This is a bibliographic record of a published health technology assessment. No evaluation of the quality of this assessment has been made for the HTA database.

The purpose of this review is to conduct a systematic review on the effectiveness of vertebral axial decompression (VAX-D) in treating low back pain associated with lumbar disc herniation, degenerative disc disease, posterior facet syndrome, sciatica or radiculopathy.

VAX-D system is a specialized table and computer designed to apply distractive tension along the axis of the spine. The VAX-D system is promoted to alleviate pain and neurological deficits associated with nerve root compression. The system is also promoted as being 'completely risk free'.

To date there is no evidence that the VAX-D system is effective in treating chronic low back pain associated with herniated disc, degenerative disc, posterior facet syndrome, sciatica or radiculopathy.

A survey on various workers' compensation board and health insurance company websites revealed that none of these entities reimburse or provide a special reimbursement for VAX-D treatment.