"Spinal Decompression", Good or Bad?

You may have seen the ads in the papers or even on TV. Just what is "spinal decompression therapy" and is it worth considering? Let's take a look at the facts.
(Note: Spinal Decompression therapy is often referred to as SD therapy or IDD therapy)

SD therapy is typically described as a "safe, painless, comfortable, non-surgical, non-invasive" alternative to spine surgery. It involves traction of the lumbar vertebrae. Costs typically range from $3000 to $7000 for a full treatment regimen. Most insurance plans pay little if any of the bill. The majority of this cost is typically paid by the patient.

Recently published research stated that at this point "Only one small randomized controlled trial and several lower level efficacy studies have been performed on spinal decompression therapy. In general the quality of these studies is questionable." The researchers concluded that "Only limited evidence is available to warrant the routine use of non-surgical spinal decompression, particularly when many other well investigated, less expensive alternatives are available."

So, can "Spinal Decompression" help? I am certain that it can. Health practitioners have been using various forms of traction therapy for literally thousands of years, and with good results. However, traction therapies generally cost around $25 per treatment and are covered by insurance while SD therapy often costs as much as $250 or more per treatment and is not generally covered by insurance.

Is SD therapy just a fancy traction table with computer screen and a high price tag? The jury is still out on this one, but so far the corporations who brought it to market are still placing their bets on high dollar advertising and not on real research. At least one major manufacturer of SD therapy equipment has been in serious trouble over their unsubstantiated claims. For now, I believe the wise old saying should apply: Buyer Beware.

Source: Chiropractic & Osteopathy