|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
“VAX-D” stands for vertebral axial
decompression -- a non-surgical, non-invasive, spinal decompression,
medical treatment for a number of low back disc conditions, including
herniated, bulging, ruptured discs, degenerative disc disease, annular
tears, sciatica, internal disc disruption IDD), and post-operative
scar tissue (called “failed back syndrome”). |
 |
|
|
|
A full VAX-D treatment lasts for just under one hour, is delivered by a certified physical
therapist, physical therapist assistant, or VAX-D technician supervised by a physical therapist and involves a table and a
computer. During a treatment, you wear a pelvic girdle, and lay on the VAX-D table. The girdle attaches at the foot of the table,
and you hold on to handles at the head of the table. During a treatment you experience a strong, not painful, stretch of your
lumbar spine. The stretch lasts for a minute; then you rest for a minute; then a stretch for a minute – and it cycles like that,
pull/rest, pull/rest, for ½ an hour. During treatment, intradiscal pressures reduce to negative levels in the range of –100
to –150 mm Hg. The significantly lowered intradiscal pressure creates something like suction within the disc, which then pulls
the herniation or bulge back into the disc.
This suction also pulls fluid and nutrient cells into the disc which help to re-hydrate the disc and enables it to heal. |
|
|
|
|
|
VAX-D® was invented in the early 1980's
by Allan Dyer, M.D., Ph D and former Minister of Health in Ontario
Canada. Dr. Dyer also did the pioneering research that led to the
creation of the ventricular defibrillator used to get a heart that has
stopped to beat again. |
|
|
|
|
|
Yes. Since 1989 VAX-D has been registered as a
class 2, non-experimental, medical procedure by the Division of Surgical and
Rehabilitative Medicine of the FDA. Its 510K registration is for “decompression of the
vertebral discs and facet joints, that is, unloading
due to distraction and positioning.” |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
To date there have been fifteen
publications on VAX-D. Eight are studies published in juried medical
journals. All report that VAX-D was effective for 75-80% of the patients treated.
In most cases, chronic low back conditions are resolved within
20-30 treatments. No other non-surgical procedure
has been demonstrated to have this level of effectiveness. |
|
|
|
|
|
VAX-D is a relatively new medical
procedure. The therapy has worked for thousands of patients, and over
3000 patients per day, worldwide, are now being treated. Awareness of
VAX-D is growing rapidly as physicians and healthcare providers
learn about it and the phenomenal results it has achieved. As a
result, VAX-D is now becoming the standard of care for chronic low
back pain. |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Almost. You have to qualify medically,
and the small percentage of people who have the following conditions
do not:
• Tumors
• Fractures
• Advanced Osteoporosis
• Certain conditions (diseases) that compromise the structural
integrity of the spine and discs.
In addition, VAX-D is not prescribed for pregnant women. |
|
|
|
|
|
Having back surgery does not prevent
you from having VAX-D unless you have fixed surgical hardware used to
fuse the spine. In fact, clinical studies show that VAX-D provides
relief for patients who have had one or more back surgeries. |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Treatments are daily, 5 days a week,
and take one hour. Our treatment hours are from 7:00 am to 7:00pm,
making it possible for patients traveling from the suburbs to fit
treatments into their schedules. |
|
|
|
|
|
Many patients continue being fully
productive while receiving VAX-D treatments. Studies show that
patients who do miss work usually return to work more quickly than
those treated with other types of conservative care or surgery. |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
All patients are given a careful
clinical evaluation and diagnosis, including a review and/or analysis
of x-rays, MRI’s or other films by Board certified physicians and
physical therapists, in order to achieve a clear diagnosis and
determine whether or not the patient qualifies for VAX-D treatments.
Qualified patients are given VAX-D treatments plus any additional
necessary physical therapy or nutritional support by certified staff,
monitored by physicians. All patient progress is monitored on a daily
basis, and re-examinations are given at appropriate times. When
necessary, and when prescribed by a staff physician, we also use other
clinic resources such as chiropractic and/or physical therapy
interventions and/or modalities. Finally, upon successfully completing
VAX-D treatments, when necessary, patients are taught appropriate
exercises by a staff physical therapist. |
|
|
|
|
|
The main difference between VAX-D and
traction is function. VAX-D decompresses the disc by reducing
intradiscal pressures so low that extruded disc tissue is pulled back
into the disc. The low intradiscal pressure also causes an infusion of
fluid and nutrient cells. That is what makes it so effective. VAX-D is
the only process that has been found in clinical research to lower
disc pressure to negative levels.
Studies published on conventional traction, on the other hand,
demonstrate that pressures within the discs stayed the same, were not
lowered and, in some instances, were actually elevated. |
|
|
|
|
|
There area many copy cat devices that
claim to be the same as VAX-D but actually are not. They go by
different names, including: DRX, DRS, Lordex, and Spinex. They are
traction devices that can stretch the lower back, but they have not
demonstrated the ability to lower intradiscal pressures. Traction
tables have a small electric wench that attaches to the head of the
table. A rope and pulley are then attached to either a cervical device
or lumbar belts. Either static or intermittent traction modes can be
chosen, but neither have been shown to reduce intradiscal pressure.
Only VAX-D has clinically demonstrated this. |
|
|
|
|
|
For those who can do it, VAX-D is
better than surgery. The trouble with surgery is that is physically
alters the spine by removing all or part of the problematic disc.
Although this can reduce the pressure on the nerve, and relieve the
back pain, the surgery tends to place more stress on the healthy discs
above and below. Complications from surgery can be severe and may
result in debilitating conditions. Clinical Studies show that VAX-D is
successful in about 8 out of 10 cases. |
|
|
|
|
|
No. VAX-D® is physical medicine. While
it is within the scope of practice for a chiropractor, it is nothing
like a chiropractic adjustment and is not considered a chiropractic
procedure. However, in our clinic medical doctors, chiropractors and
physical therapists work as a team to provide patients with any
necessary care. Thus, some of our VAX D patients occasionally receive
chiropractic adjustments if their disc problem is complicated by a
musculo-skeletal condition best addressed with chiropractic. Physical
therapy and nutrition are similarly used. All serve as an indication
of our commitment to tailoring treatment to the particular needs of
each patient. |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
We have many, many testimonials,
letters, and success stories from patients who have successfully
completed their treatment program at our clinic. We would be happy to
share these wonderful successes stories and testimonials with you. In
accordance with Illinois Medical legislation, success stories and
testimonials can not be posted on a website hosted in the state of
Illinois or used in any advertising. Therefore, during your first
consultation copies of these will be available for you at your request
and are always available in our reception area and conference room.
Alternatively, upon request we can e-mail some copies to you directly.
To request copies please call us at (312) 939 - 4121.
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Many insurance companies cover VAX-D
treatments. And, while many do not, a growing number have begun to.
Once patients come in for the no-charge consultation, the clinic
insurance staff will review coverage with patients and their
insurance companies. |
|
|
|
|
