Traction decompression (or spinal decompression) is becoming widely used for back pain relief and proper posturing. However, in spite of presence of strong evidence that range of motion therapy is beneficial to improving connective tissue health and relieving pain, there are only few well-designed studies of the technique. Back in 2008, Dr. Rosenthal and Dr. Russo of Chicago's and Oak Park's Advanced Physical Medicine Clinics carried out a robust study on spinal decompression therapy. The study is presented below.
-----------------------------
Objective:
To evaluate the effectiveness of traction decompression combined with range of motion therapy.
Methods:
100 patients with acute and chronic low back pain or neck pain, with or without a radicular component, were treated using the Antalgic-Trak. KDM (Kinetic Decompression Mobilization) was utilized, allowing the patient’s spine to be locked into specific postures. Each case received a total of 20, 30-minute treatment sessions over a 6-week period. Scheduling consisted of 5 times a week for the first 2 weeks, 3 times a week for the next 2 weeks, and 2 times a week for the final 2 two weeks. Each Antalgic-Trak treatment was followed by supportive adjunctive therapies. Pain relief was measured using the visual analog scale (VAS).
Results:
The outcomes indicated 95% success in eliminating pain, or reducing the pain to minimal levels for a variety of spinal conditions. 55 patients experienced complete pain relief with their treatment and 40 patients reported mild pain or a VAS score of 1-3. 5 patients reported a VAS score higher than 4 after the treatment program. No patients reported worsening of their pain as a result of treatment, and 2 subjects went on to have spine surgery.
Conclusions:
Traction decompression is superior to ordinary traction for pain reduction and restoration of spinal integrity. Because of the Antalgic-Trak’s positioning capabilities (KDM) and its "range of motion" technique, clinicians can position the patient’s spine in a manner to reduce the stress on tissues and combine these features with traction decompression. The multi-axis feature allows for coupled movements, simulating “ball and socket” motion allowing for a variety of postural combinations.
--------------
Analysis of the 100 subjects Pre Treatment:
• 24 subjects (24% of the total) reported severe pain or a VAS of 10 prior to care.
• 39 subjects (39% of the total) reported severe pain or a VAS of 9 prior to care.
• 23 subjects (23% of the total) reported severe pain or a VAS of 8 prior to care.
• 10 subjects (10% of the total) reported severe pain or a VAS of 7 prior to care.
• 4 subject (4% of the total) reported moderate pain or a VAS of 6 prior to care.
• 0 subject (0% of the total) reported moderate pain or a VAS of 5 or less prior to care
Analysis of the 100 subjects Post Treatment:
• 55 subjects (55% of the total) experienced complete pain relief with their treatment.
• 40 subjects (40% of the total) reported mild pain or a VAS of 1 - 3 following the course of care.
• 1 subject (1% of the total) reported moderate pain or a VAS of 4 following the course of care.
• 1 subject (1% of the total) reported moderate pain or a VAS of 5 following the course of care.
• 1 subject (1% of the total) reported moderate pain or a VAS of 6 following the course of care.
• 1 subject (1% of the total) reported severe pain or a VAS of 7 following the course of care.
(NOTE: Case 54 had a starting VAS of 10 and went onto surgery)
• 1 subject (1% of the total) reported severe pain or a VAS of 8 following the course of care.
(NOTE: Case 53 had a starting VAS of 10 and went onto surgery)
If you are suffering from back pain or just looking to maintain a healthy spine, call Advanced Physical Medicine today at 1-877-DR-BACKS (1-877-372-2257) or visit www.AdvancedPhysicalMedicine.org to schedule an appointment.
