What is the success rate of spinal decompression?

---

True non-surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy was developed to  provide a non-invasive option for low back and neck pain caused by  herniated, bulging and degenerated discs.

Researchers of a case report published in Volume 2 Issue 1 of the European Musculoskeletal Review state, “Evidence based data that show the promising effects of spinal  decompression on the safe and effective treatment of LBP continue to  accumulate. The report titled Management of Low Back Pain with a  Non-surgical Decompression System Case Report reveals the pre and post  treatment MRI findings of a 69 year old male with low back pain. Prior  to treatment the patient reported experiencing low back pain radiating  into both legs. When asked to describe his pain intensity on a scale of  0-10 the patient rated his pain a 10. The patient underwent 22  treatments over a seven week period. Utilizing the same pain intensity  scale the patient reported a pain level of 1 post treatment. Four month  after the initial treatment a follow up MRI revealed decreased  herniation size and increased disc height at multiple lumbar levels.”

American Journal of Pain Management studied the  Long-term Effect Analysis of Spinal Decompression Therapy in Low Back  Pain: It was A Retrospective Clinical Pilot Study done in July 2005 by  C. Norman Shealy, MD, PhD; Nirman Koladia, MD and Merrill M. Wesemann,  MD. They observed the following Outcome: Of 24 study participants, each  reported consistent pain relief and continual improvement of symptoms  one year later. Improvement in pain continued after the treatment  sessions were completed.

In Practical Pain Management from Technology Review April 2005. Vol. 5, Issue 3. C. Norman Shealy, MD and PhD found that  “spinal decompression treatment leads to satisfactory pain relief and  improved quality of life in up to 88% of patients-many of whom have  failed other “conventional” approaches. Based on the author’s review of  recent study results, spinal decompression appears to be the current  optimal recommendation for most lumbar pain syndromes.

In an article in the Journal of Neuroimaging entitled MRI Evidence of Nonsurgical, Mechanical Reduction, Rehydration and Repair of the Herniated Lumbar Disc from April 1998 Vol. 8, NO.2, Edward L. Eyerman, MD., found that spinal  decompression resulted in the following: “ All but 3 of 20 patients  reported significant pain relief and complete relief of weakness and  immobility, when present. This study also shows a correlation between  the improvement on the MRI and the reported improvement in pain.”

In an article from the Journal of Neurological Research entitled Vertebral Axial Decompression for Pain Association with Herniated or Degenerated Discs or Facet Syndrome from April 1998 Vol. 20, NO.3, E. Gose, PhD; W Naguszewski, MD; R.  Naguszewski, MD., found the following from spinal decompression: “Pain,  activity and mobility scores greatly improved for 71%of the 778 patients  studied. The authors consider VAX-D’” to be a primary modality for low  back pain due to lumbar herniations, degenerative disc disease, and  facet arthropathy. The authors concluded that post-surgical patients  with persistent pain or “Failed Back Syndrome” should try VAX-D before  further surgery.

“Results have been reported in a small series of patients  with chronic low back pain caused by disc herniations, bulges and  degeneration who were treated with a spinal decompression device. 4  years after receiving spinal decompression treatments, of the 23  patients who responded, 52% had a pain level of zero and 91% were able  to resume their normal daily activities. Over 80% showed 50% or Better  Pain Reduction at the End of the 4 Year study. And greater than 50%  Still Had a Pain Level of Zero. Thus pain relief not only improved but  lasted.”
~ Decompression Reduces Chronic Back Pain: A four year Study; R. Odell M.D., D Boudreau D.O., Anesthesiology News March 2003