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.