How long will the effects of Spinal Decompression last?

This is the 3rd question that is most commonly asked at our treatment center.

How Long Will the effects of Spinal Decompression Last?

"I have been treating low back disc bulges and herniations using the DRX 9000 spinal decompression Machines in our clinic since 2004.  I still here from patients who treated with us 4 years ago who continue to be pain free.  It is my experience,  at least to  date, that this treatment has great longevity. 

But, I also differ from doctors who are using the spinal decompression medical technology only.  I  believe that spinal decompression when used in conjunction with a comprehensive, cutting edge low back strengthening and rehabilitation program, gives the patient the greatest opportunity to sustain the benefits of this treatment.  Correct posture, spinal muscle strength, stability and flexibility along with increasing the strength and co-ordination of core muscle stabilizers is vital to offset disc pressures that can lead to re-injury.  I would go as far as to step on a few toes and say that if rehabilitation following spinal decompression is not apart of the treatment program then the Doctor has failed in his responsibility to the patient."

I heard from the wife of a patient who I treated in early 2006, just this Monday.  She called to set up an appointment for her father.  Her husband, my former patient, presented in 2006 with a severe L5 disc herniation.  He had severe low back pain as well as lancinating pain and numbness down his leg from his buttocks to his foot.  He hobbled into our office with a cane, bent over to one side and tears in his eyes.  He was in his late twenties and a tall, strong guy.  He was scheduled for two things in the 6 weeks following our first meeting.  Marriage and surgery.  He was hell bent against the latter because he thought it would affect his wedding and he wasn't convinced by the surgeon that it was the only way to go.  Long story short,  he was pain free for his wedding and called the surgeon to cancel his appointment.  His wife told me this week that he continues to be pain free and that he also does the home exercises I gave him to keep his spine healthy and safe!