I’ll keep this non surgical non drug spinal decompression literature review simple. In the text description underneath the study title I will bold a sentence that is the highlight. If that sentence is complicated then I’ll write a brief “translation” and underline it for ease of comprehension.
This weeks review will be about: how does the spinal decompression actually help the body heal on a biological aspect.
Komari H, et al.: The Natural History of Herniated Nucleus with Radiculopathy. Spine 21: 225-229, 1996
77 patients verified on pre-post MRI with signs and symptoms of herniation, underwent non-surgical intervention including pelvic traction. Changes in herniation and good-excellent symptomatic improvements were noted in over 82%. The authors draw the conclusion improving the discs contact with the blood supply accounts for healing of herniation.
Onel,D et. al.: CT Investigation of the effects of Traction on Lumbar Herniation. Spine 14: 82-90,1989.
30 patients with lumbar herniations were tractioned in a CT scanner at >50% body weight for -20 min. Hernia retraction occurred in 70% and good clinical improvements were seen in over 93%. The authors concluded improved blood flow was the source of healing. Additionally they speculated previous studies showing traction doesn’t create negative intradiscal pressures perhaps used too light a force.
Mathews, JA: Dynamic Discography: A Study of Lumbar Traction. Annls of Phys Med, IX (7), 265-279, 1968.
3 patients with a ruptured lumbar disc had contrast medium and radiographic images taken during and after a lumbar traction procedure. The protrusions were shown to lessen considerably with the 30 minute prone 1 traction sessions and a dimpling of the outer annulus suggested a negative intradiscal force was created.
tColachis S, Strohm BR: Effects of Intermittent Traction on Vertebral Separation. Arch of Phys Med & Rehab, 50: 251-258,1969.
Subjects were subjected to a supine angled traction force of up to 100 lbs. with x-ray examination. A rope angle of 18 degrees revealed separation greatest at L4-5 (Note: we speculate a more acute angle –10 degrees affords greater separation at LS-S 1). The separation was obvious up to T 12-L 1 with total elongation of the spine approaching +5mm. The vertebra separation is greater on the posterior vs. anterior aspect of the vertebra.
