Spinal Decompression

Table Notoriety

One of the better-known tables is the DRX9000 from Axiom Worldwide, Tampa, Fla. First appearing in 2001 as the DRX2000, the table has gone through a few incarnations and now features three versions of the same model: the DRX9000, the basic lumbar table; the DRX9000 C, lumbar and cervical combo; and the DRX9500, cervical only. These tables are definitely at the higher end pricewise, running around $100,000, and there are some DCs who say they wouldn't use anything else (including Steven Shoshany, DC, of New York, about whom a profile appeared in the March 2008 issue of Chiropractic Products).
visit www.drshoshany.com

A featured aspect of this table is its Nested Closed-Loop Feedback System, an automatic control system that can adjust and self-correct according to differences between actual and desired output. The system ensures that therapy stays true to each person's logarithmic spinal decompression curve.

Other features and benefits of the DRX9000 include advanced system diagnostics that constantly monitor the device's critical subsystems, a floating lower mattress that allows natural elongation of the patient's spine utilizing special X-1R certified space technology, and a touch-screen computer that allows for easy selection of treatment parameters. There are also highly visible displays that permit monitoring of treatment from across the room, and a patient media system for advanced patient education through DVD/CD presentation.

What is it about this table that commands both the high price and the dedicated clientele? According to Axiom Worldwide marketing analyst Rick Durand, the DRX9000 series succeeds so well—1,700 units sold so far—because of two factors: first, superior components obtained through "exclusive partnerships with several technology corporations," including X-1R Lubricants, and Danaher Motion.

Durand says that in just a few weeks a research report will be issued by one of these companies that will conclusively demonstrate the higher quality of DRX components.

The second dimension of the DRX9000 package is the comprehensive clinical, marketing support, which is provided at no additional cost. These benefits include print collateral and custom graphic advertisements.

"For instance," Durand says, "if the chiropractor wants to create a newspaper ad with a certain message specific to their local area, we would do that at no cost." There is also ongoing training at the clinical level with in-house sessions each month at the Tampa location, and commercials, infomercials, and a strong Internet presence. Durand relates that the DRX9000 is so popular that at a recent NBA playoff game, when the Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant grabbed his lower back, the announcer declared, "Looks like Kobe needs the DRX9000!"

On a more serious note, Durand believes that "our research, documentation, and exclusive contracts" are what sets Axiom apart. In the area of patient safety, for instance, a Section 501(K) Summary of Safety and Effectiveness states that, "Axiom Worldwide maintains contact with the clinics administering the therapy, and over the past 12 years, not a single MDR report of injury has been filed for the DRX9000, which reflects the inherent safety of the device."

The company also provides educational podcasts about the DRX9000 on its Web site (www.axiomworldwide.com), currently featuring Terry Yochum, DC, DACBR, Joseph Perglolizzi, MD, and Kevin Cook, Space Foundation.

The Effectiveness of Decompression