VAX-D Spinal Decompression

VAX D actually refers to Vertebral Axial Decompression. It is a therapeutic machine or table intended to stretch your lower back. It is motorized traction equipment that provides pain relief to patients suffering from mild to severe back pain. This therapy is usually offered for outpatient setting. Doctors often suggest a 30 to 45 minutes session and patients should complete a whole program which usually consists of 20 sessions. The cost of a complete program can cost a patient several thousand dollars.

This table is computer operated and the process is easy. Patients are positioned face down in the able with their arms stretch overhead and holding a handle that is attached in the table. This table offers slow stretching of the spine alternating a few minutes with relaxation. If patients feel too much discomfort then the patient can limit the number of tractions by just releasing the handle. This procedure works effectively and it leads to spinal decompression.

Various conditions of the back are treated with this decompression therapy but the most common condition of all is herniated spinal disc. Such conditions occur when the disc is damaged so that the gelatinous material can leak out its inner outer layer which can then press against the spinal nerve which can cause pain and sometimes loss of nerve function.

VAX –D alternating traction can be effective to manage pain which is linked to bulging disc although manual manipulation which definitely cost less is equally effective too. No studies can prove that this traction machine can really correct a herniated disc although it can help manage the pain symptoms brought by the condition (The Back Letter 1998 ).

There are other similar devices that are out in the market and these devices usually cost around $80,000 to $125,000 for a new one. There are also used ones which can cost between $20,000 to $40,000. Indeed a lot of research and studies have been made to prove the effectivity of VAX-D in spinal decompression unfortunately not one results can prove its scientific claim of being able to treat various back conditions ( Journal of Neurosurgery 1994 ).

In conclusion, VAX-D is a high tech form of mechanical traction and is quite expensive. It can offer relief in some cases of back problems but unfortunately been marketed with unproven claims where it can correct herniated disc and degenerated disc diseases without surgery. It may be cleared by FDA as a traction device but FDA sets limits on it when it comes with manufacture’s claim. VAX-D therapy may provide relief for selected patients however there is a very good reason to believe that manual treatment can accomplish what this devices claim and manual treatment is less expensive and safe too.