Spinal Decompression Research Presented at American Academy of Pain Management

This amazing retrospective study shows that in an overwhelming majority of cases (95%), patients showed either complete resolution of neck or low back pain, or showed significant reduction in pain scores. The following is the abstract of this neck and back pain treatment research breakthrough presented at the AAPM meeting in Nashville, Tennessee, September of 2008.

Case Study Report: The Treatment of 100 Cases With Articulating Traction Decompression & Specific Patient Posturing

Presenters: Ryan M. Rosenthal, DC, and Igor Russo, DC

Advanced Physical Medicine, 6931 West North Avenue, Oak Park, IL 60602

Background: Traction decompression is becoming widely used. However, there are few well-designed studies of the technique. However, there is strong evidence that range of motion therapy is beneficial to improving connective tissue health and relieving pain.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of traction decompression combined with range of motion therapy.

Methods: 100 patients with acute and chronic low back pain or neck pain, with or without a radicular component, were treated using the Antalgic-Trak. KDM (Kinetic Decompression Mobilization) was utilized, allowing the patient’s spine to be locked into specific postures. Each case received a total of 20, 30-minute treatment sessions over a 6-week period. Scheduling consisted of 5 times a week for the first 2 weeks, 3 times a week for the next 2 weeks, and 2 times a week for the final 2 two weeks. Each Antalgic-Trak treatment was followed by supportive adjunctive therapies. Pain relief was measured using the visual analog scale (VAS).

Results: The outcomes indicated 95% success in eliminating pain, or reducing the pain to minimal levels for a variety of spinal conditions. 55 patients experienced complete pain relief with their treatment and 40 patients reported mild pain or a VAS score of 1-3. 5 patients reported a VAS score higher than 4 after the treatment program. No patients reported worsening of their pain as a result of treatment, and 2 subjects went on to have spine surgery.

Conclusions: Traction decompression is superior to ordinary traction for pain reduction and restoration of spinal integrity. Because of the Antalgic-Trak’s positioning capabilities (KDM) and its “range of motion” technique, clinicians can position the patient’s spine in a manner to reduce the stress on tissues and combine these features with traction decompression. The multi-axis feature allows for coupled movements, simulating “ball and socket” motion allowing for a variety of postural combinations.

Disclosures: Dr. Rosenthal and Dr. Russo did not receive any compensation from the manufacturers of Antalgic-Trak for conducting this research.

Dr. Denny is the co-developer of the Antalgic-Trak spinal decompression system and uses this specialized form of therapy in his Davie (Fort Lauderdale), Florida practice. For more information on the Antalgic-Trak articulating spinal decompression please visit www.multicareclinic.org and www.drscottdenny.com or call (954) 473-8925.