Efficacy of spinal decompression therapy in individuals with cervical disc herniation

Journal of Spine and Neurosurgery

Narkeesh Arumugam and Divya Midha

Department of Physiotherapy, Punjabi University, Patiala, Punja

ABSTRACT

Cervical disc herniation is characterized by breakage of disc material into the spinal canal leading to various symptoms such as arm and neck pain, paresthesias and movement limitations. Current options for pain management include drug therapy, physiotherapy, acupuncture and surgical care. Alternative spinal decompression therapy achieves clinical effectiveness in reducing pain, disability and improving quality of life. 

A total of 30 patients diagnosed with cervical disc herniation were randomized into two groups. Each patient underwent nine treatment sessions of conventional therapy along with cervical stability exercises. Patients within the experimental group additionally underwent treatment with spinal decompression device.

Patients who, in addition to conventional rehabilitation, also completed spinal decompression treatment program (blue) experienced 19% better improvement in Neck Disability Index and 24% higher enhancement in terms of pain than those who underwent only stand-alone conventional rehabilitation (red).Patients who, in addition to conventional rehabilitation, also completed spinal decompression treatment program (blue) experienced 19% better improvement in Neck Disability Index and 24% higher enhancement in terms of pain than those who underwent only stand-alone conventional rehabilitation (red).