Degenerative Disc Disease Studies and Spinal Decompression

IDD Therapy Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Study

Full Title: Reduction in Chronic Low Back Pain Using Intervertebral Differential Dynamics Therapy (IDDT) and Routine Physiotherapy: A Retrospective Pre-Post Study
Author: Ekediegwu, D.P.T.
Affiliation: Nnamdi Azikiwe University
Publication: Journal of Spine

Background: The plethora of treatments for Low Back Pain (LBP) has increased in recent times. Opioids, spinal injection, bed rest, skin traction and surgery have remained the common forms of treatment. However, there is less emphasis on pharmacological and surgical treatments in national clinical practice guidelines. Non-surgical Spinal Decompression (NSD) is a modern, though investigational non-surgical treatment technique for LBP. The aim of this report was to analyse the outcome of LBP using NSD technique delivered by an Intervertebral Differential Dynamics Therapy (IDDT) device amidst other conservative treatments.

Learn More: IDD Therapy Advanced Spinal Decompression

Nonsurgical Spinal Decompression Effective on Neck Back Pain

Full Title: Nonsurgical Spinal Decompression an Effective Physiotherapy Modality for Neck and Back Pain
Author: Henry, D.C.
Affiliation: Sherman College
Publication: Journal of Novel Physiotherapy and Physical Rehabilitation

Background: Nonsurgical 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….

Conservative Treatment Approaches in Low Back Pain, IDD..

Full Title: Conservative Treatment Approaches in Low Back Pain, IDD Observational Study…
Author: Smith PT-MCSP
Affiliation: University of Exeter
Type: Observational Study

Introduction: A prospective outcome study was conducted on patients with chronic low back pain due to degenerative disc disease, herniated nucleus pulposus and facet arthropathy. Between March 2003 and January of 2004, ten physicians in private practices across the United States, with a high volume of patients with spinal disorders, participated in this study. Specialties included Internal Medicine, Rheumatology, Neurology, Orthopedic, and Pain Management. Prior to entering the study, the patients were evaluated by the physician and diagnosed with a painful lumbar degenerative condition based on history and physical and appropriate imaging studies. Prior to each treatment, the patients completed an Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) questionnaire. The ODI scores range from 0-50. A change of more than 4 points is considered clinically meaningful. Each patient was treated for 25 min with decompression.

IDD Therapy: Evolving Conservative Spinal Treatment…

Full Title: IDD Therapy: Evolving Conservative Spinal Treatment Modalities
Author: Wood,P.T-MCSP
Affiliation: University of Exeter
Publication: Spinal Surgery News

Opening Statement: As part of conservative care, IDD Therapy® spinal decompression is emerging as an invaluable tool for physiotherapists treating chronic herniated disc conditions and related symptoms such as radicular pain and radiculopathy. Developed to address the failings of traditional traction, IDD Therapy combines mechanical decompression with exercise to form a program of spinal rehabilitation which significantly improves pain and function in lumbar and cervical patients.
Applying computer-controlled pulling forces at precisely measured angles, clinicians are able to distract and mobilize and thus decompress targeted spinal segments with greater precision and adequate force than previously possible with traction. With referrals from GPs, pain consultants and surgeons, UK clinicians report 70–90% success rates in selected patients – many of whom have exhausted manual and invasive procedures. This article examines some of the physiological mechanisms which may contribute to the clinical outcomes in IDD Therapy patients.

Disc Distraction Shows Evidence of Regenerative Potential

Full Title: Disc Distraction Shows evidence of Regenerative Potential in Degenerated Intervertebral Discs
Author: Guehring, MD
Affiliation: University of Heidelberg
Publication: The Spine Journal

Objectives: Effects of temporary dynamic distraction on intervertebral discs were studied on the lumbar spine rabbit model to characterize the changes associated with disc distraction and to evaluate feasibility of temporary disc distraction to previously compressed discs in order to stimulate disc regeneration.

Stress in Lumbar Intervertebral Discs During Distraction

Author: Gay M.D., et al
Affiliation: Mayo Clinic
Publication: The Spine Journal

Abstract: The intervertebral disc is a common source of low back pain (LBP). Prospective studies suggest that treatments that intermittently distract the disc might be beneficial for chronic LBP. Although the potential exists for distraction therapies to affect the disc biomechanically, their effect on intradiscal stress is debated.

Purpose: To determine if distraction alone, distraction combined with flexion, or distraction combined with extension can reduce nucleus pulposus pressure and posterior annulus compressive stress in cadaveric lumbar discs compared with simulated standing or lying.

Long Term Effect of IDD Therapy in Low Back Pain

Full Title: Long-Term Effect Analysis of IDD Therapy in Low Back Pain: A Retrospective Clinical Pilot Study
Author: Shealy, MD,PhD
Affiliation: Duke University-Harvard Fellow
Publication: American Journal Pain Management

Abstract: An analysis of the duration effect of intervertebral differential dynamics therapy (IDD Therapy®), to ascertain the benefits of rehabilitation treatment is presented. Patients from a private practice clinic were administered IDD Therapy®. The treatment was evaluated on 33 patients (17 females), using a numeric pain scale at the first session, last session, and at one year.

IDD Therapy in Back Pain Treatment: A Clinical Trial..

Full Title: IDD Therapy in Back Pain Treatment: A Clinical Trial Comparing Key Diseases of Low Back Pain
Author: Shealy, MD,PhD
Affiliation: Duke University-Harvard Fellow
Presentation to: Southern Medical Association

Introduction: Low back pain impacts more than 65 million Americans per year and ranks second only to headaches as the most frequent cause of pain. The most common site for back pain is the lower lumbar area because it bears the most weight and stress. Even though back pain is rarely life threatening, the annual cost in terms of lost productivity, medical expenses and workers’ compensation benefits runs into the tens of billions of dollars annually in the United States.

Clinical studies

Degenerative Disc Disease