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September 2006

Neurosurgeon announces findings in Posture Pump research

In 1956, C. Norman Shealy, MD, PhD, began experiencing severe cervical spine problems, diagnosed as a ruptured disc. Over the next four years, he tried cervical traction with no success and it wasn't until 1960 ‑‑ two fusions later ‑‑ that his neck was pain‑free.

The experience led him to devote much of his career as a neurosurgeon to trying to help others with neck problems that became chronic or even disabling. In 2005, he was retained to evaluate the Posture Pump device developed by California‑based Posture Pro, Inc.

In July 2006, he initiated a study of 34 individuals with chronic neck problems, many of whom also presented with headache. During the study, patients were screened under an IRB‑approved protocol, including health history, physical and neurological evaluations and plain X‑rays of the cervical spine (including flexion and extension lateral views to rule out serious ligamentous injuries that would preclude use of the Posture Pump).

An additional 30 patients were screened to eliminate those with no measurable preexisting postural abnormalities or with advanced disease involving severe degenerative disease.

Cervical spine flexibility and extension were measured on each of the subjects, who were also given an MRI. After 20 minutes on the Posture Pump, the mobility measurements and MRI were re‑taken.

Although the final analysis will not be released for several weeks, Dr. Shealy and Posture Pro have released preliminary data that shows striking results. "Virtually every patient had significant increased cervical mobility after their 20 minute treatment," Shealy explained. "MRI changes were often dramatic, with improvement in cervical curve, widening of disc spaces and often apparent shrinkage of what appear to be disc bulges, which I would have thought are physically permanent." In addition, two patients with acute migraine improved dramatically during their 20‑minute treatment.

He added that additional study on the subjects will explore whether the Posture Pump would aid in reversing the long‑term effects of cervical spine problems. "If the changes we find after one month continue to be as impressive as those on the initial testing, it is conceivable that some of the chronic neck degenerative problems might be reversible," he noted.

The Posture Pump is a simple‑looking device that can be inflated to extend and stretch the cervical spine. It can be localized for low, mid or upper cervical spine.

Shealy expressed excitement about the study results. In a survey he conducted more than 10 years ago of patients with chronic headache, at least 99% had postural neck and upper thoracic spinal problems. "Indeed, just look at most people and you will see few with optimal posture or mobility," he commented. "Millions of individuals go through life with headache and neck pain, often taking NSAIDS which are minimally effective and carry many complications. All too many wind up with unnecessary surgery which often makes them much worse. In general, the indications for surgery should be significant neurological risk ‑‑ not pain!"

He added that, in acute situations, neck pain is often significantly improved by competently done chiropractic care. Cervical traction in the conventional sense is sometimes helpful and Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation may also provide some relief. "But for chronic neck pain, the problem appears to be increasing degenerative and mechanical postural compromise which is progressive," he stated. "This approach (Posture Pump) appears to be the simplest, safest and most inexpensive approach I have seen to date for treating chronic neck pain."