Back injury Talk - main page
HealthWatch: New Device To Combat Back Pain
Constant Pressure On Spine A Welcome Feeling For Some
Dr. David Marks, M.D.
Reporting
(CBS) NEW YORK It looks like a massage, but some physical therapists say this device could help people with back pain. The instrument runs up and down the spine, rotating each vertebra, which helps restore function and mobility to the injured spine.
"When you restore some function and mobility, even with the smallest amount of rotational motion that we deliver, those patients record phenomenal results," said Dr. Jeffrey Pearlman with Spinal Therapy Medical Group, the company marketing the device.
Traditionally, physical therapists use their hands to perform spinal mobilization, but Dr. Pearlman says hands eventually get tired and lose their effectiveness, but this device works nonstop, continually applying pressure.
Anthony Rack started the treatment after he herniated a disc lifting heavy equipment. The 27-year-old has had several treatments, and says much of his back pain is gone.
"Immediately I thought this is great, I'm feeling half the pain I was feeling before I even walked in here," he said.
We showed video of the device to Dr. Robert Gotlin, a sports therapist with Beth Israel Medical Center.
"My concern would be it would either push too hard, push the wrong direction, or push the wrong thing; and that could cause a problem," he said.
Dr. Gotlin says this device could work for many people, but cautioned, not all back pain is treated alike.
"Not all spine problems need to be mobilized and moved around, and this device works one way," he said.
The company says every patient must have a physical therapy evaluation before beginning the treatment. In most cases, this treatment is covered by insurance.
For more information on where you can get this treatment, go to www.asptonline.com