How Does the Chattanooga Decompression Table Work?

If you’re experiencing back pain, neck pain, or issues like sciatica, one treatment option you might consider is spinal decompression therapy. Within the field of chiropractic care and physical therapy, the Chattanooga Triton DTS traction unit stands out as a leading tool for this type of treatment. 

But what is this table, and how does it alleviate conditions like herniated discs, bulging discs and spinal stenosis? Here, we’re diving into the mechanics and benefits of the Chattanooga decompression table.

Understanding Spinal Decompression Therapy

Spinal decompression therapy is a non-surgical spinal decompression method aimed at providing pain relief for conditions such as herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, and facet syndrome. Clinicians employ this therapy to increase range of motion and facilitate healing by stretching the spinal discs in a controlled manner. It’s usually performed with a device known as a decompression or traction table.

What is a Spinal Decompression Table?

The Chattanooga decompression table is a sturdy, elongated table equipped with a range of mechanical and electronic components. The table is designed to be both functional and comfortable, often featuring padded surfaces where patients lie down, either face-up or face-down, depending on the treatment.

Traction unit

The Triton DTS traction unit, which is the key element in spinal decompression therapy, is usually integrated into the table or attached to it. This unit consists of a set of belts and harnesses that are secured around the patient’s pelvis or torso, as well as a control panel that clinicians use to program and monitor the decompression process. The unit allows for precise adjustments in angle and force, facilitating targeted stretching of the spinal area being treated, whether it’s the lumbar or cervical spine.

Control panel

On the control panel, the chiropractor or physical therapist can set various parameters; like the amount of traction force, duration, and type of decompression therapy. The table often comes with a display that shows real-time data, enabling clinicians to tailor the treatment to each patient’s specific needs.

Overall, the table is engineered for optimal patient comfort and effective treatment, featuring elements like ergonomic headrests and foot supports, as well as optional heating elements or vibration features for enhanced comfort.

What Does the Chattanooga Decompression Table Do?

The core of this technology is the Triton DTS traction unit, a state-of-the-art mechanical traction device that focuses on targeted decompression. This unit is versatile enough to address both lumbar and cervical issues, making it useful for treating lower back and neck pain alike.

Lumbar Traction

In cases of low back pain, lumbar traction is used to stretch the lower back, or lumbar spine. The Chattanooga Triton table is equipped with features that ensure patient comfort while effectively relieving issues like sciatica and lumbar spinal stenosis. 

Cervical Traction

When dealing with neck pain or cervical spinal stenosis, cervical traction comes into play. The Chattanooga decompression table provides precise stretching of the cervical spine, releasing pressure on the spinal discs and offering relief from conditions like bulging discs and degenerative disc disease.

Conditions Treated

From sciatica and back pain to facet syndrome and spinal stenosis, the Chattanooga table is used by chiropractors and physical therapists as a treatment option for a range of conditions.

Herniated and bulging discs

By creating a negative pressure environment, the spinal decompression table enables any protruded disc material to retract, reducing pressure on the nerves and PROVIDING PAIN RELIEF.

Degenerative disc disease

The table helps in treating degenerative disc disease by restoring the range of motion, INCREASING DISC HEIGHT, and rejuvenating spinal discs, mitigating the effects of age- or disease-related degeneration.

Leg pain and sciatica

The Triton DTS unit is effective for not just back and neck pain, but also conditions like leg pain and SCIATICA. By stretching and stabilizing the lumbar spine, it can alleviate the symptoms of sciatica.

Advantages Over Traditional Treatment Methods

Traditional SPINAL SURGERY comes with risks and a lengthy recovery period. Non-surgical spinal decompression, like that offered by the Chattanooga decompression table, provides a less invasive alternative with comparable benefits such as increased range of motion and stabilization of the affected areas.

What’s It Like to Get Spinal Decompression Therapy?

When you arrive at the chiropractic clinic for your spinal decompression therapy, you’ll first undergo a thorough consultation with your chiropractor to discuss your symptoms and medical history. This is essential for tailoring the treatment to your specific needs; be it low back pain, herniated discs or sciatica.

Preparation

Once you’re ready for treatment, you’ll be directed to the Chattanooga decompression table. The clinician will help you get into the correct position, which could be lying on your back or stomach, depending on the area targeted. For lumbar traction, for example, you might lie on your back, while cervical traction might require you to lie on your stomach. Comfortable belts and harnesses will be securely fastened around your pelvis or torso to hold you in place during the treatment.

Commencing decompression

The clinician will then input the treatment parameters into the Triton DTS traction unit, setting the specific type and level of traction appropriate for your condition. As the treatment begins, you’ll gradually feel a gentle stretching sensation in the targeted spinal area. 

The traction device is designed to exert a controlled, intermittent stretching force on your spinal discs, creating a negative pressure that allows disc material to move back into place, thus promoting pain relief.

During treatment

The sensation is unlike any typical stretch you may have experienced. Instead, it’s a gentle, cyclic pull that momentarily eases off before resuming. This pattern minimizes muscle guarding, a natural defensive response to stretching, allowing for more effective spinal decompression. Most patients find the experience to be relaxing, and some even doze off during the procedure.

Throughout the session, your chiropractor or physical therapist will closely monitor the Triton DTS unit’s display panel, ensuring that the applied forces are both effective and comfortable for you. The treatment usually lasts for a specific duration, often around 30 minutes, although this can vary based on your condition and the treatment plan designed by the clinician.

Post-treatment experience

After the session, the belts and harnesses will be removed, and you’ll be assisted off the table. Most patients report a noticeable improvement in their range of motion and a reduction in pain immediately following the session. However, it’s common for multiple sessions to be scheduled for optimal results.

Takeaway

The Chattanooga decompression table, with its Triton DTS traction unit, is an excellent choice for those seeking relief from conditions like herniated discs, lumbar and cervical issues, and more. Its non-surgical approach makes it a viable treatment option for those who want to avoid the risks associated with spinal surgery. By understanding how this advanced table works, you can make an informed decision about your chiropractic care and physical therapy options.