Millions of Americans suffer from back pain and neck stiffness. And, to combat these problems, the healthcare market has devised thousands of products, exercises, and procedures that promise relief. But, how does one sort the effective ones out from the not-so-effective? It is important to do your research and to make sure that products have been tested under certified studies.

For example, a recent study, under the watchful eye of the Institutional Review Board (IRB), compared the differences between linear traction, and expanding ellipsoidal decompression (EED) via a product called the Posture Pump. Preliminary findings revealed that EED via the Posture Pump was a superior combination of technique and product for neck pain relief.

The institutional review board (IRB), an independent ethics committee reviews and has been designated to approve, monitor, and review biomedical and behavioral research in humans with a mission to protect the rights and welfare of the subjects. In the U.S., http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Health_and_Human_Services the FDA and HHS have regulations in place that empower IRBs to approve, require modifications in, or to disapprove research.

Defining the Differences

Linear Traction: Typically, the patient is supine and pressure is applied to the lower cervical muscles; it is force applied in a straight line.

EED: A painless process where disc expansion is accomplished by inflating an air cell to the back of the neck.

Posture Pump: A device that that fully expands the mid-cervical region and enhances joint separation under EED.

What did the study reveal?

C. Norman Shealy, M.D., Ph.D, conducted the initial study. In the initial study, it was demonstrated that EED via the Posture Pump significantly reduced bulging discs within less than 30 minutes. Neck pain was also reduced over a three-month period and some migraine patients were also granted relief.

In traditional linear traction, the head is usually pulled away from the body in a straight or angled line and does not correspond with the neck’s natural curvature. However, EED via the Posture Pump considers the curve of the spine.

Thirty-six patients were asked to participate in the study for six months (which meets the IRB protocol.) People ranged in age from 21 to 80. MRIs were performed to reveal the differences between patients who had linear traction and those who had EED via the Posture Pump. Linear traction straightened the spine into a position, which was the opposite of ideal for normal posture. The Posture Pump, however, improved the spine’s alignment while opening the anterior and posterior disc spaces.

Range of motion was also measured prior to and after each MRI. When linear traction was performed, overall range of motion improved nine percent. With subsequent application of the Posture Pump, range of motion increased to 31 degrees.

According to Dr. Shealy, it is evident that the study proves that the Posture Pump significantly decreases bulging discs, reduces neck pain and improves cervical spine alignment.

Dr. Shealy also reveals that he conducted this study independently and had no financial interest in the product. In 1956, Dr. Shealy began experiencing severe cervical spine problems, diagnosed as a ruptured disc. He tried cervical traction and fusions. His personal experience led him to devote much of his career as a neurosurgeon to help others with chronic neck problems. In 2005, he was retained to evaluate the Posture Pump device.

“If the changes we find after one month continue to be as impressive as those on the initial testing, it is conceivable that some of the chronic neck degenerative problems might be reversible,” Dr. Shealy noted.
He continues to evaluate the data.

What is the Posture Pump?

The Posture Pump is a simple looking device that can be inflated to extend and stretch the cervical spine. It can be localized for low, mid or upper cervical spine.

“This approach (Posture Pump) appears to be the simplest, safest and most inexpensive approach I have seen to date for treating chronic neck pain.”
On average the device costs $150 and can be used in the privacy of your home. As always, make sure to check with your physician before trying any new alternative care therapy as well as researching studies, trials and any other findings.