Introduction: Cervical disc herniation is a prevalent condition that affects approximately 35% of the general American population, significantly impacting disability and quality of life. Multiple sclerosis is an additional factor for patients that can influence the treatment regimen. Traditional management strategies for disc herniations range from conservative treatments, like physical therapy and medications, to invasive surgical interventions, such as discectomy and spinal fusion. However, non-surgical spinal decompression has emerged as a promising therapeutic option.
Methods: This case study details the treatment of a female diagnosed with secondary-progressive multiple sclerosis with a left posterolateral cervical disc extrusion at C5/C6 in addition to an MS lesion at the same level. The patient presented with atrophy, radiculopathy, weakness, and severe pain in the left upper extremity and upper back of greater than 12-week duration specific to the disc lesion. Using the DRX9000, a device specifically designed for non-surgical spinal decompression, the patient underwent 20 therapeutic sessions over 13 weeks.
Results: DRX9000 employs advanced computer technology to apply precise distractive forces to the spine, creating negative intradiscal pressure that facilitates retraction of herniated disc material and promotion of nutrient-rich fluid with macrophage aggregation. After 20 sessions, the patient experienced full recovery (-9 VAS, full cervical/arm ROM, resolution of radiculopathy/weakness) aligning with the reported 90.5% success rate of the DRX9000 in existing literature. The treatment was well-tolerated, with no reported adverse effects, highlighting the potential of non-surgical spinal decompression as a viable alternative to more invasive and risky procedures.
Conclusion : This case underscores the effectiveness of non-surgical spinal decompression in the management of cervical disc herniations. In addition, this case highlights an effective and collaborative treatment approach for disc lesions between neurosurgeons and conservative musculoskeletal experts. Future research should further delineate the mechanistic pathways of decompression therapy, including its impact on inflammatory processes and long-term outcomes in patients.
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