Principal Investigator:   Simon Dagenais, D.C.
Research Site:  C.A.M. Research Institute
Title: Prospective Cohort Study of Intravenous Sedation Analgesia Assisted Traction Therapy (IVSAATT) for Chronic Low Back Pain

Synopsis:

This observational cohort study seeks to track a group of patients treated by a procedure called intravenous sedation analgesia assisted traction therapy (IVSAATT), measuring any change using standardized measures. Patients enrolled in the study are to receive 4-6 weeks of conservative therapy including spinal manipulation, massage, myofascial release, stretching, and rehabilitation exercises. Those who progress well will continue with an additional 4-6 weeks of treatment and then be discharged.

Those who do not improve will be referred for IVSAATT, a procedure involving sedating the patient with an IV sedative followed by spinal manipulation and stretching. Usually 2-3 such procedures are to be performed at weekly intervals. Progress is to be measured at each procedure followed by 4-6 weeks of conservative treatment and discharge.

Patients discharged will undergo a spinal MRI to evaluate changes that appear to have occurred during the course of treatment. Lumbar spine x-rays before and after treatment will be taken as well. Follow-up observations are to be taken at 3 and 6 months. The expectation is that the data obtained from this study will offer documentation for the further exploration and consideration of this alternative to costly lumbar spine surgery, which has both a high failure rate and long recovery period.