Mechanical Decompression for Neuropathy in Lighthouse Point, FL
Burning and numbness in the feet do not always begin in the feet. Compression of a nerve root where it exits the spine produces symptoms along everything that nerve serves, and from the patient's side it can be indistinguishable from a metabolic neuropathy. Mechanical decompression with the Antalgic-Trac® targets that compressive component specifically. It is used when the workup finds compression contributing to your symptoms, which in complex cases is often true alongside another root cause.
What it is
Mechanical Decompression
Mechanical decompression uses the Antalgic-Trac® to apply controlled traction aimed at relieving spinal nerve root compression. It is included in neuropathy care because a compressive component is often present alongside other root causes in complex cases. Treatment is non-surgical and delivered on a table under clinician direction.
How it works
Inside a session
- 01Examination, history and any available imaging establish whether a compressive component is present
- 02Traction parameters are set for the spinal segment involved
- 03The Antalgic-Trac® applies controlled decompression across a timed session
- 04Symptom response guides how much of your presentation was compressive
When the symptom is in the foot but the problem is in the spine
A compressed nerve root refers symptoms down the whole distribution of that nerve. Patients arrive certain the problem is in their feet because that is where they feel it. The distinction matters because a compressive neuropathy and a metabolic one call for completely different treatment. Sorting this out is part of the root-cause workup rather than something assumed at the first visit.
Compressive, metabolic, or both
In complex cases the answer is often both. A patient can have diabetic nerve damage and a compressed lumbar nerve root at the same time, and treating only one leaves residual symptoms that get blamed on the treatment. Mechanical decompression addresses the compressive component. The other modalities in the protocol handle what remains.
On the table
You are positioned on the Antalgic-Trac® and traction is applied gradually, with parameters set by your clinician for the segment involved. Most patients find it comfortable and some find it relieving during the session itself. There is no sedation, and you walk out under your own power. Decompression is delivered as a series rather than a single visit.
The reversible component, and the ceiling
Decompression is most useful in compressive neuropathy where there is a reversible mechanical component, which is the situation conservative care is built for. If examination and imaging show compression that is fixed or severe, your clinician will say so and refer appropriately rather than run a series that will not help. And where nerve conduction studies show absent potentials rather than reduced amplitudes, the downstream damage is structural, and relieving compression will not restore a nerve that no longer conducts.
Candidacy
Who this suits, and where it stops
Typically appropriate for
- Compressive neuropathy with a reversible mechanical component
- Radiating leg or arm symptoms that follow a nerve root distribution
- Complex cases where a compressive contributor sits alongside a metabolic one
- Patients seeking a non-surgical option before considering surgical consultation
Not appropriate for
- End-stage neuropathy showing absent potentials on nerve conduction studies rather than reduced amplitudes
- Patients whose examination shows no compressive component to treat
- Anyone with a spinal condition that makes traction inappropriate, which is screened at consultation
Root causes this targets
Which neuropathies this is used for
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know whether my neuropathy is compressive?
The symptom pattern is the first clue: compressive symptoms tend to follow a nerve root distribution and often change with position or activity. Examination, history and any imaging you already have fill in the rest. This is established during the root-cause workup before decompression is scheduled.
Is this the same as a chiropractic adjustment?
No. An adjustment applies a manual thrust to a joint. Mechanical decompression applies controlled traction on a table across a timed session, with parameters set for the segment being treated, aimed at relieving compression on a spinal nerve root.
Do I need an MRI before starting?
Bring any recent imaging to your consultation, since it makes the picture clearer. Where imaging is needed and you do not have it, your clinician will tell you that before a decompression series begins rather than after. Nothing is scheduled on assumption.
How does decompression fit with the rest of the protocol?
It handles the compressive component while laser, shockwave, infusions, hormonal correction or metabolic optimization address whatever else the workup identified. In complex cases more than one cause is usually in play. Most patients complete an initial protocol over 8 to 12 weeks, with maintenance typically quarterly afterward.
The other modalities
Rarely used alone
The Rebuild Neuropathy Protocol™ combines modalities according to the cause identified at evaluation. The others available here:
Find out what is actually causing the nerve damage.
Evaluation happens in clinic at 3320 N Federal Hwy, Lighthouse Point. Pricing is quoted at consultation.