A nonoperative spinal decompression system combined with foramen injections to treat lumbar intervertebral disc herniation

Abstract

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy and safety of non-surgical spinal decompression combined with intervertebral foramen injection in the treatment of lumbar intervertebral disc herniation. Methods Ninety-six patients were randomly divided into a control group, a decompression group, an injection group and a combined group. All of the subjects were given loxoprofen sodium and chestnut seed extract. The decompression group was treated with non-operative spinal decompression. The injection group received intervertebral foramen injections. The combined group received both treatments. Pain perceptions, quality of life perceptions and lumbar dysfunction were observed before the treatment, and 2 days, 1 month, 6 months and 12 months afterward. Results There were no significant differences among the groups in average pain perceptions quantified using a visual analogue scale (VAS) before the treatment. The average scores on a 36-item short-form health survey, the Oswestry disability index and a Japanese Orthopedic Association instrument also were not significantly different. All of those indicators had improved significantly in the decompression, injection and combined groups at 1, 6 and 12 months after the treatment, but the combined group′s average indicators were all significantly better than the other groups′ averages at the same time points. All of the significant improvements in the combined group′s averages occurred in the first month after the combined treatment. Conclusion Non-operative spinal decompression has a synergistic effect with intervertebral foramen injection in treating patients with lumbar disc herniation. Their combined effect is better than either treatment alone. Their combined effect is lasting, safe and has few complication risks. It is worthy of clinical application. Key words: Lumbar disc herniation; Spinal decompression systems; Foramen; Inflammation; Pain