As a leader in the treatment of back and neck pain, the Back Pain Institute uses MedX medical rehabilitation machines to help treat back and neck pain. Clearly defined, scientifically based protocols for spinal testing and training help us attain the superior outcomes for our patients.

The MedX Lumbar and Cervical Extension Machines have been clinically proven to be extremely effective in the treatment of chronic back and neck pain. Until MedX developed their patented restraint systems, there was never an effective way to isolate and strengthen the muscles of the spine.

Many companies have "Low Back" exercise machines that claim to strengthen the back. Clinical research has proven that these machines actually strengthen the hamstrings and gluteus muscles. A controlled study done by the University of Florida showed that people who worked out on two different "Low Back Machines" for 12 weeks actually gained no strength at all in their lumbar extensor muscles, although their hamstring and gluteus muscles did improve significantly.

Rehabilitation providers worldwide have experienced outstanding outcomes using the MedX Lumbar and Cervical Extension Machines. This is attributed to medical evidence that shows that the majority of patients with chronic spinal pain are significantly "deconditioned". Weakness of the musculature of the spine can lead to many conditions such as herniated discs, facet syndrome, and degenerative joint disease. A strong spine provides a strong foundation that allows for healthy spaces between the vertebrae, which helps prevent spinal compression.

Rehabilitation using the MedX Lumbar and Cervical Machines is based on objective measurements and comparisons to actual norms, not based on subjective pain ratings. Patient outcomes have been published in peer-reviews medical journals.


About MedX

Integrated into every MedX product are decades of experience and millions of dollars of independent, university based research. In terms of biomechanical design and mechanical functionality, MedX is the most technologically advanced fitness, sports and medical/rehabilitation equipment available.

The capabilities of MedX equipment are unprecedented. Each piece in the product line is designed to achieve efficiency in training by offering resistance curves matched to tested and proven stretch profiles. MedX strength training machines operate at a very low level of friction and offer a choice of resistance in 2-pound increments. This maximizes a trainee’s chances of setting a weight that’s just right - not too heavy and not too light – for rapid and steady progress.

Biomechanical precision and low-friction operation make MedX the state of the art.

Equipment

Lumbar Extension: The Lumbar Extension Machine can provide resistance over a full range of isolated lumbar motion (72 degrees), or over a selected limited range. In exercise mode, a compound weight stack provides from 10 to 400 foot pounds in increments of one foot pound.

Isometric testing may occur every 3 degrees within the patient’s range of motion. During the test, the software plots a strength curve that allows a comparison of the patient’s strength and range of motion to age and gender matched norms. It also has the ability to detect a lack of reasonable effort by the patient. Various reports can be generated for individual patients and selected patients groups or categories for outcome tracking purposes.

Accuracy and reliability of testing is addressed by the machine’s ability to factor out the torque of both torso mass and stored energy. Torso mass is eliminated via an adjustable counterweight. Stored energy (tissue compression and/or joint elasticity) can be assessed and factored out at each angle tested.

Cervical Extension: The MedX Cervical Extension Machine is an effective, proven solution for your patients who suffer from neck pain and/or headaches. Because the cervical muscle must continually support the weight of the head, headache and neck pain are common clinical complaints. These ailments often originate as a result of muscular weakness or traumatic injury.

The MedX Cervical Extension Machine is highly reliable and specific for the quantification of isometric cervical extension strength testing and dynamic variable resistance training. Isometric testing can be performed every three degrees through the normal 126 degree range of motion. Validity is achieved by effectively stabilizing the torso to achieve cervical extension muscle isolation. Counterbalancing the mass of the head is performed to ensure accurate torque assessment by eliminating the effects of gravity.

This machine features dual weight stacks with a stroke length of only 1.5 inches during a full-range dynamic contraction. This short stroke length reduces internal friction and lowers the risk of impact forces. Weigh can be selected at 3 inch pound increments from 30 to 900 inch pounds of resistance.

---- Select article ---- VAX-D Reduces Chronic Low Back Pain Effects of VAX-D on Sensory Nerve Dysfunction VAX-D for Low Back Pain Nerve root decompression after VAX-D Doctors Overly Optimistic About Surgery Return to Activity Helps Back Pain Surgery Often Won't Cure Back Pain People in Pain Often Suffer Silently Efficacy of vertebral axial decompression 2004 Prospective Randomised Controlled Study of VAX-D and TENS for the Treatment of Chronic Low Back Pain 2001 VAX-D Reduces Chronic Discogenic 2002 Vertebral Axial Decompression Therapy 2001 Prospective Randomized Study of VAX-D 2005 Nerve Root Decompression After VAX-D THERAPY 2003 An Overview of Vertebral Axial Decompression 1996 Effects Of Vertebral Axial Decompression 1994 The Effects Of Vertebral Axial Decompression On Sensory Nerve Dysfunction 1999 Welcome Relief for Low Back Pain 2004 SHORT AND LONG-TERM OUTCOMES using VAX-D 2005 LANDMARK STUDY CONFIRMS VAX-D THERAPY 2005