Our Techniques
Activator Chiropractic Technique
This technique is used to address neurological as well as joint dysfunction in the spine and extremities. The unique hand-held instrument is designed to give you a very specific, low force adjustment. The activator instrument delivers a controlled, light and fast thrust without causing undue strain to the patient. These adjustments are delivered 20-30 times faster than we can without hands, requiring much less force than manual techniques. The activator instrument adjusting tool is an alternative to manual adjusting and cracking of joints. It is a light force spring-loaded adjusting instrument which feels very relieving to your joints. Click on the link to hear Dr. Andrew Weil speak on the benefits of the Activator Technique. www.drweil.com
There are many forms of chiropractic manipulation, but all focus on correcting structural misalignment in the body to address problems such as low back pain, neck pain, extremity problems and sciatica. Some chiropractic techniques utilizing forceful movements, including adjustments that require neck cracking and other types of physical manipulation, often raise concerns over possible injury and discomfort. The good news is that low-force chiropractic techniques can yield positive results without relying on more aggressive tactics.
One example of such a technique is the Activator Method. Practitioners trained in this method utilize a step-by-step methodology to first identify a patient’s problem, and then determine precisely where, when (and when not) to make the chiropractic adjustment. Structural realignment is then completed using a low-force device called the Activator Adjusting Instrument, a hand held device with a tension coil and plunger that produces a swift pulse of low force at high speed.
Chiropractic sessions using this technique are safer than the traditional high force manipulations because the head is kept in a neutral position; there is no turning or twisting while the adjustment is being delivered. The Activator Method is particularly beneficial to pediatric and geriatric patients because of its gentle approach. Patients who resist getting a chiropractic adjustment due to fear of injury or apprehension about forceful manipulation have found the Activator Method is virtually pain-free and very comfortable.
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The Activator Method had undergone clinical trials to measure its safety and efficacy, and the supporting research lends itself to referrals by physicians and other health care providers. Dr Taylor believes low-force chiropractic treatments such as the Activator Method are reliable and efficacious, and recommends them in his clinical practice when indicated.
Activator Chiropractic Technique
Practitioners trained in this method utilize a step-by-step methodology to first identify a patient’s problem, and then determine precisely where, when (and when not) to make the chiropractic adjustment.
Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression
What is Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD)?
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Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression is a revolutionary new technology used primarily to treat disc injuries in the neck and in the low back. This treatment option is very safe and utilizes FDA cleared medical equipment to apply axial distraction forces to spinal structures in a precise and graduated manner. Distraction is offset by cycles of partial relaxation. This technique of spinal decompression therapy, that is, unloading due to distraction and positioning, has shown the ability to gently separate the vertebrae from each other, creating a vacuum inside the discs that we are targeting. This ‘vacuum effect’ is also known as negative intra-discal pressure.
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The negative pressure may induce the retraction of the herniated or bulging disc into the inside of the disc, and off the nerve root, thecal sac, or both. It happens only microscopically each time, but cumulatively, over four to six weeks, the results are quite dramatic.
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The cycles of decompression and partial relaxation, over a series of visits, promote the diffusion of water, oxygen, and nutrient-rich fluids from the outside of the discs to the inside. These nutrients enable the torn and degenerated disc fibers to begin to heal.
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For the low back, the patient lies comfortably on his/her back or stomach on the decompression table, with a set of nicely padded straps snug around the waist and another set around the lower chest. For the neck, the patient lies comfortably on his/her back with a pair of soft rubber pads behind the neck. Many patients enjoy the treatment, as it is usually quite comfortable and well tolerated. Many patients even fall asleep during treatment.
Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression
Spinal Decompression is a safe and non-surgical form of therapy that allows patients an excellent chance of resuming a normal lifestyle.
Understanding Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression
This informational website is for anyone suffering from back pain, sciatica, leg pain, herniated disc, degenerative disc disease, bulging disc, tingling, numbness, arm pain, neck pain, and some patients with spinal stenosis and failed low back syndrome. It educates current and future patients, physicians, and other medical specialists not familiar with Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression. Spinal decompression is a safe and non-surgical form of therapy that allows patients an excellent chance of resuming a normal lifestyle. Our intention is to fully inform the millions of Canadians who suffer with debilitating pain on a daily basis. Patients can now be informed and updated with current working knowledge of these conditions and the latest non-surgical breakthrough – Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression.
We sincerely want you to utilize all the material and animations provided for your benefit. You are going to have some decisions to make, and you should be making those decisions based on your comfort level. Choices must be made. Some treatments are aimed at pain suppression and temporary pain relief. Other treatments are corrective in nature. Know the difference! Empower yourself to choose those procedures that make sense to you, it’s your health. EXPLORE this new technology! LEARN how it works! START getting pain relief today.
Understanding Sciatica
The sciatic nerve is a collection of several nerve roots that arise between your lumbar spinal bones (vertebrae). These nerve roots join together and form the largest nerve in the body, the sciatic nerve. This nerve travels down from the low back under the buttock muscles all the way down the legs and feet. Sciatica is a term to describe an irritation or pressure on the nerve, which is commonly caused by a herniated or bulging disc (also referred to as a ruptured disc, pinched nerve, or slipped disc) in the lumbar spine. The pressure or irritation leads to a complex of symptoms that include sharp, radiating pain, burning, and/or numbness and tingling. This is a very debilitating condition that affects thousands of people every year. Dr. Taylor will rule out piriformis syndrome which mimics Sciatica. Dr. Taylor will perform a detailed exam.
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Generally, herniated or bulging discs are the cause of the problem. The herniated material of the disc will compress or contact the exiting nerve root producing the symptoms. Sometimes central canal stenosis, lateral canal stenosis, spondylolithesis, or degenerative disc disease can cause this nerve compression as well. The problem is often diagnosed as a ‘radiculopathy’, meaning that one or more intervertebral discs have herniated or protruded from its normal position in the vertebral column and is putting pressure on the nerve root in the lower back, which forms part of the sciatic nerve. Sciatica occurs most frequently in people between 30 and 50 years of age. On many occasions this condition slowly develops as a result of general wear and tear on the structures of the lower spine and discs. Rarely is this condition surgical. Unless there is a progressive neurological deficit, or cauda equina syndrome, the majority of people who experience sciatica get pain relief with non-surgical treatments. Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression is very effective for these conditions. Physical therapy and Chiropractic can help sometimes as well. You may be a candidate if you have tried cortisone shots, nerve blocks, physical therapy, and chiropractic and had little relief, but are still holding off on spinal surgery.
How long does Spinal Decompression take?
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Every patient is different and has a treatment plan tailored specifically to their condition. In general, the total treatment ranges from 6 weeks to four months and may include from 20 to 35 visits, more frequently in the beginning and tapering off as your spine begins to stabilize. Most patients respond in 20 visits, however it depends on the severity and chronicity of your condition.
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Generally you will be in the office for about 30 minutes. Cases which involve both neck and low back, or which require rehab exercises or other therapies, may require up to an hour in the office.
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Do you bill insurance, and does it cover any of this treatment?
We will be happy to verify your insurance, and do our best to maximize your benefits. Most insurance companies will pay for the spinal decompression portion of your treatment. Many patients choose to have their treatment with Taylor Wellness & Chiropractic for the convenience, flexibility, and experience – even if it isn't covered by their insurance. Patients refer to us as ‘the nicest chiropractic clinic in town’, both in terms of the physical appearance of the office and the friendliness and caring of the staff.
How does Spinal Decompression work?
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The pumping action does two amazing things for spine conditions as illustrated above :
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As the Spinal Decompression table pulls on your spine, it gently separates the vertebrae from each other, creating a vacuum inside the discs that we are targeting. This vacuum begins to suck the bulges or herniations back into the inside of the disc, and off of your nerve root. It happens only microscopically each time, but cumulatively the results are quite dramatic.
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Also, this pumping action pumps nutrient-rich fluids from the outside of the discs to the inside. These nutrients enable the torn and degenerated disc fibers to begin to heal back up. Only a few years ago, it was thought that once a disc was degenerated, there was nothing you could do. Now we routinely see discs gain one to two millimeters of sustained increased disc height. While this may not seem like much, it can make all the difference in the world for your nerves.
Does Spinal Decompression work for all spinal conditions?
No. But it is effective in most cases we accept in our office. We’ve treated many cases, some of these patients had both neck and low back pain.
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Typically dramatic improvements:
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Sciatica (pain radiating down one or both legs)
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Radiating neck pain (typically down one or both arms, into the chest, and/or into the upper and middle back)
Typically very good improvements:
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Arthritis
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Headaches
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Chronic neck pain
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Chronic low back pain
Typically tough cases with 20-50% improvement:
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Spinal stenosis caused by significant bone spurring
Is there any research on the effectiveness of Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression?
Absolutely! There are many tables that perform non-surgical decompression of the spine. The following results were obtained from spinal decompression therapy:
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Studies on spinal decompression indicated between a 71-90% success rate with one study reporting an immediate resolution of symptoms in 86% of the participants involved.
Clinical Trials:
In a recent journal article in Orthopedic Technology Review titled Surgical Alternatives: Spinal Decompression, results showed that 86% of the 219 patients who completed the therapy reported immediate resolution of symptoms, while 84% of patients remained pain free 90 days post treatment. Physical examination findings showed improvement in 92% of the 219 patients, and remained intact in 89% of these patients 90 days after treatment.
Another article in Journal of Neurological Research reported that vertebral axial [spinal] decompression was successful in 71% of the 778 cases. The success rate varied from 73% for patients with a single herniated disc. It was 72% for people with multiple herniated discs.
The American Journal of Pain Management reported ‘good to excellent’ relief in 86% patients with Herniated discs, with back pain and sciatica symptoms being relieved. Good to excellent results were also obtained in 75% of those with facet syndrome.
A small non-randomized study in Anaesthesiology News reported of the 23 patients who responded to therapy, 52% had a pain level of zero, 91% were able to resume their normal daily activities, and 87% were either working or were retired without having back pain as the cause of retirement.
In a small study to determine the long-term effects of vertebral axial decompression, the following results were obtained: ‘Among 23 patients, 71% showed more than 50% reduction in pain immediately after treatment, and 86% showed a 50% or better pain reduction at four years. After four years, 52% of respondents reported a pain level of zero. Thus, pain relief not only improved but lasted. This pilot study shows great promise for long term relief and new pain management techniques.
An interesting study at the Rio Grande Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery compared the effects of 20 treatment sessions vs. 10 treatment sessions on chronic low back pain sufferers. The group receiving 20 treatments of decompression therapy reported a 76.5% with complete remission and 19.6% with partial remission of pain and disability. The second group, receiving 10 treatments of decompression therapy, reported a 42.9% rate of remission and 24.1% with partial remission. Failure rate was only 3.9% for those receiving 20 treatment sessions while it was 32.9% for those receiving only 10 sessions. Remission was defined as 90% or greater relief of pain, back to work without limitations, and abilities to carry out Activities of Daily Living (ADL’s). Partial remission was defined as persistence of some pain but ability to carry out most ADL’s and return to work with some restriction of duties, depending on the occupation. Failure rate was defined as no change in the level of pain and or/ADL.
As you can see from the above referenced Clinical Trials, Spinal Decompression Therapy may be the only effective therapy for some people experiencing Discogenic or Arthritic pain (pain arising from the disc or caused by various types of Spinal Arthritis). In addition, promising research suggests that the effects of Spinal Decompression Therapy can be a long-lasting solution to certain chronic back pain disorders. Although failure rates are relatively low, studies suggest that completion of prescribed treatments can reduce failure rates from 32.9% to 3.9%.
Contraindications to Spinal Decompression:
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Metallic spinal implants (bolts, plates, screws)
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Fresh disc surgery (less than 6 mos)
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Severe bony stenosis
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Severe osteoporosis
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Grade II or greater spondylolisthesis
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Cancer or tumors of the spine
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Infection of the spine
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Pregnancy
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Aortic aneurysm repair
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Inability to lie flat
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Conditions treatable with Spinal Decompression:
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Herniated disc
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Degenerative disc disease
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Osteoarthritis
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Bulging discs
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Slipped disc
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Ruptured disc
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Sciatica
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Spinal stenosis
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Facet syndrome
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Chronic lower back pain
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Arm and leg pain
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Failed back surgery (without metal implants)
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Compression fractures
How do I get started?
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Dr. Taylor makes it easy for you to learn if you are a candidate for Spinal Decompression Therapy. Call our Collingwood clinic at 705-444-7878 to arrange a thorough consultation and examination.
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Please bring any MRI, CT, or X-ray reports to your appointment for Dr. Taylor to review.