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A herniated disc can be devastating. The radicular pain shooting down your leg, the numbness, the weakness — it all interferes with your daily life. And when you visit a surgeon, the recommendation is usually the same: surgery.
But what if there were a non-surgical alternative? One that avoids surgical risks, requires no anaesthesia or hospitalisation, and whose efficacy in disc decompression is described in published clinical studies?
SpineMed is that alternative.
What Is SpineMed?
SpineMed is a computer-controlled spinal decompression system that treats herniated discs, sciatica and spinal stenosis without surgery. Unlike traditional traction, SpineMed uses advanced technology to create negative pressure inside the intervertebral disc.
How Does It Work?
- Positioning: The patient lies on the SpineMed table
- Fixation: Specialised harnesses secure the pelvis and thorax
- Decompression: The computer applies precise traction force
- Negative pressure: A vacuum is created within the disc (-150 to -200 mmHg)
- Rehydration: The disc absorbs nutrients and water
- Retraction: Herniated material retracts towards the centre of the disc
Advanced Technology
SpineMed is not simple traction. The system:
- Monitors in real time: Sensors detect muscular resistance
- Adjusts automatically: Prevents protective muscle spasms
- Programmed cycles: Alternates between traction and relaxation
- Fully customisable: Protocol tailored to each individual patient
SpineMed vs. Surgery: The Comparison
Risks of Herniated Disc Surgery
Microdiscectomy (the standard surgical procedure for herniated discs) carries significant risks:
Surgical risks:
- Infection (recognised risk reported in the literature)
- Bleeding
- Nerve injury, potentially with permanent neurological consequences
- Cerebrospinal fluid leak
- Anaesthesia complications
Outcome data:
- A proportion of patients does not experience the expected improvement after surgery
- Some patients describe worsening symptoms post-operatively
- Failed back surgery syndrome: Chronic pain after surgery is described in the literature (see editorial policy)
Recovery:
- 6–12 weeks off work
- 3–6 months for full recovery
- Permanent activity restrictions
- Higher risk of recurrent herniation
Irreversible:
- Once operated on, it cannot be undone
- Permanently alters spinal biomechanics
Advantages of SpineMed
No surgical risks:
- No incisions
- No anaesthesia
- No hospitalisation
- No infection risk
Efficacy described in published studies:
- Good response rates reported in clinical studies on lumbar disc decompression
- In many cases, comparable conservative results to those described after surgery
- Indication and outcome are assessed individually
Rapid recovery:
- You can continue working during treatment
- No downtime
- Immediate return to normal activities
Reversible and safe:
- If it does not work, surgery remains an option
- Does not alter spinal anatomy
- Can be repeated if necessary
Who Is SpineMed For?
Primary Indications
Lumbar disc herniation:
- L4–L5 (the most common)
- L5–S1
- Multiple herniations
Sciatica:
- Pain radiating down the leg
- Numbness in the foot or toes
- Muscle weakness
Spinal stenosis:
- Narrowing of the spinal canal
- Pain when walking (neurogenic claudication)
- Improvement when sitting or leaning forward
Facet joint syndrome:
- Facet joint pain
- Pain that worsens with extension
Degenerative disc disease:
- Dehydrated discs
- Loss of disc height
- Chronic lower back pain
Who Should NOT Use SpineMed?
Absolute contraindications:
- Acute vertebral fractures
- Spinal tumours
- Vertebral infections
- Pregnancy
- Severe osteoporosis
- Prior spinal fusion surgery
Treatment Protocol
Initial Phase (Weeks 1–4)
Frequency: 3–5 sessions per week Duration: 30–45 minutes per session Total: 15–20 sessions
What to expect:
- Week 1: Some initial discomfort is normal
- Weeks 2–3: Noticeable pain improvement
- Week 4: Significant symptom reduction
Consolidation Phase (Weeks 5–8)
Frequency: 2–3 sessions per week Duration: 30 minutes Total: 8–12 additional sessions
Goal:
- Stabilise improvement
- Strengthen supporting musculature
- Prevent relapse
Maintenance (Optional)
Frequency: 1 session every 2–4 weeks Duration: Ongoing as needed
For:
- Patients with advanced degenerative disease
- Recurrence prevention
- Long-term maintenance
Combining SpineMed with Other Treatments
SpineMed works best when combined with:
Manual Medicine
Corrects vertebral blockages that may interfere with decompression. Many patients have sacroiliac dysfunction or facet blockages that SpineMed alone cannot address.
Cryotherapy
Reduces inflammation around the compressed nerve. The combination of SpineMed and cryotherapy accelerates recovery dramatically.
Epidural Injections
For severe cases with intense pain, an epidural injection can provide rapid relief while SpineMed works on the long-term solution.
Physiotherapy
Strengthens core musculature to prevent relapse. SpineMed creates the space; physiotherapy maintains it.
Success Stories
Case 1: L5–S1 Herniation with Severe Sciatica
Patient: Male, 45 years old, cyclist Symptoms: Severe right leg pain, foot numbness, unable to walk more than 100 metres Diagnosis: L5–S1 disc herniation with nerve root compression Previous recommendation: Surgery (microdiscectomy)
Treatment:
- 20 SpineMed sessions (4 weeks, 5x/week)
- 3 cryotherapy sessions per week
- Manual medicine for sacroiliac blockages
Result:
- Week 2: 50% pain reduction
- Week 4: No radicular pain, only mild lumbar discomfort
- Month 3: Returned to cycling without limitations
- Surgery avoided
Case 2: Multilevel Spinal Stenosis L3–L4–L5
Patient: Female, 68 years old Symptoms: Neurogenic claudication (unable to walk more than 50 metres), bilateral leg pain Diagnosis: Multilevel spinal stenosis Previous recommendation: Decompressive laminectomy (major surgery)
Treatment:
- 25 SpineMed sessions (5 weeks)
- Epidural injections (2 sessions)
- Physiotherapy for strengthening
Result:
- Week 3: Able to walk 200 metres
- Week 6: Able to walk 30+ minutes without pain
- Month 6: Walking 1 hour daily
- Surgery avoided
The Science Behind SpineMed
Scientific Studies
- Spine Journal (2018): 86% of patients with disc herniation improved with spinal decompression vs. 56% with physiotherapy alone
- Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine (2019): Spinal decompression as effective as surgery for contained herniations
- Pain Physician (2020): 70% pain reduction and 65% functional improvement after 20 sessions
Physiological Mechanism
Negative intradiscal pressure:
- Retracts herniated material: The vacuum draws the herniation back towards the centre
- Rehydrates the disc: Allows nutrients and water to enter
- Reduces nerve pressure: Relieves radicular compression
- Stimulates healing: Improves blood flow to the disc
Frequently Asked Questions
Does SpineMed hurt? No. Most patients find it relaxing. Some feel a gentle stretching sensation, but no pain.
How long does it take to work? Most patients notice improvement within 2–3 weeks. Some improve faster; others require the full 6–8 week protocol.
Are the results permanent? For many patients, yes. Follow-up studies show that 70–80% maintain improvement at 2–3 years. Occasional maintenance sessions may be needed.
What happens if it does not work? If SpineMed does not produce results after 20 sessions, surgery remains an option. You have lost nothing by trying it first.
Does insurance cover it? It depends on your insurer. Please contact your insurance provider. As a private practice, we offer transparent pricing.
Our Conservative Approach
“Our goal is to pursue a conservative approach and avoid surgery whenever possible.”
As a physician, my objective is to avoid surgery whenever possible. Back surgery has a failure rate of 10–40% and carries significant risks. SpineMed offers a safe and effective alternative.
As a Diplom-Sportlehrer (certified sports scientist) and active athlete, I understand the urgency of getting back to your activities. SpineMed allows treatment without disrupting your life.
Location and Contact
Clinic for Orthopedics and Sports Traumatology – Dr. Diedrich Avinguda Mexic, 15 07007 Palma de Mallorca
Phone: +34 971 68 43 45 Email: info@ortopedia-palma.es
Hours: Monday to Friday, 09:00 – 19:00 · Saturday 09:00 – 19:00
We provide care in Spanish, German and English.
Conclusion
If you have been recommended surgery for a herniated disc, get a second opinion. SpineMed may be the solution that helps you avoid:
- Surgical risks
- Hospitalisation
- Months of recovery
- Permanent alteration of your spine
With efficacy described in published clinical studies on disc decompression, SpineMed is a non-invasive option worth discussing before considering surgery — indication and outcome are assessed individually.
Ready to avoid surgery? Call +34 971 68 43 45 to book a consultation.
Dr. med. Heiko Miguel Diedrich Facharzt fur Orthopadie und Unfallchirurgie Diplom-Sportlehrer
