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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

Spinal Decompression

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SPINAL DECOMPRESSION THERAPY

1. WHAT IS SPINAL DECOMPRESSION THERAPY?

Spinal Decompression Therapy is a non-surgical, comfortable disc distraction therapy for the relief of back and leg pain or neck and arm pain. During this procedure, by cycling through distraction and relaxation phases and by proper positioning, a spinal disc can be isolated and placed under negative pressure, causing a vacuum effect within it.

2. WHAT CAN THIS VACUUM EFFECT DO?

The vacuum effect accomplishes two things. From a mechanical standpoint, disc material that has protruded or herniated outside the normal confines of the disc can be pulled back within the disc by the vacuum created within the disc. Also, the vacuum within the disc stimulates in-growth of blood supply, secondarily stimulating a healing response. This results in pain reduction and proper healing at the injured site.

3. WHAT MACHINE IS USED FOR THIS PURPOSE?

There are a number of Spinal Decompression machines presently used in the United States. After significant research, the Maryland Spine Institute has chosen to use the computerized Triton DTS (Decompression Therapy System) machine manufactured by Chattanooga, Inc., the premier manufacturer of physical medicine (including physical therapy) equipment.

4. WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM SPINAL DECOMPRESSION THERAPY?

Spinal Decompression Therapy is designed to unload the spinal disc. Any back pain or neck pain caused in whole or in part by a damaged disc may be helped by Spinal Decompression Therapy. These conditions include herniated, protruding or bulging discs, spinal stenosis, sciatica or radiculopathy (pinched nerves).

5. ARE THERE CONDITIONS WHERE SPINAL DECOMPRESSION IS NOT INDICATED?

Spinal Decompression Therapy is usually not recommended for pregnant women (low back), or patients who have severe osteoporosis, severe obesity or severe nerve damage. The research for Spinal Decompression did not include patients over 70. All patients are evaluated on an individual basis to be considered candidates for this program.

6. HOW OFTEN DO I TAKE TREATMENT SESSIONS? HOW LONG DOES EACH SESSION LAST?

Each session includes decompression therapy and spinal stabilization exercises and takes about 1 hour. Spinal Decompression is usually performed 2-4 times a week for 15-40 sessions.

7. WHAT ARE THE RESULTS OF SPINAL DECOMPRESSION THERAPY?

According to recent research, over 86% of patients have good pain relief. This success rate is far better than surgical results, with NO side effects. (Research also indicates 70-83% of spinal surgeries are failures, meaning the patient has the same or worse pain afterward.)

8. IS SPINAL DECOMPRESSION THERAPY COVERED BY MY MEDICAL INSURANCE?

Spinal Decompression Therapy is an accepted physical therapy procedure. It is covered by most medical insurance. Your medical insurance may have constraints with regarding co-payments and prior authorization for therapy. These constraints would apply to Spinal Decompression as well. We will help you file these treatments with your insurance.

9. IF I DO NOT HAVE MEDICAL INSURANCE, HOW MUCH WILL THE TREATMENT PROGRAM COST?

The initial consultation with Dr. Seymore is complementary. If the doctor feels your case may be helped by Spinal Decompression Therapy a physical assessment and appropriate diagnostic testing will be performed (typical examination is $80-$130 and cost of diagnostic tests vary according to type), 15-40 spinal decompression treatments ($150 per treatment- Includes Spinal Decompression and Spinal Stabilization Physical Therapy). We offer many reasonable means of financing for our care to make it affordable for ANYONE'S budget!

10. I HAVE HAD SPINAL SURGERY, BUT CONTINUE TO HAVE PAIN. CAN I TRY SPINAL DECOMPRESSION THERAPY?

Spinal Decompression Therapy can help people with back pain after failed spinal surgery. It can be performed in most patients who have not been left with an unstable spine after surgery.

11. HOW CAN I BE SCHEDULED FOR SPINAL DECOMPRESSION THERAPY?

To see if Spinal Decompression Therapy is appropriate for you or a loved one, simply call our office at 410-877-8077 and tell the receptionist that you are interested in our Decompression program. An initial consultation can usually be scheduled within 48 hours. If you qualify for care, treatment may begin as soon as a week in most cases.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT COLD LASER THERAPY

1. WHAT IS COLD LASER THERAPY?

Laser (L.A.S.E.R.) is an acronym that stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emissions of Radiation. Cold Laser Therapy is a non-surgical, FDA Approved therapy for the relief of soft tissue related injuries. During this procedure light waves will travel into the body and heal the injured tissues and ease pain.

2. WHAT CONDITIONS DOES THE COLD LASER PRIMARILY TREAT?

The majority of the early research was done beginning in the 1960s with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in the wrist. Since then, the standards and scope of research has improved and there is much more information supporting the use of Cold Laser Therapy, including the following areas: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Rotator Cuff injuries / tears, Sprains / Strains (ankles, knees, elbows), burns, wounds, contusions, and scar tissue / adhesions with post surgical failures.

3. HOW DOES COLD LASER THERAPY HEAL THE BODY?

The Cold Laser uses light waves in the red (near infrared) spectrum of the light prism. The particular wave length of the Cold Laser is specifically chosen to stimulate DNA & RNA replication. In other words, the laser begins a cascade of healing that allows the body to actually regenerate injured tissue and reverse abnormal cell and tissue dysfunction.

4. IS THE COLD LASER SAFE?

Absolutely. There are two types of lasers used today in the medical field, Hot and Cold. Hot lasers are used in surgery to cut or burn (cauterize) tissue. Cold lasers on the other hand are very gentle and do NO HARM. The Cold Laser is FDA Cleared for use to the body. The only potential harm is irritation of the retina of the eye, therefore, care is taken to not shine the laser into the eye itself.

5. WHAT DO PATIENTS FEEL WHEN TREATED WITH THE COLD LASER?

Most patients feel absolutely nothing when treated with the Cold Laser. Others report a “tingling” feeling, and others yet report a gentle warmth. There is absolutely no discomfort at all with treatment with the Cold Laser and no documented risk of side effects.

6. HOW MANY TREATMENT SESSIONS DO I NEED? HOW LONG DOES EACH SESSION LAST?

Each session includes Cold Laser Therapy and any Physical Therapy and/or Chiropractic care recommended by your doctor (depending on your specific condition). Cold Laser is usually performed 2-4 times a week for 6-18 sessions, again depending on your specific condition.

7. WHAT ARE THE RESULTS OF COLD LASER THERAPY?

According to recent research, over 70% of Carpal Tunnel patients have good pain relief. This success rate is far better than surgical results, with NO side effects. (Research also indicates 66% of Carpal Tunnel surgeries are failures, meaning the patient has the same or worse pain afterward.) Research results are similar with other conditions.

8. IS COLD LASER THERAPY COVERED BY MY MEDICAL INSURANCE?

Cold Laser Therapy is an accepted physical therapy procedure. It is covered by most medical insurance. Your medical insurance may have constraints with regarding co-payments and prior authorization for therapy. These constraints would apply to Cold Laser as well. We will help you file these treatments with your insurance.

9. IF I DO NOT HAVE MEDICAL INSURANCE, HOW MUCH WILL THE TREATMENT PROGRAM COST?

The initial consultation with Dr. Seymore is complementary. If the doctor feels your case may be helped by Cold Laser Therapy a physical assessment and appropriate diagnostic testing will be performed (typical examination is $80-$130 and cost of diagnostic tests vary according to type), 6-18 Cold Laser treatments ($100 per treatment- Includes Cold Laser Therapy, Physical Therapy, and any Chiropractic care required). We offer many reasonable means of financing for our care to make it affordable for ANYONES budget!

10. I HAVE HAD SURGERY, BUT CONTINUE TO HAVE PAIN. CAN I TRY COLD LASER THERAPY?

Cold Laser Therapy can help people with significant pain after failed surgery. Even in patients with substantial soft tissue damage as a result of multiple surgeries.

11. HOW CAN I BE SCHEDULED FOR COLD LASER THERAPY?

To see if Cold Laser Therapy is appropriate for you or a loved one, simply call our office at 410-877-8077 and tell the receptionist that you are interested in our Cold Laser program. An initial consultation can usually be scheduled within 48 hours. If you qualify for care, treatment may begin as soon as a week in most cases.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT CHIROPRACTIC & PHYSICAL THERAPY

1. WHAT IS CHIROPRACTIC?

Chiropractic is the practice of providing proper function of the spine, which allows the nervous system to properly function and maintain all structures of the body (muscles, organs…), and eliminate unnecessary spinal joint and peripheral pain. Chiropractic is usually delivered by the hands of the doctor or by use of an instrument. Chiropractic is usually completely painless and there are no side effects. Chiropractic has joined mainstream medicine and is now recognized and accepted by insurance companies.

2. WHAT IS PHYSICAL THERAPY?

Physical Therapy is the practice of restoring proper functional abilities. Physical Therapy targets functional deficits and devises a plan to return the patient to their prior level of function. Physical Therapy treatment usually is based around muscular weakness or dysfunction, and utilizes specific exercises and/or stretches to address these dysfunctions.

3. WHAT CONDITIONS DO CHIROPRACTIC AND PHYSICAL THERAPY SAFELY AND SUCCESSFULLY TREAT?

Chiropractic AND Physical Therapy together are a non-surgical, comfortable treatment combination for the relief of many common problems: Back pain, neck pain, headaches, leg pain, arm pain, etc. This treatment program utilizes primarily safe and effective manual treatment and exercise to address these common painful problems.

4. DO I REALLY NEED BOTH CHIROPRACTIC AND PHYSICAL THERAPY TOGETHER?

In most cases, yes. Many studies have shown the benefits of a combination of Chiropractic and Physical Therapy together. The two treatments complement each other in the significant number of cases. There are some conditions that do not require one or the other. The doctor will make a determination of which your condition will require if both are not in your best interest.

5. CAN SOMEONE BE TOO YOUNG OR TOO OLD TO BENEFIT FROM CHIROPRACTIC OR PHYSICAL THERAPY CARE?

Generally no, Chiropractic and Physical Therapy care are safe alternatives for almost anyone. Both Chiropractic and Physical Therapy may be appropriate for patients from infants to the elderly for a wide variety of conditions. The specific condition must be examined by the doctor to determine what treatment is in the best interest of each patient on an individual basis.

6. HOW OFTEN DO I TAKE TREATMENT SESSIONS? HOW LONG DOES EACH SESSION LAST?

Each session includes a combination of several different treatments, including Chiropractic and Physical Therapy exercises and takes about 40 minutes to an hour. Treatments are usually performed 2-4 times a week. The number of sessions are determined by the doctor and depend on several factors, including the severity of your condition and length of time you have suffered with this condition.

7. ARE CHIROPRACTIC & PHYSICAL THERAPY COVERED BY MY MEDICAL INSURANCE?

Both Chiropractic and Physical Therapy are accepted physical medicine procedures. They covered by most medical insurance. Your medical insurance may have constraints with regarding co-payments and prior authorization for therapy. These constraints may apply to Chiropractic and Physical Therapy as well. As a courtesy to you, we will verify and submit the claims for all care in our office.

8. IF I DO NOT HAVE MEDICAL INSURANCE, HOW MUCH WILL THE TREATMENT PROGRAM COST?

The initial consultation with Dr. Seymore is complementary. If the doctor feels your case may be helped by Chiropractic and Physical Therapy a physical assessment and appropriate diagnostic testing will be performed (typical examination is $80-$130 and cost of diagnostic tests vary according to type), 12-30 chiropractic treatments may be recommended ($100 per treatment- Includes Chiropractic treatment and Physical Therapy procedures). We offer extremely reasonable means of financing for our care to make it affordable for ANYONES budget!

9. I HAVE HAD CHIROPRACTIC BEFORE -- OR -- I HAVE HAD PHYSICAL THERAPY BEFORE… BUT I STILL HAVE PAIN. HOW IS THIS DIFFERENT?

The key is having both at the same time! First of all, we must get an accurate account of exactly what is causing your problem. Then we can devise a specific plan to correct your problem. Most Physical Therapists lack the training and skills to address your spine properly and most Chiropractors lack the training and skills to address the muscles and peripheral joints (shoulders, elbows, wrists / hips, knees, ankles) properly. You need a team under the supervision of a doctor who is properly trained and experienced to address the entire problem.

10. HOW CAN I BE SCHEDULED FOR CHIROPRACTIC AND PHYSICAL THERAPY?

To see if Chiropractic AND Physical Therapy is appropriate for you or for a friend or loved one, simply call our office at 410-877-8077 and tell the receptionist that you are interested in our Chiropractic and Physical Therapy program. An initial consultation can usually be scheduled within 48 hours. If you are a candidate for care, treatment may begin within a day in most cases.

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