Back pain affects most of us at some point over our lives and the causes can be wide spread, from lifting an object awkwardly, ‘sleeping funny’ or through taking part in sports. For many people, this pain dissipates over a relatively short period of time and discomfort can be managed with a combination of ice packs and heat treatments along with anti-inflammatories and pain killers. Whilst these solutions work in the short term, long term medication is not ideal and when that pain persists, it’s time to seek professional assistance.
Often, following a trip to a doctor, manipulative therapy is sought from an osteopath, physiotherapist or sports injury practitioner. This type of treatment is usually highly effective but if you’re still experiencing pain, a doctor may start discussing glucocorticoid (steroid) injections. Apart from being invasive, a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine last year showed while these injections may be effective in controlling lower back pain, the relief only lasts for a period of up to twelve months. Aside from injections, the next option on the table might be surgery – again, invasive and potentially requiring a significant recovery period.
So, is there an alternative to invasive procedures? The answer is yes. Intervertebral Differential Dynamics (IDD) therapy is a non-surgical method of spinal decompression which has been shown to alleviate back pain, neck pain and nerve related conditions. It can be used to help with pain caused by:
The IDD machine is computer-controlled with a tailored programme designed to target the problematic segments for each individual patient. Pulling forces gently draw apart (distract) specific discs, allowing them to decompress and relieving any pressure that disc may be exerting on associated nerves. When an area of our body is damaged, often the surrounding muscles and ligaments tighten in a phenomenon known as ‘muscle guarding’. Muscle guarding restricts the flow of fluids and therefore, nutrients to the damaged area, further exacerbating the problem and inhibiting natural healing processes. Distraction gently stretches out those tight muscles and ligaments, freeing spinal structures to realign in their natural position and promoting the dispersion of fluids. These fluids surround the joints, lubricating them, and flow into the disc space, improving mobility, encourage healing and relieving the pain associated with muscle spasm.
IDD therapy has been shown to be effective in the treatment of nerve pain, too. Distinguishable from muscular pain by a pins and needles sensation, numbness or weakness in the affected limb, nerve pain in the leg is commonly known as sciatica. However, the arms too can be affected if the problem is caused by a region higher in the spinal column. The IDD machine uses precisely measured angles to target the problem cervical spinal segment and produces a wavelike, cyclic distraction to promote mobility, increase blood flow and so encourage healing.
IDD therapy is suitable for people of all ages and each session typically lasts around 26 minutes. The number of sessions required is dependent on several factors including diagnosis and each individual’s response to treatment. IDD therapy is part of a programme of care, so expect to receive core stability and strengthening exercises and advice on lifestyle! Talk to Stockwood Osteopathic Clinic today and discover the safe, gentle way of achieving lasting relief from chronic neck, back and nerve pain, allowing you to ditch those pills and get back to enjoying life!
References:
*Nguyen C, Boutron I, Baron G, Sanchez K, Palazzo C, Benchimol R, et al. Intradiscal Glucocorticoid Injection for Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain Associated With Active Discopathy: A Randomized Trial. Ann Intern Med. [Epub ahead of print 21 March 2017] doi: 10.7326/M16-1700
Often, following a trip to a doctor, manipulative therapy is sought from an osteopath, physiotherapist or sports injury practitioner. This type of treatment is usually highly effective but if you’re still experiencing pain, a doctor may start discussing glucocorticoid (steroid) injections. Apart from being invasive, a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine last year showed while these injections may be effective in controlling lower back pain, the relief only lasts for a period of up to twelve months. Aside from injections, the next option on the table might be surgery – again, invasive and potentially requiring a significant recovery period.
So, is there an alternative to invasive procedures? The answer is yes. Intervertebral Differential Dynamics (IDD) therapy is a non-surgical method of spinal decompression which has been shown to alleviate back pain, neck pain and nerve related conditions. It can be used to help with pain caused by:
- Degenerative disc disease
- Sciatic pain
- Slipped discs
- Chronic (on-going) lower back pain
- Herniated (bulging / slipped) discs
The IDD machine is computer-controlled with a tailored programme designed to target the problematic segments for each individual patient. Pulling forces gently draw apart (distract) specific discs, allowing them to decompress and relieving any pressure that disc may be exerting on associated nerves. When an area of our body is damaged, often the surrounding muscles and ligaments tighten in a phenomenon known as ‘muscle guarding’. Muscle guarding restricts the flow of fluids and therefore, nutrients to the damaged area, further exacerbating the problem and inhibiting natural healing processes. Distraction gently stretches out those tight muscles and ligaments, freeing spinal structures to realign in their natural position and promoting the dispersion of fluids. These fluids surround the joints, lubricating them, and flow into the disc space, improving mobility, encourage healing and relieving the pain associated with muscle spasm.
IDD therapy has been shown to be effective in the treatment of nerve pain, too. Distinguishable from muscular pain by a pins and needles sensation, numbness or weakness in the affected limb, nerve pain in the leg is commonly known as sciatica. However, the arms too can be affected if the problem is caused by a region higher in the spinal column. The IDD machine uses precisely measured angles to target the problem cervical spinal segment and produces a wavelike, cyclic distraction to promote mobility, increase blood flow and so encourage healing.
IDD therapy is suitable for people of all ages and each session typically lasts around 26 minutes. The number of sessions required is dependent on several factors including diagnosis and each individual’s response to treatment. IDD therapy is part of a programme of care, so expect to receive core stability and strengthening exercises and advice on lifestyle! Talk to Stockwood Osteopathic Clinic today and discover the safe, gentle way of achieving lasting relief from chronic neck, back and nerve pain, allowing you to ditch those pills and get back to enjoying life!
References:
*Nguyen C, Boutron I, Baron G, Sanchez K, Palazzo C, Benchimol R, et al. Intradiscal Glucocorticoid Injection for Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain Associated With Active Discopathy: A Randomized Trial. Ann Intern Med. [Epub ahead of print 21 March 2017] doi: 10.7326/M16-1700
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