Our Summary

This research paper discusses the use of pigs to test medical devices for the spine. Initially, the researchers encountered problems with the animal model, as many of the pigs developed health issues after surgery. They suspected the issues might be due to instability in the spine after the procedure, leading to spinal cord injuries. To solve the problem, they tried stabilizing the spine using a method called “Lubra plates”. The pigs that underwent this procedure did not show any of the previously observed health issues. However, the researchers noted that the MRI images of the spinal cord did not consistently match up with the animals’ health outcomes. Therefore, more research is needed to fully understand the situation and confirm their findings.

FAQs

  1. What were the health issues that the pigs developed after the initial surgery?
  2. What is the purpose of using “Lubra plates” in the study?
  3. Why do the MRI images of the spinal cord not consistently match up with the animals’ health outcomes?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient undergoing spinal decompression to follow post-operative instructions carefully, including avoiding heavy lifting and maintaining proper posture to prevent further strain on the spine. They may also recommend physical therapy to help strengthen the muscles supporting the spine and improve overall mobility. Additionally, it is important for the patient to communicate any changes in symptoms or concerns with their healthcare provider to ensure a successful recovery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended spinal decompression therapy are those who suffer from conditions such as:

  1. Herniated or bulging discs
  2. Degenerative disc disease
  3. Sciatica
  4. Spinal stenosis
  5. Facet syndrome
  6. Failed back surgery syndrome
  7. Chronic back or neck pain

These patients may experience symptoms such as radiating pain, numbness or tingling in the extremities, muscle weakness, and difficulty with mobility. Spinal decompression therapy is often recommended as a non-invasive treatment option to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves and alleviate symptoms associated with these conditions.

Timeline

Before spinal decompression:

  1. Patient experiences chronic back pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs.
  2. Patient undergoes diagnostic tests such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans to determine the cause of their symptoms.
  3. Doctor recommends non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, medication, or injections to relieve symptoms.
  4. If conservative treatments are ineffective, the doctor may recommend spinal decompression surgery as a last resort.

After spinal decompression:

  1. Patient undergoes spinal decompression surgery to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves.
  2. Patient may experience some pain and discomfort immediately following the surgery.
  3. Patient undergoes physical therapy to help strengthen the muscles supporting the spine and improve flexibility.
  4. Over time, the patient experiences a reduction in pain, numbness, and other symptoms as the spinal nerves are no longer compressed.
  5. Patient may need to follow a rehabilitation plan to gradually increase their activity level and prevent future spinal issues.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is spinal decompression and how does it work?
  2. Am I a good candidate for spinal decompression therapy?
  3. What are the potential risks and complications associated with spinal decompression?
  4. How long will it take to see results from spinal decompression therapy?
  5. What alternative treatment options are available for my condition?
  6. Will I need to undergo any additional tests or imaging before starting spinal decompression therapy?
  7. How many sessions of spinal decompression therapy will I need?
  8. What can I expect during a spinal decompression session?
  9. Are there any lifestyle changes or exercises I should do to complement spinal decompression therapy?
  10. What is the success rate of spinal decompression therapy for patients with my specific condition?

Reference

Authors: Slot EMH, de Boer B, Redegeld S, van Thoor S, Moayeri N, Slooff WB, Schaafsma IA, Meij B, van Doormaal TPC. Journal: Animal Model Exp Med. 2022 Apr;5(2):153-160. doi: 10.1002/ame2.12213. Epub 2022 Feb 22. PMID: 35234366