IDD Therapy

Intervertebral Differential Dynamics (IDD) Therapy is the fastest growing non-invasive treatment for chronic back pain, neck pain and leg pain, in particular herniated discs and sciatica.

IDD Therapy delivers a precise and more consistent treatment than is possible with the hands alone or with traditional traction treatments. Treatment is available in over 1,000 clinics internationally including The Medical in Bristol.

Typical candidates for IDD Therapy are people who have had back pain or neck pain for three months and have not responded to manual therapy and exercise.

Reasons to choose IDD Therapy:

• Current treatment is not working
• Want to stop taking painkillers
• Want to avoid back surgery
• Seeking long-term pain relief
• Want to return to normal daily activities

Many back pain conditions are located at a particular level in the spine. IDD Therapy uses computer controlled pulling forces delivered by the Accu SPINA medical device to gently distract (draw apart) targeted segments of the spine in order to take pressure off specific discs and relieve muscle spasm.

By decompressing (taking pressure off) an injured or bulging disc and stretching the soft tissues, IDD Therapy aims to improve mobility in the spine and allow the body’s natural healing mechanisms to operate more efficiently. In so doing, it can relieve pain caused by muscle spasm and alleviate nerve compression and irritation caused by bulging intervertebral discs.

Patients are fully assessed before embarking on a course of IDD Therapy. This can includes a review of a current or recent MRI or other suitable scan.

IDD treatment is gentle and safe and delivered by the Accu SPINA machine. Sessions begin with some Thermedic infrared heat therapy on the lower back to warm up the muscles and ligaments.

Patients wear ergonomic harnesses which are connected to the pelvis and upper back. The machine tilts so that patients can get onto the treatment bed without added pain or difficulty. Once the patient is comfortably harnessed, a series of computer-controlled pulling forces are gradually applied at precise angles to gently distract the vertebrae surrounding a targeted disc. Patients remain completely relaxed during the 25 minute session on the SPINA machine.

At the end of the session some cold therapy is applied to minimise any temporary soreness which may be caused by muscles being worked in a new way.

Gentle exercise and activity are gradually introduced as treatment progresses as this is very important for long-term pain relief.