Back Pain is the number one complaint in North America each year; it is estimated that over 80 billion dollars will be spent on back pain in some way over the next year. At one time or another, 80% of us will suffer some degree of low back pain.

Back problems can often be serious, debilitating, and result in permanent loss of some function, forcing us to give up things in life we may not want to give up.

That's the bad news. The good news is SPINAL DISC DECOMPRESSION -- no surgery, no drugs, no injections. This treatment is done on the DRS (Decompression, Reduction, Stabilization) System, the most advanced non-surgical treatment available for herniated/degenerative discs and some other forms of low back pain.

The DRS System was developed through years of clinical research and is the result of the combined efforts of neurosurgeons, orthopaedic surgeons, and biomedical engineers. It received FDA clearance in April 1997.

How does it work and is it different from conventional traction?
Conventional mechanical traction involves simple mechanical stretch which in turn causes spinal muscles to contract and results in increased intradiscal pressure. The DRS System applies decompression on discs in a proprietary graduated manner which bypasses this effect on the muscles. In fact, research has shown this effect results in a decrease in intradiscal pressure with the DRS, thus promoting retraction and healing of injured/herniated discs.

What is involved in getting started?
First, the client needs to be fully informed on the entire process. One can get detailed information by calling Universal Pain Technology Canada, our partner in this and the Canadian distributor, at 1-800-750-4188. You will receive a detailed information package with a video.

Next, you will be booked for a suitability assessment. This is done to determine if you are an appropriate candidate for this type of treatment; not all types of (or causes of) low back pain are treatable by Spinal Disc Decompression. Also, we want to rule out certain contraindications, educate you on the process and answer your questions, and develop a "baseline" for your condition should we proceed.

The treatment is a separate program from our regular physiotherapy services. It is somewhat intensive, involving daily sessions covering approximately four weeks. The treatment itself is gentle, safe, and often painfree.

Following the treatment program the client is very specifically instructed on what to do and not to do and what to expect. As well, they are given some specific exercises pertaining to their particular problem and situation along with a core stabilization and stretching program at the appropriate time.

Here at Back On Track, we have been treating clients on the DRS System for close to 3 years now. We are extremely pleased with the results we have seen and firmly believe this to be a highly valuable treatment alternative for a certain client population. We have had some incredible success stories that surprised even us; and yes, we have had a few dissatisfying results also -there are no guarantees with the human body.

In our case, we have achieved very good to excellent results approximately 75-80% of the time. We feel the key is proper screening - based on our experience and expertise , we are confident that in most cases our assessment (along with diagnostic results) will identify the appropriate client. As well, the client must be committed to the program and follow the protocol precisely.