When to consider spinal decompression

Posted on January 24, 2012 by admin
decompression therapy san francisco

Lumbar decompression with the DRX9000

About 80% of the general population will experience a serious bout of low back pain at some point in their lives.  A certain percentage of these people will develop chronic low back pain…which is back pain that persists for over 90 days. In fact…the #1 predisposing factor for chronic back pain is previous back pain.

Of the patients that develop chronic low back pain, a certain percentage will become severe and debilitating, mostly due to conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease.

There are many treatment options for severe chronic low back pain. As far as conservative treatment, there is chiropractic, physical therapy, exercise, and acupuncture.

The medical approach is typically pain pills, muscle relaxers, cortisone, and surgery.

Some back pain clinics combine both medical care and conservative care.

Recently…about 7-8 years ago, a new nonsurgical treatment option for low back pain came to the marketplace.  It’s called nonsurgical spinal decompression, and is performed with a machine that costs about $100,000 (the best ones). The machine we use at our San Francisco Spinal Decompression Center is the DRX9000…the Rolls Royce of spinal decompression systems.

Spinal decompression machines are able to isolate on a specific spinal disc,  say L5/S1 and promote healing. It does this by enlarging the disc space, re-positioning the disc, elongating the spinal ligaments, stretching the spinal muscles, and re-hydrating the injured disc. Results are outstanding.

You should consider spinal decompression either at the point you have been diagnosed with a herniated or bulging disc, or after more conservative and less expensive treatments such as chiropractic and exercise have failed. Certainly before you have surgery. Because if you have fusion surgery you can never try spinal decompression…you are permanently disqualified.

Now, chiropractors like myself have a “next step” if chiropractic fails to deliver. Before spinal decompression we would have to refer out for surgical options. Times have changed.

So if you have been diagnosed with a herniated disc, bulging disc, spinal stenosis, facet syndrome, or disc degeneration…or are suffering with chronic back pain…consider nonsurgical spinal decompression. You just might be a candidate!

To schedule a complimentary consultation with a spinal decompression doctor in San Francisco call 415-392-2225.

 

Posted in Degenerative Disc Disease, DRX9000, Herniated Disc, Spinal Stenosis | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

The Neck and Shoulder Pain Relationship

Posted on January 8, 2012 by admin
neck and shoulder pain treatment san francisco

Neck and Shoulder Pain Connection

Given the close anatomical proximity between the neck and shoulder, it’s no wonder the two are intimately related. In our hectic lifestyles of driving, hunching over computers, talking on the phone, not to mention stress arising from multiple sources, the muscles in the neck, upper back and shoulders seem to tighten up and hurt at the same time. The question is, between the neck and the shoulder, which one is the “chicken” and which is the “egg?”

The neck gives rise to the nerves that innervate the head (C1-3 nerve roots), the shoulders (C4-5), and the arms (C5-T2). Hence, there are 8 sets of nerves in the neck, 12 sets in the thoracic (middle back region), and 6 sets in the lumbar or low back region and 5 sets in the sacrum, all of which travel to a specific destination allowing us to move our muscles and to feel hot, cold, sharp, dull, vibration and position sense. When these nerves get pinched or irritated, they lose their function and the ability to feel, making it challenging to button a shirt, thread a needle, or pick up small objects.  It can also make it difficult to unscrew jars, squeeze a spray bottle, or lift a milk container from the refrigerator. Hence, the nerves arising from the neck, when pinched, can have a dramatic effect on our ability to carry out our desired activities in which the shoulder, arm and hand use is required.

On the other hand, when the shoulder is injured (such as a rotator cuff tear), this can also result in neck problems. There are several ways pain from the neck affects the shoulder and vice versa. When the shoulder is injured, pain “information” is relayed to the brain starting at the nerve endings located in the area of the shoulder injury, transmitting impulses between the shoulder and the neck, and finally from the neck to the sensory cortex of the brain. That information is processed and communication to the motor cortex prompts nerve signals to be sent back to the shoulder through the neck and to the injured area (in this case, the shoulder). A reflex muscle spasm often occurs as a result, serving as kind of an “internal cast” as the muscle spasm tries to protect the injured shoulder. This can become a “vicious cycle” or never-ending “loop” until the reflex is interrupted (perhaps by a chiropractic adjustment). Another means by which both areas become injured has to do with modifications in function. We tend to change the way we go about our daily chores when an injury occurs to the shoulder, such as putting on a coat differently by leaning over to the opposite side. These functional changes can also give rise to neck pain. Because of this reflex cycle, as well as the close anatomic relationship between the neck and shoulder, not to mention the “domino effect” of soft-tissue injuries which seem to change the function at the next joint level, it’s not surprising that both the neck AND the shoulder require simultaneous treatment for optimal treatment benefit. However, the good news is, regardless which one is the “chicken or the egg,” chiropractic treatments of shoulder injuries will almost always include the neck and vice-versa.

            We realize that you have a choice in where you choose your healthcare services.  If you, a friend or family member requires care for neck pain, we sincerely appreciate the trust and confidence shown by choosing our services and look forward in serving you and your family presently and, in the future.

 To schedule an appointment with one of our chiropractors in San Francisco call 415-392-2225. Mention this neck and shoulder pain article and receive a complimentary consultation.

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Low Back Pain and Spinal Manipulation: How Does it Work?

Posted on January 1, 2012 by admin
chiropractor san francisco

Spinal Adjustment

For many years, Chiropractic has been at the forefront of treating low back pain (LBP) with both greater patient satisfaction and less lost time at work when compared to other non-surgical treatment approaches. There have been many explanations as to why chiropractic manipulation therapy (CMT) works but many of these studies include other treatment modalities or methods and the benefits are ,therefore, not clearly derived only from CMT.  A recent study has tried to clear this up and the results are very interesting!

This study included two chiropractors and two a physical therapists (PT) from Canada and the US. What is unique about this study is that they measured clinical or symptomatic improvement by tracking improvement in activity tolerance using a standard questionnaire commonly used by chiropractors and PTs all over the world, as well as changes in the spinal stiffness using a valid/reliable instrument before and after CMT was utilized. The importance of these findings is that only CMT was utilized and hence, other forms of treatment commonly utilized by chiropractors did not cloud the findings. There were 48 patients included in the study and the initial 2 treatments were administered 3-4 days apart, followed by an assessment 3-4 days after the 2nd treatment. Assessments were also performed before and after each treatment. The assessments included use of the questionnaire and a stiffness measurement using the special instrument. Also, “recruitment of the lumbar multifidus muscle” (a muscle in the low back that helps stabilize the trunk or core) was measured by ultrasound. After each treatment, significant improvement was found in the overall pain level and in reduced spinal stiffness (which remained improved 3-4 days after the last/second treatment).

The study conclusions revealed less pain, more activity tolerance and less spinal stiffness after the administration of the 2 treatments. The greatest clinical improvement was found in those who had the most dramatic reduction in stiffness after each treatment. They found that the level of muscle recruitment was directly related to the degree of spinal stiffness.  They also found that patients who received thrust manipulation (CMT) had immediate improvements with reduced pain, stiffness and improved muscle recruitment measurements. However, this same effect was NOT obtained when non-thrust mobilization techniques were used. This means many non-thrust manual techniques such as mobilization, massage, and other soft tissue release methods do not create the immediate benefits that were produced by thrust manipulation.

With this new information, we are now able to explain with confidence to patients the reasons why they typically feel better after the spinal adjustment. The patient can then appreciate receiving an answer that makes clear sense and has been “proven.” It’s important to realize that the “bonus” of receiving chiropractic care for low back pain includes not only just pain reduction, but more importantly, improvement in tolerating activities such as vacuuming, washing dishes, golfing, walking and of course, working.

            We realize you have a choice in who you choose to provide your health-care services.  If you, a friend or family member requires care for low back pain, we sincerely appreciate the trust and confidence shown by choosing our services and look forward in serving you and your family presently and, in the future.

To schedule an appointment with one of our San Francisco Chiropractors call 415-392-2225. Mention this blog post for a complimentary consultation.

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Do Herniated Discs Regenerate?

Posted on December 26, 2011 by admin
herniated disc san francisco

Cervical disc bulge on MRI

We have been providing treatment for herniated discs in San Francisco for over 20 years now. During this time we have helped thousands of cervical and lumbar herniated disc patients.

About 7 years ago we began to incorporate nonsurgical spinal decompression into our herniated disc protocols. The machines we use are the DRX9000 and DRX9000c.

Ever since I can remember there has been an ongoing debate in the medical community as to whether a herniated disc can repair itself or not.

In my opinion, the answer is YES.

Why do I say this? Because I have seen it first hand over and over again. I have seen before and after MRI’s of my very own herniated disc patients that have shown dramatic improvement in disc height and reduction of  disc herniation post decompression therapy.

Is there research on this? YES…but there are not full blown double blind studies…they are in the works.

In reality, this blog post is simply my opinion…but it’s the opinion of a herniated disc doctor that has over 20 years experience treating herniated discs in San Francisco. I have also delivered over 12,000 spinal decompression treatments to hundreds of patients.

Bottom Line: I recommend not listening to the naysayers. If you have been diagnosed with a herniated disc and have been told you need neck or back surgery…consider nonsurgical spinal decompression. It just might be the answer to your problem.

Nonsurgical spinal decompression is safe, gentle, and effective…and it is the only treatment I know of that can actually repair a herniated disc. But again…this is only my humble, biased opinion :-)

To schedule a complimentary consultation with a spinal decompression doctor in San Francisco, call 415-392-2225 and mention this blog post.

 

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Does Insurance Cover Spinal Decompression?

Posted on December 18, 2011 by admin
drx9000 therapy san francisco, 94111

DRX9000 Lumbar Decompresion

We have been providing Spinal Decompression in San Francisco for about 6 years now. The machine we use is the DRX9000 lumbar decompression system. We also have a DRX9000c which treats herniated discs in the neck.

One of the most common questions spinal decompression candidates want to know is:

Will My Insurance Cover Spinal Decompression?

Unfortunately, at least in California, the answer is NO!

However, most insurance WILL cover some of the ancillary services like exams, re-exams, ice, heat, muscle stimulation, back supports, exercises, massage, and home care/ergonomic instruction. How much just depends on the individual plan and medical necessity.

So sure…it’s kind of a bummer that spinal decompression is not a covered expense because it is still considered “experimental”…but all is not lost.

If you want to find out what your insurance covers I recommend having a spinal decompression clinic check your benefits for you.

If you live or work in the SF Bay Area and would like our San Francisco Spinal Decompression Center to check your benefits…you can simply fill out our “secure” online insurance benefits check form and we will get back with you.

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Degenerative Disc Disease…What Causes It?

Posted on December 11, 2011 by admin
treatment for disc disease san francisco

Degenerated Lumbar Spine and Discs

Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) for the most part is the result of abnormal wear and tear of the spinal discs in the lumbar and cervical spine. This is usually the result of misalignment’s in the spine.

There is an optimum alignment for the spine. When the spine is in this alignment there are normal stresses on the spinal joints and discs. When the spine is out of alignment the forces on the discs increase. Over time, these abnormal forces wear down the disc prematurely leading to disc degeneration, disc bulges, and disc herniations.

It’s kind of like the alignment of the front end of your car. When your front end is in proper alignment, your tires wear evenly and are better able to express their useful life. If your front end is out of alignment the tires will wear abnormally…same with your spine and vertebral discs.

Many consider spinal and disc degeneration to be part of the normal aging process. I beg to differ. Sure, degenerative disc disease is common…just like heart disease…but it’s not normal.

Our bodies are simply not designed to do the things we ask it to do day in and day out…like sitting in front of a computer for 12 hours a day. Or commuting in a car, train, or bus for many hours per day…or traveling on airplanes all over the place.

Add sports to the mix and mental stress from living in a stressful world (stress causes muscle tension and puts stress on bones and discs), poor posture, bad sleeping habits and ergonomics, and sure…it’s a miracle when you do see a spine in it’s proper alignment.

That is of course unless it’s the spine of a patient that incorporates regular chiropractic adjustments into their lifestyle. Chiropractic adjustments are the counter-balance to the stresses of modern day living and can add useful life to your spinal joints and discs.

So sure…spinal degeneration and disc degeneration are common…but lets not re-define normal. What’s normal is your natural state…not the degenerative state that occurs from man made forces if you just let it happen.

You don’t just continue to drive your car around when you feel it is out of alignment…and you shouldn’t with your spine either.

This is one of the reasons chiropractic is the worlds largest, drug-less, healing profession.

Chiropractic is not just about treating back or neck pain…or knee pain…or carpal tunnel. Sure, it does a  great job treating musculoskeletal injuries…but chiropractic can also extend the useful life of your spine…and your spine is the center of life.

Did you know the brain and spinal cord are the only organ (the spinal cord is an extension of the brain) in the body completely encased by bone? That’s how vital to life the spine is…it protects that which controls all bodily functions.

A healthy spine will go a long way when it comes to expressing life to it’s fullest…and regular chiropractic adjustments should be the main tool in your “healthy spine toolbox”.

Dr. Eben Davis is clinic director of Executive Express Chiropractic in downtown San Francisco. To schedule an appointment with one of our San Francisco Chiropractors call 415-392-2225.

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Headaches, Neck Pain and Concussion

Posted on December 4, 2011 by admin

Headache and Neck Pain Treatment

Have you ever “banged” your head from falling?  For those playing backyard football, soccer, hockey, or baseball as kids or adults, it’s really quite common. So, how can we tell when the “bang” is dangerous vs. not? And, how does a concussion occur?

What is a concussion? A concussion is “traumatic brain injury” (TBI) where the brain is “jarred” and literally bruises as a result of some sort of trauma (a “bang”).

What causes a concussion?  Causation is usually from some sort of trauma either by being hit by a moving object (like a ball), from hitting the head during a fall, and even without a direct strike if the head is violently moved back and forth (such as in a “whiplash” injury resulting from a car accident). When there is no direct strike of the head and in the absence of being “knocked out,” the person may not be aware that they have a concussion.

What are the symptoms associated with concussion? Immediate symptoms usually  include a headache and a reduced level of alertness or consciousness. A concussion temporarily interferes with the way the brain works and as a result (depending on the specific location and degree of the “brain bruise”) it can affect memory (short term the greatest), levels of awareness, judgment, feeling “spacey,” reflexes, speech, balance, coordination and sleep patterns. Other symptoms may include nausea and/or vomiting. Most people describe the experience as an abrupt injury where a bright flash of light occurs in the visual field that blocks the vision temporarily. Many do not actually become unconscious but may say they “blacked out” for a second or two. When unconsciousness does occur, the length of time they are “out” may be a way of determining severity. Symptoms can vary from mild to severe and the following are EMERGENCY symptoms where immediate health care provision is necessary: significant changes in alertness and consciousness, convulsions or seizures, muscle weakness on one or both sides, persistent confusion, persistent unconsciousness (coma), repeated vomiting, unequal pupils, unusual eye movements and walking problems. Neck injury is often associated with a head injury, which is why the injured person is stabilized on a board before being transported. Symptoms during recovery include being withdrawn, easily upset, confused, having a hard time with tasks that require memory and/or concentrating, having mild headaches and sensitivity to noise.

What tests are commonly performed on the post-concussive patient and, what is the treatment? A physical exam can include a careful evaluation of the cranial nerves such as pupil size and eye movement, as well as assessment of one’s thinking ability, coordination and reflexes. Special tests may include an EEG (brain wave test), especially when seizures are involved. A head CT scan or head MRI. Treatment may require a hospital stay if severe signs are present. A “wait & watch” approach is often practiced but prompt gentle chiropractic approaches often facilitates healing and should strongly be considered. Refraining from rigorous sports is strongly advised.

            We realize that you have a choice in where you choose your health-care services.  If you, a friend or family member requires care for headaches, we sincerely appreciate the trust and confidence shown by choosing our services and look forward in serving you and your family presently and, in the future.

To schedule a complimentary consultation at our San Francisco Spinal Decompression Center, call 415-392-2225 and mention this blog post.

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Cervical Disc Herniation or Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Posted on November 27, 2011 by admin

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) occurs when a nerve in the wrist called the “Median Nerve” is compressed. This typically occurs in people that do repetitive motions of the wrist day in and day out, such as office workers, meat cutters, hair dressers, and athletes.

Carpal Tunnel or Herniated Disc?

The most common signs and symptoms of CTS are pain in the wrist, numbness, tingling, weakness of grip, arm pain, and night pain.

The median nerve actually originates in the neck. It forms from nerve roots in the lower cervical spine, then travels down the middle of the forearm and through a bony tunnel in the wrist called the carpal tunnel.

When the carpal tunnel bones are out of alignment or the contents of the tunnel are overworked (tendons), the median nerve can become irritated and cause CTS symptoms.

But here’s the deal…if the nerve roots that form the median nerve are irritated as they exit the spine…say from a herniated disc in the neck…it can cause the same symptoms you feel when you have carpal tunnel syndrome.

And get this…you would not necessarily have any neck pain. Sometimes you do…sometimes you don’t. It’s when you don’t that causes problems with a proper diagnosis. If you go to a doctor for CTS symptoms that does not deal with carpal tunnel syndrome and herniated discs in the neck on a regular basis, you may get a bad diagnosis.

In fact, in my 20 years in practice, I can’t tell you how many times a doctor has diagnosed hand pain as CTS when the problem was a herniated disc in the neck.

Sometimes the patient has both. If a herniated disc in the neck is suspected we will usually order a cervical MRI to rule it out. But first we try conservative chiropractic care to see if we can improve the patients condition.

Our treatment is from the neck to the fingertips on both sides. We will typically perform chiropractic adjustments to the neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists, and fingers to realign the spine and extremities, restore motion, and improve strength and function. We will also massage the area to reduce muscle spasms and inflammation as well as break-up and prevent scar tissue formation. Then, we will implement custom exercises to strengthen the areas and restore normal motion.

In the event this CTS protocol fails to deliver desired results, we consider a cervical MRI and nonsurgical spinal decompression to the cervical spine with the DRX9000c. We also have deep tissue therapeutic laser which can help with herniated discs and carpal tunnel syndrome.

drx9000c san francisco

DRX9000c Cervical Decompression

A little different than wrist splints and Motrin Huh?

Believe it or not that’s a common medical approach to these problems. Then cortisone…then surgery…OUCH!

Now not every chiropractor is a carpal tunnel and herniated disc expert…but some are…you have to do some homework to find them.

If you live or work or plan to travel to San Francisco you can visit our San Francisco Spinal Decompression Center. Our chiropractors are trained in all the above. If you would like to schedule a complimentary consultation please call 415-392-2225 and mention this blog post.

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Most People with a Herniated Disc Don’t Know

Posted on November 20, 2011 by admin

We have been providing treatment for disc herniations in San Francisco for over 20 years. During this time we have learned much, in our own clinics, and from the research community.

back pain treatment in san francisco

Back Pain

Did you know that disc herniations are common. In fact, if we were to take 10 random people from off the street, six of them would have a bulging or herniated disc. And only two of those with a herniated disc would have back pain at that particular point in time.

So why is a herniated disc so bad?

It’s NOT….necessarily. However, there is a sub-set of herniated disc patients…say 10-15% of them, that develop pain and disability…some severe.  It’s still a very large number of people. And remember…over 80% of us will have a serious bout of back pain at some point in our lives…and the #1 risk factor for developing chronic back pain (pain that lasts over 3 months) is previous back pain.

The body can often heal bulging and herniated discs on it’s own. It just depends on the nature and severity of the problem.

Note: In order to even know you have a herniated disc for sure it needs to be confirmed by MRI. And in order for a doctor to order an expensive MRI in the first place, they have to suspect you have a disc herniation which means you are symptomatic.

According to research…many of us live and die with disc herniations we never knew we had.

So what’s the point?

Well…I guess the point I am trying to make is that a herniated disc is not the end of the world, and even if you are diagnosed with one you don’t automatically need surgery. In fact…quite the contrary…chances are you do not need surgery. A good doctor that utilizes chiropractic, physical therapy, core exercises, and nonsurgical spinal decompression, can most likely get you back on track.

Some professional athletes such as football players, that are doing things day in and day out that raise the odds of a disc herniation, get regular chiropractic and spinal decompression to help counter these negative stresses.

Maintaining a healthy back is like a balance scale. If you are doing things, like sitting for 12 hours a day, or working construction, or fire fighting, or just working and playing hard, you have tools at your disposal that can help you balance the scales. Tools like chiropractic and spinal decompression. Tools that “those in the know” use to stay in the game. And so can you.

If you think you may have a herniated disc in the neck or low back you should be checked.

If you live or work in the SF Bay Area, you can visit our San Francisco Spinal Decompression Center in the Financial District. Mention this blog post for a complimentary consultation with Validated Parking.

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Can Spinal Decompression Help a Pinched Nerve?

Posted on November 13, 2011 by admin
herniated disc treatment in San Francisco

Pinched Nerve: Herniated Lumbar Disc

A Pinched Nerve is mostly the result of a herniated or bulging disc in the neck or low back. Nerves can also be pinched or irritated by acute muscle spasms secondary to acute trauma or chronic overuse. Vertebral Subluxations of the spine can also result in inflammation and muscle spasms that can irritate nerves directly or indirectly (chemical irritation) resulting in symptoms such as sciatica.

Spinal decompression with machines such as the DRX9000 are considered by many to be the gold standard for the nonsurgical treatment of cervical and lumbar disc herniations and bulges.

drx9000 in san francisco

Lumbar Decompression For Chronic Back Pain

Nonsurgical spinal decompression machines are able to isolate on a specific spinal disc, say L5-S1 and repair the disc to the extent it is possible. Sometimes the disc is injured beyond repair…but this is the exception and not the rule.

The DRX9000 elongates the spine, enlarges the disc space, re-hydrates the disc, strengthens the spinal ligaments, re-positions the disc, and helps align the spine.

Over the course of say 6-8 weeks or 20-26 sessions, partial healing to complete healing takes place. And yes…occasionally spinal decompression fails to deliver. It’s not perfect…nothing is.

But here’s the deal…even if decompression therapy does not achieve a favorable outcome for you, you are still whole and able to pursue other treatment options. Surgery on the other hand is mostly a permanent change that cannot be undone. And once you have a fusion surgery you are forever disqualified from ever trying disc decompression with the DRX9000.

So…why not consider spinal decompression first…you can always have surgery?

If you a have been diagnosed with a pinched nerve secondary to a cervical or lumbar disc herniation you may be a candidate for spinal decompression.

To schedule a complimentary consultation at our San Francisco Spinal Decompression Center call 415-392-2225 and mention this blog post.

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