Spinal Decompression Comparison: Triton DTS vs. DRX9000. Which is Better?
Why does Dr. Mike Digrado choose the Chattanooga Triton DTS decompression system? Superior patient comfort and better results.
Trained in Both Triton DTS and the DRX9000 Decompression Tables… So Which is Better?
At Newport Center Family Chiropractic, Dr. Mike Digrado utilizes over 20 years of experience to provide the highest standard of spinal care in Newport Beach. While Dr. Mike has extensive training with both the Triton DTS and the DRX9000 decompression tables, he has found that the Triton DTS offers a distinct advantage in patient comfort and clinical flexibility. Unlike many rigid systems, the Triton DTS features a sophisticated 6-section table design that allows for precise positioning to match each patient’s unique anatomy. This versatility is crucial for those suffering from acute pain who may find it difficult to lie in the restricted, fixed positions required by other devices like the DRX9000.
Based on Dr. Digrado’s hands-on experience, the Triton DTS edges out other options by providing a smoother, more natural “hand-delivered” feel through its computerized pull patterns. The system includes a unique pelvic tilt section that can be adjusted to flatten the lumbar spine, effectively reducing muscle guarding—a common reflex where muscles tense up to protect a painful area. By minimizing this resistance, the Triton DTS allows for a deeper, more relaxing session that many of our patients describe as so comfortable they often fall asleep during treatment!
Triton DTS Versus DRX9000 Decompression Table
| Features | Triton DTS | DRX9000 |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Mechanism | Multi-axial mechanical traction with computerized pull-release cycles | High-speed servo-motor with logarithmic force curve |
| Table Design | 6-Section High-Lo Table: Allows for prone (face down) and supine (face up) positioning | Fixed Monolithic Table: Generally limited to supine (face up) positioning only |
| Adjustability | Highly adaptable with adjustable head, pelvic, and leg sections (-15° to +40° head; 0° to 15° pelvic tilt) | Less adaptable; relies on motorized angle adjustments and air bladders to target specific discs |
| Muscle Guarding | Uses variable speed and “pretension” phases to bypass muscle reflexes | Uses high-speed sensors (adjusting 13x per second) to prevent muscle resistance |
| Patient Comfort | Enhanced: Includes heated cushions and supports more natural body positions for pain relief | Standard: Focuses on a rigid, medical-grade experience with specific harnesses |
| Treatment Range | Lumbar and Cervical (neck) on a single versatile platform | Dedicated Lumbar unit; Cervical typically requires a separate independent machine (DRX9000C) |
Why Comfort Matters: The Science of Muscle Guarding
At Newport Center Family Chiropractic, Dr. Mike Digrado emphasizes the science behind every treatment. A critical hurdle in spinal recovery is muscle guarding (or muscle splinting)—an involuntary reflex where the body’s stabilizer muscles contract to protect an injured area. While this reaction is natural, it often hinders healing by creating a rigid “splint” that prevents deep disc decompression. The Triton DTS is specifically engineered to outsmart this reflex, providing a level of relief that standard tables simply cannot match.
The Triton DTS utilizes sophisticated, computerized pull patterns that relax the paraspinal muscles through a process called “progressive loading”. By slowly and precisely ramping up tension—rather than delivering a sudden, blunt pull—the system facilitates a state of deep muscular relaxation. This specialized “pretension” phase improves the table’s ability to bypass muscle resistance, ensuring that the distractive force reaches the spinal discs instead of being absorbed by tense muscles.
Once muscle guarding is minimized, the Triton DTS promotes the creation of negative intradiscal pressure, which encourages bulging or herniated material to retract. This “vacuum effect” not only relieves nerve impingement but also accelerates the flow of oxygen and nutrient-rich fluids into the disc, which supports long-term tissue repair. By prioritizing patient comfort and neurological ease, Dr. Mike ensures that each session optimizes your body’s natural healing environment for a faster, pain-free recovery.
Which Decompression Table is Right for You?
Acute Pain and Postural Distortions (Superior: Triton DTS):
For patients in severe pain who cannot lie flat on their backs (supine), the Triton DTS is often the only viable option. Its 6-section adjustable design allow for prone (face-down) or even side-lying positions, which can be essential for patients with specific structural leanings or high sensitivity.
Cervical (Neck) Issues (Superior: Triton DTS):
The Triton DTS is a dual-purpose platform capable of treating both the neck and lower back on a single unit. While the DRX9000 is primarily a lumbar-focused machine, the Triton DTS includes dedicated cervical accessories that allow Dr. Digrado to switch seamlessly between lumbar and cervical decompression.
Advanced Chronic Lumbar Conditions (Superior: DRX9000):
The DRX9000 is often considered more “intensive” and targeted for persistent or advanced lumbar-only conditions. It uses high-speed sensors to monitor and adjust tension up to 13 times per second, which some clinicians find provides more “targeted” relief for deep-seated herniated discs in the lower back.
Sciatica and Degenerative Disc Disease (Equal):
Both machines have high success rates (often cited between 70% and 90%) for treating sciatica and degenerative disc disease. The choice between them usually comes down to which machine the patient finds more comfortable to stay in for the duration of the treatment session.
Spinal Decompression Expert
Dr. Mike Digrado D.C.
- Board Certified Chiropractor – State of California
- Doctor of Chiropractic – Life Chiropractic College West
- Best Chiropractor of the Year 2018 – Times O.C.
- Best Chiropractor of the Year 2019 – Times O.C.
Dr. Digrado is passionate about providing Newport Beach residents with cutting-edge spinal decompression therapy and deep tissue laser treatment aimed at reducing or eliminating back pain, sciatica pain, neck pain, or herniated discs all without the need for surgery or risky procedures. With over two decades of experience, he is the go-to decompression expert in Newport Beach! Learn More…
Been told you need back surgery?
Benefits of Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy.
Undo years of neglect and damage with spinal decompression therapy intended for severe and chronic pain.
Our spines compress as a result of old age, accidents, or injury. If left untreated, patients will not only suffer with back pain, neck pain, and sciatica pain, but experience herniated and bulging discs, a condition that can be addressed with gentle, therapeutic, and highly effective decompression therapy. While some doctors may recommend surgery, we believe spinal decompression is equally effective in giving you your life and mobility back.
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- Full Report of Findings
- Detailed Consultation
- 1st Spinal Decompression Treatment
- 1st Laser Therapy Treatment
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Suffering from chronic back pain or sciatica pain? Our Newport Beach spinal decompression therapy will help.
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949-640-1470
Newport Center
Family Chiropractic
359 San Miguel Drive
Suite #203
Newport Beach, CA 92660
| Monday | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Friday | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |