A Prospective Randomized Controlled study of VAX-D and TENS for the
Treatment of Chronic Low Back Pain
(page five of five)

Although the mechanism of action may not be fully understood the thixotrophic (17) properties of the nucleus material may facilitate nuclear migration toward the centre of the disc under negative pressures created by VAX-D.

It has been shown experimentally that elevated lactate levels and low pH in the disc prohibit disc proteoglycan synthesis and accelerates matrix degeneration (18).

Destruction of the proteoglycan matrix and fluid retention properties can lead to a degenerative cascade with loss of cellular reparative functions and vitality. The reduction of intradiscal pressures may enhance the diffusion gradient across the endplate into the avascular disc. It has been postulated that mechanisms that facilitate oxygen and nutrient uptake in the disc may exert a beneficial effect on the metabolism and restorative functions.

Successful reduction of intradiscal pressures with VAX-D therapy represents a technological advance in lumbar spinal treatment and is likely to affect both the biomechanical and biochemical causes of discogenic pain. The results from this study demonstrate that VAX-D is an effective treatment for the management of patients with chronic low back pain and is significantly superior when compared to TENS therapy. Analysis of the data demonstrated an attributable success rate of 68.4% for VAX-D. These findings are consistent with earlier studies by Gose E, Naguszewski W, Naguszewski R. (14)

The results of this prospective study demonstrated that VAX-D can achieve a statistically significant improvement in pain and functional outcome in managing patients suffering from disc related chronic low back pain.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Australian National Musculoskeletal Initiative: For advice and instruction on the use of instruments for the outcome measures used in the present study.

Jane Ambrose, Biostatistician Quintiles: For statistical analysis of the data.

DISCLOSURE

Dr Russell Smart is contracted to and a shareholder in VAX-D Australasia Pty Ltd, a private company that delivers VAX-D service in Australia.

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