Low Back Pain
| Question What is the Orthotrac? Answer The Orthotrac™ Pneumatic Vest is the first clinically validated, non-surgical spinal treatment device that delivers self-administered, external spinal "unloading" (weight transfer resulting in reduced pressure on the spine). At the same time it allows the patient to participate in his/her normal daily activities. The Orthotrac technology and product application is patented and registered with the FDA. It is currently being prescribed by licensed healthcare providers and normally is covered by your healthcare provider. Question How does a patient receive Orthotrac therapy? Answer The Orthotrac is a custom-made device that is prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider, specifically for you. It is typically worn 2-3 times a day for 30-60 minutes at a time. It can be used as an independent treatment option or in conjunction with healthcare provider-prescribed physical therapy and occupational therapy. Question How does the Orthotrac relieve low back pain? Answer The main function of the Orthotrac is to reduce the compressive forces on the spine by transferring your upper body weight off the spine to your hips. MRI comparisons of a spine before and during application of an Orthotrac confirm the effect of offloading weight from the spine. Question What makes the Orthotrac different from other treatments? Answer The Orthotrac applies decompressive forces to the spine, transferring body weight from the upper torso to the hips and preventing compression and aggravation of lower back spinal conditions. The offloading forces are concentrated specifically on the lower spine, rather than across the entire spine. The Orthotrac pushes upward and downward on the lower torso/spine in order to create this effect. The Orthotrac is an ambulatory device, meaning it is portable and wearable during everyday activities. Orthotrac therapy may be applied at home, work, play or during travel, at the patient's convenience. This allows a patient to comply with therapy guidelines much more easily than traveling to a clinic each time to receive therapy. Question How much force is applied to the body using the Orthotrac? Answer The amount of force generated by the Orthotrac vest is controlled by the patient through use of a manual inflation device. Pressures are prescribed to the patient which typically offload 50% of their body weight. A relief valve prevents over-inflation. The patient also can instantly deflate the Orthotrac to relieve the pressure at any time. In addition, the Orthotrac provides stabilization of the torso (while still allowingflexibility). This stabilization prevents additional compressive forces in the spine due to bending and lifting. Question Is Orthtrac therapy effective? Answer Orthotrac therapy has improved the activities of daily living while reducing pain in both the near-term and over an extended period for chronic low back pain patients, relieving symptoms in a comfortable and convenient manner. In a study of more than 300 patients who wore an Orthotrac vest for at least 8 weeks, 70% of the patients experienced significant improvement in both pain relief and quality of life. The Orthotrac vest also reduces treatment costs according to a recent economic study. |