The VAX-D Back Center of Chicago, 1731 North Marcey St., provides non-surgical treatment for chronic back pain due to herniated, bulging or degenerative discs in the low back. Dr. Walsh, the medical director, is Board Certified in Orthopedic Surgery with over 30 years experience in treating back pain. According to Dr. Walsh, surgery is not the answer to most back pain and VAX-D is an effective non-surgical treatment—successful in over 70 percent of cases.
VAX-D (Vertebral Axial Decompression) is a non-invasive treatment for chronic back and leg pain from lumbar disc disease. Acute back pain symptoms usually resolve on their own in one to two months. When the symptoms don't go away, people frequently have surgery—which often does not help and results in the "failed back surgery" syndrome. Before resorting to surgery, it makes sense to try a conservative approach. And that is where VAX-D comes in.
VAX-D has been scientifically shown to lower the pressure inside the disc and thus promote healing of the diseased disc. It accomplishes this by using a patented FDA approved computer-controlled intermittent traction. This is different than traditional "traction" which does not lower the pressure in the disc; in fact, it may increase it.
VAX-D is a non-surgical decompression system for the treatment of low back conditions and associated leg pain or numbness. It decompresses and re-hydrates the disc by creating a vacuum like effect in the disc, which draws the disc back into place so it can heal. During the decompression procedure, the patient lies face down on the table and holds the hand grips; intermittent tension is applied through a pelvic belt. This decompresses the discs in the lumbar spine.
The VAX-D treatments are given in a series of 20-30 treatments. The patient's cost will depend upon his or her diagnosis, and on the payment arrangements. Most insurance policies now cover VAX-D treatment. The VAX-D physician evaluates the condition of potential patients. Those who have had X-rays, MRIs or CT scans should bring them to the consultation.
The patient's progress is evaluated weekly by the doctor. Some may require more frequent evaluations, depending upon their condition and response to treatment. The main objective of the treatment is to attain a long term positive outcome in appropriately selected patients.
This treatment is not traction, it's a decompression procedure. VAX-D produces a vacuum like effect within the disc, while traction does not.
VAX-D is not experimental or investigational; it is fully FDA approved. It is the only system that has been approved by the FDA for lumbar spinal decompression. VAX-D has also been given a Patent by the U.S. Patent Office. Traction cannot be patented, as it has been around for centuries.
This treatment was in the development stage for about 10 years. It was given full FDA approval for lumbar spinal decompression in 1996. The treatment doesn't hurt; in fact, most people notice a reduction of pain during treatment. There are no risks associated with it, and the patient is in full control. The design of equipment allows the patient to stop the treatment at any time.
Patients are encouraged to remain at work during VAX-D treatments providing work activities do not aggravate their condition. A "return-to-work assessment" will be performed after two weeks of VAX-D treatments to assess the patients' ability to continue with or return to work. The effects of VAX-D are permanent in most cases.
Patients sometimes wonder if they can have VAX-D treatments if they've already had surgery. The answer is yes, providing they do not still have metal implants in the back. VAX-D can also help arthritis in many cases. Questions arise on various conditions. In most cases, the doctor will need to determine if VAX-D is indicated or contraindicated.
In some cases, the possibility for success may be less then optimal, but if there is a chance, and there are no other safer alternatives, it may still be worth it to try. Conditions less likely to qualify are severe stenosis, severe scoliosis, spondylolisthesis with bilateral pars defects, severe osteoporosis, ankylosing spondylitis, and various diseases and fractures of the spine.
The VAX-D Back Center of Chicago is located at 1731 N. Marcey St. The parking garage is located at the north end of the building. Take the elevator to the fifth floor, Suite 530.
Contact the VAX-D Back Center of Chicago at (312) 867-7090, or email info@vaxdchicago.com. |
