Surgery, endoscopic diskectomy, or noninvasive decompression therapy? For most patients with back and neck pain caused by disk disease, herniated disk, or other disk deformity, the choice is simple. For the practitioner who sees these patients, the challenge is to provide proof that they have made the right choice. Advanced Decompression is a solution for both patient and practitioner.

The Dynatron DX1™ Advanced Decompression System treats back pain by combining the benefits of light therapy, decompression, and exercise into a three- phase treatment.

Phase 1: Light Therapy

While only recently cleared by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in the United States, light therapy has been used throughout the world for more than 25 years. Today, light therapy is backed by a vast amount of research with more than 4,000 published studies covering a wide range of conditions. The results reveal that light therapy has applications for tissue repair, soft-tissue inflammatory conditions, and pain reduction; as well as indications that light therapy speeds up the inflammatory process (healing), increases the size and number of fibroblasts, results in neoangiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels), and synthesizes collagen.

By pretreating with unattended light therapy using the Dynatron XP™ Light Pad prior to beginning decompression, the patient benefits from relaxation of muscle spasms, increased circulation, and relief of minor muscle and joint aches. Pretreating with light therapy facilitates a better outcome than decompression alone by eliminating or lessening muscle resistance. The pad covers an 8- x 10-inch area (more than 500 cm2), 100 times larger than the average light probe. With 7,500 mW of power per pad, the entire low back can be treated in 4 to 9 minutes. The DX1 Advanced Decompression System includes three channels of light therapy (one probe and two pads), all controlled by an interactive touch-screen display. While the pads cover large areas, the probe provides the ability to focus on smaller, more specific treatment areas when necessary. This multichannel device allows one patent to receive the light-therapy phase while another patient receives the traction treatment.

The new Dynatron DX1 system automatically calculates and digitally displays the angle of pull by means of a digital goniometer allowing for targeted decompression.

Phase 2: Decompression

Decompression therapy has been cleared by the FDA to relieve pressure on structures that may be causing back pain. It relieves pain associated with herniated disks, protruding disks, degenerative disk disease, posterior facet syndrome, and sciatica. These benefits are achieved through the decompression of intervertebral disks, which stretches the spine by causing separation of the vertebrae. The idea is to relieve pressure on the disks and create a negative pressure/space that draws herniated material back into the disk, as well as nutrients and oxygen to aid healing. After completing the regimen of decompression treatments, disks can return to a normal state, relieving pressure on nerves and eliminating radiating pain.

The new Dynatron DX1 system automatically calculates and digitally displays the angle of pull by means of a digital goniometer allowing for targeted decompression. If the practitioner needs to verify the correct traction angle, touching the digital display screen will reveal an angle reference chart that displays recommended traction angles for lumbar and cervical treatments. This kind of precision directly benefits the patient and enhances the success of the practitioner.

An additional benefit to the patient is an onboard library. The DX1 Library provides tutorials for light therapy and decompression. Tutorials display treatment information and graphics of the healthy spine, as well as herniated and degenerative disks that can provide patient education—lessening the element of patient fear—as well as informative staff training. For the practitioner and staff, the library also contains a light-therapy applications manual for reference and instruction.

Phase 3: Core Strength

Once pain has diminished, a detailed exercise program to strengthen core muscles and improve flexibility completes the treatment. If muscles support and give strength to the spine, and lack of proper muscle support and weakness of the spine result in disk problems and structural weakness, then the reality is that decompression without proper muscle strengthening and rehabilitation is a very expensive and perhaps temporary remedy.

To read how one DC implemented decompression therapy, go to the January 2007 article titled, "Trial Offer."

Each DX1 Decompression System includes the book Exercises for a Healthy Neck and Back, written and compiled by J. Stephen Guffey, PT, EdD. The manual contains exercises commonly used to address typical back and neck problems, including exercises for the cervical and lumbar spine. In addition, exercises are included for general strengthening of the trunk muscles and for promoting range of motion. All exercises, of course, should not be applied in the absence of a complete evaluation by a qualified health care provider. Exercises should be used where deemed appropriate as part of completing this comprehensive plan of care.

Decompression therapy is a serious protocol for those with chronic back pain who are looking for solutions short of surgery. In addition to the time commitment, there is typically significant cost to the patient not covered by insurance. The DX1 Advanced Decompression System is designed to meet these needs by combining the light therapy, targeted traction, and a rehabilitating exercise program. With Americans spending at least $50 billion per year to treat low-back pain, there has never been a better time to offer the best program and equipment possible to those seeking help.

Larry K. Beardall is executive vice president for Dynatronics Corp, Salt Lake City. Contact him at .