Case Study 01
Lumbar Herniated Disc Case Study
A patient-education case study focused on lumbar disc findings and the clinical context used when evaluating disc-related symptoms.
View case study ›DRX9000 Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression · Shelton, CT
Take pressure
off the problem.
Looking for DRX9000 spinal decompression in Connecticut? At our Shelton office, Dr. James Dalfino, DC, evaluates disc-related back, neck, arm and leg symptoms to determine whether lumbar or cervical decompression is appropriate. Your examination and available imaging guide the decision.
The idea behind decompression
When a disc is under pressure, give it room.
Non-surgical spinal decompression gently stretches and decompresses the spine in a controlled way. The goal is to reduce pressure within an affected disc and create an environment that may help irritated nerves calm down.
Discover the DRX9000
Targeted care for disc-related pain.
If you are dealing with a herniated disc, bulging disc, degenerative disc disease, sciatica, spinal stenosis, chronic lower back pain or chronic neck pain, you may be looking for an option besides medication, injections or surgery.
The DRX9000 allows treatment to be directed toward specific spinal levels based on your symptoms, examination and available imaging. The first step is determining whether your condition is appropriate for this type of care.
TargetedConfigured around the spinal level being treated.
Non-surgicalNo injections or operative procedure.
IndividualizedPlans are based on examination and response to care.
How spinal decompression works
Controlled decompression. Specific spinal levels.
Non-surgical spinal decompression works by gently stretching and decompressing the spine in a controlled way. The DRX9000 allows us to target specific spinal levels based on your condition, symptoms and evaluation.
Not every disc problem is the same, and not every patient needs the same treatment plan. For properly selected patients, reducing disc pressure may help with symptoms such as back pain, neck pain, sciatica, leg pain, arm pain, numbness and tingling.
Common reasons patients ask about DRX9000
Disc and nerve problems can feel very different.
A careful evaluation helps determine whether spinal decompression is appropriate for the specific condition behind your symptoms.
Herniated Discs
Disc material can irritate nearby nerves and contribute to back, neck, arm or leg symptoms.
Bulging Discs
Disc changes may contribute to pain or nerve irritation depending on location and severity.
Sciatica
Radiating leg symptoms may be associated with irritation of spinal nerve roots.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Age- and stress-related disc changes can affect motion, comfort and spinal loading.
Spinal Stenosis
Some patients with narrowing around spinal structures may ask about non-surgical options.
Chronic Neck and Back Pain
Persistent symptoms deserve an evaluation to determine whether disc or nerve involvement is present.
What to expect
A treatment process built around your condition.
01
Evaluation
Dr. Dalfino reviews your symptoms, history, exam findings and available imaging.
02
Positioning
You are fitted comfortably on the DRX9000 using upper and lower support harnesses.
03
Decompression
The system applies controlled decompression to the targeted spinal area.
04
Plan
Most sessions are approximately 20–30 minutes, with frequency customized to the individual.
During treatment
Comfortable. Controlled. Non-invasive.
Patients typically remain comfortable during treatment. The system gently positions the body and applies the programmed decompression force to the selected spinal level.
You will also receive guidance on what to do — and what to avoid — outside the office to help support the treatment plan.
Why Connecticut Disc and Laser
Technology matters. Clinical judgment matters more.
Patients often come to us after trying medications, injections, physical therapy, chiropractic care or after being told surgery may be the next step.
With more than 25 years of clinical experience, Dr. James Dalfino evaluates the underlying problem, determines whether you are a candidate for care and builds the plan around your condition, goals and daily life.
Imaging examples
Herniated disc case studies.
Imaging can help provide context when evaluating disc-related conditions. Individual findings and responses to treatment vary, so images should be interpreted together with symptoms, examination and clinical history.
Case Study 02
Disc Imaging Review
A visual case-study reference showing how disc imaging may be reviewed alongside symptoms, examination findings and clinical history.
View case study ›Case-study material is provided for education only. Individual findings, treatment recommendations and outcomes vary.
Make an informed decision
Answers before
your appointment.
01 · Sciatica
Questions about symptom changes.
Read our explanation of sciatica concerns and the importance of reassessing symptoms.
02 · Compare careDecompression or chiropractic?
Explore the differences and the questions to ask at your evaluation.
03 · Disc findingsUnderstand the report.
Learn about herniated and bulging discs and how findings relate to care planning.
04 · Plan your visitCandidacy, time and cost.
Review what the first evaluation includes and what is discussed before ongoing care.
Clinical evaluation first
The machine is only part of the decision.
Before beginning care, Dr. Dalfino reviews your symptoms, history, examination findings and available imaging to determine whether spinal decompression may be appropriate. Some patients are good candidates; others may need a different approach.
Dr. James Dalfino · Clinic Director · 25+ years of clinical experience
Disc treatment FAQ
Questions about spinal decompression.
Frequently asked questions about non-surgical spinal decompression with the DRX9000 in Shelton, CT.
Who may be a candidate for spinal decompression?
Patients with persistent or recurrent symptoms related to conditions such as herniated discs, bulging discs or degenerative disc disease may be considered. Candidacy depends on the individual history, examination, imaging when available and the absence of contraindications.
How long does a treatment session take?
Sessions commonly take approximately 20–30 minutes. The overall frequency and duration of care are individualized based on the condition and response to treatment.
Will I feel results right away?
Response varies. Some patients notice symptom changes relatively early in care, while others may require more time. No specific response or timeline can be guaranteed.
What causes lower back pain?
Lower back pain has many possible causes, including disc degeneration, disc herniation, injury, mechanical stress and other spinal or musculoskeletal conditions. An evaluation is needed to determine the likely source of symptoms.
Can someone be unsuitable for spinal decompression?
Yes. Pregnancy and certain infections, diseases, structural conditions or other medical factors may make spinal decompression inappropriate. A consultation and examination are used to determine whether the treatment is suitable.
Are there side effects?
Some patients may notice temporary soreness or stiffness after treatment. The expected response varies by individual, which is another reason the treatment plan should be monitored clinically.
How much does DRX9000 spinal decompression cost?
The $99 New Patient Special includes a consultation, examination, report of findings and first treatment when appropriate. It is not the price of a full decompression program. Any recommended treatment plan, visit frequency and additional costs are explained after the evaluation, before you decide to continue.
What should I bring to a spinal decompression evaluation?
Bring available imaging reports, records of prior spine procedures, information about previous treatment and a list of your questions. Tell Dr. Dalfino which activities are limited and what you hope to achieve. An imaging report alone does not determine whether decompression is appropriate.
Is non-surgical spinal decompression the same as decompression surgery?
No. This page describes non-surgical care using the DRX9000 at our Shelton chiropractic office. It does not describe a surgical procedure. Dr. Dalfino, DC, evaluates whether the services offered here fit your case; some patients need medical or surgical assessment instead.
Does your Shelton office evaluate both lumbar and cervical disc problems?
Yes. We evaluate lower-back and neck symptoms and consider the relevant decompression approach when appropriate. A disc finding alone does not establish candidacy. Tell Dr. Dalfino about pain into an arm or leg, numbness, weakness, previous surgery and prior treatment so he can assess the next step.
