Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions about Spinal Decompression

What is VAX-D Genesis and how does it work?
Every day whether we are standing, sitting or lifting we are forcing pressures from many different angles onto our spines. Pressures in the lower lumber spine can be as high as 180 mm of mercury during many common daily activities. Even when you are lying down at night sleeping there are still pressures placed on the spine. VAX-D spinal disc decompression therapy helps to battle the effects of gravity and pressure on the spine. The entire concept behind spinal decompression is to create a negative type pressure inside the disc reducing the pressure in the spine down to levels as low as –160 mm of mercury. This process ultimately reduces internal disc pressure thereby relieving the interference on pinched nerves. This concept is like "letting the air out" of a helium balloon and letting it slowly fall back to earth.

VAX-D disc decompression therapy is a patented medical technology that gently stretches the spine and decompresses the discs. In short, VAX-D disc therapy breaks the cycle of pain caused by bulging, slipped and degenerated discs and helps the disc and body to naturally heal themselves. Patients are treated fully clothed and are fitted with a harness that fits around their pelvis as they lie face up or down on our patented table. A certified VAX-D technician operates the table from a computerized console ensuring that each session is consistent and delivers the required results. Each session takes about 45 minutes. Most patients find VAX-D to be extremely comfortable, and relief of pain can usually be noticed in the first few sessions.

Will VAX-D help a slipped disc?
A bulging or “herniated” disc is sometimes incorrectly referred to as a “slipped” disc. VAX-D succeeds at treating bulging or herniated discs over 70% of the time. Please refer to (see clinical studies-research) for further research and published studies.

If I’ve had neck or low back surgery, can I still have VAX-D?
If you have had neck or back surgery that has failed, you may still be a candidate for VAX-D. Our team of physicians, Dr. Graybar, Dr. Johnson, Dr. Harris and Dr. Luxeder are all certified in spinal disc decompression and are trained to screen for succesful candidates and are fully aware of any contra-indications to decompression. In fact, a clinical study showed that VAX-D provides relief for patients who have had neck or back surgery. "What is so unique about spinal decompression is the amount of relief that patient can get after a failed spinal surgery. There are patients that have been told that there are no other options and now with VAX-D there is more than an option....there is a solution to their pain!" -- Dr. Kevin Johnson

How many VAX-D treatments will I need, and how quickly can I expect to get better?
The number of treatment sessions truly depends upon the clinical working diagnosis and the overall severity of your condition. Typically, one treatment session lasts about 45 minutes long while the number of sessions may vary based upon your present condition. Patients have noticed immediate relief of pain and symptoms after the first session. Most patients will also note that there is a substantial reduction in symptoms usually within the first week of treatment.

How much does VAX-D cost, and will my health insurance, liability coverage or workers’ compensation cover it?

Generally, the cost of VAX-D is about 1/10th the cost of back surgery. You will need to contact your health insurance provider to see if your policy covers the treatment. Our clinics are certified providers with most major health insurance carriers and we will gladly call for individual policy benefits.

If VAX-D works so well, how come I haven’t heard more about it?

VAX-D is still a relatively new medical procedure with the initial work from Dr. Dyer dating back to 1998. The therapy has worked for thousands of patients, and over 3000 patients per day are presently being treated with VAX-D therapy across the globe. Public awareness of VAX-D is growing every day as physicians and healthcare providers learn about VAX-D and the phenomenal results it has achieved in numerous clinical studies. As a result of the public need for alternative options to spinal surgery, VAX-D is now becoming the non-surgical standard of care for back and neck pain.

How is VAX-D different from traction or the other treatment claiming to decompress the spine?

This really is a simple explanation...a car and a bicycle are both methods of transportation. Spinal decompression and traction both create a static distraction of the joint space yet spinal disc decompression is clinically proven to reduce spinal disc pressure (see clinical studies-research). VAX-D therapy helps to relieve and prevent permanent nerve damage and strains on the spine due to the reduction of pressure within the discs. Traction devices can stretch the neck and lower back, yet there is no evidence to support the reduction of disc pressure or provide any long-standing positive prognosis to reducing disc bulge/herniation type injuries. Traction has been a very popular option for non-surgical neck and back pain for years but technology has advanced the science of decompression delivering safe, reliable life-changing results.

Why should I consider VAX-D Therapy?

These facts tell the story. The rest is your decision.

Up to 85% of the U.S. population will have back pain at some time in their life
On any given day 6.5 million people are in bed because of back pain
5.4 million Americans are disabled annually due to back pain
An estimated 93 million work days are lost each year due to back pain
Only 20% of all back surgeries are successful after 2 years
The total number of spine surgeries in the U.S. approaches 500,00 per year