By Michael C. Shaffer, D.C., P.A.
Chronic back pain is one of the most common and debilitating conditions affecting adults in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 40% of adults report experiencing back pain within the past three months. While medications and surgery are often considered the next step when conservative care fails, advanced therapies are proving to be a game changer. Dr. Michael Shaffer has brought two of the most effective non-invasive treatments, non-surgical spinal decompression with the Hill DT table and the M7 MLS Therapy Laser—together to achieve optimal results.
This combination targets both the mechanical causes of spinal pain and the inflammatory response that keeps patients locked in cycles of discomfort, stiffness, and reduced function.
Understanding Spinal Decompression Therapy
Non-surgical spinal decompression is designed to relieve pressure on the spine’s intervertebral discs and nerves. Patients lie comfortably on a table where the spine is gently stretched and relaxed in computerized, controlled cycles. This process creates negative pressure within the discs, encouraging retraction of herniated or bulging material and promoting the influx of oxygen and nutrients into the disc space. Each session on the Hill DT table is considered a targeted therapeutic medical event.
Decompression therapy is especially beneficial for conditions such as:
• Herniated or bulging discs
• Degenerative disc disease
• Sciatica
• Spinal stenosis
• Facet joint syndrome
• Chronic neck or low back pain
Clinical research supports its effectiveness. In a study published in the American Journal of Pain Management, 71% of patients treated with spinal decompression reported significant pain reduction, and many were able to avoid surgical intervention altogether.
The Role of MLS Laser Therapy
While spinal decompression addresses the structural cause of spinal pain, the M7 MLS Laser Therapy system targets inflammation and tissue damage at the cellular level. MLS stands for Multiwave Locked System, a patented, Class IV, dual-wavelength laser technology that delivers synchronized light energy to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and accelerate healing.
This therapy works by stimulating cellular activity in damaged tissues—a process known as photobiomodulation. The M7 robotically scans the treatment area and delivers consistent, calibrated energy across joints, muscles, ligaments, and nerve tissue. It is FDA-cleared and widely used in both orthopedic and neurological applications.
Key benefits of MLS Laser Therapy include:
• Reduction of inflammation and edema
• Improved circulation and oxygenation
• Accelerated tissue repair
• Decreased nerve sensitivity
• No side effects or recovery downtime
In a randomized, double-blind clinical study, MLS laser therapy showed a greater than 80% success rate in reducing chronic musculoskeletal pain, particularly in patients with arthritis, neuropa-thy, and spinal disc injuries.
Why These Two Therapies Work Better Together
Pain in the spine is rarely due to a single factor. It often involves disc dysfunction, nerve compression, inflammation, and muscular imbalance, all of which need to be addressed for lasting relief. By combining non-surgical spinal decompression with MLS laser therapy, patients benefit from a dual-action approach:
• Spinal decompression restores mechanical balance, reduces pressure on nerves, and promotes disc healing.
• Laser therapy reduces inflammation, calms nerve activity, and accelerates tissue regeneration at the cellular level.
Together, these therapies complement each other to treat both the cause and the symptoms of pain. In clinical practice, patients often experience faster relief, fewer flare-ups, and improved mobility when these modalities are used in conjunction.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Patients with the following conditions are often excellent candidates for combined decompression and laser therapy:
• Chronic low back or neck pain not responding to conventional treatment
• Sciatica or radiating nerve pain from disc bulges
• Post-surgical spine patients with lingering pain
• Degenerative joint or disc disease
• Athletes recovering from spine-related injuries
These therapies are particularly beneficial for patients who want to avoid opioids, steroid injections, or surgery, and are looking for a safe, evidence-based alternative to manage their condition.
When to Seek Help
If you’re living with persistent back pain, tingling, numbness, or reduced mobility, it’s time to ex-plore advanced non-surgical solutions. Left untreated, spinal conditions can worsen over time, potentially leading to permanent nerve damage or loss of function. Early intervention with spinal decompression and laser therapy can prevent further deterioration and restore quality of life.
Dr. Michael Shaffers goal is to identify the root cause of your pain and provide effective, personalized care using today’s most advanced technologies. Call today to schedule your consultation and discover how this powerful combination of therapies can help you move and feel better—without surgery or medication.
Personalized Care at Michael C. Shaffer, D.C., P.A.
Dr. Michael Shaffer has been serving Collier County since 1981, specializing in spinal care, musculoskeletal conditions, and rehabilitation. Each patient receives a tailored treatment plan based on a comprehensive assessment, ensuring optimal outcomes.
Michael C. Shaffer, D.C., P.A.
(239) 793-3200
www.drmichaelshaffer.com
671 Goodlette Rd., Unit 160
Naples, FL 34102