Why Surgery Isn’t Your Only Option: The DRS Protocol for Herniated Discs and Spinal Stenosis

Written By Clarke Kauffman

If you’ve been told surgery is the only way to fix your herniated disc or spinal stenosis, it’s time to pause—and take a deeper look at your options. While surgery can be effective in some cases, it often comes with significant risks, long recovery times, and uncertainty about long-term results. Fortunately, there’s another path—one that’s non-invasive, research-supported, and increasingly preferred by patients and physicians alike: the DRS Protocol.

At Avad Chiropractic & Wellness in Goshen, Indiana, we’ve helped countless patients avoid back and neck surgeries through this advanced decompression therapy system. If you're struggling with pain, numbness, or weakness caused by disc issues or stenosis, this post will give you clarity—and hope.

Understanding the Problem: Herniated Discs & Spinal Stenosis

Before diving into the solution, let’s get clear on what’s going wrong in your spine.

Herniated Discs

Your spine is made up of vertebrae stacked on top of each other, with discs in between that act as shock absorbers. A disc is made up of a tough outer layer (annulus fibrosus) and a gel-like center (nucleus pulposus). Over time—or due to trauma—the outer layer can weaken or tear, allowing the inner gel to push out. This is called a herniated disc, and it often presses on nearby nerves.

Symptoms include:

  • Radiating pain down the arms or legs

  • Numbness or tingling

  • Muscle weakness

  • Difficulty standing or walking for long periods

Spinal Stenosis

Stenosis means "narrowing." In spinal stenosis, the spinal canal narrows and compresses the spinal cord or nerves. It’s often caused by degeneration—arthritis, thickened ligaments, or disc bulges—compressing the neural tissues.

Common symptoms:

  • Pain in the lower back or neck

  • Cramping or weakness in legs or arms

  • Trouble with balance or coordination

  • Relief when bending forward or sitting down

Whether it’s a bulging disc or narrowing spinal spaces, the end result is the same: nerve irritation and inflammation that disrupts your ability to live, work, and enjoy life pain-free.

The Conventional Approach: Surgery Isn’t Always the Best Path

When patients hear they have a herniated disc or spinal stenosis, the next word they often hear is surgery. Procedures like laminectomy, discectomy, or spinal fusion are common—but not always necessary.

The Risks of Spine Surgery

  • Infection

  • Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS) – recurring or new pain after surgery

  • Extended downtime – weeks to months of recovery

  • Scar tissue formation – which can lead to further nerve entrapment

  • Reduced spinal mobility – especially in fusions

In fact, a growing number of studies suggest that conservative, non-surgical interventions can achieve comparable or better outcomes—without the associated risks and costs.

That’s where the DRS Protocol comes in.

What Is the DRS Protocol?

DRS stands for Decompression, Reduction, and Stabilization. It is an advanced non-surgical spinal decompression system developed to treat lumbar and cervical disc injuries and spinal stenosis. This therapy gently stretches the spine using a computer-guided mechanical table to relieve pressure and restore disc function.

Here’s a breakdown of how it works:

1. Decompression

Spinal decompression therapy gently pulls apart the vertebrae, creating negative pressure within the disc space. This does two critical things:

  • Reduces disc bulge/herniation by drawing it back into place

  • Pulls in fluids, oxygen, and nutrients that promote healing

This is NOT the same as traditional traction, which applies constant pressure. The DRS system applies variable, controlled tension and relaxation cycles, which are more effective at reducing disc pressure and nerve irritation.

2. Reduction

As the disc pressure normalizes and inflammation decreases, the surrounding structures begin to move more freely. Nerve roots that were pinched now have room to function, and pain often subsides dramatically within a few sessions.

3. Stabilization

The final phase is strengthening and stabilizing the spine to prevent future problems. This includes:

  • Corrective exercises

  • The McGill Big Three core stabilization exercises

  • Supplementation to reduce inflammation and support disc health

Together, these phases promote long-term healing, not just symptom relief.

Who Can Benefit from the DRS Protocol?

The DRS protocol is ideal for patients suffering from:

  • Lumbar or cervical disc herniation

  • Bulging discs

  • Degenerative disc disease

  • Spinal stenosis

  • Sciatica

  • Chronic low back or neck pain that hasn’t responded to other therapies

It’s particularly well-suited for patients who:

  • Want to avoid surgery

  • Have already had surgery but are still in pain

  • Are looking for a non-invasive, drug-free solution

  • Have been told their only options are “injections or surgery”

What to Expect During DRS Treatment

At Avad Chiropractic & Wellness, here’s what your journey through the DRS Protocol might look like:

Initial Consultation & Evaluation

We begin with a thorough exam, orthopedic testing, and if needed, a review of your MRI or imaging reports. We want to confirm that your condition is appropriate for DRS therapy and develop a customized plan.

The Treatment Schedule

Most patients undergo 20 sessions over 6 to 8 weeks, depending on severity. Each session includes:

  • TENS Therapy (pre decompression)

  • Gentle decompression therapy (typically 20 minutes)

  • Supplementation guidance

  • Progress tracking and reassessment

Supplementation Support

Inflammation is often at the root of disc pain. That’s why our protocol includes anti-inflammatory and tissue-repair support using:

  • Omega-3s

  • Curcumin

  • Magnesium

  • Proteolytic enzymes

These are carefully chosen to complement the physical treatment and enhance tissue repair.

Home Care

You’ll also receive a take-home guide with lifestyle adjustments, ergonomic strategies, hydration reminders, and McGill-based core strengthening exercises. Healing doesn’t just happen on the table—it’s a team effort.

Why Patients Choose the DRS Protocol

Let’s talk about results. Here’s why patients are turning to DRS instead of surgery:

✅ Non-invasive – no scalpels, stitches, or hospital stays

✅ No medications – avoid dependency on painkillers or injections

✅ Minimal to no downtime – stay active throughout your treatment

✅ Long-term results – focus on correction, not just masking pain

✅ Better quality of life – move better, feel better, live better

We’ve had patients who couldn’t stand longer than 5 minutes now walking pain-free. Others who were facing spinal fusion are back to playing with their grandkids.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

Every week that passes without decompressing the nerve can result in further degeneration, muscle atrophy, or permanent nerve damage. Surgery doesn’t need to be your first—or only—option.

If you’ve been searching for "herniated disc treatment in Goshen" or "spinal stenosis therapy near me," your solution may already be here.

Ready to Start Healing?

At Avad Chiropractic & Wellness, we specialize in conservative, evidence-based spine care. The DRS Protocol is helping people all over Goshen and surrounding areas get back to living—without surgery.

Take the first step today:
📍 Visit us at 2856 Eisenhower Drive Suite 1, Goshen, IN 46526
📞 Call to schedule a consultation: 574-312-0402
💻 Or book online at your convenience

You deserve to feel good again.

Let’s decompress your spine—and your worries—one session at a time.

Clarke Kauffman
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What is a Herniated Disc?