What to Expect During Spinal Decompression on a Triton DTS Table

Spinal decompression is a form of motorized traction. Bretz Chiropractic Clinic has two Chattanooga Triton DTS tables for selected cervical and lumbar cases. The equipment can apply programmable traction, but the table does not decide whether care is appropriate. That decision begins with the patient’s history, examination, and relevant imaging when clinically indicated.

If you are considering spinal decompression in Sarasota, here is what the process may involve and what the treatment cannot promise.

The first step is an examination

Dr. Bretz reviews when symptoms began, where they travel, what activities change them, previous treatment, medical history, and any available records. Orthopedic and neurologic testing may include movement, strength, reflexes, and sensation.

This matters because back or neck pain can have many causes. A bulging or herniated disc may irritate a nerve, but it does not always do so. Imaging findings also occur in people without symptoms. The examination helps determine whether a disc or nerve finding appears relevant and whether traction is a reasonable option.

Imaging is used when it is clinically indicated

Not every person with low-back pain needs immediate imaging. The American College of Radiology notes that uncomplicated acute low-back pain without red flags generally does not require initial imaging. Imaging becomes more relevant when the examination raises concern for a serious condition, neurologic compromise, trauma, or when symptoms are not improving as expected.

Bretz Clinic reviews existing imaging and obtains or refers for imaging when clinically indicated. The website does not imply that every patient needs an MRI or that imaging is performed in the chiropractic office.

Screening for precautions and contraindications

Decompression is not appropriate for everyone. The clinician screens for issues such as fracture, severe osteoporosis, spinal instability, certain infections or tumors, pregnancy, and surgical hardware or fusion at the intended treatment level. Other findings may also change the plan. When conservative care is not suitable, medical referral comes first.

Lumbar setup

For a selected low-back case, the patient lies on the table fully clothed. A pelvic harness and upper-body support help direct traction to the lumbar region. Position, angle, force, and the pattern of hold and rest periods are selected for the individual case.

Cervical setup

For a selected neck case, a head and neck support is used to direct traction to the cervical spine. Positioning and comfort are checked before the session starts. The patient should report any increase in radiating pain, numbness, weakness, dizziness, or other unexpected symptom.

What the session may feel like

The Triton DTS system can deliver static, intermittent, and cyclic traction patterns. Many patients describe a gradual stretching sensation. Comfort varies, and stronger is not automatically better. The clinician can change the settings or stop the session when symptoms or comfort require it.

Session length and visit frequency are not identical for every patient. They should follow the diagnosis, tolerance, and response rather than a preset plan sold to everyone.

How progress is checked

Re-examination compares the starting findings with changes in symptoms, activity tolerance, strength, movement, and neurologic findings where relevant. A temporary change in pain is only one piece of information. If the patient is improving, the plan may be progressed or tapered. If progress is limited, symptoms worsen, or new findings appear, the plan should be changed, paused, stopped, or referred.

What decompression cannot promise

Traction should not be described as pulling a disc permanently back into place, repairing disc tissue, or guaranteeing that surgery will be avoided. Some people with selected disc-related or radiating symptoms report improvement with conservative care, while others do not. Results vary.

Decompression may be one component of the clinic’s Non-Surgical Disc Care Program. Other components are selected separately from the examination; not every patient receives all of them.

Warning signs that should not wait for a routine visit

Seek emergency medical care for new or worsening weakness in an arm or leg, numbness in the groin or saddle area, new loss of bowel or bladder control, or severe symptoms after major trauma. Back pain with fever, unexplained weight loss, or a history of cancer also requires prompt medical evaluation.

Sources

• Chattanooga: Triton DTS 6M Traction Table
• Chattanooga: Triton DTS Traction Unit
• American College of Radiology: Appropriateness Criteria for Low Back Pain
• MedlinePlus: Herniated disk