The Effect of Motorized Spinal Decompression Delivered via SpineMED Combined with Physical Therapy Modalities for Patients with Cervical Radiculopathy

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of a 4-week course of motorized spinal decompression delivered via SpineMED combined with physical therapy modalities on the treatment of patients with cervical radiculopathy (CRP). [Subjects] A total of 10 patients with CRP (mean age, 34.70 years; age range, 23-48 years) participated in the study. [Methods] A 4-week course of spinal decompression delivered via SpineMED combined with physical therapy modalities was delivered to the patients for 6 days per week for the first two weeks, and four times per week for two additional weeks. The entire treatment consisted of 20 visits over 4-week period. Comparisons of changes in the visual analogue scale (VAS) and neck disability index (NDI) at pre-intervention and at discharge were analyzed using the paired t-test. [Results] There was a significant improvement in the outcome measures of VAS and NDI after 20 sessions of spinal decompression combined with physical therapy modalities. The mean values of discharge for VAS and NDI were reduced by 21% and 14% respectively, as compared with their mean values at pre-intervention. [Conclusion] The results from the present study suggest that the use of motorized spinal decompression delivered via SpineMED combined with physical therapy modalities appears to be a safe and efficacious, noninvasive treatment modality for patients with CRP.