The Long Island Disc Decompression Center

1842 E. Jericho Turnpike Huntington, NY 11743

IMMEDIATE APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Vax-D?

Low back pain is a growing epidemic among industrialized societies. In the United States it is the most common work related disorder. The cost to industry is staggering, with estimates running 20 billion dollars or more annually. (4,42) Total payments for a single Workman's Compensation claim may be as high as $100,000. VAX-D is indicated for patients with low back pain that has been unresponsive to conventional therapy for 6-8 weeks. Patients with radiculopathies are also candidates. The presence of a neurological deficit does not affect patient eligibility since studies have revealed the outcome in patients with neurological deficits was not affected by surgical or medical management.(15) The presence of a rapidly progressive neurological deficit is an indication for surgery. Patients presenting with a fusion and the post surgical failed back syndrome may also be candidates.

Who invented Vax-D?

The VAX-D therapeutic table (Vertebral Axial Decompression) addresses the functional and mechanical aspects of discogenic pain and disease. The table was invented by Dr. Allan Dyer, former Deputy Minister of Health from Ontario and a pioneer in the development of the external cardiac defibrillator.

What is VAX-D and how does it work?

VAX-D is a patented medical technology that gently stretches the spine and decompresses discs. Pressures in the lower lumber spine can be as high as +180 mm of mercury during many common daily activities. VAX-D Treatment is able to reduce the pressure in the lumbar spine down to levels of –180 mm of mercury, allowing fluids and nutrients to re-enter the disc; reducing swelling and relieving the pressure on pinched nerves. In short, VAX-D breaks the cycle of pain caused by bulging and degenerated discs and helps the body heal itself.

Patients are treated fully clothed and are fitted with a harness that fits around their pelvis as they lie face down on a motorized Table. A Certified VAX-D technician operates the Table from a computerized console. Each treatment takes about 45 minutes. Most patients find VAX-D to be comfortable and relief of pain can usually be noticed in the first few sessions.

What is the difference between Vax-D and a traction table?

The VAX-D table is an external decompression device and this separates it from conventional traction. Studies verifying decompression of the disc and nerve root are now available for VAX-D. I reviewed the literature and I could not find any available data that conventional traction reduced intradiscal pressure to the negative range nor are there any studies on conventional traction showing beneficial effects in nerve root compression and conditions associated with discogenic dysfunction. Many patients who receive VAX-D therapy have had chronic back pain and failed numerous modalities including traction. Their positive response to VAX-D therapy, after having failed conventional therapy and traction confirms VAX-D's assertion that it is not conventional traction.

Will VAX-D help a slipped disc?

A bulging or "herniated" disc is sometimes incorrectly referred to as a "slipped" disc. VAX-D succeeds at treating bulging or herniated discs over 70% of the time.

If I have had back surgery, can I still have VAX-D?

Having back surgery does not prevent you from having VAX-D unless you have fixed surgical hardware used to fuse the spine. In fact, clinical studies show that VAX-D provides relief for patients who have had one or more back surgeries. Every case is unique and determineing the best treatment option is the first step in recovery. Click the Make a FREE appointment link and in less then one minute you can choose the best time to see the physician.

If I go on VAX-D, how many treatments will I need, and how quickly can I expect to get better?

The number of treatment sessions required depends upon the diagnosis and the overall severity of your condition. One treatment session is about 45 minutes long. The total number of treatments averages between 10 and 28 sessions. Some difficult cases may require some additional sessions. Relief from pain varies with each individual and their physiology. However, most patients will experience some pain relief within the first few treatments.

Is VAX-D better than surgery?

In most cases, VAX-D is better than surgery. This is due to the fact that surgery physically alters the spine by removing all or part of the problematic disc. Although this can reduce the pressure on the nerve, and relieve the back pain, the surgery tends to place more stress on the healthy discs above and below. Complications from surgery can be severe and may result in debilitating conditions. Clinical Studies show that VAX-D is successful in about 7 out of 10 cases.

Are there any reasons that I cannot go on VAX-D?

There are a few individuals that cannot take advantage of this treatment. These people have conditions such as:

  • Tumors
  • Fractures
  • Advanced Osteoporosis
  • Pregnancy or Certain conditions (diseases) that compromise the structural integrity of the spine and discs.
  • These conditions are present in only a small percentage of the population.

    How much does VAX-D cost, and will my health insurance or Workers Compensation cover it?

    Health care as you know is very expensive and VAX-D is no exception. Many insurance plans cover VAX-D. Prior to treatment a complete benefit verification is performed for each patient . Finding out exact coverage before treatment is essential to preventing surprises.

    VAX-D insurance coverage varies from state to state and from one insurance carrier to another. Generally, the cost of VAX-D is about 1/10th the cost of back surgery. Workers Compensation coverage varies by state.

    If VAX-D works so well, how come I have not heard more about it?

    VAX-D is a relatively new medical procedure in the United States. The therapy has worked for thousands of patients, and over 3000 patients per day, worldwide, are now being treated. The awareness of VAX-D is growing every day, as physicians and healthcare providers learn about VAX-D and the phenomenal results it has achieved in numerous clinical studies. As a result, VAX-D is now becoming the standard of care for chronic low back pain.

    How is VAX-D different from traction or the other treatment claiming to decompress the spine?

    Although traction devices can stretch the lower back, they have not demonstrated the ability to decompress the lumbar discs and spinal nerves. Traction tables have a small electric wench that attaches to the head of the table. A rope and pulley are then attached to either a cervical device or lumbar belts. Either static or intermittent traction modes can be chosen, but neither have been shown to reduce intradiscal pressure and decompress the discs and nerves. Frequently, VAX-D research is found on traction table websites.

    Why should I consider VAX-D Therapy?

    VAX-D is the original patented, Non-Surgical Treatment for Low Back Pain and the only treatment that delivers VAX-D’s patented decompression curve, resulting in a success rate of over 80%.

    VAX-D Therapy has been proven safe and effective in numerous clinical studies. Over 3,000 patients a day are being treated with VAX-D Therapy. Other so-called "decompression treatments" simply don't have published clinical studies proving they can lower intradiscal pressure.

    VAX-D Therapy is non-invasive and without the risks and complications associated with surgery, injections and anesthesia. VAX-D is painless and patients can remain at light duty work while taking treatment. VAX-D is also easy and convenient. Sessions last about 45 minutes a day, for 15 - 20 days. It’s that easy.

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