The SpineMED® System is designed to isolate and decompress lumbar or cervical discs through distraction and positioning of the spine. Under distraction the pressure exerted on the discs can be reduced dramatically. Reduced intradiscal pressure may help draw the gel like nucleus pulposis back into the center of the disc, thereby relieving pressure on a compressed nerve root. Additionally, reduced pressures may increase the diffusion of fluids and nutrients across the end plates back into the disc, to enhance the body’s natural healing abilities.
The SpineMED® System is patented technology (patent # 7201729). The SpineMED® System has eliminated the use of cumbersome nylon harnesses and outdated traction components. The patented pelvic restraint system provides a secure, comfortable and repeatable capture of the skeletal structure, eliminating the variability and inconvenience of pelvic harnesses. Once the pelvis is captured, the technician can accurately isolate the damaged spinal segment by adjusting the patented pelvic tilting section. Increased specificity combined with a more efficient capture results in lower force requirements than previous technologies (as little as 60%). The SpineMED®System’s ability to achieve results using lower distractive forces greatly increases the scope of patient suitability, particularly with acute patients and the growing geriatric population. Extensive computerization and hospital grade components make the SpineMED® System the most sophisticated decompression device on the market.
SpineMED® is a conservative procedure for patients suffering with bulging or herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, posterior facet syndrome, sciatica, failed back surgery syndrome, and non-specified mechanical low back or neck pain.
The low force requirements associated with SpineMED® limit the contraindications significantly. Primarily, the contraindications for the decompression procedure are instabilities of the spine such as recent fractures, bilateral pars defects, spondylolisthesis above grade 2 or gross osteoporosis. Additional contraindications include cancers or tumors of the spine, pregnancy and patients under the age of 15. Post surgical patients are not contraindicated unless they have surgical hardware fixation in the region of the spine being targeted.
The SpineMED® program consists of 20 – 25 sessions that are 30 minutes in duration. Sessions are typically administered 3-5 times per week over a 4-6 week period. The procedure is performed with the patient fully clothed and has been described as safe and pain free, where most patients cannot discern when the SpineMED® is active. Each session has a cumulative effect that may significantly reduce pain and improve function as patients progress through the SpineMED® program..
Generally, the cost of SpineMED® is a fraction of the cost of back surgery. You will need to be examined for your problem and the SpineMED® treatment takes into account a multitude of factors and is variable from patient to patient. It is customized for the problem you have, and hence the fee can be quoted only after proper clinical examination and completing the diagnostic investigations. You will need to contact your health insurance provider to see if your policy covers the treatment.
