Clinical Studies

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Click the Free Report Below to read the clinical studies and research reports on Decompression.

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SIMPLE PELVIC TRACTION GIVES INCONSISTENT RELIEF TO HERNIATED LUMBAR DISC SUFFERERS

EDWARD L. EYERMAN, MD Journal of Neuroimaging June 1998 A new decompression table system applying fifteen 60 second tractions of just over one half body weight in twenty one-half hour sessions was reported to give good or excellent relief of sciatic and back pain in 86% of 14 patients with herniated discs and 75% of patients with facet joint arthritis.

LONG-TERM EFFECT ANALYSIS OF IDD THERAPY IN LOW BACK PAIN: A RETROSPECTIVE CLINICAL PILOT STUDY

Low back pain is one of the most common problems treated by orthopedic surgeons. Eighty percent of adults will experience significant low back pain sometime during their life. Second to the common cold, problems caused by the lower back are most frequent cause of lost workdays in adults under the age of 45.

RESEARCH SYNOPSIS

1) Bogduk, N,: The Anatomical Basis for Spinal Pain Syndromes. JMPT 6:Nov.Dec1995. There is no scientific basis for the belief muscles are a source of chronic pain. However controlled studies show how common disc and facet pain is accounting for more than 70% of chronic back pain.

THE RESULTS OF THE TREATMENT FOR THESE PATIENTS ARE THE FOLLOWING:

  • 1% reported increased pain.
  • 7% reported no change.
  • 92% reported improvement. Of these, 5% improved 25-50%. 17% improved 50-75%. 70% improved 75-100%.
  • On a pain scale of 0-5, the average pain for all before treatment was 4.1; after treatment 1.2- a difference of 71%.
  • 71% reported a pain reduction to 0-1 on the 0-5 pain scale.
  • Extruded disc patients reported an average 56% reduction of pain and 53% reported pain reduction to 0-1.
  • Multiple herniated disc patients reported a 71% reduction of pain and 72% reported pain reduction to 0-1.
  • Single herniated disc patients reported a 71% reduction of pain and 73% reported pain reduction to 0-1.
  • Degenerative disc disease patients reported a 70% reduction of pain and 72% reported pain reduction to 0-1.
  • Facet syndrome patients reported a 72% reduction in pain and 68% reported pain reduction to 0-1.
  • Among patients who had reported decreased spinal mobility before treatment, 77% reported improved spinal mobility.
  • Among patients who had reported limited activities before treatment, 78% reported improved activities.
  • On a scale of 0-3 the average satisfaction with treatment was 2.4, meaning “very satisfied” to “completely satisfied” with their treatment.

The study’s authors concluded that this treatment should be used for everyone with the above diagnoses and for patients that have had previous surgery and are still having pain.

To my knowledge one of the largest available study, thus far, on the efficacy of non-surgical disc decompression was the data compiled by Gose, Naguszewski & Naguszewski published in Volume 20 of the journal, Neurological Research. The data consisted of outcomes for 778 patients from 22 medical centers. These patients had their pain for an average of 40 months. 31 of these patients had previous low back surgery. The treatment consisted of 10-20 treatment sessions. 6 patients were excluded from the study because they improved before 10 treatments.

  •  34 of the patients had extruded discs
  •  195 had multiple disc herniations
  •  382 had single disc herniations
  •  47 had degenerative discs without herniations
  •  19 had facet (joint) pain
  •  31 of these 778 patients had previous low back surgery

RESEARCH SYNOPSIS

1) Bogduk, N,: The Anatomical Basis for Spinal Pain Syndromes. JMPT 6:Nov.Dec1995. There is no scientific basis for the belief muscles are a source of chronic pain. However controlled studies show how common disc and facet pain is accounting for more than 70% of chronic back pain.2) Komari H, et al.: The Natural History of Herniated Nucleus with Radiculopathy. Spine 21: 225-229, 1996 77 patients verified on pre-post MRI with signs and symptoms of herniation, underwent non-surgical intervention including pelvic traction. Changes in herniation and good-excellent symptomatic improvements were noted in over 82%. The authors draw the conclusion improving the disc’s contact with the blood supply accounts for healing of herniation.

3) Onel,D et. al.: CT Investigation of the effects of Traction on Lumbar Herniation. Spine 14: 82-90, 1989. 30 patients with lumbar herniations were tractioned in a CT scanner at >50% body weight for ~20 min. Hernia retraction occurred in 70% and good clinical improvements were seen in over 93%. The authors concluded improved blood flow was the source of healing. Additionally they speculated previous studies showing traction doesn’t create negative intradiscal pressures perhaps used too light a force.

4) Saal, JA Saal, JS: Nonoperative Treatment of Herniated Lumbar Disc w/ Radiculopathy. Spine 14 (4): 431-437, 1989. 58 subjects had an inclusive conservative program including traction (when initially shown to reduce leg symptoms). Overall 86% had good-excellent results.

5) Mathews, JA: Dynamic Discography: A Study of Lumbar Traction. Annals of Phys Med, IX (7), 265-279, 1968. 3 patients with a ruptured lumbar disc had contrast medium and radiographic images taken during and after a lumbar traction procedure. The protrusions were shown to lessen considerably with the 30 minute prone traction sessions and a dimpling of the outer annulus suggested a negative intradiscal force was created.

6) Lidstom, A Zachrisson M: PT of the low back pain and sciatica. Scan Joul of Rehab Med, 2: 37-42, 1970. Intermittent supine traction with -+50% body-weight, (10) 20 minute sessions with added exercises showed considerable improvement in over 90% of the 62 patients.

7) Hood, LB Chrissman, D: Intermittent Traction in the Treatment of Rupture Disc Plays Ther 48: 21, 1968. 40 patients with neurological signs were treated with traction on a friction-free table with 55-701bs for 20 minutes. Good-excellent results were seen in 55%.

8) Mathews JA et. al.: Manipulation and traction for Lumbago and Sciatica. Physio Pract 4: 201, 1988. A controlled trial of traction with manipulative techniques. Traction force Applied at ~ 100 lbs for 20 minutes leading to substantial relief in over 85%.

9) Constatoyannis C, et. al.: Intermittent Cervical Traction for Radiculopathy Due to Large-Volume Herniations. JMPT, 25 (3) 2002. Three weeks of the above described traction method to large volume hemiations resulted in complete resolution of symptoms in 4 patients.

10) Shealy N, Leroy P: New Concepts in Back Pain Management. AJPM (1) 20:239241 1998. The application of supine lumbar traction with adherence to several specific characteristics including progression to a peak force and altering the angle of ‘pull’ from 10 degrees (L5-S 1) to 30 degrees (L3) enhanced distraction at specific levels.

11) Gose E, Naguszewski W&R: Vertebral axial Decompression for Pain associated With Herniated and Degenerated Discs or Facet syndrome: an Outcome Study. Neuro Research, (20) 3, 186-190, 1997. A retrospective analysis of over 770 cases, many assumed to be unresponsive to previous therapies showed a 71% good-excellent success rate with ~20 treatments on the prone VAX-D traction device. All patients treated prone with 65-95 lbs. of force 3-5 times per week.

12) Weatherall VF: Comparison of electrical activity in the sacrospinalis musculature during traction in two different positions. J Ortho Sports Phys Ther(8):382-390, 1995. Through the use of EMG electrical activity was shown to be similar in the prone laying position vs. the supine position in a group of patients.

13) Letchuman R, Deusinger RH: Comparison of sacrospinalis myoelectric activity and pain levels in patients undergoing static and intermittent lumbar traction. Spine 18(10): 1361-1365, 1993 This study was used to determine muscular guarding/contraction of Paraspinals with intermittent vs. static traction. Improved comfort noted in the intermittent traction group.

14) Chin YG, Li FB, Huang CD: Biomechanics of traction for lumbar disc prolapse. Chinese Ortho; Jan(l): 40-2, 1994. Intervertebral pressure was recorded before and during traction. 62% of prolapsed discs showed negative pressure prior to traction. 64% reduced IDP with traction and was related to distraction distance. In 19% of prolapsed discs the pressure actually increased, demonstrating the disruption to the hydrostatic mechanism occurring with complete annular damage and prolapse.

15) Nanno M: Effects of intermittent cervical traction on muscle pain. EMG and flowmetric studies on cervical paraspinals. Nippon Med J; Apr;61(2):137-47, 1994. Cervical intermittent traction was shown to be effective in relieving pain, increasing frequency of myoelectric signals and improving blood flow in effected muscles.

16) Chung TS, Lee YJ et ah Reducibility of cervical herniation: evaluation at MRI during cervical traction with a nonmagnetic device. Radiology Dec; 225(3):895900,2002. 29 patients and seven healthy volunteers had intermittent traction while in MR. Substantial increase in vertebral length was seen. Full herniation reduction in 3 and partial in 18 was reported.

17) Dietrich Met al: Non-linear finite element analysis of formation and treatment of disc herniation. Proc Inst Mech Eng; 206(4):225-31, 1992. The author’s analysis shows loads not greater than those occurring in everyday life cause loss of stability of the disc and allow lateral nucleus displacement. The model indicates conservative therapy by traction may result in retraction of hernia by about 40%.

18) Ramos G, Martin Wm: Effects of axial decompression on intradiscal pressure. J Neuro 81: 350-353, 1994. Significant negative pressure (-100mm Hg) was recorded at L4/5 disc in three volunteers as axial traction was administered. Negative pressure was recorded at -50 pounds tension perhaps representing a minimal threshold force. Patients were prone and harnessed.

ADDITIONAL REFERENCES

Mackenzie R: Mechanical diagnosis and therapy for disorders of the low back. In Taylor JR, Twomey LT (Eds.): Physical therapy of the low back. Churchill Livingstone, New York, 2000 p.26 & 143.

Kushlich SD, Ulstrom RN, Michael CJ: Tissue origin of low back pain and sciatica. Orthop Clin North Am (22): 181,1991.

Nachenson AL, Elfstrom G: Intravital dynamic pressure measurements of Lumbar discs. Scand J Rehabil Med 2 Supp 1:1-40, 1970.

Yong, Hing K., Kirkaldy-Willis WH:’ Pathophysiology of degenerated discs of the lumbar spine. Phila. The Ortho Clinics of N. Am. Vol.(14) #3 July 83, p.p. 493504.

Bogduk N., Twomey L.: Clinical anatomy of the Lumbar Spine. ChurchillLivingstone New York. 1992. p.p. 68-69 & 151-173

Twomey LT.: Sustained lumbar traction: An experimental study of long spine segments. Spine 1985; (10): 146-149.

Judkovich BD.: Lumbar traction therapy-elimination of physical factors that prevent stretch. JAMA 1955; 159. 8.

Gose E, Naguszewski L.: Vertebral axial decompression therapy: an outcome study. Neuro Resarch. (20)#3, April 1998.

Mathews JA.: Dynamic Discograhy: A study of lumbar traction. Annals of Phy Med, IX (7) 1968, p.p. 265-279. 10.

Colachis SC.et al: Effects of intermittent traction on vertebral separation. Arch of Phy Med & Rehab 1972 (50), p.p.251-258.

Shealy CN. Borgmeyer V.: Decompression, reduction, stabilization of the Lumbar spine: A cost effective treatment for lumbosacral pain. AJPM 1997, 7(2), 663 -665.

Winkle D, et al.: Diagnosis & treatment of the lumbar spine. Aspen: Maryland: 1996 p.p. 303-313.

Degenerative disorders of the spine. In: Hochschuler SH, Cotler HB, (Eds.) Rehab of the Spine. Mosby MO. 1993 p.p.464-465 & p.260,

Cyriax JH: Illustrated Manual of orthopaedic med, London, Butterworths, 1983 p.p. 30-40.

Schiotz E, Cyriax JH: Manipulation, past and present. London, Heinemann, 1975
Biomechanics. In: Hochschuler SH, Cotler HB, (Eds.) Rehab of the Spine. Mosby MO.1993 p.p. 146.

Kushlich S: Tissue origin of mechanical low back pain and sciatica. In: Hochschuler SH, Cotler HB, (Eds.) Rehab of the Spine. Mosby, MO. 1993 p.p.595-599.

Natural history of the lumbar spine. In Taylor JR, Twomey LT,(Eds):Physical Therapy of the Low Back, Churchill Livingstone, New York, 2000, p.p 25-26 & 43-51.

Onel D et al. Computed tomographic investigation of the effects of traction on lumbar disc herniations. Spine 1989; 14(1):82-9

Hides J, Stokes, M, et al: Evidence of lumbar multifidus wasting ipsilateral to symptoms in patients with low back pain. Spine 1995, 19(2): p. 165

Anderson DBJ, Nachemson, AL. Intervertebral disc pressures during traction. Scand J of Rehab Supple 1983; (9):88-91.

Colachis S, Strom J: Cervical traction. Arch Phys Med 1965 (64):815.
Harris P: Cervical traction: Review of liturature and treatment guidelines. Phys Ther (57):910, 1977.

Braaf MM, Rosner S. Recent concepts in treatment of headache. Headache, (5):3844 1965.

Cyriax J: The treatment of lumbar disc lesions. British Medl Jour Dec.23 14341438.

Breig A, Troup J: Biomechanical considerations in the straight leg raise test. Spine 1979; (4):242.

Mazion JM, Haynes LM: Mazion’s illustrated reference of orto/neuro/physio diagnostic techniques. Casa Grande, Mazion publisher, 4th ed, 1980

Greenstein GM: Clinical assessment of neurological disorders. St. louis, Mosbyyear book, Inc. 1995.

Weber H: The natural history of disc herniation and the influence of intervention. Spine 1994 (19): p.p. 2234-2238.

Saal JA, Saal JS: The non-operative treatment of HNP with radiculopathy: an outcome study. Spine 1989 (14): p.p. 431-437.

Komori H, Shinomiya K, et al., The natural history of HNP with radiculopathy. Spine (21): 225-229, 1996. 34.

Quain MB, Tecklin JS,: Lumbar traction: it’s effect on respiration. Phys Ther 1985; 65 (9): 1343-6.
Krause M, et al: Lumbar traction: evaluation of effects and recommended application for treatment. Man Ther 2000, May;5 (2): 72-81.

Gillstrom P, Erickson K,: CT exam of influence of autotraction on herniation of lumbar disc. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg 1985; 104(5):289-93.

Beurskens AJ et al: Efficacy of traction for non-specific back pain. Spine 1997 Dec 1 ;(23): 2756-62.

Laban MM et al: Intermittant cervical traction: a progenitor of lumbar radicular pain. Arch Phys Med Rehab 1992 Mar;73 (3):295-6.

Pellecchia GL: Lumbar traction: a review of the liturature. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1994 Nov:20 (5): 262-7.

Austin R: Lumbar traction a valid option. Aust J Physio 1998; 44 (4):280.

Constantoyannis C, et al: Intermittent cervical traction for radiculopathy due to large-volume herniated discs. JMPT 2002 Mar; 25 (3).

Adams M, Bogduk Net al: Biomechanics of back pain. Churchill Livingstone NY, 2002: p,p 163-167

Grieve G: Mobilization of the spine. Churchill Livingstone NY, 1991: p.p 273283.

Martin M, Ramos G: Effects of vertebral axial decompression on intradiscal pressure. J Neur 81: 350-353, 1994.

Richardson C, Jull Get al: Therapeutic exercises for spinal segmental stabilization in low back pain. Churchill Livingstone NY, 1999.

Dullerud R, Nakstad P: CT changes after conservative treatment for lumbar disc herniation. Acta Radiol Sept;35(3):415-9, 1994.

Quain MB, Tecklin JS: Lumbar traction: its effect on respiration. Phys Ther Sept;65 (9):1343-6, 1985.

Mcgill S: Low back disorders (evidence-based prevention and rehabilitation). Human Kinetics, 2002.

Hseuh TC, Ju MS: Evaluation of the pulling angle and force on intermittent cervical traction. JFMed Assoc 1991 Dec;90(12): 1234-9

Saal JS, Saal JA: Nonoperative management of herniated cervical IVD with radiculopathy. Spine 1996 Aug 15;21(16): 1877-83.

Weatherall VF: Comparison of electrical activity in the sacrospinalis musculature during traction in two different positions. J Ortop Sports Phys Ther 1995;(8): 382390.

Letchuman R, Deusinger RH: Comparison of sacrospinalis myoelectric activity and pain levels in patients undergoing static and intermittent lumbar traction. Spine 1993;18(10): 1361-1365

Additional Decompression Therapy Research Studies

Clinical studies have shown Decompression Therapy to be extremely effective in treating back pain. In a recent study published in Orthopedic Technology Review Decompression Therapy was shown to be 86% effective in treating hemiated and degenerative discs. Not only that, but another study published in Anesthesiology News showed that after 4 years over 91 % remained pain free.OTHER STUDIES THAT SHOW JUST HOW EFFECTIVE DECOMPRESSION THERAPY IS

In the Journal of Neurological Research VOL 20, NO 4, April 1998 the researchers stated: “We consider decompression therapy to be a primary treatment modality for low back pain associated with lumbar disc herniation at single or multiple levels, degenerative disc disease, facet arthropathy, and decreased spine mobility. Physiology (pain and mobility) and pathology correlate imprecisely. We believe that post-surgical patients with persistent pain or ‘Failed Back Syndrome’ should not be considered candidates for further surgery until a reasonable trial of decompression has been tried.”

In the Journal of Neurological Research VOL 23, NO 7, October 2001 the researchers stated: “For any given patient with low back and referred leg pain, we cannot predict with certainty which cause has assumed primacy. Therefore surgery, by being directed at root decompression at the site of the hemiation alone, may not be effective if secondary causes of pain have become predominant. Decompression therapy, however, addresses both primary and secondary causes of low back and referred leg pain. We thus submit that Decompression therapy should be considered first, before the patient undergoes a surgical procedure which permanently alters the anatomy and function of the affected lumbar spine segment.”

In that same Volume of the Journal of Neuroloaical Research the Senior Lecturer in Orthopedics at Sydney University stated “Successful reduction of intradiscal pressures with decompression therapy represents a technological advance in lumbar spinal treatment and is likely to affect both the biomechanical and biochemical causes of discogenic pain.

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Jackie Ostfeld
Jackie Ostfeld
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Where to begin. So many positives to say. First I want to thank Dr. A, and Andy. They both are fantastic, professional and give top notch service. They really do care about there patients. So glad I found this place. I went in with chronic pain in my neck and now I'm feeling so much better. My husband and son also go to priority after a accident, and they both now are on the road to recovery.Also the girls in the office are wonderful. Lynn, Marina and Judy are so kind and make you feel good to be there I also cannot forget Hamley. She is new to priority but already she is an asset to priority.If you are looking for chiropractic needs, go no further. You will not disappointed. Thank you all for everything you have done for me and my family.
Frank Wesley
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02:25 15 Dec 22
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Dr. A and his team are extremely professional and take patient care to a high standard. I benefitted greatly from the physical therapy I received.T
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J Tan
J Tan
21:17 23 Nov 21
Doctor is great and so is staff. After my car accident they helped me return back to normal and I continue to receive service.
Alayna Jarrett
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Dr.A & his staff is amazing!!!! this is my second time seeing him . You definitely want to let them treat you
young blood
young blood
23:28 08 Nov 21
This is an amazing medical center and I’d recommend it for anyone because they take good care of there costumers which is absolutely wonderful they help out with the pain and every thing my back doesn’t even hurt anymore and I’m so thankful for them taking care of me ?
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Joey Rafaeli
13:53 25 May 21
All around great center. As a personal injury lawyer, I always look for the best medical centers to recommend to my clients after a car accident. Priority Medical and Rehab Center has treated all of my clients like family!
Claude Tice
Claude Tice
19:32 14 Apr 21
Dr. A and his staff are completely amazing! They are very professional, positive, and knowledgeable about healthcare. I came in with a lot of pain and four herniated disc and did the five week program - I am now pain-free and walking normalI would encourage anyone who has a back problem, neck problem , to see Dr. A and his staff because they will get you well quickly.
Maxx
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22:46 27 Jan 21
One word .. Amazing, the staff is super friendly, great music and new equipment. I wish I could live there .. Val and Michelle 5 stars
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17:36 19 Aug 20
Dr A. and his staff are great! Knowledgeable, professional and polite - helped immensely with pain I was suffering after a car accident. Would definitely recommend!
Louis Hayman
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14:37 04 Jun 20
My wife and I were in a car accident and we both went to different doctors, as I told her about doctor A and his staff she could not believe the care and treatments I received. She provided feedback to her doctor and he did not have the technology or the staff that Priority Medical does. I am grateful to Doctor A and his staff for their great attitudes and medical treatment. Throughout the Pandemic Doctor A ensured safety was a top priority keeping social distance and hand sanitizer everywhere and constant sanitizing made me feel comfortable I was in good hands.
Martianne Preston
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Dr. A has the best staff and is treating me wonderful!! I had the best experience!! Valerie and Alesha is the best workers they are so sweet and welcoming. Carla is amazing she really knows how to stretch the body !! Best service ! I love priority medical center! ??
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21:18 24 Jul 19
Had the best therapy experience at Priority! All the staff there have been great and so helpful! Priority makes everyone feel at home and they make your therapy experience a lot of fun at the same time. Valerie is the best assistant at priority, make sure to find her first. She will make anyone’s time here the best and most comfortable, all while displaying excellent service and unbelievable professionalism! Also Dr. A is very knowledgeable in his profession and no one will be disappointed, the best place to get treatment!
Vered Nir
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12:27 03 Apr 19
This office is highly recommended. The staff goes over and beyond to make us patience extremely comfortable and always keeping a smile on my face. Doctor A is nothing but amazing! he is honest, I feel so confident that I was in great hands to care of me all these months but most of all hes extremely caring. That office makes me feel like I have another family! Thank you priority medical and rehab!!
Sandra Odalis Marrou
Sandra Odalis Marrou
22:06 20 Mar 19
I’ve been coming here for all my therapies since 2014 and then again 2018, Doctor A is awesome, caring, knowledgeable and a great professional. Also, Miss Valerie there is the best you can have, she runs the entire office and knows about all treatments and how to customize it to the patients’ needs. This office is definitely filled with professionalism and care ....
Diana Candamo
Diana Candamo
22:09 11 Mar 19
This chiropractor office is amazing from the front desk to the back stafff. Everyone is so friendly and welcoming. Dr.A has been treating me for about 6 weeks now and feeling better already. Valerie and Jocelyn are so good at their job and make me feel so comfortable along with the ladies in the back who do the acupuncture and massage therapy. Excellent practice with excellent staff.
Ashley Garcia
Ashley Garcia
19:21 18 Jul 18
Customer service is everything! And when I tell you this place is amazing it is Amazing, the girls Valerie and Jocelyn they get you in and out , they listen to your every need and they do it with a smile. And they even make really good coffee... lol and not to mention Dr. A he's is great making sure you are feeling fixed and gives you great pointers on how to take care , and fix your posture. And the massage therapist is pretty good he gets in there exactly where you need him too. Everyone is just so nice and and very welcoming . Thanks guys
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