Business Details
Expert Spinal Decompression in Whitby
Durham Spinal Decompression, founded by Dr. Ken Fern and Dr. Mary Ann Goldhawk, specializes in non-surgical treatments for chronic back and neck pain. Our clinic combines advanced medical technology with personalized care to address conditions like herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, and sciatica. With decades of combined experience, our team prioritizes patient education, utilizing tools like our 3D Patient Education Center to enhance understanding of spinal health. We focus on evidence-based therapies, including Spinal Decompression, chiropractic adjustments, and physiotherapy, to help patients avoid surgery and medication dependency.Our approach integrates manual therapy, core strengthening through SpineForce technology, and targeted rehabilitation programs. We serve the Whitby, Ontario area, offering tailored treatment plans backed by clinical expertise and patient success stories. Our commitment to integrity and excellence ensures each patient receives compassionate care designed to restore mobility and improve quality of life. The clinic's founders maintain active roles in treatment oversight and research, ensuring alignment with the latest advancements in spinal health.
Services
Spinal Decompression Therapy
Massage Therapy
Chiropractic Care
SpineForce Core Strength
Physiotherapy
Naturopathy
3D Education Center
Consultation
Pain Management
Physical Rehabilitation
Highlights and features
- Board-certified spinal surgeon and chiropractic director with combined 50+ years of experience
- FDA-cleared DRX-9000 spinal decompression technology
- Personalized treatment plans combining multiple therapeutic modalities
- Proven success in reducing pain for patients with failed back surgery syndrome
- Comprehensive 3D patient education resources for informed decision-making
Associations and certifications
- Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
- Canadian Academy of Pain Management
What people say
Back to active lifestyle
Pain relief achieved
Professional care team
Avoided surgery
Compassionate staff
Services
Spinal Decompression Therapy
Spinal Decompression Therapy uses computer-controlled traction to relieve pressure on spinal discs, effectively treating herniated discs, sciatica, and degenerative disc disease. This non-invasive treatment creates negative intradiscal pressure, promoting nutrient flow and disc healing. Patients experience reduced nerve compression and pain relief through targeted, oscillating traction cycles.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care focuses on correcting vertebral subluxations through manual adjustments and therapeutic exercises. Our treatments address low back pain, neck pain, and headaches by restoring proper spinal alignment and nerve function. This drug-free approach emphasizes the body's natural healing capacity through structural balance and improved nervous system communication.
Physiotherapy
Our physiotherapy programs combine strength training, mobility exercises, and manual therapy to enhance treatment outcomes. Customized rehabilitation plans improve range of motion, prevent re-injury, and support long-term pain management. Therapists use evidence-based techniques to restore functional movement patterns and build core stability.
SpineForce Core Strength
SpineForce technology strengthens deep spinal stabilizer muscles through vibration therapy. This specialized equipment identifies muscle imbalances and creates personalized exercise protocols. By enhancing core stability, patients experience improved posture, reduced disc pressure, and better maintenance of chiropractic adjustments.
Manual Therapy
Manual therapy targets chronic inflammation and scar tissue in spinal muscles through focused soft tissue manipulation. Our registered massage therapists use myofascial release techniques to improve tissue elasticity, reduce nerve pressure, and restore normal muscle function. This targeted approach complements decompression therapy for comprehensive pain relief.
People
Dr. Ken Fern
Orthopedic and Spinal Surgeon
Dr. Ken Fern is a Royal College-certified spinal surgeon with extensive research experience in orthopedic medicine. As the only subspecialty-trained spinal surgeon in Durham Region, he oversees the DRX-9000 decompression system and provides expert evaluation for complex spinal cases.
Dr. Mary Ann Goldhawk
Chiropractor and Clinical Director
Dr. Mary Ann Goldhawk brings over 30 years of chiropractic expertise as clinic director and co-founder. A Diplomate of the Canadian Academy of Pain Management, she specializes in integrated pain management solutions and has hosted healthcare education programs for public audiences.
Chris Agaton
Registered Massage Therapist
Chris Agaton combines kinesiology expertise with massage therapy to treat sports injuries and postural dysfunctions. Certified in myofascial release and strength conditioning, he has over 12 years of experience working with athletic teams and rehabilitation patients.
Riza Dizon
Physiotherapist
Riza Dizon specializes in post-decompression rehabilitation and mobility restoration. Her physiotherapy programs focus on strengthening spinal muscles and improving functional movement patterns to maintain treatment benefits and prevent recurrence.
Questions
How long until I see results from spinal decompression?
Most patients notice pain reduction within the first two weeks, with significant improvement achieved through the full six-week protocol.
Am I a candidate for decompression therapy?
Ideal candidates have chronic disc-related pain unresponsive to conservative treatments. Exclusions include recent spinal fusion, severe osteoporosis, and metastatic disease.
What conditions do you treat?
We specialize in herniated discs, sciatica, degenerative disc disease, failed back surgery syndrome, and nerve compression-related pain.
Are treatments painful?
The decompression process is pain-free, though some patients experience temporary muscle soreness during rehabilitation therapies.
How does decompression differ from traction?
Unlike traction, decompression creates negative disc pressure (-150 to -200 mmHg) to actively draw herniations back, rather than just stretching the spine.
Can I receive treatment after spinal surgery?
Many post-surgery patients benefit from decompression, though those with recent fusions or hardware require individual assessment.
