Is Spinal Decompression Right For You? - There are many risk factors associated with back pain...

June 11, 2010 - PRLog -- It is estimated that non-specific low back pain will affect approximately 80% of the population during a life span. There are many risk factors associated with the development of low back pain, but the single best predictor of a future episode of low back pain is a previous episode of low back pain. This is why a proper treatment regimen is so important. Research has demonstrated that this prevalence rate can be reduced if patients are treated according to their specific pathology and incorporate a rehabilitation program aimed at addressing the source of the dysfunction, i.e. strengthening a weakness in the core musculature.

An acute episode of low back pain is one of the most common entities that present to manual therapists in a rehabilitation setting. It can be very disabling for the patient, and equally frustrating for the therapist, due to the fact that there is very little that can be done from a “hands on” perspective to alleviate pain or increase range of motion in the early stages.

Traction therapy is one of the oldest known treatments for low back pain and has become very popular recently with the advent of nonsurgical decompression machines. Manufacturers of these machines have boasted successful outcomes with such treatments for patients suffering from acute and chronic low back pain. But, how do clinicians know which patients will best respond to decompression when there are so many different causes of low back pain?

Recent evidence suggests that matching low back pain patients to interventions based on a Clinical Prediction Rule, which incorporates historical and physical examination factors, can improve outcome. This suggests that a subgroup of low back pain patients does exist who are more likely to benefit from mechanical traction.

A study by Cai et al. published in the European Spine Journal in 2009 identified variables that have a significant relationship with a positive patient outcome following a course of decompression treatment. Therefore, if the examining doctor or therapist can identify these variables during patient screening, it may better inform prognosis and direct specific treatment.

The authors demonstrated that out of 129 patients presenting to an orthopaedic clinic with a complaint of pain and/or numbness in the lumbar spine, buttock and/or lower extremity, the patients who had;
1)   a lower score on a fear-avoidance behavior questionnaire
2)   did not demonstrate neurological deficit
3)   were older than 30
4)   had no involvement in manual labour
were more likely to respond to decompression therapy. If all four of these variables were present, the probability of a successful outcome was nearly 72%. These patients reported a 50% pain reduction in just three traction sessions over a period of nine days.

This information is very useful in assisting clinicians to identify which patients are most suitable for decompression therapy and allows for improved prognostication surrounding the many causes and treatments of low back pain presenting for conservative therapy. This can be very helpful when discussing the goals and objectives expected from a treatment as well as comparing treatment options for each individual patient.

There are no guarantees when it comes to treating low back pain. However, research like this, which allows us to practice in a more evidence-based manor, significantly increases the chance of a successful outcome.

Written by Dr. Ian MacIntyre, BSc, DC, FCCSS(C)
www.Affinityhealth.ca

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Affinity Health Clinic is located in Toronto Ontario, our clinic offers comprehensive, team-based medical and preventative health care services and non-surgical treatments using the latest in technology and procedures. Featuring the DRX 9000 Spinal Decompression System.