Neck or Low Back Pain? Bulging Disc or Herniated Disc?

Avoid Surgery with the 3D 
Active Trac Decompression System

Dr. Christopher Bretz, DC 
5060 Clark Road 
Sarasota, FL 34233
 
Have you been suffering with low back pain or neck pain, have you been told you need surgery, or worse, that nothing could be done? Spinal decompression may be the answer to help you. If you need any additional information, please call our office to schedule your Free Initial Consultation at (941) 921-2225 and ask to speak to Dr. Bretz. He will be happy to speak with you personally in order to help you make the right decision.
Dr. Christopher Bretz provides nonsurgical, FDA-cleared spinal decompression in Sarasota, FL.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spinal Decompression Therapy?
Spinal decompression therapy is FDA cleared and has a high success rate for pain associated with herniated or bulging discs…even after failed surgery.  It is a non-surgical, traction based therapy for the relief of back and leg pain or neck and arm pain. During this procedure, by cycling through distraction and rehabilitation phases and by proper positioning, a spinal disc can be isolated and placed under negative pressure, causing a vacuum effect within it.
How does this negative pressure affect an injured disc?
During spinal decompression therapy, a negative pressure is created within the disc.  Because of that negative pressure, disc material that has protruded or herniated can be pulled back within the normal confines of the disc, and permit healing to occur.

What system is used for this purpose?

After a significant amount of research, our office chose the 3D Active Trac system manufactured by The Saunders Group. The 3D ActiveTrac is the smoothest performing, most advanced traction/decompression and mobilization table ever made. Its all-in-one design and state-of-the-art features give you the widest range of therapeutic techniques for treatment. 

Designed by H. Duane Saunders, the 3D ActiveTrac is a revolutionary breakthrough in clinical treatment. The 3D ActiveTrac table adjusts in flexion/extension, side bending and rotation. This allows the clinician to accommodate painful postural deformities that are difficult to treat with any other traction/decompression system.

How is Spinal Decompression Therapy different from regular traction?
The 3D Active Trac controls the variations in the traction pull allowing for spinal decompression and eliminating muscle guarding that is typical in conventional traction devices. The preprogrammed patterns for ramping up and down the amount of axial distraction allows for higher levels of spinal decompression and disc rehydration.


Anyone who has 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).

Are there medical studies that document the effectiveness of Spinal Decompression Therapy?
Yes!  A study documented by MRI up to 90% reduction of disc herniations in 10 of 14 cases and other studies reported that the majority of ruptured disc patients achieved "good" to "excellent" results after spinal decompression therapy.


Are there conditions where Spinal Decompression Therapy is not indicated?
Spinal decompression therapy is not recommended for pregnant women, patients who have severe osteoporosis, severe obesity or severe nerve damage.
Spinal surgery with instrumentation (screws, metal plates or “cages”) is also contraindicated.  However, spinal decompression therapy after bone fusion or non-fusion surgery can be performed.

Are the sessions painful, how many will be needed and what is the cost?
In most cases, the treatments are completely painless.  In fact, some patients fall asleep during the spinal decompression session.
The number of sessions needed and your specific treatment plan will be determined by the doctor after your examination.  
Our customary fee for each spinal decompression session is only $40.00, which means the total cost will be a small fraction of the $5,000+ amounts that some other doctors are charging.

We also offer a finance option. With CareCredit you may finance the entire cost and make 6 monthly payments with no interest.  Or if you need more time, you can set up repayment for up to 60 months.  


Do most patients receive therapy and rehabilitative exercises in addition to Spinal Decompression Therapy?
To reduce inflammation and assist the healing process, supporting structures are treated with passive therapies (ice/heat/muscle stimulation), chiropractic adjustments (as indicated) and/or active rehabilitation in order to strengthen the spinal musculature.  In many cases your health insurance will cover most of these additional therapy treatments.


How do I get started?

We want to make it easy for you to learn if you are a candidate for spinal decompression therapy. Just call our office to arrange a consultation with Dr. Bretz. Please remember to bring any MRI reports so the doctor can review them and best advise you about your treatment options.


Dr. Christopher Bretz
Board Certified Chiropractic Physician