If you live in West Hills, Huntington, or anywhere on Long Island and you’re suffering from a herniated disc, bulging disc, sciatica, or chronic low back pain — you’ve probably been told your options are rest, pain medication, steroid injections, or surgery. None of those are great answers. But there is another option, and it’s been quietly outperforming all of them for decades.
VAX-D Spinal Decompression — Vertebral Axial Decompression — is the gold standard non-surgical treatment for disc-related spine conditions. At West Hills Chiropractic Pain Center in Huntington, NY, Dr. Tom Oddo and our team have helped hundreds of Long Island patients eliminate back and neck pain without drugs, needles, or surgery.
This is not your average traction table. This is the real deal — clinically validated, FDA-cleared, and backed by published research showing over a 71% success rate for patients with disc herniation. Here’s everything you need to know.
What Is VAX-D? (And Why It’s Not Just “Traction”)
VAX-D (Vertebral Axial Decompression) is a patented, FDA-cleared spinal decompression technology developed specifically to treat disc-related conditions of the lumbar and cervical spine. It is not traction. The distinction matters — and here’s why.
Traditional traction applies a continuous pull to the spine. The problem? The paraspinal muscles sense this force and reflexively contract, actually compressing the spine further. VAX-D overcomes this with a precisely programmed oscillating decompression cycle — alternating tension and relaxation in a pattern that prevents muscular guarding while achieving true intradiscal decompression.
The result is a measurable reduction in intradiscal pressure — in some studies, creating negative pressure inside the disc. This negative pressure is the key mechanism that drives healing: it draws water, oxygen, and nutrients back into dehydrated, degenerated disc tissue, promotes retraction of disc herniation, and removes inflammatory waste products that have been irritating surrounding nerves.
The Science Behind VAX-D: Why It Actually Heals Your Disc
Your intervertebral discs have no direct blood supply. They depend entirely on a process called imbibition — the absorption of nutrients through the sponge-like pumping action of spinal movement. When a disc is compressed and degenerating, this pumping mechanism fails. The disc starves, dries out, and cracks — leading to bulging, herniation, and the cascade of pain that follows.
VAX-D directly restores imbibition by creating controlled cycles of negative intradiscal pressure. Published biomechanical studies have recorded intradiscal pressure reductions to as low as -150 mmHg during VAX-D treatment — a level sufficient to create genuine suction that can pull herniated disc material back toward the disc center and away from irritated nerve roots.
This is not a temporary pain management strategy. It is actual disc rehabilitation at the tissue level.
What Conditions Does VAX-D Treat?
VAX-D is most effective for conditions with a disc or nerve root component. At West Hills Chiropractic Pain Center, Dr. Tom Oddo uses VAX-D to treat:
- Herniated discs (lumbar and cervical) — The most common indication. VAX-D reduces herniation and nerve compression simultaneously.
- Bulging discs — Discs that haven’t fully herniated but are pressing on nerves or the spinal cord.
- Sciatica — Leg pain, numbness, or tingling caused by nerve root compression in the lumbar spine.
- Degenerative disc disease (DDD) — Chronic disc breakdown and loss of disc height causing pain and stiffness.
- Spinal stenosis — Narrowing of the spinal canal or neural foramina compressing nerves.
- Facet syndrome — Degeneration of the small joints of the spine, often co-existing with disc disease.
- Failed back surgery syndrome — Patients who had surgery but still have pain often respond well to VAX-D.
- Radiculopathy (neck or arm pain) — Nerve root compression in the cervical spine causing pain, weakness, or numbness into the arms or hands.
VAX-D Clinical Evidence: The Numbers Don’t Lie
VAX-D is one of the most clinically studied non-surgical spine treatments available. Here’s what the published research shows:
- A study published in the Journal of Neurological Research found that 71% of patients with lumbar disc disease achieved resolution of pain to 0 or 1 on a 0–5 scale following VAX-D treatment, with outcomes maintained at 30-day and 180-day follow-up.
- A prospective trial showed significant reductions in both pain scores and disability indices (Oswestry Disability Index) following a VAX-D protocol.
- VAX-D has been used to treat professional athletes in the NFL, NBA, NHL, and Olympic programs — because it works, and it works fast enough to get athletes back in the game.
- Unlike cortisone injections (which wear off and can weaken tissue with repeated use) or surgery (which has a significant failure rate), VAX-D benefits are maintained long-term because the treatment rehabilitates the disc itself.
VAX-D vs. Other Back Pain Treatments: The Honest Comparison
| Treatment | Addresses Disc? | Invasive? | Long-Term Results? | Downtime? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VAX-D Spinal Decompression | Yes — rehabilitates disc tissue | No | Yes — 71%+ success maintained at 6 months | None |
| Spinal Surgery (microdiscectomy/fusion) | Removes or fuses — permanent | Yes — surgical | Variable — up to 40% re-operation rate | Weeks to months |
| Epidural Steroid Injections | No — reduces inflammation only | Yes — injections | No — temporary relief (weeks to months) | Days |
| Standard Traction | Partially | No | Limited — muscle guarding limits effect | None |
| Pain Medication / Opioids | No | No | No — symptom masking only | None |
| Physical Therapy alone | Partially | No | Moderate — best when combined with decompression | None |
What to Expect at West Hills Chiropractic Pain Center
Getting started with VAX-D at our Huntington, NY office is straightforward. Here is what your care journey looks like:
- Comprehensive consultation with Dr. Tom Oddo: We review your full history, imaging (MRI, X-ray), and symptoms to confirm VAX-D candidacy and design your treatment plan.
- Treatment sessions (30–45 minutes each): You lie face-down on the VAX-D table, fully clothed. A pelvic harness is secured and the computerized table begins its programmed decompression cycle — gentle, gradual, and controlled. Most patients find it relaxing.
- Treatment course: Most patients require between 15 and 25 sessions over 4–8 weeks. Progress is tracked at each visit and protocols are adjusted based on your response.
- Supportive therapies: VAX-D is often combined with targeted chiropractic adjustments, therapeutic modalities (ultrasound, electrical stimulation), and specific exercises to maximize and maintain results.
- Maintenance and prevention: After completing your protocol, Dr. Oddo will outline a maintenance plan to protect the gains you’ve made and prevent recurrence.
There is no downtime. No anesthesia. No recovery period. You can drive yourself to and from each appointment and resume normal light activities immediately.
Why West Hills Chiropractic Pain Center for VAX-D on Long Island?
There are other decompression providers on Long Island. Here is why West Hills Chiropractic Pain Center is the right choice:
- We have the real VAX-D — not a knockoff. VAX-D is the original, patented vertebral axial decompression system. Many practices use cheaper imitation tables and call it “spinal decompression.” We use authentic VAX-D G2 equipment — the same technology used in the clinical studies that prove it works.
- Dr. Tom Oddo is a specialist, not a generalist. Not every chiropractor is trained in VAX-D protocols. Dr. Oddo has dedicated clinical expertise in disc conditions and spinal decompression therapy, ensuring your treatment plan is precise and outcome-focused.
- Convenient West Hills / Huntington location. Serving patients from Huntington, Melville, Cold Spring Harbor, Syosset, Woodbury, Commack, and across Nassau and Suffolk County.
- Integrated approach. VAX-D works best as part of a complete spine rehabilitation plan. We combine decompression with chiropractic care, physical rehabilitation, and patient education for lasting results — not just temporary relief.
- Proven track record. Hundreds of Long Island patients have avoided back surgery by choosing VAX-D at our Huntington office. Real patients. Real results. No hype.
Frequently Asked Questions About VAX-D in West Hills & Huntington, NY
Is VAX-D painful?
No. Most patients describe VAX-D sessions as comfortable or even relaxing. You may feel a gentle stretching sensation during decompression cycles, but there is no pain. If you have acute inflammation, you may experience mild temporary soreness after the first few sessions — this typically resolves quickly as the disc decompresses.
How many VAX-D sessions will I need?
Most protocols at West Hills Chiropractic Pain Center involve 15–25 sessions over 4–8 weeks, depending on the severity of your condition, how long you’ve had it, and how well you respond to treatment. Dr. Oddo will give you a personalized estimate after your initial exam.
Is VAX-D covered by insurance?
Coverage varies by plan. Some insurance plans cover VAX-D under chiropractic or physical therapy benefits. Our office will verify your coverage prior to beginning treatment and provide transparent pricing information. Flexible payment options are available.
Can I do VAX-D if I’ve already had back surgery?
Potentially yes. “Failed back surgery syndrome” — persistent pain after spinal surgery — is one of the conditions VAX-D can address effectively. However, candidacy depends on the type of surgery you had and how long ago. Dr. Oddo will evaluate your surgical history and imaging to determine if VAX-D is appropriate for you.
What is the difference between VAX-D and DRX9000?
Both are spinal decompression systems, but VAX-D is the original patented technology with more published clinical research supporting it. VAX-D’s programming algorithm and table mechanics are specifically engineered to achieve true negative intradiscal pressure. At West Hills Chiropractic Pain Center, we use genuine VAX-D equipment — not imitations or substitutes.
How do I know if I’m a candidate for VAX-D?
The best way to find out is a consultation with Dr. Tom Oddo. Generally, ideal candidates have disc-related pain (herniation, bulging, degenerative disc disease, sciatica, stenosis), have not had spinal fusion surgery at the affected level, and have not found adequate relief from conservative treatments like medication, injections, or physical therapy alone.
Stop Living With Back Pain. Start With VAX-D.
If you’ve been struggling with disc pain, sciatica, or chronic back problems anywhere in West Hills, Huntington, or Long Island — and you’re not ready to accept surgery as your only option — VAX-D at West Hills Chiropractic Pain Center is your answer.
Dr. Tom Oddo and our team are ready to evaluate your condition, review your imaging, and tell you honestly whether VAX-D can help you. Call West Hills Chiropractic Pain Center today or book online to schedule your consultation. Your spine — and your quality of life — deserve a real solution.
West Hills Chiropractic Pain Center
400 W Jericho Tpke, Huntington, NY 11743
📞 (631) 659-2980
Serving West Hills, Huntington, Melville, Syosset, Woodbury, Commack, Cold Spring Harbor, and all of Long Island.