[steber.kir]

#33271

I have degenerative disc disease at L5-S1, and less so at L4-L5. I attempted treating with the DRX 9000 decompression machine at a chiropractor’s office. It was effective only at the L5-S1 level and only lasted approximately 48 hours. Are there other traction options for pain relief at L5-S1 that are equally as effective as the DRX 9000 decompression?

If there was significant pain relief at L5-S1 following the DRX 9000 decompression, is that supporting evidence that a lumbar fusion would be effective and appropriate for pain relief? A surgeon at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN advised against the lumbar fusion. Please help!!

I highly appreciate your expertise and time!

[Donald Corenman, MD, DC]

#33276

If traction gives you some temporary relief, you could try a home inversion table. I’ve occasionally seen them at Costco. Many individuals who try this device don’t like the “head congestion” sensation and there have been some other problems with it. If traction is what you want and you can tolerate the position, then this is an affordable way to gain some relief.

If you have significant degenerative changes of L5-S1 including endplate fractures (see: https://neckandback.com/conditions/isolated-disc-resorption-lumbar-spine-idr/), then a fusion might be very helpful. There are some surgeons who don’t believe in fusion for lower back pain relief but these individuals are diminishing in number.

Dr. Corenman

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