Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What does the IDD in IDD Therapy stand for?
IDD stands for Intervertebral Differential Dynamics. Intervertebral describes the location of the focus of the treatment, differential describes the pressure differential created within the disc and dynamic describes the dynamic mobilization of a targeted spinal structure.
IDD Therapy was developed in the US in 2001 and there are now over 600 clinics offering treatment.
IDD Therapy is a computer-controlled physiotherapy tool that applies the latest computer technology to our understanding of physics and biomechanics. IDD Therapy protocols direct a treatment that is capable of distracting, or drawing apart, two targeted vertebrae surrounding a disc. The distraction relieves pressure on the disc and nerves and importantly creates a negative pressure within the intervertebral disc.
The negative pressure promotes the diffusion of fluid, nutrients and oxygen into the disc. Secondary mechanical oscillating waveforms release spasmodic behaviour in the supporting soft tissues and increase flexibility in those soft tissues to help restore function and mobility.
Q. How does IDD Therapy focus on a specific spinal segment?
Lumbar Spine (Lower back): During treatment the patient is lying on their back (supine position) with their knees bent and this flattens the curve of the lower spine. By selecting the angle of the application of the controlled force, the point of focus of the force can be directed to the specific spinal segment. With the application of the force focused in this manner, the delivery of the force, which is carefully controlled by computer and features unique delivery mechanisms, allows for two vertebrae to be distracted whilst the patient is in a completely relaxed state.
Cervical Spine (Neck): The same principal of altering the angle of distraction to focus on a specific spinal segment applies equally to the vertebral levels of the cervical spine.
Q. What is the difference between IDD Therapy and traction?
In traction a simple pulling force is applied in a linear fashion along the entire length of the spine therefore making traction non-specific with limited ability to open the space between two vertebrae. With IDD Therapy, the point of application of the force is focused on a specific spinal segment by using angles associated with each segment of the spine. Under fluoroscopy it has been observed that this technique opens the space by between 5 and 7 mm which is highly significant.
IDD Therapy also has a secondary mechanical oscillating waveform to mobilise spinal structures and promote the rehabilitation of supporting soft tissues.
Diffusion is the process whereby molecules transfer from an area of high pressure or concentration to an area of low pressure or concentration. Creating a negative pressure within a disc creates a “sucking” action to draw in fluid, nutrients and oxygen from the surrounding tissues where the pressure is higher, into the disc where there is a low pressure. This process may contribute to improving the health of the disc.
Where someone has a herniated disc, the negative pressure may help to draw the bulging nucleus back into the disc, thus relieving pressure on the nerves.
The fibres of the disc wall (anulus fibrosus) are set in a lattice like structure at 30 degrees to one another in a normal healthy disc. If there is a loss of disc height the angle between the fibres reduces and the walls lose strength. As the nucleus is drawn back into the disc, the fibres that make up the disc walls are realigned towards their natural position of strength at 30 degrees to one another. Fluid and nutrients drawn into the disc (a disc does not have its own blood supply and relies on diffusion for nutrition) will encourage metabolism and the healing process of the weakened disc walls, or where there is a tear to encourage the closure of the tear through healing. At the same time, IDD Therapy re-educates the supporting soft tissues by increasing strength and flexibility to better support the joint.
Herniated discs appear to respond most favorably to IDD Therapy when MRI shows lateral herniation with impingement. Mild central bulging typically take a little longer, patients with multiple herniations may require additional sessions.
Q. What are the limitations of manual adjustments of the spine?
Manual adjustments can help to realign the vertebrae when they are out of line however manual adjustments typically address certain conditions only. Lateral and rotating adjustments can be performed by manual manipulation and some vertical movement is possible in the form of wedging in certain techniques such as Cox Flexion/Distraction. However using manual manipulation, it is almost impossible to perform a pure vertical movement in the vertebrae that is critical to achieving decompression of the intervertebral disc.
Furthermore the ability to maintain that movement for a period of 25 to 30 minutes, to measure and record the applied force, to apply exactly the same force repeatedly and make adjustments where necessary is impossible with manual manipulation. This is a key component of the Accu-SPINA device and IDD Therapy.
Q. Is IDD Therapy painful?
IDD Therapy is a very safe, non-invasive treatment that is gentle and carefully controlled. On the contrary of being painful, IDD Therapy is very relaxing with many patients actually going to sleep during treatment. At the end of treatment, patients can feel elated from the release of natural endorphins in the body.
Q. Do I need to have a scan?
Yes. An MRI or suitable scan will form part of the diagnosis process. The purpose of the scan is two-fold 1/ to identify that you do not have any conditions which may prevent you from having treatment 2/ To establish or confirm the position in the spine of a possible problem, thus enabling the appropriate IDD Therapy protocols to be applied.
The price of an MRI scan in London has come down significantly over the years. Where appropriate, SPINA can provide you with a referral and the best price we have negotiated is £250. Referrals can be made to different providers though we see no tangible benefit from paying more.
Q. Do I have to do any exercises?
IDD Therapy provides a computer directed method of applying and achieving physical therapy treatment objectives. Exercies are introduced as function improves.
You will not have to run a marathon or swim 10km every day of your life, but we will help you with a common sense approach to keeping you healthy, mobile and active.
Many patients may feel relief from pain soon into the treatment as pressure on the nerves is relieved, for others it may take longer.
There are no adverse side-effects as IDD Therapy does not require injections or pain medications and does not involve surgery. Some patients may experience muscle spasms during early treatments as changes in the body are being encouraged. In such moments, the treatment is paused and some massage may be given to the patient before the treatment is resumed. Some soreness may be felt in the muscles as they adapt to changes, a similar feeling to after exercise though this passes as the muscles get stronger.
There are many positive side-effects to the treatment.
Q. Are there any features in the treatment that assist with relaxation?
In-built into the treatment is a heated vibrating pad that is fully adjustable. This warms the muscles in the back to encourage blood flow into the area and the vibrating massage pad relaxes the muscles. An interferential facility is available in the treatment where patients require additional temporary pain relief. A relaxing blue light helps to encourage a calm state of mind, so essential for successful treatment and a selection of music played through headphones lets you take your mind off things whilst your body goes to work.
Q. Are there any conditions that make treatment with IDD Therapy unsuitable?
IDD Therapy on the Accu-SPINA is an inherently safe procedure that can be used, without complications for a wide variety of anatomical dysfunctions of the lumbar and cervical spine. Patients with the following conditions should NOT however be treated with IDD Therapy.
- Osteoporosis T-Score of - 2.5 or greater
- Recent Vertebral Fractures
- Spondylolisthesis (Grade 2 or higher)
- Spondylolysis
- Unstable Post Surgical Conditions
- Any kind of surgical hardware in the spine
- Inflammatory, infectious, or neoplastic conditions
- Pregnancy
- Malignancies, tumors or metastases in the spine
- Pathological lesions or congenital deformities of the vertebral column
- Progressive pathological or inflammatory processes of the spinal joints or muscles
Q. Are there any injections or pain medications I must take?
Some therapists advise the use of anti-inflammatory medications and muscle relaxants for certain patients in the early stages of treatment. The objective of IDD Therapy is to prevent the need for injections and to eliminate the need for patients to use pain medications.
Q. I have had surgery already, can I still have IDD Therapy?
Treatment with IDD Therapy at some stage following spinal surgery is NOT CONTRA-INDICATED unless there is surgical hardware in your spine. Patients with pain following certain surgical procedures such as laminectomy or micro-discectomy can still benefit from IDD Therapy. IDD Therapy has been used as a follow-up therapy for patients who experience pain post surgery. This “dual approach” seems to offer an advantage especially in those patients that have more than one level of herniation in which only the major segment was excised.
Where a patient has undergone a spinal fusion, it is necessary to wait a minimum of 6 months before undergoing IDD Therapy to allow time for the bones to set.
Q. What are the safety features of the treatment?
IDD Therapy is computer controlled and mechanical by nature and so if at any time during treatment you feel pain, or need to cough or sneeze, there is a safety switch controlled by you that when activated stops the treatment in a controlled manner. The Accu-SPINA is a highly engineered device with many other inbuilt safety features that eliminate risks posed by electrical surges, power shut off or other outside interferences.
As with any medical treatment when dealing with the human body, it is not possible to offer patients a guarantee that treatment will meet their expectations. However what we can say is that when you understand the principles of the mechanics of your back (which will be explained to you in plain English), you will appreciate the strengths of the treatment and the opportunity it may give you.
Q. How do I pay?
We accept most major credit cards, cheques or cash payments.
Q. What should I do next?
If you would like to make an appointment for a consultation or would like to attend an open session, please contact the Clinic Manager on 020 7089 0627 or click here to complete an enquiry form..
Be assured that if we do not believe that our treatment may help you, we will give you proper advice and refer you appropriately.
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I have found IDD Therapy very beneficial. By the end of the course of treatments there was a marked improvement in both flexibility and pain levels.
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