DRX9000 SPINAL DECOMPRESSION

Pre- and Post-Treatment MRI Comparisons

Axial MRI scans before and after treatment with arrows marking the disc
Sagittal MRI scans before and after treatment with arrows marking the disc
Sagittal and axial lumbar MRI views before and after DRX9000 spinal decompression, with arrows marking the disc level, from the Excite Medical literature summary
Pre-treatment and post-treatment MRI comparison of a patient's spine
Before and after sagittal lumbar MRI scans circled at the treated disc level, from the Excite Medical DRX9000 literature summary
Before and after sagittal lumbar MRI comparison circled at the treated disc level, from the Excite Medical DRX9000 literature summary

Why We Compare MRIs Before and After Treatment

An MRI is the clearest way to document what is happening to a disc. Comparing a scan taken before a course of DRX9000 spinal decompression therapy with one taken afterward lets Steven Cantor DC show a patient exactly what changed rather than relying on how they say they feel. The images on this page are from actual TriMed Spine & Joint patients.


What to Look For

When reviewing a pre- and post-treatment comparison, the findings that matter most are the position of the disc material relative to the spinal canal and nerve root, the height of the disc space between the two vertebral bodies, and the amount of space remaining around the nerve. Arrows on these images mark the level being compared.

We also track disc height on standing X-rays. You can see measured examples in our case write-ups, and read patient testimonials or our DRX9000 frequently asked questions.


What does an MRI show after spinal decompression?

A follow-up MRI or x-ray is read against the earlier study to see whether the disc material has changed position relative to the spinal canal and nerve root, whether the height of the disc space has changed, and how much room is left around the nerve. Those three findings are objective: they either changed or they did not, independent of how the patient reports feeling that week.

Can non-surgical spinal decompression increase disc height?

There is published evidence that it can. In a retrospective cohort of lumbar spine patients, non-surgical spinal decompression was associated with an increase in disc height on imaging (Apfel CC, Cakmakkaya OS, Martin W, et al. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2010;11:155). Measured before-and-after films from our own patients are published on our DRX9000 results page. Individual results vary and no outcome is guaranteed.

Does a change on my MRI mean my pain will improve?

Not necessarily. Imaging findings and symptoms do not always move together: some patients feel substantially better before their imaging changes, and some show a measurable change on film while still having symptoms that need further care. Imaging is one piece of evidence used alongside your examination and your own report of function.

Do I need an MRI before starting DRX9000 treatment?

Treatment decisions are based on a physical examination together with imaging of the affected level. If you already have a recent MRI, bring it or have the images sent to us before your visit. If you do not, Steven Cantor DC will tell you what imaging is needed before decompression can safely begin.

Are the images on this page from real patients?

Yes. Every comparison published here is from an actual TriMed Spine & Joint patient who completed a course of DRX9000 spinal decompression at our Boca Raton office. Measurements were taken from the films using standard radiographic measurement software.

Individual Results May Vary

These images document individual cases and are not a prediction of what any other patient will experience. Whether spinal decompression is appropriate for you depends on your diagnosis, your imaging and your medical history. Call 1 (855) 487-4633 to arrange a review of your MRI with Dr. Cantor.


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