As our society continues to grow and our personal health diminishes due to poor eating habits or stress, the number of back pain problems may increase dramatically over the next decade. Traditional treatment methods for the relief of back pain have remained constant, but a relatively new treatment option referred to as non-surgical spinal decompression therapy, has demonstrated great promise in the treatment of chronic back pain.

Up to this point, it has not been entirely integrated into the continuum of care in treating back pain, but that has not stopped many physicians from offering or recommending the treatment to their patients. There are hundreds of doctors among the various specialties that are currently offering this treatment option. Most specialists offer back pain sufferers some sort of technique or a particular level of expertise. Although the backgrounds and expertise of physicians that offer this particular treatment option may vary, the outcome of the DRX9000 protocol and the health benefits that result from non-surgical spinal decompression therapy remain consistent.

The Initial Process

Most back pain sufferers begin their treatment process at the general practitioner's office. Considering back pain is a common problem, it would be easy to assume that the general practitioner is an expert in the treatment of back pain. This may not be the case. The primary care physician will assist in determining if the pain is serious or not. After reviewing the medical history and the test results of the patient, the primary care physician will then determine what the next step should be. Pain medication, bed rest and exercise may be prescribed. In addition, a visit with a back pain specialist may be recommended.

Back Pain Doctors Who May Offer Non-surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy

In the past, chiropractic care was not given much attention by the medical community. However, chiropractors are now considered to be the alternative treatment experts by providing care through spinal adjustments. Similar to how medical doctors have distinct specialties, chiropractic care techniques may differ among chiropractors.

Osteopaths look at a patient from a more "complete" point of view. They may look into environmental, stress, social, psychological and physical factors. Although an osteopath may prescribe pain medication and surgery, they focus more on the relationship of the organs and the musculoskeletal system. Emphasizing a holistic approach, osteopaths focus on the benefits of spinal manipulation.

A physical therapist manually focuses on the joints, muscles and soft tissues. Along with prescribed treatment, a physical therapist may also educate patients on how to properly stretch and move about with a painful back. Most physical therapists today specialize in spine and neck therapy.

A medical doctor who specializes in musculoskeletal rehabilitation and spinal cord injuries is the physiatrist. A physiatrist may also have a subspecialty in sports medicine. They may treat back injuries or post-surgery problems with epidural injections. However, considered to be experts in non-surgical treatment options, a physiatrist may stick to an exercise regimen and the use of back braces.

As a bone and joints specialist, an orthopedist may meet with patients at all levels of care. An orthopedist may prescribe drugs, along with tests to determine if a patient is a surgical candidate. Even though orthopedic surgeons administer surgical procedures, they often treat patients non-surgically.

Neurosurgeons diagnose and treat disorders of the spine, nerve tissue and peripheral nerves both non-surgically and surgically.

As more back pain specialists learn about the healthcare benefits of utilizing non-surgical spinal decompression therapy for the treatment of back pain, the more likely it is to be offered by most specialties. Although non-surgical spinal decompression therapy has not yet been incorporated into the established curriculum of back pain care, it may not be long before it is considered the standard for the treatment of back pain.

If you are suffering from a back pain condition and would like to find out if you're a candidate for this procedure, contact your nearest back pain physician to learn more.

This article is not intended nor should be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult your physician before considering any medical treatment method available.