Overview of Vax-D
The VAX-D Table was invented by Allan E. Dyer, M.D., Ph.D. the former Deputy Minister of Health of Ontario, Canada and developer of the heart defibril­lator. His initial purpose was to treat low back pain from herniated discs and/or degenerative disc disease. Over the last few years it has also shown great promise treating back pain associated with facet arthropathy and related arthritic changes.

The Mechanics of the VAX-D Table

VAX-D is an acronym for Vertebral Axial Decompression. The table is an FDA licensed device that applies a measured amount of distraction force to the intradiscal spaces of the lumbar spine. The table consists of two halves. The patient lies prone with his upper body supported by the fixed section.

This section contains handgrips which the patient grasps to restrain movement as pressure is applied. A specially designed harness is fitted around the pelvic girdle that attaches to the end of the moveable or caudal section. There is a tensionometer to measure the amount of distraction force applied attached to the caudal section. This force is preset and monitored by a technician or physician at a nearby operational console and graphically displayed as function of time on recording paper which becomes part of the patients chart.
  The therapy consists of applying the force gradually by extending the lower half of the table away from the body's center thus creating a pull on the pelvic harness. This is done 15 times in a 30-minute period. Currently the average number of sessions is thirty.

Indications for Use

The most frequent indications for Vertebral Axial Decompression are a herniated disc, either subligamentous or extruded and degenerative disc disease. This has been proven by two clinical studies and clinical experience in over 100 locations where VAX‑D has been used. More recently older patients with spinal joint pain have also benefited from VAX-D by reducing pain and increasing function.