Provides a primary treatment for the management of pain and disability for patients suffering with incapacitating low back pain, neck pain and sciatica.
Exclusive Interview – The Spinal Decompression Solution
Renowned Chiropractor, Dr. Jeffrey Dickhut Clinic Director of Central Illinois Spine, discusses how specific chiropractic treatments, specifically non-surgical spinal decompression, can eliminate or reduce chronic back and neck pain and often eliminate the need for surgery.
Spinal Decompression Therapy
Spinal decompression is a non-surgical treatment designed to relieve pressure on the spine and support natural healing. At Central Illinois Spine, this therapy may help patients with back pain, neck pain, sciatica, herniated discs, bulging discs, degenerative disc conditions, and nerve-related discomfort.
Spinal decompression works by gently stretching the spine on a specialized treatment table. This controlled motion increases space between the vertebrae and creates negative pressure inside the discs. This vacuum-like effect can help pull bulging or herniated disc material away from irritated nerves, which may reduce pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness.
The treatment also helps bring oxygen, water, blood, and nutrients into the spinal discs. Since discs have limited circulation, this improved flow can help support hydration, healing, and healthier disc function.
Patients relax on a padded decompression table during treatment. Sessions usually last 30 to 45 minutes and move through carefully controlled phases of stretching and relaxation. Many patients find treatment comfortable and relaxing, although mild muscle soreness can occur as the body adjusts.
Spinal decompression may be a helpful option for patients who want to avoid surgery or have not found lasting relief with other conservative care. It is not right for everyone, which is why our team completes a careful evaluation before treatment begins. Patients who are pregnant or have certain conditions, such as fractures, tumors, advanced osteoporosis, spinal hardware, or other serious spinal concerns, may need a different approach.
At Central Illinois Spine, each care plan is personalized to the patient’s condition, comfort level, and goals. Our focus is to help patients reduce pain, improve movement, and return to daily life with greater confidence.
Make an Appointment Today to Find Out If You’re a Candidate for Spinal Decompression Treatment.
SPINAL DECOMPRESSION CAN BENEFIT PEOPLE WHO SUFFER FROM
- Herniated Disc
- Disc Bulges
- Pinched Nerves
- Low Back Pain
- Neck Pain
- Headaches
- Hip Pain
- Leg Pain
- Arm Pain
- Shoulder Pain
- Elbow Pain
- Wrist Pain
- Osteoarthritis
- Restricted Spinal Range Of Motions
- Sciatica
- Whiplash
- Numbness / Tingling
- Failed Spine Surgery
- Sports Injuries
- Radiculopathy
- Vertebral Compression Syndromes
the DRX machine was like magic…
I was having chronic back pain…Some days I couldn’t even get up out of bed….I was going to be put in back braces. Now every time I go in there, as soon as I get adjusted my back is just so relieved of pain… it’s so relieving it’s incredible.
Sydney
Chiropractic Patient
My life has gotten significantly better
"Went through a series of treatments, both orthopedic and injection surgeries, and realized there had to be something better…I met Dr. Dickhut. I had my doubts at first. I thought, "Well, is this really going to work?" You know? Over time, it did. My life has gotten significantly better"
Marshall
Chiropractic Patient
The DRX9000
The DRX9000 Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression System it’s designed to provide pain relief for comprehensive and degenerative injuries of the spine. The therapy is non-invasive and non-surgical. Through the application of spinal decompression forces to these injuries the DRX9000 has given patients relief from back pain and has allowed them to resume the activities they love.
The theory behind spinal decompression is the process whereby forces are applied to the spine in a manner that maximizes spinal elongation. Spinal elongation is maximized when paraspinal muscles the muscles that guard the spine from injury are relaxed. When paraspinal muscles are relaxed, applied spinal decompression forces spread apart the bony vertebra of the spine. This relieves pressure on the nerves and the invertebrate discs.
Where this spinal elongation occurs the pressure may drop within the disc which facilitates movement of the fluid, carrying nutrients and oxygen inside the disc. Additionally the reduction and pressure may help draw in herniated disc material reducing the size of the herniation.
What is Spinal Decompression?
Spinal decompression is defined as the vertebral unloading with spinal positioning. It is a specialized mechanical theory used to relieve pinched nerves, release muscle tension, and relieve cervical and lumbar spinal pain.
It works by slowly increasing the spacing between the vertebrae.
The increasing space creates a pressurized vacuum within the bulged disc, moving it off the nerve, retracting it into its pre-pressured border and allowing blood and important nutrients to flow into the vertebral disc.
What Can I Expect During Treatment?
During each 30 to 45 minutes treatment the patient relaxes comfortably on a heavily padded bed. Typically, each 30 to 45 minutes treatment is divided into 18 phases where spinal decompression forces alternate between maximum and minimum therapeutic levels.
Some patients might experience light side effects with this type of therapy. Mild muscle soreness during or after treatment may occur. More patients find this therapy quite comfortable and relaxing. During an average 30-to-45-minute treatment, most patient experience a gentle and therapeutic stretch.
I only recommend these guys.
When we did my second x-ray, I didn’t even realize that it had been so long since I’d actually had any pain. I know for a fact that Dr. Dickhut and his staff out here care more about you as an individual. I only recommend these guys.
Raymond
Spinal Decompression Patient
He literally was my angel
I was in so much pain, I couldn’t even think, I couldn’t even talk. I didn’t think anything was going to work. I had already seen so many doctors. And slowly but surely, I started to become myself. I got my motion back in my neck, I can look up to him, and it’s just amazing, and he literally was my angel.
Jasmin
Spinal Decompression Patient
Frequently Asked Questions
What is spinal decompression therapy?
Spinal decompression therapy is a non-surgical treatment designed to gently relieve pressure on the spine. Using the DRX 9000, a motorized traction table, the spine is carefully stretched in a controlled way. This process can help create negative pressure within the spinal discs, which may encourage bulging or herniated disc material to move away from irritated nerves. It may also support healing by improving the flow of oxygen, water, and nutrients into the affected disc.
What conditions does spinal decompression treat?
Spinal decompression is commonly used for disc-related conditions such as herniated discs, bulging discs, degenerative disc disease, sciatica, spinal stenosis, and cervical radiculopathy. Treatment may be used for both the lower back and neck. Many patients consider spinal decompression when medication, physical therapy, injections, or other conservative treatments have not provided lasting relief.
Is spinal decompression painful?
Spinal decompression is generally comfortable for most patients. In fact, many people feel relaxed during treatment and some even fall asleep. The DRX 9000 uses a gentle, computer-controlled stretch that alternates between tension and relaxation. Treatment settings can be adjusted right away if discomfort occurs, making it very different from traditional manual traction, which may feel more forceful.
How many sessions does spinal decompression require?
Most spinal decompression programs include a series of 20 to 28 sessions over approximately 4 to 8 weeks. In many cases, treatment is scheduled more frequently at the beginning of care and then tapers as symptoms improve. The exact number of sessions depends on your condition, how long you have had symptoms, and how your body responds to treatment. Your doctor will monitor your progress and adjust your plan as needed.
How is the DRX 9000 different from regular traction?
Traditional traction often applies a steady pulling force, which can cause the muscles to tighten or guard against the stretch. The DRX 9000 is designed to avoid this response by using a controlled pattern of tension and release. This allows the decompression force to more effectively target the spinal disc. The system also monitors your response during treatment and adjusts in real time for a more precise, comfortable experience.
Can I have spinal decompression if I've had back surgery?
Some patients who have had back surgery may still be candidates for spinal decompression, depending on the type of procedure they had. Patients who have had a discectomy or laminectomy without fusion hardware may still qualify. However, patients with spinal fusion hardware, rods, or screws are typically not candidates for treatment at the fused levels. Your doctor will review your surgical history and current imaging to determine whether spinal decompression is appropriate for you.
How soon will I feel results?
Many patients begin to notice improvement within the first 2 to 3 weeks of consistent treatment. Some experience relief after only a few visits, while others improve more gradually over the full course of care. Because spinal decompression works over time, consistency is important. Following your recommended schedule gives your body the best opportunity to respond and helps your doctor track your progress accurately.
Why does Central Illinois Spine have 6 DRX 9000 machines?
Spinal decompression is most effective when treatments are performed consistently and close together, especially during the early phase of care. Having 6 DRX 9000 machines allows Central Illinois Spine to schedule patients according to their recommended treatment plan without unnecessary delays. This helps reduce wait times, supports same-week scheduling, and keeps your care on track without interruptions caused by limited equipment availability.
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