Spinal Decompression

Why spinal disc decompression works:

This FDA-cleared technology relieves pain through a form of traction, with spinal decompression the desired result.  Disc Force provides TDC Therapy.  TDC Therapy targets specific segments of pathology and thus can isolate treatment to the specific area. The goal of both the technology and the physician is to work with the body’s natural healing powers toward enlarging the space between the discs. Decompression releases pressure that builds on the disc and nerves, eventually allowing the herniated and bulging disc to return to its normal position. Decompression is the treatment that is truly most effective for severe cases of herniation, degeneration, arthritis, stenosis and pressure on the nerve root. According to a clinical study performed by the Orthopedic Technological Review in 2004, 86% of all cases experienced spinal pain relief with disc decompression.  Of course, there are no guarantees for decompression but there are no guarantees for surgery or any invasive procedure.  Dr. Timothy Kremchek, one of the world’s leading Orthopedic surgeons, recommends Disc Force prior to surgery or injections. With decompression, the cost is significantly less than surgery and the chance of hospital infection is absent.

What is a disc? What does a disc do?

The disc is a soft cartilaginous material that separates the spinal vertebrae. It consists of nucleus pulposis and annulus fibrosis, a water-like content. We have discs starting at the the third cervical  all the way down to the lowest lumbar vertabrae L 5. The disc’s center is composed of a jelly-like substance called the nucleus and an outer layer called the annulus. These discs act as shock absorbers. After we are done growing, usually around 17 in women and18 years or above in men, these discs can become avascular (meaning they do not receive a good blood supply).  One of the reasons that ourdiscs give us so many problems is that they do not heal well without a good blood supply. Discs are naturally avascular so they need to be challenged.  Disc Force and TDC Therapy do this.

When a patient damages or breaks a bone it often heals quickly and sometimes is stronger than before! Our discs are avascular so if a disc is injured it continues to degenerate and does not heal properly. Thus, the need for treatment and intervention.  One of the amazing benefits of Disc Force and TDC Therapy is the decompression result commonly obtained.  This result often heightens the disc space, returning it to normal size and function. 

UNDERSTANDING BACK PAIN 

When a patient damages or breaks a bone it often heals quickly and sometimes is stronger than before! Our discs are avascular so if a disc is injured it continues to degenerate and does not heal properly. Thus, the need for treatment and intervention.  One of the amazing benefits of Disc Force and TDC Therapy is the decompression result commonly obtained.  This result often heightens the disc space, returning it to normal size and function. 


What are some common causes of lower back pain?

Herniated or Bulging Disc

Degernative Disc Disease

Posterior Facet Syndrome

Sciaitica

Acute Back Pain

Chronic Back pain

Pain in Legs like Sciatica

Herniated or Bulging Disc A herniated disc is a common cause of severe back pain and sciatica. Discs are soft flexible "shock absorbers" that separate each of the bones, or vertebrae, in the spine. These discs have a rigid outside rim, but are soft and gel-like inside. Activity, stress, or a mechanical problem in the spine can cause one of the discs to bulge and become misshapen. A disc becomes herniated when it degenerates to the point that the gelatin within the disc protrudes outward. Classic low back pain occurs if this material extrudes or bulges far enough to press against a nerve root.

Degenerative Disc Disease This condition is a major cause of chronic low back pain. Because the discs in the spine do not have a dedicated blood supply, the discs must rely on a process called diffusion to receive their supply ofwater, nutrients, and oxygen. If the flow of these elements is disrupted, the vertebral discs can degenerate. This degeneration can cause spinal structures to pinch (impinge) nerve roots, thereby causingpain. Vertebral discs can also degenerate simply due to the aging process.

Posterior Facet Syndrome The facet joints can wear down. In such cases, a nerve can become pinched (impinged) and cause pain.

Sciaitica Sciatica refers to a pain felt along the length of the sciatic nerve. The pain is usually felt in the buttock where it radiates down the back of the leg. At some time, up to 40% of people experience paincaused by compression of this nerve.

Acute Back Pain Acute low back pain generally lasts less than six months. A few cases may resolve without medical attention, although many reoccur.

Chronic Back Pain Chronic low back pain persists beyond six months.

Pain in Legs like Sciaica One of the most severe forms of back pain is associated with sciatica.  Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the body gets blocked or occluded.  This is a common problem and when a disc bulges or herniates it can feel like a sharp shooting pain down the back into the buttocks or even into the toes. In extreme examples it can cause permanent numbness and loss of muscle strength.

How can I relieve my lower back pain?

There are a variety of options available to relieve lower back pain. Many options involve surgery, painful injections, and heavy drug therapy. The complications from back surgery can be severe and may result in permanent debilitating conditions. Additionally, surgery can be extremely expensive and can require a long recovery period lasting several months. Pain medications can make it difficult to carry on with normal day-to-day activities.

Now there is a new option: TDC Therapy. This innovative approach to lower back pain relief is non-surgical, non-invasive and typically does not involve pain medications. The treatment is not only safe and painless, it’s even comfortable and relaxing. In most cases, all non-invasive remedies should be exhausted before anyone is referred for surgery. Be sure to ask your doctor about non-invasive treatments for back pain.
For patients with a history of back pain who are currently experiencing symptoms that are interfering with activities, the first step is proper diagnostic testing to determine the cause of the symptoms and the severity of the problem.


The TDC Therapy, exclusive to Disc Force Technology, utilizes traction to create a form of decompression therapy.  Disc Force is different from many generic traction devices that cannot isolate a specific segment, thus, not taking into account the normal lordotic curvature.  TDC Therapy allows the disc to heal because the treatment stimulates the cartilage to regenerate. This is something it cannot do on its own without the technology provided by the Disc Force TDC Therapy. Spinal decompression utilizing Disc Force is a result of specific traction which allows the nutrient-rich blood to fill the disc space and foster the healing response.

WHAT IS TDC THERAPY?

TDC Therapy - Intervertebral Traction Decompression Therapy - is a proven treatment exclusive to Disc Force for the relief of neck and lower back pain. By utilizing traction that’s isolated to the spinal segment involved, the purpose is to create spinal decompression as a result to specific traction . TDC Therapy offers a significant success rate.  Patients have experienced dramatic pain relief and healing.  This non-surgical solution to disc herniations and associated pain is changing the way doctors now treat these problems.  Endorsed by leaders of both the chiropractic and medical profession, TDC Therapy is a proven system of protocols designed exclusively for Disc Force technology.

TDC Therapy is a unique and innovative approach for the relief of neck and lower back syndromes, including:
• Herniated or bulging discs
• Degenerative disc disease
• Posterior facet syndrome
• Hand numbness
• Sciatica
• Acute or chronic neck and back pain


TDC Therapy is non-surgical and non-invasive. It is a gentle form of traction and disc decompression. The treatment is not only safe, but also comfortable and relaxing. The course of therapy varies basedon the severity of your diagnosis.  Historically, treatment takes approximately 20 to 30 sessions and is completed in about 45 days. The goal is symptomatic relief and structural correction.  Each procedure is performed under the doctor’s direct supervision and the therapy is assisted and monitored often by a certified clinician, specializing in neck back pain care. The treatment sessions are brief, lasting approximately 30 to 45 minutes based on the doctor’s prescription. No one treatment protocol is utilized for all patients and the doctor will choose the program that best fits your diagnosis.

HOW DOES TDC THERAPY WORK?

TDC Therapy can isolate each cervical or lumbar vertebra and distract the vertebrae surrounding an injured disc 5 to 7 millimeters. TDC Therapy treatment makes exclusive use of Disc Force technology to isolate the specific vertebrae that are causing the pain.  The 25 to 30 minute treatment provides static, intermittent, and cycling forces on structures that may be causing low back pain.

Negative pressure promotes the diffusion of water, oxygen, and nutrients into the vertebral disc area, thereby re-hydrating the degenerated disc. Repeated pressure differential promotes retraction of a herniated nucleus pulposus (the elastic core of the intervertebral disc).

The TDC Therapy treatment works to reduce pressure on the vertebral joints, promote retraction of herniated discs, promote self-healing and rehabilitation of damaged discs, thereby relieving low back pain. Several sessions are required to achieve optimal results. This will depend on the grade and level of your disc problem.


WHY SHOULD YOU CONSIDER TDC THERAPY?


TDC Therapy is not for everyone and should be recommended by a professional.  It is for the person/ patient suffering from severe pain.  The IDS system is comprehensive and the doctor will custom-fit thetreatment schedule to produce maximum results in a minimum amount of time. 

TDC Therapy is credible. It is the only treatment that was developed by a team of back specialists and is endorsed by world-renowned orthopaedic surgeons as well as neurosurgeons, orthopedists, physiatrists, osteopaths, chiropractors, neurologists, and physical therapists.

TDC Therapy is proven and effective. Decompression treatments utilizing NAM equipment like Disc Force have been studied extensively over the past six years and have been clinically validated. Thousands of patients have been successfully treated with IDD Therapy.

TDC Therapy is non-surgical and non-invasive. The complications from surgery can be severe and may result in debilitating conditions.

TDC Therapy is often painless and involves minimum recovery time.

TDC Therapy is convenient. Treatment sessions last only 25 to 45 minutes, depending on your level of diagnosis.  TDC Therapy utilizing Disc Force will isolate and treat your specific area of concern. And because the procedure is non-invasive, most IDS Therapy patients can carry-on with normal daily activities. Additionally, patients can expect no or only minimal absence from work.

TDC Therapy is cost-effective. The cost of treatment is minimal compared to the cost of surgery. The risk of additional complications from infection are eliminated.  And, in most cases, financing is available for those without insurance or with less than comprehensive insurance. Several payment options are available and a monthly payment plan can be an option.  Often your insurance will pick up a percentage of your treatment

WHAT DOES A VISIT ENTAIL?

Disc Force doctors will will take a complete initial history, perform a physical evaluation, review all data including X-rays and MRIs to ensure the decompression procedures will benefit the patient. Disc Force doctors have been expertly trained in the delivery of spinal traction and decompression. Further, they have dedicated a large portion of their practices to the relief of severe and chronic lowback pain and cervical pain and in assisting their patients’ return to a normal, pain-free life. Disc Force and TDC Therapy is exclusive to Disc Force doctors


BULGING DISC

To really understand what a bulging disc is, it is important to know the classifications used to describe the disc lesions. There are several distinct diagnoses commonly encountered like disc prolapse, slipped disc, ruptured disc and disc herniation.  TDC Therapy and treatment will vary based on the level of disc pathology.  No one treatment protocol is right for all patients.  Disc Force doctors utilize specific TDC protocols to work on your specific problem.

Disc Herniation is most commonly diagnosed by MRI studies.  If you have had an MRI please bring a copy of your pictures and your doctor’s report upon your visit.  Disc Force doctors work with all disciplines to provide the best treatment possible

The terms “disc bulge” or “herniation” are not uncommon with back pain or sciatica.  It is these types of problems that usually receive excellent results utilizing Disc Force and TDC Therapy.  The terms “bulge” or “herniation” imply that a bulge, rupture or a tear of the annular fibers occurs allowing the migration of nuclear material beyond the vertebral margin. The nuclear material may protrude and cause a distention of the outer annulus fibrosis or rupture through the annulus and extrude behind the posterior ligament.

Four classifications exist to describe disc lesions

1. Annular bulge
2. Protrusion (Herniation)
3. Extrusion
4. Free Disc Fragment (Sequestration).

The annular bulge or disc bulge is a small disc herniation that often  does not directly contact the nerve root.  If left untreated it can easily progress to a larger degree of nuclear protrusion, or a more severe disc problem.  This is a result of the loss of the annular fibers to contain the nucleus of the disc, thus a bulge. Degeneration will predispose annular fibers to failure following trauma.  Often repeated activity can cause the disc to continue to bulge.  The earlier any disc lesion is detected, often the easier it is corrected.

Disc bulges are most often called protrusions and herniations are a form of DDD or Degenerative Disc Disease.  A disc herniation represents a rupture of nuclear material through a defect in annulus, producing a focal extension of the disc or a broad-based extension of the disc margin. Intervertebral disc herniations result in some degree from central canal or foraminal blockage or occlusion. Commonly, this is the result of severe, often radiating pain which can occur in the arm or leg.

Once the disc migrates through the outer annular fibers this is called disk bulge or an extrusion from its natural, innate position.  When the nucleus pulposus, fibrocartilage, and end plate cartilage is compromised, this can lead to a sequelae of neropathy, discopathy, pain and disability.  Disc bulges, herniation or any type of extrusion ultimately compress the root, cord or both and can cause radiculopathy.

Free disc fragment (Sequestered Disc) refers to an annular separation and migration of a piece of disc material. This migration of material usually results in specific pain.  Often seen in Cauda Equina Syndrome, they are common with intradural migration. This is when you lose control of bowel and bladder function. This is an emergency situation and usually requires surgery to correct the problem. If you have loss of bowel or bladder function, contact your medical provider immediately.

The most common area of disc pain is in the lumbar spine, specifically the lower lumbar vertabrae L4, L5.  However any segment is vulnerable to trauma. The pressure causes the disc material inside the disc to "bulge" or "slip" out of place. Imagine a marshmallow cookie. If you squeeze one end the other will protrude or bulge. The bulge itself puts pressure on the nerves (usually the spinal nerves). The spinal nerve is very sensitive. Even a small amount of pressure causes the nerve to dysfunction. 

Neck or cervical problems resulting from trauma are also associated with disc pathology.  Any disc is vulnerable to trauma.  Disc Force and TDC Therapy can isolate the segment.  If it is in the lower cervical region C5, C6, C7, herniations of this level may cause cervicobrachial syndrome or symptoms like headaches, shoulder pain, neck pain, carpal tunnel syndrome or weakness in the arms or a burning sensation in the arms.

Disc desiccation is when the annular fibers degenerate due to dehydration. One preventative step is to drink as much water as you can if you feel you have or are developing a disc herniation. Disc Force doctors recommend drinking 8 eight-ounce glasses of water a day.

Decompression Technology

Many companies have claimed that NASA has developed their equipment.  Disc Force maintains that NASA does not endorse any equipment or table nor do they claim that this was their discovery.

Disc Force is manufactured by North American Medical, one of, if not the leading producers of biotechnology in the nation.  Our equipment is in over 800 clinics throughout the world. 

TDC Therapy creates specific traction often resulting in Spinal Decompression.  Spinal Decompression allows the disc material to get sucked back into the joint space and the outer layer is made stronger by stimulating the cartilage to regenerate to prevent re-injury.


RESEARCH

Many people have asked is their any research on spinal decompression?  Spinal decompression is accepted by medical doctors and chiropractors, thus creating a convergence of trends in health care.  Here is one article, click here then this comes up

Spinal Decompression

By Thomas A. Gionis, MD, JD, MBA, MHA, FICS, FRCS, and Eric Groteke, DC, CCIC

The outcome of a clinical study evaluating the effect of nonsurgical intervention on symptoms of spine patients with herniated and degenerative disc disease is presented.

This clinical outcomes study was performed to evaluate the effect of spinal decompression on symptoms and physical findings of patients with herniated and degenerative disc disease. Results showed that 86% of the 219 patients who completed the therapy reported immediate resolution of symptoms, 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. This study shows that disc disease, the most common cause of back pain, which costs the American health care system more than $50 billion annually can be cost-effectively treated using spinal decompression. The cost for successful non-surgical therapy is less than a tenth of that for surgery. These results showthat biotechnological advances of spinal decompression reveal promising results for the future of effective management of patients with disc herniation and degenerative disc diseases. Long-term outcome studies are needed to determine if non-surgical treatment prevents later surgery, or merely delays it.


INTRODUCTION: ADVANCES IN BIOTECHNOLOGY

With the recent advances in biotechnology, spinal decompression has evolved into a cost-effective nonsurgical treatment for herniated and degenerative spinal disc disease, one of the major causes of backpain. This nonsurgical treatment for herniated and degenerative spinal disc disease works on the affected spinal segment by significantly reducing intradiscal pressures.1 Chronic low back pain disabilityis the most expensive benign condition that is medically treated in industrial countries. It is also the number one cause of disability in persons under age 45. After 45, it is the third leading cause ofdisability.2 Disc disease costs the health care system more than $50 billion a year. The intervertebral disc is made up of sheets of fibers that form a fibrocartilaginous structure, which encapsulates the inner mucopolysaccharide gel nucleus. The outer wall and gel act hydrodynamically. The intrinsic pressure of the fluid within the semirigid enclosed outer wall allows hydrodynamic activity, making the intervertebral disc a mechanical structure.3 As a person utilizes various normal ranges of motion, spinal discs deform as a result of pressure changes within the disc.4 The disc deforms, causing nuclear migration and elongation of annular fibers. Osteophytes develop along the junction of vertebral bodies and discs, causing a disease known as spondylosis. This disc narrows from the alteration of the nucleus pulposus, which changes from a gelatinous consistency to a more fibrous nature as the aging process continues. The disc space thins with sclerosis of the cartilaginous end plates and new boneformation around the periphery of the contiguous vertebral surfaces. The altered mechanics place stress on the posterior diarthrodial joints, causing them to lose their normal nuclear fulcrum for movement. With the loss of disc space, the plane of articulation of the facet surface is no longer congruous. This stress results in degenerative arthritis of the articular surfaces.5

This is especially important in occupational repetitive injuries, which make up a majority of work-related injuries. When disc degeneration occurs, the layers of the annulus can separate in places and form circumferential tears. Several of these circumferential tears may unite and result in a radial tear where the material may herniate to produce disc herniation or prolapse. Even though a disc herniation may not occur, the annulus produces weakening, circumferential bulging, and loss of intervertebral disc height. As a result, discograms at this stage usually reveal reduced interdiscal pressure.

The early changes that have been identified in the nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosis are probably biomechanical and relate to aging. Any additional trauma on these changes can speed up the process ofdegeneration. When there is a discogenic injury, physical displacement occurs, as well as tissue edema and muscle spasm, which increase the intradiscal pressures and restrict fluid migration.6 Additionally, compression injuries causing an endplate fracture can predispose the disc to degeneration in the future.

The alteration of normal kinetics is the most prevalent cause of lower back pain and disc disruption and thus it is vital to maintain homeostasis in and around the spinal disc; Yong-Hing and Kirkaldy-Willis7 have correlated this degeneration to clinical symptoms. The three clinical stages of spinal degeneration include:


1. Stage of Dysfunction. There is little pathology and symptoms are subtle or absent. The diagnosis of Lumbalgia and rotatory strain are commonly used.

2. Stage of Instability. Abnormal movement of the motion segment of instability exists and the patient complains of moderate symptoms with objective findings. Conservative care is used and sometimes surgery is indicated.

3. Stage of Stabilization. The third phase where there are severe degenerative changes of the disc and facets reduce motion with likely stenosis.


Spinal decompression has been shown to decompress the disc space and, in the clinical picture of low back pain, is distinguishable from conventional spinal traction.8,9 According to the literature, traditional traction has proven to be less effective and biomechanically inadequate to produce optimal therapeutic results.8-11 In fact, one study by Mangion et al concluded that any benefit derived from continuous traction devices was due to enforced immobilization rather than actual traction.10 In another study, Weber compared patients treated with traction to a control group that had simulated traction and demonstrated no significant differences.11 Research confirms that traditional traction does not produce spinal decompression. Instead, decompression, that is, unloading due to distraction and positioning of the intervertebral discs and facet joints of the lumbar spine, has been proven an effective treatment for herniated and degenerative disc disease, by producing and sustaining negative intradiscal pressure in the disc space. In agreement with Nachemon´s findings and Yong-Hing and Kirkaldy-Willis,1 spinal decompression treatment for low back pain intervenes in the natural history of spinal degeneration.7,12 Matthews13 used epidurography to study patients thought to have lumbar disc protrusion. With applied forces of 120 pounds x 20 minutes, he was able to demonstrate that the contrast material was drawn into the disc spaces by osmotic changes. Goldfish14 speculates that the degenerated disc may benefit by lowering intradiscal pressure, affecting the nutritional state of the nucleus pulposus. Ramos and Martin8 showed by precisely directed distraction forces, intradiscal pressure could dramatically drop into a negative range. A study by Onel et al15 reported the positive effects of distraction on the disc with contour changes by computed tomography imaging. High intradiscal pressures associated with both herniated and degenerated discs interfere with the restoration of homeostasis and repair of injured tissue.

Biotechnological advances have fostered the design of Food and Drug Administration-approved ergonomic devices that decompress the intervertebral discs. The biomechanics of these decompression/reduction machines work by decompression at the specific disc level that is diagnosed from finding on a comprehensive physical examination and the appropriate diagnostic imaging studies. The angle of decompression to the affected level causes a negative pressure intradiscally that creates an osmotic pressure gradient for nutrients, water, and blood to flow into the degenerated and/or herniated disc thereby allowing the phases of healing to take place.

This clinical outcomes study, which was performed to evaluate the effect of spinal decompression on symptoms of patients with herniated and degenerative disc disease, showed that 86% of the 219 patients who completed therapy reported immediate resolution of symptoms, and 84% of those remained pain-free 90 days post-treatment. Physical examination findings revealed improvement in 92% of the 219 patients who completed the therapy.

METHODS

The study group included 229 people, randomly chosen from 500 patients who had symptoms associated with herniated and degenerative disc disease that had been ongoing for at least 4 weeks. Inclusion criteria included pain due to herniated and bulging lumbar discs that is more than 4 weeks old, or persistent pain from degenerated discs not responding to 4 weeks of conservative therapy. All patients hadto be available for 4 weeks of treatment protocol, be at least 18 years of age, and have an MRI within 6 months. Those patients who had previous back surgery were excluded. Of note, 73 of the patients had experienced one to three epidural injections prior to this episode of back pain and 22 of those patients had epidurals for their current condition. Measurements were taken before the treatments began and again at week two, four, six, and 90 days post treatment. At each testing point a questionnaire and physical examination were performed without prior documentation present in order to avoid bias. Testing included the Oswetry questionnaire, which was utilized to quantify information related to measurement of symptoms and functional status. Ten categories of questions about everyday activities wereasked prior to the first session and again after treatment and 30 days following the last treatment.

Testing also consisted of a modified physical examination, including evaluation of reflexes (normal, sluggish, or absent), gait evaluation, the presence of kyphosis, and a straight leg raising test (radiating pain into the lower back and leg was categorized when raising the leg over 30 degrees or less is considered positive, but if pain remained isolated in the lower back, it was considered negative). Lumbar range of motion was measured with an ergonometer. Limitations ranging from normal to over 15 degrees in flexion and over 10 degrees in rotation and extension were positive findings. The investigator used pinprick and soft touch to determine the presence of gross sensory deficit in the lower extremities.

Of the 229 patients selected, only 10 patients did not complete the treatment protocol. Reasons for noncompletion included transportation issues, family emergencies, scheduling conflicts, lack of motivation, and transient discomfort. The patient protocol provided for 20 treatments of spinal decompression over a 6-week course of therapy. Each session consisted of a 45-minute treatment on the equipment followed by 15 minutes of ice and interferential frequency therapy to consolidate the lumbar paravertebral muscles. The patient regimen included 2 weeks of daily spinal decompression treatment (5 days per week), followed by three sessions per week for 2 weeks, concluding with two sessions per week for the remaining 2 weeks of therapy.


Table 1. Patient demographic chart.

On the first day of treatment, the applied pressure was measured as one half of the person´s body weight minus 10 pounds, followed on the second day with one half of the persons body weight. The pressure placed for the remainder of the 18 sessions was equivalent to one half of the patient´s body weight plus an additional 10 pounds. The angle of treatment was set according to manufacturer´s protocol after identifying a specific lumbar disc correlated with MRI findings. A session would begin with the patient being fitted with a customized lower and upper harness to fit their specific body frame. The patient would step onto a platform located at the base of the equipment, which simultaneously calculated body weight and determined proper treatment pressure. The patient was then lowered into the supineposition, where the investigator would align the split of table with the top of the patient´s iliac crest. A pneumatic air pump was used to automatically increase lordosis of the lumbar spine for patientcomfort. The patient´s chest harness was attached and tightened to the table. An automatic shoulder support system tightened and affixed the patient´s upper body. A knee pillow was placed to maintain slight flexion of the knees. With use of the previously calculated treatment pressures, spinal decompression was then applied. After treatment, the patient received 15 minutes of interferential frequency (80 to 120 Hz) therapy and cold packs to consolidate paravertebral muscles.

During the initial 2 weeks of treatment, the patients were instructed to wear lumbar support belts and limit activities, and were placed on light duty at work. In addition, they were prescribed a nonsteroidal, to be taken 1 hour before therapy and at bedtime during the first 2 weeks of treatment. After the second week of treatment, medication was decreased and moderate activity was permitted.

Data was collected from 219 patients treated during this clinical study. Study demographics consisted of 79 female and 140 male patients. The patients treated ranged from 24 to 74 years of age (see Table1). The average weight of the females was 146 pounds and the average weight of the men was 195 pounds. According to the Oswestry Pain Scale, patients reported their symptoms ranging from no pain (0) to severe pain (5).

PATIENT GROUPS

The patients were further subdivided into six groups:

1. single lateral herniation 67 cases
2. single central herniation 22 cases
3. single lateral herniation with disc degeneration 32 cases
4. single central herniation with disc degeneration. 24 cases
5. more than 1 herniation with disc degeneration 17 cases
6. more than 1 herniation without disc degeneration 57 cases


RESULTS

According to the self-rated Oswestry Pain Scale, treatment was successful in 86% of the 219 patients included in this study (Table 2, page 39). Treatment success was defined by a reduction in pain to 0 or 1 on the pain scale. The perception of pain was none 0 to occasional 1 without any further need for medication or treatment in 188 patients. These patients reported complete resolution of pain, lumbar range of motion was normalized, and there was recovery of any sensory or motor loss. The remaining 31 patients reported significant pain and disability, despite some improvement in their overall pain and disability score.

Diagnosis MRI