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We regularly get unsolicited calls, letters and emails from patients who have tried and love our DDS Decompression Belts.  Here are some comments from recent users:

I have lost 3” in height in the last decade due to degenerating discs, and I was in constant pain.  I took pain medications everyday to just get through the day. I purchased my first DDS brace and I have to say I loved it from the first day.  It is remarkably comfortable and inconspicuous under clothing.  I am able to attain a more correct posture pain free (shoulders back, chest out, straight spine… etc) for the first time in a long time!  I am now able to do my favorite activity again – hike the rocky mountains with my dogs!      Love love love your product.

K. Shofner from Conifer, CO

Before getting my DDS brace I could hardly walk-drive; I was only able to walk with a walker and cane and on oxytocin hydrophodien regularly.  The DDS Decompression Brace has allowed me to do things I couldn’t do 2 years ago.  Since then my Pain meds were cut in half. Thanks again for the relief the DDS brace has given me.

D. Ferguson from Austin, TX

I’ve had my brace since NOV. 24, 2012 and my DDS lumbar support belt has truly been a blessing.  Since I’ve been wearing it I have not had to get cortisone injections to relieve the pain in my back thigh/leg. I can really see the difference when I don’t wear it daily from now on.  The brace supports greatly with prolonged sitting / standing.  Ordering it was one of best decision I’ve made.  When we travel to Eastman Georgia approx a 13 drive it gives me all the comforting support.   Thank you for this great product.

M. Jenkins from Escorse, MI

This belt has made my life 100% easier. Before this belt I could not even bend to put my pants on.  Since I started using my DDS belt things got easier. One word for this belt “Awesome.” It’s just great.   I never leave home without it and if I am going away this is the just thing I am packing.  Thanks to my dear Doctor Leyton and the great hands who made this belt.   Thanks DDS, Inc.

V. Logan from Virginia Beach, VA

Cynthia Smith, MD, Medical associate for content development in the medical education division of the American College of Physicians, along with Patrick Alguire, MD, found that, after studying a 38-year old man with complaints of low back pain, with such a vague set of symptoms, imaging tests like radiography, computer tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) likely would not prove beneficial and may expose him to unnecessarily to radiation and the anxiety of findings that are clinically insignificant.

    The patient in question does not respond to naproxen. He has no history of trauma, malignancy, fever, weight loss, or bladder or bowel symptoms. He does not use intravenous drugs. On examination, he appears uncomfortable and stiff, protecting his back against motion. He has intact sensation, strength, and reflexes. The straight-leg-raising maneuver reproduces his lower back pain but does not cause radicular pain.

  Dr Smith continues, "imaging studies are often ordered inappropriately as part of the evaluation of back pain in patients such as this. Although lumbar magnetic resonance imaging does not carry the risk of radiation exposure, it may result in harm by detecting clinically insignificant abnormalities in more than 30% of patients. These incidental findings increase with age and may lead to additional and possibly unnecessary testing and invasive treatments."

    So when should imaging be used?

    Spine imaging should be considered only in patients who have a ‘red flag,’ such as advanced age, history of trauma, history of cancer, and prolonged corticosteroid use, all of which have been associated with an increased probably (from 9% to 33%) of either spinal fracture or malignancy,” they wrote. Other indications for whether spinal imaging is needed, according to the authors, are symptoms such as pain existing longer than 6 weeks, fever, weight loss, and, “progressive neurologic findings on examination."

The DDS Spinal-Air Lumbar Decompression Belt is a non-invasive/ non-surgical, ambulatory traction brace that allows the patient to be active and continue with his/her daily activities while treating their condition.

  To learn more about DDS Decompression Braces, view MRI images, Clinical Studies, and read Patient and Medical Professional Testimonials please visit www.DDSbrace.com or www.DiscDiseaseSolutions.com.

According to a recent study presented at the North American Spine Institute, and published in the Spine Journal, the more obese a person is the more likely he or she is to suffer from lower back pain.  However, this risk can be diminished through moderate levels of activity. 

Obesity can result in back pain by creating increased postural stress and an accelerated breakdown of the musculoskeletal system, including the joints, cartilage, ligaments, muscle, tendons and bone, which provide support to the body.

The study also showed extremely obese people only spend 1.3 minutes daily in moderate exercise, but by extending this activity by just one minute, a 38 percent decrease in low back-pain risk can occur.

The DDS Spinal-Air Lumbar Traction Braces are designed to get people active.  The DDS Decompression Belt can treat and/or to prevent pain while wearing it under their clothing.  It provides decompression while the patient performs everyday activities.

We spend approximately a third of our lives lying in bed.  Therefore, we should take extra care in choosing a correct mattress.  So, which one is right for you?

Dr. Jeffrey Katz, professor of medicine and orthopedic surgery at Harvard Medical School, recently noted that there wasn't a lot of research done on this topic.

History would lead us to believe that a firm mattress, or orthopedic mattress, is best.  Contrary to this belief, however, a softer mattress that conforms to your body's natural curves may help your joints align favorably. "Memory foam" mattresses fit this description well. But you might also sink in so deeply that your joints twist and become painful during the night.

Dr. Katz usually advises his patients to try sleeping on many different mattresses and beds to see which type feels best.  Also, be aware of the position you sleep in.

Studies show what's best for the average patient in the study.  However, everyone is different.  Explore your options and choose what's best for you based on your own experience.

Our Decompression Braces feature a soft, highly durable 100% cotton lining.  You can wear it comfortably directly on your skin or over a thin cotton t-shirt. They are super discreet and can be worn under your clothing.  Our advanced tubeless design allows for this contoured fit.

They also come with a laundry bag - you place your brace in the mesh bag and put it in your laundry machine using a neutral detergent and a light cycle.  Can your back brace do that?  What is your brace made of? 

Disc Disease Solutions introduced the first Spinal Air Decompression Brace almost 10 years ago.  One of the many differences between our brace and other braces is in our Vertical Air Pressure Technology.

                       DDS Decompression Braces do not restrict movement and immediately begins to increase vertically upon inflation, as opposed to a tightening sensation like a corset-style brace.  Also, the Brace conforms to the natural curvature of the lumbar spine.  This is necessary for a number of reasons and once you apply the Brace you'll know why.  Does your Brace confirm to the natural curvature of your lumbar spine?

Part 4

*Spondylolysis & Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolysis is caused by a fracture or loss of the posterior joint connecting one vertebral bone to another. This is the most common cause of low back pain in adolescent athletes that can be seen on X-rays.  This stress fracture in one of the bones (vertebrae) that make up the spinal column usually affects the fifth lumbar vertebra in the lower back and, much less commonly, the fourth lumbar vertebra.

If the stress fracture weakens the bone so much that it is unable to maintain its proper position, the vertebra can start to shift out of place. This condition is called spondylolisthesis. If too much slippage occurs, the bones may begin to press on nerves and surgery may be necessary to correct the condition.

There may be a hereditary aspect to spondylolysis. An individual may be born with a thin vertebral bone and therefore may be vulnerable to this condition. Significant periods of rapid growth may encourage slippage.

In many people, spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis are present, but without any obvious symptoms. Pain usually spreads across the lower back and may feel like a muscle strain. Spondylolisthesis can cause spasms that stiffen the back and tighten the hamstring muscles, resulting in changes to posture and gait. If the slippage is significant, it may begin to compress the nerves and narrow the spinal canal.

In most cases, strengthening and stretching of the back and abdominal muscles along with physical therapy and a back brace can help to prevent future occurrences of this painful condition.

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