The Accu-SPINA® is the only therapeutic device approved to deliver IDD Therapy® (Intervertebral Differential Dynamics) Disc Treatment. IDD Therapy® is a broad range of treatment protocols that mimics many conventional physical-therapy regimens.
Unlike those other regimens, the Accu-SPINA® is able to treat the specific spinal segments that are damaged with computer directed precision, and variable pressure, to ensure an individualized treatment protocol for each patient. There truly is no other spinal rehabilitation device like the Accu-SPINA®.
The Accu-SPINA® stands out from other spinal decompression options on the market due to the utilization of three separate waveforms delivered based on the parameters set by the treating clinician (sinusoidal, triangular, or square waveforms). Additionally, it produces a unique, patented, secondary waveform called oscillation, which is a key component elevating IDD Therapy® above other treatment options.
For example, one of the most common problems caused by disc issues is pain located at the bottom of the back, the Accu-SPINA’s delivery method allows for highly specific mobilization, or distraction, of the targeted spinal segment (in the case of the lower back, L4 or L5) to improve functional performance. Fully computer-directed, the treatment regimen can be duplicated or modified as needed for any spinal segment and can be adjusted over the course of the patient’s full rehabilitative treatment.
What is IDD Therapy® Treatment?
Intervertebral Differential Dynamics (IDD) Therapy is a precise, computer-controlled, advanced form of spinal decompression therapy used to open the disc space between targeted vertebrae to alleviate the pain caused by disc compression and degeneration. Compressed discs (also known as bulging, slipped, ruptured, prolapsed, or herniated discs) are the root cause of many issues that affect our bodies – not just the neck and back, but also arms, legs, and extremities.
How IDD Therapy goes beyond other decompression therapy options
By utilizing dynamic energy applied at differentiating levels of the spine to administer gentle motion (mobilization) during treatment to relieve pressure, IDD Therapy® is a more effective bulging and herniated disc treatment, degenerative disc treatment, sciatica treatment – in short, a better treatment option for most causes of lower back pain.
IDD Therapy treatment is ONLY administered using the Accu-SPINA® system. Both IDD Therapy and the Accu-SPINA were developed and advanced by neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, PTs, and other healthcare professionals, for the non-surgical resolution of back and neck pain. After decades of use, and millions of treatments, we are proud to say that IDD Therapy has maintained an exemplary safety record and outstanding success rates.
What are the goals of treatment?
IDD Therapy is delivered by the Accu-SPINA®, an FDA cleared class II medical device which has three key aims:
IMPROVE THE HEALTH OF THE INTERVERTEBRAL DISC
REHABILITATE AND RE-EDUCATE SUPPORTING SOFT TISSUES
REALIGN SPINAL STRUCTURES
What does IDD Therapy® disc treatment feel like?
During a treatment, you may feel a slight stretch-like motion or movement of the bed under you, which is often accompanied by a sensation of relief in the region of your pain.
While some patients do experience immediate improvement after the first session, some may begin to feel their pre-treatment discomfort return or even increase slightly. This can occur because your spinal structures are unaccustomed to a full range of movements.
As with a new exercise regimen, the soreness will subside after subsequent treatments and the duration of relief between treatments will last longer and longer- even as you increase physical activity at home.
How many treatments will it take?
The number of treatments will be determined by the treating therapist. The Accu-SPINA® may be used to provide short courses of treatment, though many patients require a series of 20 treatments to achieve the best result.
A typical treatment session averages 45 minutes to 1 hour with up to 25 minutes treatment time on the Accu-SPINA®.
Who is a candidate for IDD Therapy?
IDD is suitable for patients suffering with unresolved back pain, neck pain, leg pain (sciatica) or arm pain caused by spinal nerve root irritation. Most commonly, patients with bulging or herniated discs “slipped disc”, degenerative disc disease and chronic stiffness in the lower back are candidates for treatment.
In most cases patients have had back pain for more than three months. They will have already had standard conservative treatments and feel that their unresolved back pain is continuing to impact negatively on their life. Patients may be taking pain medications and in the extreme, may be considering pain injections and/or surgery.
Is there evidence for the success of treatment?
Yes. There is a growing body of research for IDD Therapy and studies have been conducted examining the success of treatment. Results show that IDD Therapy can be superior to or comparable with other modalities. Further research will be undertaken as part of a commitment to evidence-based medicine.
As the manufacturers of the Accu-SPINA®, we have programmed internationally-recognized research tools into the computer software to enable clinicians to measure, analyze and report ongoing patient outcomes. No other physiotherapeutic device has such ability to measure and monitor the outcomes of treatment.
View the clinical studies page to learn more or visit one of our clinic provider’s pages to see their patient testimonials.
How is the treatment administered?
IDD Therapy is delivered by the Accu-SPINA, an FDA cleared Class II medical device. These new machines use sophisticated computer software to apply controlled pulling forces at measured angles in a precise and safe manner to a patient who remains fully clothed, comfortable and relaxed on the treatment bed.
Ergonomic harnesses connect the patient to the Accu-SPINA machine and taking into account the patient’s weight and condition, a distraction force (stretch) is applied to targeted segments of the spine. Pulling forces are gradually increased over the course of treatments as the body becomes conditioned to the treatment. All aspects of IDD Therapy are recorded by the Accu-SPINA machine.
In addition to treatment on the Accu-SPINA machine, patients begin with ten minutes of infrared heat applied to their lower back using new carbon fabric infrared pads worn against the body (Thermedic). These infrared pads help to relieve pain and increase blood flow in the target area. Warming muscles and ligaments helps to make them more supple and this allows a deeper and more comfortable distraction on the machine. After treatment on the Accu-SPINA machine, patients have ten minutes with cold therapy to help prevent any temporary soreness caused by muscles being worked in a new way.
Healthy Discs
An intervertebral disc in the spine serves many functions. The two main functions are shock absorption and to support the spinal column during movement.
The discs in the lumbar spine must absorb shock resulting from daily activities as well as support the entire weight of the upper trunk. The nucleus pulposus (center of the disc) has a toothpaste consistency which is 70-90% water and makes up 30-50% of the entire disc. To contain this material, the annulus fibrosis surrounds the nucleus. The annulus is a very strong ligament which is oriented much like the rings of a tree.
Bulging Discs
Over time, factors such as age and lifestyle, these tissues lose their water content and become dehydrated which decreases their ability to function properly. The Mayo Clinc explains that changes can cause the outer layer of the disk to bulge out fairly evenly all the way around its circumference — so it looks a little like a hamburger that’s too big for its bun.
A bulging disc doesn’t always affect the entire perimeter of a disc, but at least a quarter if not half of the disk’s circumference is usually affected. Only the outer layer of tough cartilage is involved.
Herniated Discs
As with Bulging discs, the tissues lose their water content and become dehydrated, but Herniated Discs will develop small cracks or tears, allowing the nucleus to begin to leak out. This herniation (or rupture) can protrude out into the spinal column and openings where nerves run. The pressure created on the nerves can cause pain. To learn more about the differences between Bulging Discs and Herniated Discs, view this information from the Mayo Clinic.
How IDD Therapy® Can Help with Herniated Disc Treatment, Bulging Disc Treatment & Slipped Disc Treatment
IDD Therapy® may not only alleviate spinal pain, but also create the essential disc environment to actually correct the underlying problems to allow your body to begin healing.
Through computer directed oscillating movements, specific vertebrae are distracted to unload pressure on the healthy disc. This recurring movement also creates a pumping effect which is intended to create a negative pressure inside the disc. This, in turn, encourages the bulge to retract, or suck back in.
In addition, the pumping action also causes an influx of nutrients to the disc and surrounding tissues. As blood and oxygen flood the treated area, damaged tissue can regenerate and heal.
All of this is accomplished with
- No needles,
- No incisions,
- No Scar tissues build-up, and
- No risk of complications from anesthesia.
What Should I Expect After an IDD Therapy Treatment Session?
The day following an IDD Therapy® treatment session it is normal to feel a little sore and/or stiff. The soreness occurs because the muscles and ligaments are changing shape. This is very similar to a person who works out for the first time. The muscles are not used to the new forces, and therefore react by producing lactate; and the ligamental tissues may respond as they are being re-educated. Your doctor may prescribe a pain medication, or at home exercises, that will help ease the discomfort. If you notice any symptoms or feel your discomfort is severe, tell your doctor immediately.
Astounding Success Rates
IDD Therapy® Treatment clinical studies demonstrated a success rate of over 91% with patients who had previously been referred for surgery. This means that many people get significant, long-term relief from their neck, spine and back pain, enabling them to avoid surgery.
How quickly do patients notice a reduction in pain?
Some patients report improvement after the first session, but more often, patients will feel some relief and/or notice changes occurring within an average of 4-6 visits.
Everyone’s body and treated condition is unique, therefore your body may react quicker or slower to this treatment. Be patient and don’t give up. Your doctor will do periodic re-evaluations to monitor your progress throughout the course of treatment.
