[Sanogenetic mechanisms of cyclic local traction therapy in the treatment of neurological manifestations of degenerative diseases in the spine. (Literature review)]

Abstract

New information on the results of scientific research may change the understanding of the etiology and pathogenesis of diseases, which makes adjustments in treatment approaches. Cyclic local traction therapywas created in USA by the group of scientists for NASA (Axiom Worldwide, Tampa, FL) and approved by FDA in 2003. The year 2023 is the 20^th anniversary of its successful application in practical medicine. Evaluating the effectiveness of the method, it has been shown that after undergoing treatment in patients with chronic back pain, the height of the intervertebral discs increases, pain syndrome and frequency of taking pain medications decreases, daily activity and duration of walking without pain increases. It is assumed that the treatment effect was achieved due to the «vacuum» effect, which could contribute to the regeneration of the intervertebral disc. It is also known about the possibility of intervertebral disc herniation reduction after a course of traction therapy and it was believed that this was ensured by «retraction» of the hernia back into the intervertebral space under the influence of the longitudinal ligament. However, fundamental studies of the past century and the present indicate the presence of other mechanisms affecting the structures of the vertebral motor segment, especially the processes occurring inside the intervertebral disc and contributing to the regression of the intervertebral disc herniation.

Keywords: degenerative diseases in the spine; intervertebral disc herniation regression; musculoskeletal pain; traction therapy.