Background: Lumbar and cervical disc herniations and bulges are common causes of pain and disability, with conservative, non-invasive treatments recommended as first-line interventions. Intervertebral Differential Dynamics (IDD) Therapy is a form of targeted spinal decompression that aims to reduce disc pressure and promote healing. While some studies question the efficacy of traction-based therapies, others suggest potential benefits. This study evaluated the impact of IDD Therapy on pain and functional disability in patients with MRI-confirmed disc pathology.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a single institution on 21 patients (47 disc levels) treated between June 2024 and July 2025. All patients completed 30 sessions of IDD Therapy using the Accu-Spina device. Inclusion criteria required MRI-confirmed lumbar or cervical disc bulges or herniations and complete pre- and post-treatment outcome data. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores were used to assess pain and functional status. Paired t-tests and Cohen’s d were used to analyze treatment effects.

Results: Mean VAS scores decreased from 5.8 to 1.5 (p < .0001; Cohen’s d = 2.16), and ODI scores improved from 18.5 to 6.5 (p < .0001; Cohen’s d = 1.69), indicating large and statistically significant improvements in pain and function. No adverse events were reported.

Conclusion: IDD Therapy was associated with significant short-term reductions in pain and disability among patients with disc bulge or herniation. While these findings are promising, further randomized, controlled trials with larger cohorts and long-term follow-up are warranted.

IDD Therapy, Disc Herniation, Disc Bulge, Vertebral Axial Decompression, Clinical Outcomes, VAS, ODI