Non-surgical disc decompression is a recently developed technology, with effective
machines being developed in about 1987 with the introduction of the VAX-D. Comfortable and more practical machines were
developed in about 1997, with the introduction of the DRS disc decompression machine. At Back to Life we use the Spine Med
table which is the most advanced and high-tech disc decompression machine on the market. Disc decompression machines are classified
by the FDA as powered traction devices and we frequently bill our treatments using traction codes.
Traction therapy has been around for centuries and clinical experience has shown
it to be effective for many patients with low back and neck pain. The AMA defines mechanical traction as, “The force
used to create a degree of traction of soft tissue and/or allow for separation between joint surfaces. The degree of traction
is controlled through the amount of force (pounds) allowed, duration (time) and angle of pull (degree) using mechanical means.”
Disc decompression as we define it is: Unloading due to non-surgical distraction
and positioning. Disc decompression machines have been shown in small studies to actually create a negative vacuum effect
within the disc space. It is believed that this allows extracellular fluids to, in essence, be sucked into the disc to re-hydrate
them and provide nutrition for healing. Traditional traction machines have never been proven to create a negative intra-discal
pressure.
Please go to our educational website http://www.backtolife.lcdtherapy.com/ for detailed information on disc decompression. There you will find video and graphics discussing multiple causes of
back pain and how disc decompression is thought to work. For more detailed information on the SpineMed table that we use and
for additional detailed information on disc decompression therapy go to http://www.spinemedtherapy.com/ These websites are created by third parties and therefore we cannot guarantee the validity of their information
and should be used for educational and informational purposes only.
The websites mentioned above site studies and state up to an 87% success rate
for disc decompression therapy. Dr. Booher has read multiple studies. Most show between 75% and 87% success, with
success variably defined, but usually means a 75% reduction in average daily pain levels using a standard pain scale. At
Back to Life we have treated hundreds of patients with this technology in conjunction with multiple other medical and physical
therapy modalities and osteopathic manipulation (or manipulation by your chiropractor). We believe that our results are likely
better and more long-lasting for patients similar to those in the studies. Additionally, we take patients in much worse condition
than those allowed into the studies (eg: older people, multiple bad discs or multiple prior surgeries, unilateral short-legs
and scoliosis, or those with co-existing causes of pain such as sacroiliac dysfunction, fibromyalgia, arthritis, depression
and frankly, many patients with complex worker’s comp or auto-injury cases) so our overall results are less than 87%. We
have found that in patients whose pain is solely due to degenerative or moderately herniated disc or posterior facet syndrome,
we have at least 90% of them report good to total relief of pain and most of them continue in good condition for at least
the 3 months that we typically follow them. For people with severe spinal stenosis or with other co-existing pain contributors,
about 50% get great benefit from the disc decompression but it does not relieve all of their symptoms. We do additional types
of therapies, manipulation, injections or medication to help with these other sources of pain. Sometimes we will make recommendations
that they see other types of specialists for further diagnostic or therapeutic consults. All patients with neurological impairment
are offered neurological or neurosurgical consultation and are informed that despite our best efforts they may still eventually
need back surgery or other invasive pain management modalities.
Call or E-mail us for an informative CD or to schedule an appointment to see
if you can benefit from this type of therapy.
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