What causes low back pain?
Low back pain can be caused by a number of factors from injuries to the effects of aging.The spinal cord is protected by the vertebrae, which are made of bone. Between each vertebra are soft discs with a ligamentous outer layer. These discs function as shock absorbers to protect the vertebra and the spinal cord. Many of the problems that cause back pain are the result of herniation and degeneration of the intervertebral disc. Degeneration is a process where wear and tear causes deterioration of the disc. Herniations, or bulging of the disc are protrusions from the disc that press on surrounding nerves, causing pain or numbness.
What is VAX-D Genesis and how does it work?
VAX-D is a patented medical technology that gently stretches the spine and decompresses the discs. Pressures in the lower lumber spine can be as high as 180 mm of mercury during many common daily activities. VAX-D Treatment is able to reduce the pressure in the lumbar spine down to levels of –160 mm of mercury, relieving the pressure on pinched nerves. In short, VAX-D breaks the cycle of pain caused by bulging and degenerated discs and helps the body heal itself.
Patients are treated fully clothed and are fitted with a harness that fits around their pelvis as they lie face down on a motorized Table. A Certified VAX-D technician operates the Table from a computerized console. Each treatment takes about 45 minutes. Most patients find VAX-D to be comfortable, and relief of pain can usually be noticed in the first few sessions.
How many VAX-D treatments will I need, and how quickly can I expect to get better?
The number of treatment sessions required depends upon the diagnosis and the overall severity of your condition. One treatment session is about 45 minutes long. The total number of treatments averages between 15 and 20 sessions. Some difficult cases may require some additional sessions. Relief from pain varies with each individual and their physiology, however, most patients will experience some pain relief within the first few treatments.
Are there any side effects to the treatment?
Most patients do not experience any side effects. Though, there have been some mild cases of muscle spasm for a short period of time.
Is there any risk to the patient during treatment on VAX-D?
NO. VAX-D is totally safe and comfortable for all subjects. The system has emergency stop switches for both the patient and the operator. These switches (a requirement of the FDA) terminate the treatment immediately thereby avoiding any injuries.
How does VAX-D spinal decompression differ from ordinary spinal traction?
Traction is helpful at treating some of the conditions resulting from herniated or degeneration. However, traction cannot address the source of the problem. VAX-D creates a negative pressure or a vacuum inside the disc. This effect causes the disc to pull in the herniation and the increase in negative pressure also causes the flow of blood and nutrients back into the disc allowing the body’s natural fibroblastic response to heal the injury and re-hydrate the disc. Traction and inversion tables, at best, can lower the intradiscal pressure from a +90 to a +30 mmHg. VAX-D is clinically proven to reduce the intradiscal pressure to between a -150 to -200 mmHg. Traction triggers the body’s normal response to stretching by creating painful muscle spasms that worsen the pain in affected area.
Can VAX-D Spinal Decompression be used for patients that have had spinal surgery?
In most cases VAX-D Spinal Decompression treatment is not contra-indicated for patients that have had spinal surgery. In fact many patients have found success with Spinal Decompression after a failed back surgery.
Who is not a candidate for VAX-D Spinal Decompression therapy?
Anyone who has recent spinal fractures, surgical fusion or metallic hardware, surgically repaired aneurysms, infection of the spine, and/or moderate to severe osteoporosis.
Who is a candidate for VAX-D Spinal Decompression?
Anyone who has been told they need surgery but wishes to avoid it, anyone who has been told there is nothing more available to help, anyone who failed to significantly respond to conservative options (medications, physical therapy, injections, chiropractic, acupuncture), or anyone who still has pain but wishes to obtain the type of care they want.
If you have any other questions about spinal decompression or VAX D therapy, please click here to contact us or call 215-487-2500.
