VAX-D
WHAT IS VAX-DÆ?
Vertebral Axial
Decompression (VAX-DÆ) is a non-surgical procedure developed for the treatment of
painful and disabling low back disorders caused by disc herniations
(subligamentous and extruded), degenerative disc disease, sciatica and
posterior facet arthrosis.
VAX-DÆ is
designed to relieve pressure on structures that cause low back pain. The VAX-DÆ
procedure relieves the pressure by achieving decompression of intervertebral
discs and facet joints scientifically managed by a programmable logic
controller.
BENEFITS OF
VAX-DÆ
The effectiveness of the VAX-DÆ Treatment has been the
subject of published clinical studies which highlight the following benefits
achieved in the majority of patients:
…
Relief of acute or chronic (long term) low back pain and/or associated leg pain or numbness, generally
within 1 month
…
Successful in over 70% of patients *
…
Early return to work
…
Non-invasive and safe
…
No patient hospitalization
* Earl E. Gose,
William K. Naguszewski and Robert K. Naguszewski, "Vertebral axial
decompression therapy for pain associated with herniated or degenerated discs
or facet syndrome: An outcome study" University of Illinois at Chicago, published in The Journal
of Neurological Research, Volume 20, April 1998
HOW IS VAX-DÆ
TREATMENT APPLIED?
Patients with low
back pain are first examined and then evaluated in accordance with the
indications for VAX-DÆ Treatment. Patient medical histories, x-rays and CT/MRI
scans are carefully reviewed to determine whether the individual patient
qualifies for the procedure. If a patient qualifies for VAX-DÆ Treatment, an individual
treatment plan (usually consisting of 20 treatment sessions) is developed to
meet their specific needs. Each session is carefully monitored and reviewed in
order to maximize the potential benefits to the patient.
Each session
begins by fitting the patient with a patented pelvic harness designed to
achieve optimal decompression
of the lumbar spine. The patient lies fully dressed on the
VAX-DÆ device and is properly positioned by a Certified VAX-DÆ Technician to
maximize comfort and safety. The controls and settings are adjusted in
accordance with the individual patient's treatment plan, and the procedure
commences. The VAX-DÆ device then applies precisely controlled tension along
the axis of the spinal column to distract the vertebral segments and posterior
facets of the lumbar spine and decompress the intervertebral discs. Each
distraction cycle, lasting 60 seconds, is followed by a relaxation cycle of
similar duration.
Each session, which consists of 15 continuous cycles
of distraction/relaxation, takes about 30 minutes. The fully automated process
of VAX-DÆ treatment is managed by a programmable logic controller located in
the computer programmed console that is continuously monitored by the
technician. A continuous chart recording is made of the parameters achieved
during each and every cycle. The chart recording is printed to form a permanent
record for the patient's chart and is available for review by the treating
physician.
The MRI picture
which follows shows a severe herniated and extruded lumbar disc. A radiologist
and surgeon, being unfamiliar with and having had no previous experience with
VAX-DÆ, both stated that surgery was the only solution available. However the
patient, not wanting to undergo surgery, elected to be treated with VAX-DÆ.
After VAX-DÆ, the MRI demonstrated significant improvement, the patient was
pain free and returned to normal activities.
Note: Currently, this therapy is not available at
the NC Pain Management Services practice.