Non-surgical Spinal Decompression an Effective Physiotherapy Modality for Neck and Back Pain

Abstract

Background: Non-surgical spinal decompression is a novel physiotherapy that improves on conventional traction by adding computer technology and it is commonly used along with other physiotherapy modalities. Indications include bulging or herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, facet syndrome, sciatica, neck pain and lower back pain. The purpose of this practice-based observational study was to investigate the effectiveness of decompression for patients with radiculopathy or chronic spinal pain that failed to improve with conventional treatments. Patients were treated with 6 to 8 weeks of non-surgical spinal decompression therapy, including low-level laser therapy, superfi cial cold, home exercise and spinal manipulation if indicated. Starting and ending pain levels on a numerical pain scale were compared using a paired t-test to determine statistical signifi cance. Main fi ndings: A sample of 41 cervical spine cases and 168 lumbar spine cases was analyzed. Ending pain scores for cervical spine cases (mean = 1.8, standard deviation = 1.8) were signifi cantly less compared to the starting pain scores (mean = 6.0, standard deviation = 2.3), with a mean pain reduction of 4.2 (p < 0.0001). The average number of treatments was 13. Ending pain scores for lumbar spine cases (mean = 2.3, standard deviation = 2.6) were signifi cantly less compared to the starting pain scores (mean = 6.6, standard deviation = 2.4), with a mean pain reduction of 4.3 (p < 0.0001) after an average of 15 visits. Conclusion: Non-surgical spinal decompression brought statistically signifi cant improvements in cervical and lumbar pain. Associated paresthesia and weakness also frequently improved. Further investigation of non-surgical spinal decompression, including long-term follow up and comparison to surgical decompression is encouraged.

Reduction in Chronic Low Back Pain Using Intervertebral Differential Dynamics Therapy (IDDT) and Routine Physiotherapy: A Retrospective Pre-Post Study

“…In the midst of this controversy, this present research shows a slightly lower mean patients ending pain severity score that were statistically significant despite these patients having reported no improvement with previous interventions (such as medication, routine physiotherapy, surgery). This is in line with previous findings in support of the efficacy of IDD therapy in conjunction with other conventional conservative treatment studies [28,35,[55][56][57]. Although there was no control group used in this research, the authors would argue that it is difficult for a physical intervention to offer a persuasive placebo treatment.…”

“…Nevertheless, the effectiveness of IDDT in the management of chronic LBP has been shown by findings from previous studies [28,35,55,56]. In a retrospective chart audit, it was confirmed that NSD uses DRX9000 and a treatment regimen (lumbar stretching, myofascial rele-…”

“…This study, therefore is pertinent in that chronic mechanical LBP is becoming prevalent in Africa and focus of management has only been on pain reduction using opioid pain medications which most often have drastic side effects. Non-surgical Spinal Decompression (NSD) delivered with IDDT machine may be cost-effective and a treatment of choice compared to spinal injection or surgery for most patients with low back pain [35]. Pain could be influenced by cultural and ethnical factors, therefore evaluating the outcome of LBP using routine physiotherapy management and IDDT amongst the Igbo tribe of Nigeria is deemed necessary.…”

Evolving Spinal Treatment Modalities: A Review of the Literature on Non-surgical Interferential Differential Dynamics (IDD) Therapy

“…Cholewicki et al found in their study minimal activity in truncal muscles after using IDD therapy and supports rehydration theory for the improvement seen in patients undergoing this therapy [18]. There are multiple studies published over the years that showed positive effects of IDD therapy over conventional traction therapy in patients with LBP and cervical pain as well [19][20][21][22]. Amjad F et al conducted a randomized study where one group was given non-surgical decompression along with physical therapy and the other group was given only physical therapy [23].…”

Effects of non-surgical decompression therapy in addition to routine physical therapy on pain, range of motion, endurance, functional disability and quality of life versus routine physical therapy alone in patients with lumbar radiculopathy; a randomized controlled trial

“…However, with recent advances, new technology has been developed, i.e. Non-surgical spinal decompression (NSD) therapy is used to overcome the drawbacks of traction and decompressing the spinal nerve roots non-surgically by using a sensitive computerized feedback mechanism [ 9 , 20 , 21 ]. This system is designed to provide a motorized segmental distraction for a specified time [ 22 ] which may induce physical changes to the disc [ 23 , 24 ].…”