Journal of Spine

A Case Series of Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression as an Adjunct to Routine Physiotherapy Management of Patients with Chronic Mechanical Low Back Pain

Abstract

Ezinne C Ekediegwu*, Chike Chuka, Ifeoma Nwosu, Chigozie Uchenwoke, Nelson Ekechukwu and Adesola Odole

Background: Treatments for low back pain (LBP) vary widely. In Africa, the most common forms of therapy include rest and pain medications. However, a novel conservative therapy for LBP is the non-surgical spinal decompression (NSD) (with Intervertebral Differential Dynamics (IDD)) even though considered investigational, improves LBP. This study was aimed to investigate the outcome of chronic LBP with or without radiculopathy using NSD amidst other conservative treatment.

Method: Patients were treated with an average number of 10 sessions within 2 months of NSD therapy, in addition to spinal mobilisation, cervical and lumbo-pelvic muscles re-education programme, soft-tissue therapy, low-level laser therapy, hot or cold application and home exercise programme if indicated. Pre- and post-intervention scores of pain intensity of each treatment session on a Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) were compared using a paired t-test to determine statistical significance.

Results and Main findings: One hundred and twenty-five patients (73 males, 52 females) were analysed. The mean age and weight of the patients were 54.70 ± 14.07 years and 192.10 ± 35.91 lbs (87.14 ± 16.29 kg) respectively. The mean starting pain intensity score was 4.98 ± 1.86 whereas the mean ending pain intensity score was 4.11 ± 1.84 on a 10-point NPRS. The mean ending pain intensity score was less and also, statistically significant (p=0.000).

Conclusion: Statistically significant improvement in LBP could be achieved using NSD and other traditional conservative management. Long-term follow up post NSD is needful.