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VAX-D

VAX-D is a non-invasive treatment for chronic back pain and neck pain from disc and facet joint disease.  VAX-D is an effective and safe procedure without any of the risks associated with surgery, injections, or anesthesia. Time off work or in recovery is minimal, and resolution of symptoms can be long lasting.  A new study published in 2008 showed that patients had significantly improved pain and disability scores at end of treatment, at 30 days and at 180 days post-discharge.

Low back pain has become one of the most significant medical problems in today’s world. The statistics on the magnitude of the problem are overwhelming, and the number of chronic back cases continues to grow each day.  In fact, low back pain that is related to work is the most common complaint presented to primary care physicians and workers compensation.

Often, the symptoms of back pain are treated with a drugs, heat and cold, bed-rest, chiropractic/manipulation, physical therapy, exercises, acupuncture, TENS, epidural injections, prolotherapy, IDET (Intradiscal Electrothermal Therapy or heat cauterization with an electrothermal catheter) and the various types of surgery.   Many of these are simply aimed at providing a temporary reduction of symptoms without altering the underlying disease process.    Physicians are faced with the fact that there is no universally accepted standard for the care of such patients.

Surgery may disrupt the natural biomechanical functions essential to preserve pain-free spinal mobility. The majority of back pain patients are not ideal surgical candidates; and surgery in the poorly selected patient can le ad to ‘failed back syndrome’.  Before resorting to a surgical approach, it makes sense to try a conservative procedure. If a patient doesn’t recover in the first two months, the initial benign problem may become a chronic situation. This is why it is so important to begin treatment early.

VAX-D can relieve the pain associated with herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, posterior facet syndrome and radicular (nerve root) pain. Patients can avoid the merry-go-round of drugs and non-specific treatments.

VAX-D clinics have been now been successfully operating for over 15 years in the US, as well as in Canada, Mexico, United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Columbia and Australia.  More than 3000 patients a day now receive VAX-D therapy in the US.  

Results from all of the independent sources (hospitals, private clinics, clinical studies) show  levels of success in the range of 7+ out of 10 people.

VAX-D therapy has been used by the best professional sports figures including those in the NBA, NFL, NHL, Olympic athletes and more.

Today there is an entire industry of ‘spinal decompression’ devices, all based upon developments pioneered by VAX-D. Prior to the research on negative disc pressures with VAX-D (in 1994), non-surgical decompression did not exist.  VAX-D Medical Technologies patented the process know as ‘vertebral decompression’.

This ‘spinal decompression’ industry is so full of mis-information, unsubstantiated claims and marketing hype, that it is difficult to find credibility in any of the devices.   Many use research done on VAX-D equipment – as though it applies to their device. Manufacturers masquerade articles about ‘decompression’ as clinical research studies.  It is disconcerting that the industry has grown so large, when a search of the medical literature reveals there are no studies published in peer-reviewed medical journals on other devices.

Many spinal decompression device manufacturers claim that their device will lower the intradiscal pressure.  To this day, VAX-D is the only device shown in clinical research to decompress the discs to negative levels (Ramos G., Martin W. Journal of Neurosurgery). It makes you wonder how they all make this claim?

VAX-D is the only medical device that delivers treatment with the patented logarithmic decompression curve!

The results with VAX-D are real, and based upon research (on our product) published in peer-reviewed medical journals.

Despite what other manufacturers would like you to believe, all decompression devices are not equally effective.   For those of you who are researching ‘spinal decompression’ (either patients or physicians), we would advise you to seek out the published clinical research studies done on each product. 

RESEARCH RESULTS FOR VAX-D

Results of multiple clinical studies have demonstrated that VAX-D is an effective treatment for the management of chronic low back pain. A retrospective outcome study on 778 patients, a Phase II Randomized Controlled Trial and a study conducted in a neurosurgery practice on the number of treatments for success, all reported approximately 70% success rates and improvements in functional outcomes for patients suffering from disc related chronic back pain.

A two-year study sponsored by Independence Blue Cross has just been released in 2008. The purpose was to determine short- and long-term outcomes after VAX-D treatment in a large sample of patients with activity-limiting low back pain that had failed at least two previous, non-surgical treatments.  The study showed that patients had significantly improved pain and disability scores at the end of treatment, at 30 days and at 180 days post-discharge.

In addition, several research articles have been published examining the mechanism of action of VAX-D.  Studies on the effects of VAX-D on intradiscal pressures have been reported, and it’s effects on sensory nerve dysfunction in patients with low back pain and radiculopathy have been published.

Dermatomal Somatosensory Evoked Potentials (DSSEP’s) were used to demonstrate lumbar nerve root decompression following VAX-D Therapy.

VAX-D Medical Technologies has been at the forefront of research in spinal pain (low back and cervical pathology).  VAX-D has had a long history of peer reviewed clinical studies published on different aspects of the treatment. The VAX-D system is being utilized by physicians in Orthopedic Medicine, Pain Management, Anesthesiology, Occupational Medicine and Rehabilitation, Neurology, Neurosurgery, Family Practice and Chiropractic.  Research on the therapy is ongoing and VAX-D Medical Technologies will post future publications on this website as they become available.

The Genesis G2 Cervical treatment technology has been in development and testing for over ten years.  Advances in software and electronic ‘biofeedback’ in the last two years have provided the means for programming treatment curves in two planes of motion.

Cervical traction is typically applied with a halter or harness/slide mechanism with the head and neck in some degree of flexion. Available treatments include the use of tensions in the 25-50 lb range; the use of an angle of 15° to 20° of flexion for all clinical indications; treatment time of 10 minutes; and linear (straight-line) modes of either static or intermittent tension.  We found that none of these standard protocols were effective for treating chronic cervical disc pathology.

The Genesis technology and protocols have truly revolutionized cervical treatment.  The combination of applying tension in a logarithmic time/force curve, and establishing the optimal ‘arc’ of the tension source is designed to  bypass the ‘lock-down’ muscle guarding in the cervical spine.  Patients are able to really relax the head and neck muscles during treatment, while the tension reduces the load on the spine. Most patients may now be treated within a range of 10-22 lbs of tension, each with their own programmed ‘dynamic arc’.  

NEW STUDY CONFIRMS VAX-D THERAPY IS AN EFFECTIVE TREATMENT FOR CHRONIC BACK PAIN.

Release Date: FEBRUARY 4, 2008

There is good news for chronic back pain sufferers. A two and one-half year study on the treatment of chronic back pain sponsored by Independence Blue Cross, a leader in the insurance industry, confirmed the effectiveness of VAX-D.  

The purpose of the study was to determine short- and long-term outcomes after VAX-D treatment in a large sample of patients with activity-limiting low back pain that had failed at least two previous, non-surgical treatments.

A total of 296 subjects with low back pain and evidence of a degenerative and/or herniated intervertebral disk at 1 or more levels were enrolled in the study. The sample was primarily composed of middle-aged adults who were currently working and reported moderate to high pre-intervention pain intensity (range, 3.9 –7.3) and moderate pain-related activity limitation. Most subjects had symptoms of greater than 6 months in duration.

In this study all subjects had pre-intervention imaging evidence of lumbar intervertebral disk degeneration and/or herniation.

The study showed that patients had significantly improved pain and disability scores at end of treatment, at 30 days and at 180 days post-discharge.

The authors stated: “ It is important to note that VAX-D  differs from most conventional lumbar traction in a variety of ways; the subject is positioned prone on a low-friction surface as opposed to supine on a high-friction surface; a pelvic harness is used as opposed to a thoracic harness; and the protocol indicates a high frequency of treatments over a 2-month period.”

The study on VAX-D was designed, written and analyzed by Expert Clinical Benchmarks, headed up by Paul Beatty, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Exercise Science at the University of South Carolina.

The study design was a longitudinal single blind prospective case series, the third most reliable outcome measuring tool.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

It's understandable that patient’s will have many questions about VAX-D.  It's always wise to investigate all options when it comes to health issues. Below are some of the most commonly asked question that we hear from our patients.

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.

Will VAX-D help a slipped disc?
A bulging or “herniated” disc is sometimes incorrectly referred to as a “slipped” disc.  VAX-D succeeds at treating bulging or herniated discs over 70% of the time.

If I’ve had back surgery, can I still have VAX-D?
If you have had back surgery that has failed, you may still be a candidate for VAX-D unless you have fixed surgical hardware used to fuse the spine.  In fact, a clinical study showed that VAX-D provides relief for patients who have had back surgery. 

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.

What if I have shoulder problems and cannot hang on to the handgrips?
Patients with shoulder problems or reduced strength in their arms can now use the new VAX-D Easy Hold Harness. You can now take the treatment with your arms resting comfortably at their sides The passive restraint utilizes a patient ‘quick release’ buckle, or they may simply raise their arms to release.

Are there any reasons that I can’t receive VAX-D treatment?
There are a few individuals who cannot take advantage of this treatment. These people have conditions such as:
Tumors
Fractures (broken vertebrae)
Osteoporosis (Reduced bone mass/density)
Pregnancy
or certain conditions (diseases) that compromise the structural integrity of the spine and discs.  These conditions are present in only a small percentage of the population.

How much does VAX-D cost, and will my health insurance or Workers’ Compensation cover it?
Generally, the cost of VAX-D is about 1/10th the cost of back surgery. You would have to contact your health insurance provider to see if your policy covers the treatment.

If VAX-D works so well, how come I haven’t heard more about it?
VAX-D is still a relatively new medical procedure in the United States. The therapy has worked for thousands of patients, and over 3000 patients per day, worldwide, are now being treated. The awareness of VAX-D is growing every day, as physicians and healthcare providers learn about VAX-D and the phenomenal results it has achieved in numerous clinical studies. As a result, VAX-D is now becoming the standard of care for chronic low back pain.

How is VAX-D different from traction or the other treatment claiming to decompress the spine?
Although traction devices can stretch the lower back, they have not demonstrated the ability to decompress the lumbar discs and spinal nerves.  Traction tables have an electric winch that is mounted in a column or is attached to the head of the table. They are easily identified by the simple cable that attaches to the patient’s harness.  Either static or intermittent traction modes can be chosen, but no other device has been shown to reduce the disc pressure to negative levels.  Frequently,  VAX-D research is found on traction table websites.

Why should I consider VAX-D Therapy?
VAX-D is the original patented, Non-Surgical Treatment for Low Back Pain and the only treatment that delivers VAX-D’s patented ‘logarithmic decompression curve’.

VAX-D Therapy has been proven safe and effective in numerous clinical studies. Over 3000 patients a day are being treated with VAX-D Therapy.  Other so-called ‘decompression treatments’ simply do not have published clinical studies proving they can lower intradiscal pressure.  

VAX-D Therapy is non-invasive and without the risks and complications associated with surgery, injections and anesthesia. VAX-D is painless and patients can remain at light duty work while taking treatment. VAX-D is also easy and convenient.  Sessions last about 45 minutes a day, for 15 - 20 days.   It’s that easy.