The NeuBaC Lab is excited to be featured in a recent USF Health article highlighting groundbreaking research exploring a non-surgical treatment approach for cervical disc herniation.
Cervical disc herniations can significantly impact a person's quality of life, causing neck pain, numbness, weakness, reduced grip strength, and radiating pain into the arms and hands. While physical therapy and medications may provide relief, patients whose symptoms persist are often faced with the possibility of surgery. In a recently published case study, Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Dr. Nathan Schilaty, Principal Investigator for the NeuBaC Lab, director of the Center of Neuromusculoskeletal Research, associate professor in the Department of Neurosurgery, Brain and Spine and Medical Engineering at the Morsani College of Medicine and College of Engineering at USF, demonstrated the successful use of a non-invasive spinal decompression approach to treat a patient with both MS and severe cervical disc herniation.
The treatment utilized the DRX9000C, a specialized computer-controlled decompression device designed to gently stretch the cervical spine through targeted traction. Unlike traditional traction methods, the system continuously adjusts force during treatment to specifically target affected spinal segments and tailor therapy to the individual patient. The patient underwent 20 treatment sessions over a 15-week period and experienced remarkable improvements. Pain was reported to be declining after only five sessions, and by the conclusion of treatment, they had returned to normal daily activities. MRI findings also revealed measurable structural changes, including a greater than 30% reduction in disc herniation size and an increase of more than 80% in spinal canal space. At a one-year follow-up, the patient remained pain-free, fully functional, and showed no worsening of MS symptoms. (Image of patient is an actor portrayal, by Lab Member Tala Haddad.)
Jacob Connolly, MD/PhD candidate and researcher working alongside Dr. Schilaty in the Center for Neuromusculoskeletal Research and NeuBaC Lab, emphasized the importance of investigating alternatives to surgery. The research team's findings suggest that targeted spinal decompression may help reduce nerve compression, restore function, and improve patient outcomes while avoiding invasive procedures when appropriate.
This work reflects the NeuBaC Lab's commitment to advancing evidence-based, patient-centered solutions for spine and neuromusculoskeletal conditions. By exploring innovative conservative treatment options, the team aims to expand the tools available to clinicians and help patients regain function and quality of life without necessarily requiring surgery.
As research continues, the NeuBaC Lab remains dedicated to improving care through scientific discovery, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a focus on outcomes that matter most to patients.
Read the full USF Health article Here.
Photography captured by Ryan Rossy.