All Decompression Systems induce an opposing force. The question is, which is the most effective, safest, and most comfortable for the user?

When most people hear the phrase "core strength" they think mostly of muscle strength and really do not consider the other components necessary for complete stability. However our true core strength comes from healthy function and structural integrity of many inter-dependent anatomical and physiological components. We will first identify key components, and then describe the application and physiological effects of Multi-Vector Active Spine Traction (mVAST).

SoloTrac is a non-surgical, drug-free procedure for patients suffering discogenic pain caused by:

• Bulging disc

• Herniated disc (non-fragmented)

• Degenerative disc disease (mild to moderate)

• Posterior Facet syndrome

• Sciatica

• Post-surgical patients (those without hardware installed)

• Spinal Stenosis (mild to moderate)

• Non-specified mechanical low back, thoracic, or neck pain

M.ulti-V.ector

One of the key attributes of the mVAST platform is the ability to apply localized force along multiple vectors and multiple angles in a single session. Motorized systems can adjust the angle of applied force, however, this can only be added after an average unit of time typically lasting a minimum of 45 minutes. Additional units of time would be required in order to add additional force vectors in a given  encounter, thus extending the patient visit well over 1 hour in duration. mVAST sessions, however, can easily achieve application of multiple vectors of traction force in a single 20-25 minute encounter.  Clinicians appreciate this added value of cost-efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The flat bed surface allows the user to be placed in multiple varying positions in order to change vector angle, based on patient comfort and clinical indication.

A.ctive

User generated leg press exertion causes the bed to glide away from the foot of the table. Squats are the most basic and universally accepted form of exercise designed to strengthen the lower extremities and related lumbopelvic “core stabilizer” muscles. This is, therefore, an active form of therapy with all the benefits of exercise while reclined on a gliding bed, and recognized by research to be therapeutically superior to passive forms of therapy. 

Calming Patient Apprehension: Instead of electric motors, our platform harnesses force generated by simple leg press muscle exertion. This resolves the problem of patient apprehension and guarded muscle tension as people naturally tend to relax when they are given control of force intensity. We use a simple strain gauge to measure and display the force being applied. Other systems that are large, high tech, and powered by electric motors, are more likely to trigger "lab coat" anxiety, apprehension, and guarded muscle tension.

Multiple cycles of careful back-and-forth gliding motion vs. constant sustained tension: Published medical research has investigated the therapeutic effect of “milking” the spine as compared to a constant pulling tension. mVAST produces a repetitive stretch of spinal tissue, and activates hydraulic flow effect of spinal fluid.  Hydration and nutrients flow in upon unloading, followed by waste byproducts flowing out upon reloading. When applied repetitively, this is analogous to a hydraulic pump. Physiological fluid imbibition helps repair and sustain tissue integrity of the intervertebral disc, vertebral body, endplates, and articular pillar.

Elastic tension vs non-elastic cable tension: Spinal shock absorption efficiency is maximized when the spine functions like a resilient coil spring.  The use of elastic bungee material is more “forgiving” compared to motorized systems utilizing a non-elastic steel cable. Patients report a firm, but comfortable “stretchy” sensation produced by bungee material as opposed to a steel cable which some patients describe as more of a forceful tug from the motorized wench. The elastic and resilient quality with the mVAST platform is key to achieving a gratifying patient encounter.

S.pine

The key to achieving effective therapeutic opposing force is grip and localization.

The mVAST lumbar belt is designed to concentrate and direct traction force specifically targeting and anchoring the lumbar spine. A small triangular shaped cushion called the “lumbosacral pad” is affixed to the lumbar belt. This optional component enhances friction, concentrated directly against the spinal lamina and articular pillar. This simple add-on component increases effective unloading, vertebrae separation/decompression by approximately 20% to 35%.  This force multiplier is analogous to a wine bottle cork screw with a leverage handle, designed to press into the edge of the bottle lip in order to concentrate effective lifting force. The simple force multiplier can now employ leverage to pop the cork out of the bottle using a small fraction of physical effort.

T.raction (Decompression)

In simple terms, traction produces an opposing force. When an opposing force is applied to a physical object, this has a decompression effect. Some products claim to produce “true” decompression based on research demonstrating evidence of this physical effect. However, the physiologic effects of traction is universally true any time an opposing force is achieved. For example, inversion therapy engages gravity to produce some degree of traction by anchoring the lower extremities. The prime difference to consider is the degree to which a physiological decompression effect is localized to spinal structures by opposing force tension, modulated by physical factors such as friction, grip, and force vector. Traction and decompression can, therefore, be considered synonymous.