Spinal Decompression Disc Restoration Program:

Do's and Don'ts

DO’S

• Rest and Posture:
• Rest for at least 1-2 hours after each session.
• Be aware of your sitting, standing, and lying posture.
• Get up every 30 minutes from sitting, and avoid sitting for longer than 30 minutes at a time.
• Try to sleep on your back, especially while undergoing Cervical Decompression.
• Support and Movement
• Wear a lumbar back support belt as instructed; its use may be required after each session. The belt helps prevent movements that negatively affect healing and provides support, especially during travel or activities that might invoke lumbar flexion or rotational movements.
• Wear slip-on shoes (without laces) and use a long-handled shoe horn if necessary to avoid bending immediately after a session.
• Supplements and Medication
• Take Fish Oil Omega-3 (4g/day).
• Increase daily intake of elemental calcium to greater than 800 mg (such as calcium lactate or gluconate) if your diet is not adequate, as this may help reduce muscle spasms.
• Work with your prescribing physician to gradually discontinue or reduce the use of narcotics or painkillers throughout the program or prior to starting, as they can suppress the immune system and mask your body's response to the procedure.
• Communication
• Report to the doctor or therapist any changes in your symptoms at each visit.
  

DON'TS

• Avoid Bending, Twisting, and Lifting
• DON'T bend forward for the first 3 hours after a session.
• DON'T twist your back.
• DON'T lift anything over 10-20 pounds. Whether it’s 10 or 20 for you will be communicated by your treating provider.
• Avoid Strenuous/Provocative Activity
• DON'T walk long distances after each session.
• DON'T wear high-heel shoes.
• DON'T perform active exercise that involves twisting, bending, and increased joint compression, such as jogging.
• DON'T try to do activities that you avoided before beginning decompression, too soon after, even if you begin to feel relief. Like a sprained ankle, stress on the tissue needs to be avoided during this healing period.
• Modify or avoid sexual activity
• DON'T try to do activities that involve excessive bending, twisting, or straining of the spine, especially in the hours immediately following a treatment session, to minimize stress on the healing discs. Use comfort as your guide.
• Other Treatments
• DON'T receive any other form of therapy/treatment at the same time as the SpineMED® decompression program without disclosing it to your practitioner; other forms of therapy MAY NEED TO be discontinued while on the program to get the maximum benefit.

Important Notes:

• Bed rest is not considered a part of this program.
• Always follow the specific instructions provided by your licensed practitioner, as this information is a guideline only.
• The goal is to keep the stress, strain, and loading on the spine to a minimum during the program.