San Francisco Herniated Disc Doctor Manages Expectations to achieve Favorable Outcomes

Nonsurgical Spinal Decompression can alleviate, but not necessarily

eliminate pain caused by lumbar disk herniations in almost 90% of cases, and from cervical disk herniations in about 75-80% of cases. Younger patients generally have better outcomes than older patients. In older patients often times there are bone spurs secondary to advanced stage degenerative disc disease making treatment more challenging. But, we are still able to get really good results as long as we are clear on what the goals are. As a general rule, we have to be careful about quoting success rates. The patient's perception of success may vary considerably from that of what is realistic. An elderly patient may expect spinal decompression will restore them to a pain-free, youthful existence, but that's unreasonable in many instances. But, if the objective is to take what's there and make the most out of it, then the odds of a favorable outcome become very high (see testimonials). It truly is amazing how much better a badly degenerated spine can get with the right kind of treatment.

But, it’s still critically important for doctors to have a thorough discussion of realistic outcomes before a case is accepted. A well-informed patient with appropriate expectations will generally respond well to nonsurgical spinal decompression. In the end, if they end up being able leap tall buildings with a single bound, all the better.