Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression

What is a Disc? What does a Disc do?

A bulging or herniated disc differs from a normal, healthy disc in that it has become desiccated (dried out) and can no longer function as an effective shock absorber. This often results in back pain and tingling sensations that may radiate down the leg or arm.

Spinal discs are soft, cartilage cushions that separate each vertebra in the spine. Each disc consists of two main parts: a gel-like center called the nucleus pulposus and a tough outer layer called the annulus fibrosus. These discs are shock absorbers, protecting the spine during movement.

After about age 19, once growth is complete, spinal discs become avascular, meaning they no longer receive an adequate blood supply. Because of this, discs have very limited healing ability. For example, when we break a bone, it heals quickly and often stronger than before—but when a disc is injured, it tends to degenerate over time rather than heal fully.

One of the remarkable benefits of spinal decompression therapy is that it increases the disc space, helping restore the disc’s normal height and function.

How Decompression Therapy Promotes Healing

Spinal decompression stimulates the disc to heal by encouraging cartilage regeneration—a process that does not occur naturally without the assistance of advanced decompression systems such as the DRX9000. Decompressing the spine allows nutrient-rich, oxygenated blood to flow into the disc space, supporting tissue repair and recovery.

Dr. Shervin Parvini, DC begins with a comprehensive evaluation that includes a detailed medical history, physical examination, and review of diagnostic imaging such as MRIs. This ensures that each patient is pre-qualified and an appropriate candidate for decompression therapy.

Dr. Parvini has 23 years of training in spinal decompression and has dedicated much of his practice to treating chronic and severe neck and lower back pain, helping patients return to a healthy, pain-free life.

Understanding Bulging Discs

To fully understand what a bulging disc is, it’s helpful to review the 4 different types of disc damage:

1. Disc Bulge

2. Protrusion (Herniation)

3. Extrusion (Herniation)

4. Free Disc Fragment (Sequestration)
   
   

A disc bulge is a mild and typically does not contact the nerve root directly. However, if left untreated, it can progress and become a significant protrusion (as the annular fibers weaken and lose their ability to contain the nucleus). Degeneration and trauma increase the risk of this process.

Disc Protrusion (Herniation):
A herniation occurs when the center of the disc (called the nucleus pulposus) breaks through a weakened area of the annulus, causing a focal or broad-based part of the disc compressing the spinal cord or spinal nerves.

Disc Extrusion (Herniation):
In this case, The center of the disc (nucleus pulposus) squeeses through compromised outer layer of the disc (the annular fibers). This extruded material can compress the spinal cord or nerve roots, sometimes resulting in myeloradiculopathy (characterized by shooting pain or neurological symptoms).

Free Disc Fragment (Sequestration):
This describes when a fragment of nuclear material becomes completely separated from the disc and migrates elsewhere, potentially within the spinal canal. In severe cases, this can cause Cauda Equina Syndrome, resulting in loss of bowel or bladder control, which is an emergency situation that usually requires immediate surgery.

Common Sites and Symptoms

The L5 lumbar vertebra is the most common location for disc herniation. When pressure builds, the inner “jelly-like” nucleus bulges outward and places pressure on nearby nerves. Even slight compression can cause significant nerve dysfunction.

In the cervical spine, herniations most commonly occur around C5, often producing cervico-brachial symptoms such as weakness, burning, or tingling sensations in the arms and hands, sometimes resembling carpal tunnel syndrome.

Disc desiccation occurs when annular fibers dry out and degenerate due to dehydration. Staying well-hydrated can help reduce the risk of developing or worsening a disc herniation.

What Are Herniated Discs?

Your spine is composed of 24 vertebrae, each separated by cartilaginous discs that act as cushions between bones. These discs have a strong, fibrous exterior and a soft, gel-like interior that absorbs impact and protects the spine from daily stress.

Over time, or due to repetitive strain, the discs can wear down, weaken, or tear. When the soft inner material pushes through the tough outer layer, the result is a herniated disc.

Herniated discs—often called slipped, ruptured, degenerated, or bulging discs—can press on nearby nerves, leading to pain, irritation, or nerve injury.

Symptoms of Herniated Discs

Most herniated discs occur in the lumbar (lower back) region, followed by the cervical (neck) area. A lumbar herniation can send shooting pain down the leg (sciatica), while a cervical herniation can cause pain in the arm, shoulder, or hand.

Other symptoms may include:

• Muscle weakness
• Difficulty standing after sitting or lying down
• Pain that worsens with coughing or sneezing
• Lower abdominal or flank pain
  
  

In rare cases, bowel or bladder incontinence, which requires immediate emergency care.

How Lower Back Injuries Occur

A back injury happens when external forces exceed the spine’s tolerance or strength. Research by McGill (1998) shows that repetitive motion at the end range of movement—especially flexion—can cause tissue fatigue and failure over time.

Disc injury is linked to three main factors:

1. Full end-range flexion in younger spines (due to higher water content).

2. Repetitive flexion movements exceeding 20,000–30,000 cycles.

3. Sedentary occupations, which are strongly associated with disc herniation.
   
   

The back is most vulnerable in the early morning or after prolonged sitting, when disc pressure and ligament stress are significantly higher (Adams et al., 1987).

Preventing Back Injury

To prevent disc injury, tissue conditioning must occur gradually as load exposure increases. Without proper rest, training, or adaptation, tissues can weaken and fail.

Avoid high-risk periods—such as early mornings or after long periods of sitting—when disc hydration changes make the spine more vulnerable. Research (Reilly et al., 1984) shows that 54% of disc height loss occurs within the first 30 minutes after waking.

Traditional advice to “lift with your knees, not your back” is overly simplistic. A better approach includes:

• Avoiding end-range spinal motion

• Rotating activities to reduce repetitive strain

• Taking frequent breaks

• Keeping heavy loads close to your body when lifting

(McGill & Norman, 1993)

Exercise and Rehabilitation

Patients should begin their day with gentle warm-up exercises such as the cat-camel movement on all fours. Perform 8–10 repetitions in the morning and before endurance training. This helps to limber the spine, not stretch it.

Afterward, focus on core endurance exercises to strengthen the abdominal and back muscles. Training should emphasize maintaining a neutral spine and developing motor control through repeated 5–6 second holds.

Research (Manniche et al., 1991) suggests that up to three months of consistent training may be required to achieve long-lasting results.

What Results Can I Expect from the DRX 9000?

Clinical studies https://excitemedical.com/drx9000-research/ have shown remarkable improvements within just three weeks of treatment using the DRX9000. Patients have experienced significant pain relief related to herniated, bulging, ruptured, or degenerative discs, as well as posterior facet syndrome, sciatica, and even chronic pain following back surgery.

Pre- and post-treatment MRIs have demonstrated over a 50% reduction in the size and extent of disc herniations after approximately 4 weeks of therapy with the DRX9000 system.

In fact, in the original clinical studies, more than 82% of patients reported meaningful back pain relief after completing their course of decompression therapy.

Conditions shown to respond well to DRX9000 treatment include:

• Herniated or Bulging Discs

• Degenerative Disc Disease

• Sciatic (Leg) Pain

• Facet Syndrome

• Post-Surgical Back Pain

• Foraminal Stenosis
  

How Much Time Will I Need ?

Each spinal decompression session lasts around 30 minutes (plus 15 additional minutes to custom calibrate each treatment for your body). Most patients with herniated discs respond well after about 20 sessions, while those with degenerative disc conditions may benefit from occasional maintenance visits to keep symptoms under control.

Patients with posterior facet syndrome often achieve full relief in fewer than 10 sessions. Research shows that once the initial program is completed, most people experience lasting improvement—helping them move more comfortably, return to normal activities, and enjoy life again without constant back pain.

Who Can Benefit from Decompression Therapy?

The following are general inclusion criteria for Spinal Decompression Therapy:

1. Pain caused by herniated or bulging lumbar discs lasting longer than 4 weeks.

2. Recurrent pain following back surgery that has persisted for more than 6 months.

3. Chronic pain from degenerative discs that has not improved after at least 4 weeks of other therapy.

4. Patients who are able to commit to a 4-week treatment program.

5. Patients who are 18 years of age or older.
   
   

These conditions represent ideal candidates for our decompression program and are most likely to experience meaningful improvement in their back pain:

• Herniated Discs

• Nerve Compression

• Lumbar Disorders

• Lumbar Strains

• Sciatic Neuralgia

• Lumbar Nerve Root Injuries

• Degenerative or Damaged Discs

• Spinal Arthritis

• Low Back Pain (with or without Sciatica)

• Degenerative Joint Disease

• Myofascial Pain Syndrome

• Disuse Atrophy

• Lumbar Instability

• Acute Low Back Pain

• Post-Surgical Low Back Pain
  
  

Finally, decompression therapy is particularly well-suited for patients with low back pain—with or without nerve involvement (radiculopathy)—who have not responded to conventional care such as physical therapy or chiropractic treatment and may be considering surgery.

In many cases, a structured course of Decompression Therapy should be pursued before surgery is considered, as it may provide significant pain relief and functional improvement without the risks associated with surgical intervention.

What is the Decompression Treatment Protocol?

The typical treatment plan consists of 20 sessions over a 4–6 week period. A complete copy of the Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Protocol is available upon request and will be reviewed in detail by your doctor to ensure it fits your specific condition.

How Soon Will I Notice Improvement?

Many patients begin to feel relief within the first 2–5 treatments. By the 12th to 15th session, most patients report a noticeable reduction or remission of symptoms. If significant improvement is not observed by the 15th to 18th visit the doctor may recommend additional diagnostic testing to explore other contributing factors.

Does Decompression Therapy Work for Everyone?

Approximately 80–90% of patients who are properly evaluated and follow the decompression protocol achieve good to excellent results.
Patients who do not respond quickly to decompression often have more complex underlying conditions that are difficult to resolve through any form of conservative care.

Individual results can vary depending on age, gender, body type, and overall health. In some cases, your doctor may recommend lifestyle adjustments—including nutrition guidance, exercise, or weight management—to enhance long-term outcomes.

What Are the Symptoms of a Herniated Disc?

Pain that worsens when you sneeze, cough, or strain often indicates disc involvement.

Other symptoms may include:

• Back pain with or without leg pain

• Leg pain or weakness without back pain
  
  

These symptoms are often associated with nerve irritation or compression caused by disc herniation.