Clinical studies

IDD Therapy vs Other Treatments

COMPARISON STUDIES – Research and Clinical studies comparing success rates of IDD Therapy treatment with other lower back pain treatments or alternative therapy options.

Oscillation & Oscillatory signaling in IDD Therapy® & the Accu-SPINA®

Full Title: A Single Session of Spinal Decompression with Oscillation and Videofluoroscopy
Author: Busch D.C., et al
Affiliation: Indiana University, Parker University
Publication: Journal of Rehabilitation Therapy

Background: Computerized spinal decompression using the intervertebral differential dynamics (IDD) therapy protocol has achieved 86–92% positive results in reducing back pain. There are many causes of back pain, and one of the most common is a degenerative disc. The etiology of a degenerative disc is not completely understood, but it can be related to acute injuries, repetitive stress, nutrition, genetic factors, and oxidative stress¹. Standard of care may include physical therapy or manipulation to introduce movement to the spinal vertebrae. IDD Therapy^® uses a calculated, sinusoidal, logarithmic primary waveform to separate the spinal vertebrae. More recent studies have shown that the addition of a secondary waveform gives a significant increase in efficacy. We observed these effects on the spine during an IDD Therapy^® session.

Learn More: IDD Therapy Advanced Spinal Decompression

Role of IDD Therapy in Back and Neck Pain

Full Title: Role of IDD Therapy in Back and Neck Pain
Author: Patnaik, MD
Affiliation: University of Nagpur, India
Publication: HSOA Journal of Medicine

Excerpt: How does IDD ( Intervertebral Differential Dynamics (IDD) Therapy) work? An intervertebral disc (or intervertebral fibrocartilage) lies between adjacent vertebrae in the vertebral column. Each disc forms a fibro cartilaginous joint (a symphysis), to allow slight movement of the vertebrae, and acts as a ligament to hold the vertebrae together. Intervertebral discs rely on movement and pressure differentials for hydration and nutritional pathways. Compression is the number one enemy of the intervertebral disc and that is why “decompression” has always been appealing and why releasing pain to allow movement in the vertebral joints is a key objective of any spinal treatment.

Traction in one form or another has been around for centuries but the technology and knowledge of the spine has only taken off in the last 20 years to enable the treatment to evolve. Opening targeted spinal segments to create negative pressure is what separates IDD Therapy spinal decompression from traditional traction. IDD Therapy is not a cure all, but it is a highly effective treatment tool which, when used as part of a complete program of care, offers clinicians the opportunity to tackle back pain, neck pain and in particular, disc-related conditions in a manner previously not possible.

Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression MRI Evidence Case Studies

Full Title: Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression MRI Evidence Case Studies
Author: Henry D.C., Kaplan D.C
Affiliation: Parker University
Type: Case Studies

Description: The authors evaluate MRIs from patients who had IDD Therapy® treatment on the Accu-SPINA® system to treat cervical and lumbar issues. Improvements are described and shown using graphs.

IDD Therapy vs. Exercise Based Physical Therapy

Full Title: Intervertebral Differential Dynamics (IDD) Therapy vs. Exercise Based Physical Therapy
Author: Schaufele, MD
Affiliation: Harvard Medical School & Emory University
Publication: Physical Medicine Rehabilitation

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of Intervertebral Disc Dynamics Therapy, also know as, IDD Therapy, with an exercise-based physical therapy program in patients with chronic low back pain caused by degenerative disc disease. Method: 48 patients with chronic low back pain > 3 months secondary to mild to moderate degenerative disc disease were included. Patients were randomized in a 2:1 ratio to IDD therapy or a physical therapy program based on lumbar stabilization exercises (PT). Patients in both groups had to complete a minimum of 6 treatments over a 6-week period.

Trunk Muscle Response to Various Protocols of Lumbar Traction

Full Title: Trunk Muscle Response to Various Protocols of Lumbar Traction
Author: Cholewicki MD
Affiliation: Yale University
Publication: Journal of Manual Therapy

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to compare trunk muscle activity, spinal decompression force, and trunk flexibility resulting from various protocols of spinal traction. Four experiments explored the effects of sinusoidal, triangular, square, and continuous distraction-force waveforms, 0, 10, 20, and 30 degrees of pull angle, superimposed low, medium and high frequency force oscillations, and sham traction.
Nineteen healthy subjects volunteered for this study. Surface EMG was recorded during traction and later used in a biomechanical model to estimate spine decompression force. Trunk flexibility was measured before and after each treatment.

IDD Therapy: a Non-invasive Approach

Full Title:
Presentation: IDD Therapy: a Non-invasive Approach In The Treatment Of Low Back Pain
Author: McClure, MD
Affiliation: Indiana University School of Medicine
Presentation to: American Association Neurological Surgeons

Abstract Introduction: Back pain is a perception caused by tissue injury producing an emotional response.IDD therapy can assist the Neurosurgeon in the initial treatment of low back pain due to degenerative disc disease, as well as patients with failed back syndrome. Patients who experience pain often have accompanying depression IDD therapy can significantly improve back pain in patients who have depression due to degenerative disc disease. We have treated over 1500 patients to date.

IDD Therapy: A New Direction for Treating Low Back Pain

Full Title: Intervertebral Differential Dynamics Therapy: A New Direction for the Initial Treatment of Low Back Pain
Author: McClure, MD
Affiliation: Indiana University School of Medicine
Publication(s): U.S. Musculoskeletal Review and European Musculoskeletal Review

Introduction: There has been no established uniform or conservative management to effectively treat low back pain. Patients with back pain usually present a neurosurgeon or spine specialist with an abnormal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), while their referring physician tells them they have a degenerated disc causing their pain. Throughout my years of practice, it has become apparent to me that patients with back pain want to know why they are having pain, the cause of their back pain and how to effectively treat their back pain in order to avoid surgery. In addition to improving pain, another goal in treatment is to improve flexibility, as well as quality of life, in the safest and most effective manner prior to recommending more invasive procedures for treating the patient’s pain due to degenerative disc disease. It is a misconception by the public that surgery ‘fixes’ a person’s back pain. If this were true, we would never see patients with failed back syndrome.

Poster Board Display IDD Therapy vs Physical Therapy

Full Title: Graphical Display as addendum to study of Intervertebral Differential Dynamics (IDD) Therapy vs. Exercise Based Physical Therapy – Initial Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial
Author: Schaufele, Michael K. MD, Newsome, Michael PT
Affiliation: Harvard Medical
Publication: American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Background: Disc degeneration is probably the most common structural cause of chronic low back pain. Multiple nonsurgical treatment options exist, but few of them have undergone vigorous scientific evaluation. Recently, several advanced therapeutic modalities based on the principle of traction have been developed for this indication. These treatments are widely available, but are controversial because of the limited scientific evidence to support their claimed benefits.

A Focus on Nonsurgical Approaches to Chronic Low Back Pain

Full Title: Current Therapeutic Options for Chronic Low Back Pain: A Focus on Nonsurgical Approaches
Author: Shah, MD/ Schaufele MD
Affiliation: NY Medical/Harvard Medical
Study Focus: The Significant Impact of Low Back Pain

Opening paragraph: In recognition of the extreme burden and impact that musculoskeletal disorders have on society, the United Nations and the World Health Organization(WHO) have designated 2000 to 2010 as the Bone and Joint Decade. Musculoskeletal disorders—of which low back pain (LBP) is the most prevalent condition—are the most common cause of severe long term pain and physical disability. lnternational studies indicate that the percentage of people that experience LBP during their lifetime ranges from 58% to 84%, while point prevalence figures estimate that LBP affects an average of 30% of the population at any given time. Currently, there are approximately 10 million Americans disabled by LBP.

New Concepts in Back Pain Management

Full Title: New Concepts in Back Pain Management: Decompression, Reduction, and Stabilization
Authors: Shealy-LeRoy MD
Affiliation: Duke University-Harvard Fellow
Publication: Pain Management, A Practical Guide for Clinicians

Abstract: A thorough evaluation [review] of previous traction techniques reveals no consistent pattern in prior literature. We have evaluated a variety of devices and found that seven major factors are important in achieving optimal clinical results [in back pain management]. These include: (1) split table design to minimize effects of gravity; (2) flexion of the knees for hip relaxation; (3) controlled flexion of the lumbar spine during treatment which alters the location of distraction segmentally; (4) comfort and non-slippage of the pelvic restraining belt, (5) comfort and non-slippage of the chest restraint; (6) concomitant use of TENS, heat, ice, and myofascial release; and (7) a graduated limbering, strengthening, and stabilization exercise program. Using this system, successful pain control was achieved in 86% of patients studied with ruptured intervertebral discs and 75% of those with facet arthrosis.

A Cost-Effective Treatment for Lumbosacral Pain

Full Title: Decompression, Reduction, and Stabilization of the Lumbar Spine: A Cost-Effective Treatment for Lumbosacral Pain
Authors: Shealy,MD,PhD -Borgmeyer
Affiliation: Duke University-Harvard Fellow
Publication: American Journal of Pain Management

Introduction: Pain in the lumbosacral spine is the most common of all pain complaints. It causes loss of work and is the single most common cause of disability in persons under 45 years of age. Back pain is the most dollar-costly industrial problem. Pain clinics originated over 30 years ago, in large part, because of the numbers of chronic back pain patients. Interestingly, despite patients’ reporting good results using “upside-down gravity boots,” and commenting on how good stretching made them feel, traction as a primary treatment has been overlooked while very expensive and invasive treatments have dominated the management of low back pain.