A controlled trial of spinal decompression for RTE and the treatment of back pain

Several studies have reported on the success rates of treatment of chronic low back pain using spinal decompression machine mechanics. A survey published in May 2007 in Chiropractic and Osteopathy. We compared the success rate of using a non-surgical intermittent mechanical traction machine using TENS to relieve pain, lower back due a bulging or herniated disc.

First, to understand any study, you need a picture of chronic disease and misery it causes. Pain back due to injury or accident is the most important incident of occupational accidents Comp and the main reason of disability in people under 45. The column spinal vertebrae comprises stacked one on another. Between each vertebra is a tough, fibrous cushions called intervertebral disc, which contains a gelatinous substance. They act as shock discs absorb shock and allows the spine to bend, twist and turn. Healthy discs are thick, soft and compress when placed pressure on them like a sponge.

When there is an injury, the vertebra can move out of alignment or compress your hard disk at the root dilatation or break, the jelly like substance. This disc herniated or bulging disc causing pressure on spinal nerves, causing pain, numbness and can progress to positions lower arm or leg.
Also known as:
• a pinched nerve
• Sciatica
• A hard blow
• a herniated disc

The protrusion of the disc or the base material not only makes the pressure on spinal nerves, which compresses the blood vessels and interfere with circulation in the region. Deprived of nutrients and oxygen, the disc can not be cured, and eventually flattens, becomes stiff and hard, as a dry sponge. This condition becomes degenerative disc disease.

Standard treatment includes:
• Physical therapy / chiropractic
• The epidural injection (injections into the epidural space of the spinal cord)
• NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory)
• hot or cold compresses with a massage
• Electrical stimulation (TENS)
• Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression
• Acupuncture
• Surgery – Last Resort

One treatment method is not performing support surgical spinal decompression, which some studies show a success rate from 71% to 90%. The FDA has approved a machine using a computer program gently stretches the spine of the patient, gradually separating the vertebrae, relieving pressure on the disc, allowing it to cure.
Control of the machine continues and a recent study comparing the results of treatment of decompression therapy with the tens (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) unit. TENS is a small unit that can be used during treatment. The FDA approved the treatment back pain provide low-voltage electric current to the affected area of the electrodes. His electrodes pierce the skin deep enough to reach the fiber nerve, usually from 1 to 2 inches. Active mechanisms of pain and struggle body can be used several hours a day.

The study
The purpose of the study was to compare the efficacy of two treatment methods to relieve pain and improve mobility in patients protrusion or herniation.

Subjects were recruited to through newspaper ads and had to meet several criteria for inclusion in test:
• The disc protrusion or herniation confirmed by MRI (Magnetic Resonate Imaging) or CT (Computed Tomography)
• Back Pain for 3 months or more may be associated with pain radiating to one or both legs.
• The average duration of pain was 7.3 years

The study included 44 patients, average age was 42 years. The group was initially divided into 2 groups 22 people each.
• spinal decompression treatments consisted of 30 minute sessions 5 times a week for 4 weeks. It was followed by treatment once a week for 4 weeks.
• The TENS group received treatment with a TENS unit for 30 minutes daily for 20 days. It followed by treatment per week for 4 weeks.
• Both groups were able to take anti-inflammatories and analgesics.

Results
The outcome was measured by the 10 cm Visual Analog Scale of pain (VAS) and disability scale. The disability scale assessed the subject's ability to carry on business, the most affected on a scale from 0 to 4, with 4 "could do an activity without limitations."
Success is defined as a 50% improvement in VAS which shows the degree of pain relief. Any reduction of disability has received a positive note. During the study, 4 people left, leaving 19 in the decompression group and 21 in the TEN group a total of 40 participants.

Conclusions:
Spinal Decompression:
• 13 of 19 people (68.4%) showed improvement.
• After 6 followed showed 7 out of 19 people have maintained their level of improvement

TENS therapy:
• 0 of 21 subjects showed a improvement.
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Scientific studies are being planned or are underway to conclusively demonstrate the efficacy of Spinal Decompression Therapy.

About the Author

Paul G Miller is a Pembroke Pines spinal decompression therapist who has worked with individuals with back pain problems for seven years.
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