Outline of Various Studies Proving the Efficiency of Spinal Decompression, Traction, and Distraction
Gionis T, et. al.: Surgical Alternatives: Spinal Decompression. Orthopedic Technology Review. 2003; 6 (5).
"Results showed that 86% of the 219 patients who completed the therapy reported immediate resolution of sypmtoms, while 84% remained pain-free 90 days post-treatment. Physical examination findings showed improvement in 92% of the 219 patients, and remained intact in 89% of these patients 90 days after treatment."
Eyerman E.: Simple pelvic traction gives inconsistent relif to herniated lumbar disc sufferers. Journal of Neuroimaging. Paper presented to the American Society of Neuroimaging, Orlando, Fla. 2-26-98.
"Serial MRI of 20 patients treated witht the decompression table shows in our study up to 90% reduction of subligamentous nucleus herniation (disc) in 10 or 14. Some rehydration (of the disc) occurs detected by T2 and proton density signal increase (on MRI). Torn annulus (of the disc) repair is seen in all."
Lidstom A, Zachrisson M: PT of the Low back pain and sciatica. Scan. Journ. of Rehab Med., 2:37-42, 1970.
Intermittent Supine (face-up) traction with +50% bodyweight, (10) 20 min. sessions with added exercises showed considerable improvement in 90% of the 62 pt.'s tested.
Komari H, et al.: The Natural History of Herniated Nucleus with Radiculopathy. Spine 21:225-229, 1996
77 patients underwent non-surgical treatments including pelvic decompression (traction).Changes in disc herniation and good to excellent symptomatic improvement were noted in over 82% of patients. The authors attribute the improveming the discs contact with the natural blood supply as providing the healing of the herniation.
There are many other published studies showing the effectiveness of Decompression Therapy in treating various spinal disorders including Disc Problems and Stenosis. Contact our office for more information or to receive copies of these studies.
