Told You May Need Back Surgery? Ask About Decompression First

A patient came in to see me recently after his back pain took a turn for the worse. He told me, "I had to come see you or I was seeing a surgeon to cut the darn thing out."

He got relief that first day. But that night was so rough I talked with him on the phone a couple of times, and the next morning was really rough too. One week later he told me, "I felt better yesterday than I have in months." He even told me, "I love you, man."

So just because you start doesn’t mean everything gets better right away. It can be a back and forth battle. If you got stitches put in today, could they come out tomorrow, or even in two days? Of course not. The healing wouldn’t have taken place. Healing takes time. But thank goodness, relief comes before healing.

I've been doing this almost 31 years, and I hear the word "surgery" a lot. Sometimes surgery is the right call, and when it is, it can change a life for the better. But a lot of folks never hear there's a non-surgical option to try first.

Usually it goes something like this. The low back has hurt for months, maybe years. The pain down the leg comes and goes. You've tried the pills, the rest, maybe therapy or a shot or two. Then somebody says the word surgery.

Before you make that decision, you should know about spinal decompression.

What it is

The DRX9000 is a computer-controlled table that gently stretches the low back, one patient at a time. That takes pressure off the disc and the nerve it's pressing on, and helps fluid and nutrients get back into a disc that has very little blood supply of its own. You lie on a padded table, fully clothed. Most people find it relaxing.

Who it's for

People with low back pain and sciatica from herniated or bulging discs and degenerated discs. Especially folks who've been told surgery is next and want to try a conservative option first.

How it works here

It isn't one visit. Discs need time to respond, so we work on a plan: usually about 20 visits over 11 weeks, three times a week at first, then twice, then once. Most of my patients do decompression together with PEMF and their adjustments.

One man I treated does very physical labor for a living. When he came in he could barely move and couldn't work. Eight weeks into his plan he had no pain and was back at work full days.

I'll be straight with you

Decompression isn't right for every spine. Start with a free consult: come in and sit down with me, no charge. If you want to go ahead, at your first visit I’ll examine you, take X-rays if you need them, and tell you honestly whether you're a good candidate. If you're not, I'll tell you that too. If you're already under a surgeon's care, keep them in the loop.

No referral is needed. If you’ve already had back surgery, some people can still do decompression. It depends on your situation and what type of surgery it was, so we’d take an X-ray of your low back to see what was done first.

Go to the emergency room right away if you have new trouble controlling your bladder or bowels, numbness in the groin or inner thighs, or weakness in a leg that's getting worse.

The next step

Call us at 423.542.3337 or text us at 423.380.0877 to schedule your free consult with Dr. Dennis.

Please note: our office will be closed Thursday, October 22 and Friday, October 23.

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Mon & Thu: 7:30am to Noon and 1:30 to 5pm
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Wed: 8:30am to Noon and 2 to 6pm

Yours In Health,
Dr. Dennis & Your EC Team (Larry & Zak)!

P.S. Foot Levelers custom orthotics are $249 for any single pair through November 15. Ask about a free foot scan at your next visit.