Vertebral axial decompression for low back pain

WCB Evidence Based Practice Group
Record ID 32006000876
English
Authors' objectives:

The purpose of this review is to conduct a systematic review on the effectiveness of vertebral axial decompression (VAX-D) in treating low back pain associated with lumbar disc herniation, degenerative disc disease, posterior facet syndrome, sciatica or radiculopathy.

Authors' recommendations: VAX-D system is a specialized table and computer designed to apply distractive tension along the axis of the spine. The VAX-D system is promoted to alleviate pain and neurological deficits associated with nerve root compression. The system is also promoted as being 'completely risk free'. To date there is no evidence that the VAX-D system is effective in treating chronic low back pain associated with herniated disc, degenerative disc, posterior facet syndrome, sciatica or radiculopathy. A survey on various workers' compensation board and health insurance company websites revealed that none of these entities reimburse or provide a special reimbursement for VAX-D treatment.
Authors' methods: Review
Details
Project Status: Completed
Year Published: 2005
English language abstract: An English language summary is available
Publication Type: Not Assigned
Country: Canada
MeSH Terms
  • Decompression, Surgical
  • Low Back Pain
  • Radiculopathy
  • Sciatica
Contact
Organisation Name: WorkSafeBC
Contact Address: 6591 Westminster Highway, Richmond, BC, V7C 1C6 Canada. Tel: 604-231-8417; Fax: 604-279-7698
Contact Name: ebpg@worksafebc.com
Contact Email: ebpg@worksafebc.com
Copyright: WorkSafe BC
This is a bibliographic record of a published health technology assessment from a member of INAHTA or other HTA producer. No evaluation of the quality of this assessment has been made for the HTA database.