Why Medications Often Mask Problems and Delay Healing

If you’re searching for non-surgical spinal decompression in Cary, NC, chances are you’ve been battling chronic back pain for months—or even years. You may be taking OTC ibuprofen daily or relying on prescription muscle relaxers just to function. But here’s the truth most medical doctors won’t tell you: those medications aren’t fixing your problem—they’re hiding it, and that delay could be making your condition worse.

At Triangle Spinal Decompression, we’ve helped the people of Cary, Raleigh, and the Triangle avoid surgery and ditch the pills with FDA-cleared non-surgical spinal decompression therapy. In this post, we’ll expose the risks of masking chronic back pain with meds and show why our comprehensive, root-cause approach delivers real, lasting relief.

The Dangerous Cycle: How Medications Often Mask Problems and Delay Healing

We all “overdo it” sometimes—lifting heavy furniture, sitting too long, or pushing through a weekend warrior workout. In most cases, your body heals itself fairly quickly. But when lower back pain lasts over 12 weeks, it’s classified as chronic—and that’s when the trouble begins.

Most people reach for:

- OTC NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen)

- Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

- Prescription opioids, muscle relaxers, or nerve pain meds

These provide temporary relief—but at what cost?

The Science: Painkillers Can Prolong Chronic Pain

A groundbreaking 2022 study in Science Translational Medicine found that NSAIDs like ibuprofen suppress natural inflammation needed for tissue repair, potentially turning acute injuries into chronic conditions.[1] Another 2024 review in The Lancet confirmed: long-term NSAID use increases risk of gastrointestinal bleeding by 400% and cardiovascular events by 50%.[2]

Prescription meds are no safer:

- Opioids: Up to 26% of chronic pain patients develop dependency.[3]

- Muscle relaxers: Cause drowsiness, falls, and cognitive decline.

- Gabapentin/pregabalin: Linked to weight gain, edema, and suicidal ideation.

Bottom line: Meds mask symptoms. They don’t decompress nerves, rehydrate discs, or restore spinal function.

The Proven Solution: Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy

Non-surgical spinal decompression uses advanced computerized traction (like our Chattanooga Triton DTS system) to gently stretch the spine, creating negative intra-discal pressure. This:

- Retracts herniated or bulging discs

- Relieves pinched nerves (sciatica)

- Improves disc hydration and nutrient flow

- Reduces inflammation naturally

Clinical Results (2022–2025 Studies)

- Herniated Disc: 77% pain reduction in 6 weeks[4] | 86% success rate

- Sciatica: 71–89% pain reduction[5] | 81% success rate

- Spinal Stenosis: 68% long-term pain reduction[6] | 74% success rate

Patients report:

- No downtime

- Reduced need for meds (many stop completely)

- Improved mobility within 10–20 sessions

Why Triangle Spinal Decompression Stands Out in Cary, NC

Our 35 year practice, Led by Dr. Parker Neill and Dr. Abigail Swank has been a leader in the Triangle for non-invasive back pain treatment.

Here’s what sets us apart:

1. Take our 45-Second Spinal Decompression Quiz + No-Charge Consultation 

 Not sure if decompression is right for you? Take our online quiz at https://www.triangledecompression.com/blank to see if you qualify.

2. Thorough Evaluation – We Don’t Guess 

   - Detailed case history and physical exam 

   - Advanced imaging review MRI /CT (or ordered as needed) 

   - On-site digital radiology 

   - Nerve conduction velocity (NCV) studies ordered or reviewed (performed off-site)

3. Honest Recommendations – Even If It’s Not Us 

 If your case requires a surgeon, neurologist, or injection specialist, we’ll refer you to the best in the Triangle—no pressure.

4. State-of-the-Art Facility in Cary 

   - FDA-cleared Triton DTS decompression tables 

   - Adjunct therapies: Class IV laser, Shockwave Therapy, spinal rehab, custom orthotics 

   - Flexible scheduling (Mon–Fri) and affordable payment plans

Real Patient Results (Cary & Raleigh Locals)

“After 3 back surgeries failed, I was on oxycodone daily. After 18 decompression sessions, I’m off all meds and playing golf again.” 

— Mark R., Cary, NC

“Sciatica kept me from walking my dog. One month of treatment and I’m back to 3-mile walks—pain-free.” 

— Susan T., Apex, NC

See more 5-star reviews on Google (https://g.page/triangledecompression) and Healthgrades.

Ready to Stop Masking Pain and Start Healing?

Don’t let another year go by relying on pills that harm your body and delay recovery. Non-surgical spinal decompression in Cary, NC is clinically proven and drug-free.

Take the first step: 

1. Complete our 45-second quiz: https://www.triangledecompression.com/blank

2. Call (919) 469-8897 to schedule your No charge, No Pressure, No obligation consultation 

3. Walk out with clear insight, personalized options, and a custom treatment plan tailored to your needs

References: 

[1] Parisien et al., Science Translational Medicine, 2022 

[2] The Lancet Rheumatology, 2024 

[3] CDC Opioid Guidelines, 2025 Update 

[4] BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 2022 

[5] Journal of Contemporary Chiropractic, 2025 

[6] Spine Journal, 2023