimulating laser " is another term, with the disadvantage that one can also give inhibiting doses. The term " bioregulating laser " has thus been proposed. Other suggested names are " low-reactive-level laser ", "low-intensity-level laser", " photobiostimulation laser " and " photobiomodulation laser.
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What is Reiki?
Reiki (Ray-Key) originated in ancient Tibet as a gentle "hands-on" healing method. Reiki means Universal Energy". It is healing energy of the universe that helps bring balance and wholeness to the self. Reikis primary focus is on balancing the bodys energy system (chakras) and the endocrine glands. Today, it is employed as a complement to the more traditional treatment of a wide variety of conditions (chronic and acute). It is used to reduce stress, relieve acute or chronic pain or discomfort and facilitate healing. It can also be utilized to enhance general well-being and relaxation in individuals without significant health problems.
A Reiki Session is safe and non-intrusive. During a session, the client relaxes, fully clothed, on a soft table. The practitioner, therapeutically uses her/his hands to conduct Reiki healing energy to the recipient. Most individuals experience a deep sense of calm as the Reiki energy flows through their system. In some instances, old patterns including emotions) may come to the surface for healing. Reiki will not interfere with any medical treatment prescribed by your physician. In fact, research indicates that Reiki often enhances the effect of the more traditional treatments.
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What is chiropractic care?
There's nothing mysterious about chiropractic. It's a natural method of health care that focuses on correcting the causes of physical problems, rather than just treating the
symptoms. Chiropractic is based on a simple but powerful premise. With a normally functioning spine and healthy nerve system, your body is better able to heal itself. That's
because your spine is the lifeline of your nervous system. It controls feeling, movement, and all function through your body.
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How does chiropractic work?
Chiropractic works by restoring your body's inborn ability to be healthy. When under the proper control of your nervous system, all the cells, tissues, and organs of your body are designed to resist disease and ill health. The chiropractic approach to better health is to locate and remove interferences (subluxations, misaligned vertebrae) to your nervous system. With improved spinal function, there is improved nervous system function. The goal of the chiropractor is to remove interference that may be impairing normal health through specific chiropractic adjustments, allowing your body to heal itself. A healthy spine and a healthy lifestyle are your keys to optimal health!
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What type of education do chiropractic doctors receive?
Doctors of Chiropractic are well-educated. Chiropractic education and medical education are similar in many respects and different in others because chiropractors do not prescribe drugs or perform surgery, and medical doctors do not correct vertebral subluxations. After graduating with a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) Degree, each candidate passes the demanding four part National Board Examinations. Then, doctors apply to a governmental or professional licensing board and pass a still more difficult test before being granted the privilege to practice. A chiropractor's education, however, never ends. Most doctors complete regular postgraduate instruction for license renewal and to stay current on the latest research and adjustment techniques.
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What is a chiropractic adjustment?
A chiropractic adjustment is the art of using a specific force in a precise direction, applied to a joint that is subluxated, "locked up," or not moving properly. The purpose of this safe and natural procedure is to eliminate interference to the nervous system, improving spinal function and overall health. "Gentle spinal adjustments boosts your body's immunity."
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Can I tell if I have a subluxation?
Not always. A subluxation is like a dental cavity--you may have it for a long time before symptoms appear. That's why periodic spinal checkups are so important. Although it may be possible to know you have a subluxation, it is rarely possible to be sure you don't. Regular spinal checkups are always a good idea, and they promote good health from the inside out
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Do children need chiropractic care?
Since significant spinal trauma can occur at birth, many parents have their newborns immediately checked for vertebral subluxation. Naturally, chiropractic adjusting procedures are adapted for the child's spine. Many childhood health complaints that are brushed off can be traced to the spine. Health problems that emerge in adulthood could often be prevented by having your children's spine checked by a chiropractor early. Most parents report that their children enjoy their chiropractic adjustments and are healthier than their peers.
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Are all patients adjusted the same way?
No. The doctor evaluates each patient's unique spinal problem and develops an individual course of care. Each chiropractic adjustment builds on the one before. The resulting recommendations are based upon years of training and experience. Each patient's care is uniquely different from every other patient.
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Is chiropractic safe?
Yes. Chiropractic has an excellent safety record. It is the result of a conservative and natural approach to health that avoids invasive procedures or addictive drugs. As proof, one merely has to compare malpractice rates between chiropractors and other health care professionals. Chiropractors' malpractice premiums are a small fraction of those for medical doctors.
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What causes the sound during an adjustment?
Actually, adjustments do not always produce a sound. Often, however, adjustments do create the sound of a spinal "release", or "popping" sound. The sound is caused by gas rushing in to fill the partial vacuum created when the joints are slightly separated. This sound is painless and totally harmless.
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Can I adjust myself?
No. Since a chiropractic adjustment is a specific force, applied in a specific direction to a specific joint, it is virtually impossible to adjust oneself correctly and accurately. It is possible to turn or bend or twist in certain ways to create a "popping" sound that sometimes accompanies a chiropractic adjustment. Unfortunately, this type of joint manipulation is usually counterproductive, often making an already unstable spine even more unstable, and can sometimes be dangerous. Adjusting the spine is not for amateurs!
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Is chiropractic care addictive?
No. If only it were, there would be more healthy people around and chiropractors would not get patients who last saw a chiropractor a few years ago when their back went out. It is possible to get used to feeling more balanced, less stressed, and more energetic as a result or regular chiropractic care. Chiropractic is not addictive, however, good health is.
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Can a person who had back surgery see a chiropractor?
Yes. It's an unfortunate fact that up to half of those who had spinal surgery discover a return of their original symptoms months or years later. They then face the prospect of additional surgery. This too common occurrence is know as "Failed Back Surgery Syndrome." Chiropractic may help prevent repeated back surgeries. In fact, if chiropractic care is initially utilized back surgery can often be avoided in the first place.
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Does chiropractic work for all types of health problems?
No, however chiropractic care is successful with a very wide variety of health problems not necessarily considered "back" problems because of improved nerve system function. With a normal nerve supply the body's natural healing capacity can improve a variety of health problems.
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Is it OK to see a chiropractor if I'm pregnant?
Anytime is a good time for a better functioning nerve system. Pregnant mothers find that chiropractic adjustments improve their pregnancy and make delivery easier for themselves and their baby. Adjusting methods are always adapted to a patients size, weight, age, and condition of health.
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What is the difference between a chiropractor and an osteopath?
Chiropractors base their care on the detection correction, and prevention of vertebral subluxations (spinal misalignments). We use specific spinal adjustments to correct the spine, to improve nerve system functions and reduce nerve interference. Osteopaths use drugs, surgery, and other traditional medical therapies and only use manipulative procedures to increase joint flexibility.
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Why do chiropractors take x-rays?
Chiropractors take x-rays to reveal the internal structure and alignment of the spine. We are also concerned about underlying disease processes and disorders of the spine such as spinal deterioration, arthritis of the spine, abnormal development, bone spurs, disc disorders, tumors and spinal curvature. X-rays also provide a blueprint for correcting the spine back to optimal health and alignment.
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Is a good work-out the same as getting adjusted?
No. Exercise is an important part of good health, yet without normal spinal function a physical workout merely puts additional wear and tear on improperly functioning spinal joints.
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