We have been providing spinal decompression therapy in San Francisco for over 8 years now. The machines we use are the DRX9000 and DRX9000c.

The DRX9000 and DRX9000c spinal decompression systems are designed and built to treat lumbar and cervical disc bulges, disc herniations, spinal stenosis, facet syndrome, and degenerative disc disease. These conditions are considered neurovascular compression syndromes.

Here is a list of some of the symptoms spinal decompression patients present with:

Low Back and Neck Pain, Sciatica (Leg Pain), Arm and Shoulder Pain, Arm and Leg Weakness,Night Pain
Numbness and Tingling in the Extremities
Abnormal Gait, Headaches, Dizziness

These are all symptoms associated (and there are more) with Pinched Nerves due to herniated or bulging discs, or one of the other listed compression pathologies.

Spinal decompression therapy is now considered the most advanced nonsurgical treatment for herniated and bulging discs in the marketplace.  It’s the “Gold Standard”.

Machines such as the DRX9000 and DRX9000c like we use at our Spinal Decompression Center in San Francisco are widely accepted now in the medical community.

Spinal decompression is very safe and gentle. Most people actually fall asleep on the machine. Some get a little sore which is normal…and every once in a while someone will get real sore (rare).

Spinal decompression treatments take about an hour from start to finish. We reserve the machine for you. You are on the machine about 30 minutes. Then 10 minutes of muscle stimulation to teach the muscles to work with the spine in it’s new position. Then 10 minutes of ice to reduce inflammation, pain, and muscle spasms.

Spinal decompression works by enlarging the disc space, elongating the spine, stretching the spinal muscles, ligaments, and tendons, re-hydrating the spinal disc, and re-positioning the disc into a more normal position…away from the delicate nerve fibers, which is what pinches the nerves and causes the pain.

Spinal decompression machines like the DRX9000 are fully computerized and have a biofeedback mechanism built in. They are able to sense your muscle response and adjust the amount of “pull” accordingly. This is different than regular traction which pulls without regard to a patients tolerance. This can make the problem worse.

The spinal decompression machine creates what’s called a “negative pressure” which  negates the negative forces of gravity and helps release the compressed state of the vertebrae on the spinal discs, allowing them to unlock and function in a more normal fashion.

Spinal decompression is a process…normally about 20-24 sessions depending on the patients condition. Sometimes relief comes right away…sometimes not until the end. And everything in between.

If you have been diagnosed with a herniated or bulging disc or any of the other conditions listed above…you should consider nonsurgical spinal decompression as a treatment option.

Some people try other forms of neck and low back pain treatment first…treatments like chiropractic, cortisone, physical therapy, acupuncture…and sometimes these help.

But too often, back or neck surgery is recommended and we don’t feel surgery makes sense without first trying spinal decompression. At least in most cases. Sometimes you have no choice…but that’s rare.

To find out if you are a candidate for spinal decompression in San Francisco, call 415-392-2225. Mention this article for a complimentary consultation and tour of the DRX9000 or DRX9000c.

DRX9000 Lumbar Decompression

We have been providing treatment for Sciatica in San Francisco for over 20 years now. The primary causes of sciatica are bulging and herniated lumbar discs. During this time we have mostly used chiropractic adjustments, physical therapy, massage, deep tissue laser, and custom exercises.

About 8 years ago we began to incorporate spinal decompression therapy with the DRX9000. The DRX9000 is a machine that is designed and built to provide nonsurgical relief from neurovascular compression syndromes such as herniated and bulging lumbar discs, degenerative disc disease, facet syndrome, and spinal stenosis.

The results have been outstanding.

We also provide cervical decompression therapy with the DRX9000c.

Often times, sciatica patients will not respond to chiropractic care, physical therapy, cortisone, or pain medication. The sciatica symptoms resulting from the herniated discs can cause severe back pain and disability. Some patient are almost to sore and sensitive to even touch.

This is when spinal decompression makes the most amount of sense. Patients can be too sore to have chiropractic or physical therapy but they can handle decompression therapy. Typically, after  several sessions the inflammation starts to subside and the sciatica symptoms begin to abate….which is very nice.

Spinal decompression therapy with the DRX9000 takes about an hour for each session. The average sciatica patient requires about 2o sessions to achieve a favorable outcome.

We incorporate muscle stimulation, ice, exercise, and some chiropractic if indicated and tolerated. We will even apply deep tissue laser and advanced soft tissue methods such as ART and Graston as needed. The treatment is very comprehensive.

Not everyone qualifies for spinal decompression. If you have advanced spinal degeneration or osteoporosis, a previous spinal fusion, severe scoliosis, aortic aneurism, multiple sclerosis, to name a few, you may not qualify.

If you are interested in finding out if you are a candidate for nonsurgical spinal decompression at our San Francisco Spinal Decompression Center, please call 415-392-2225 and ask for a complimentary consultation.

Spinal Decompression Therapy with DRX9000

We have been providing treatment for herniated discs in San Francisco for over 20 years now. For the past 8 years we have included nonsurgical spinal decompression with the DRX9000 into the mix.

Prior to spinal decompression therapy we would be unable to help certain herniated disc patients. After-all…chiropractic, which is a wonderful form of treatment for most cases, just can’t help certain disc patients. My guess is that up to 20% of the patients that suffer with a herniated or bulging cervical or lumbar disc, simply will not respond to chiropractic care, physical therapy, medications, acupuncture, or exercise. They need something more.

Before spinal decompression we would refer most of these patients for back or neck surgery consultations. Some would have surgery, but most would just live with the pain. These are the first patients we treated when we purchased our first DRX9000 8 years ago.

Now things are different. The DRX9000 becomes our “next step” if chiropractic fails to deliver results with herniated and bulging disc patients. We also have a DRX9000c to treat cervical disc herniations.

Sometimes the DRX9000 or DRX9000c can actually help make chiropractic adjustments work. The spinal decompression process is able to reduce inflammation, pain, and muscle spasms , which allow a patient to tolerate chiropractic. And the combination of chiropractic adjustments and spinal decompression can be much more powerful than either one alone.

Don’t get me wrong…spinal decompression IS NOT a magic wand. What it is is the most advanced form of nonsurgical treatment in the marketplace today for neurovascular compression syndromes such as herniated discs, bulging discs, facet syndrome, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease.

Does spinal decompression therapy with the DRX9000 work every time?

NO…nothing does.  Just most of the time.

But here’s the deal. Spinal decompression is very safe. If it does not help you are still whole and can explore other treatment options. If you have fusion surgery you cannot UN-do it. You will be forever disqualified from ever trying spinal decompression.

TIP: Try spinal decompression first…you can always have surgery!

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

DRX9000c Cervical Decompression

We have been providing treatment in San Francisco for herniated discs in the neck for over 20 years now. About 8 years ago we began to incorporate nonsurgical cervical decompression with the DRX9000c into the mix.

Since then, cervical decompression has become the gold standard for the nonsurgical treatment of neurovascular compression syndromes such as bulging and herniated cervical discs, cervical stenosis, disc degeneration, and facet syndrome.

Often times,  patients are scheduled for risky neck surgery when they decide to try the DRX9000c first at the recommendation of their medical doctor. Other times, we discover the cervical disc herniation when we send an unresponsive chiropractic patient out for an MRI. Some patients find us while conducting their own research for nonsurgical drug-less options for neck pain, which may or may not be radiating into the arms and hands.

Neck pain that radiates into the upper extremities can also lead to weakness up grip strength and disability. It’s best to seek treatment right away before it gets worse.

We have seen miracles at our spinal decompression clinic with the DRX9000c. Most recently,  a dentists that was having to use a wheel chair and could not work, is now walking on his own and reports a 70% recovery at about the half way point.

While cervical decompression is not a Magic Bullet…it is the most advanced technology in the marketplace today for herniated and bulging discs.

Not all patients qualify medically for the DRX9000c. The best thing to do if you feel you are a candidate is to find a spinal decompression doctor near you.

If you live or work near downtown San Francisco you can visit us at our San Francisco Spinal Decompression Center. Simply call 415-392-2225 and ask for a complimentary consultation and demonstration of the DRX9000c.  

Lumbar Decompression For Bulging Lumbar Discs

We have been providing low back pain treatment in San Francisco for over 20 years now. One of the more common conditions we treat is Lumbar Disc Bulge.

This is where the center of the disc (Nucleus Pulposus) has not yet herniated, but is still bulging through the outer containment walls of the disc (Anulus Fibrosis) and is causing nerve pressure…often times on the lumbar nerve roots that form the sciatic nerve. This can lead to sciatica (leg pain) as well as low back pain and dysfunction of varying degrees.

Bulging discs will often times become full blown disc herniations if left untreated.

Spinal Decompression machines are designed and built to reduce disc bulges and disc herniations. They do this by enlarging the disc space, stretching the spinal ligaments, elongating the spine, re-establishing nutrient exchange between the disc and blood stream, and creating a negative pressure in the disc.

The negative pressure pulls the bulging disc fragments, or herniated disc fragments back to the center of the disc where they belong and off of the spinal cord and nerves.

It really is quite amazing…but that’s how it works.

Does it work every single time? NO…just most of the time.

At our Spinal Decompression Clinic in San Francisco, we only accept cases that have a high probability of success. And the patient must be willing to do their part. The treatment protocol is for 20 hour long sessions over 4-6 weeks. There is quite a bit of home care also in the form of exercises, dietary recommendations, hydration, and do’s and dont’s.

The bulging disc patients that get the most from spinal decompression therapy, do their part, keep their appointments, and have a positive attitude about the treatment process…because it is a process.

Lumbar disc bulges can cause severe pain and loss of function…and often times nothing will help as far as medical care or even chiropractic or physical therapy. This is when spinal decompression makes the most sense.

So…if you have been diagnosed with a bulging lumbar disc or herniated disc, and feel you have no where to turn…disc decompression with a machine like the DRX9000 just might be a logical next step.

To find out if you are a candidate for the DRX9000 at our Spinal Decompression Center in San Francisco, call 415-392-2225 and ask for a complimentary consultation.

Neck and Upper Back Manipulation

Does mobilization (MOB) get less, the same, or better results when compared to spinal manipulative therapy (SMT)? To answer this question, let’s first discuss the difference between the two treatment approaches.

             Mobilization (MOB) of the spine can be “technically” defined as a “low velocity, low amplitude” force applied to the tissues of the cervical spine (or any joint of the body, but we’ll focus on the cervical region). This means a slow, rhythmic movement is applied to a joint using various methods such as figure 8, side to side, front to back and /or combinations of any of these movements. In the neck, gentle to firm manual traction or pulling, when applied to the cervical spine, stretches the joint and disk spaces and can be included during MOB. Some consider nonsurgical spinal decompression to be a form of Mobilization. In my opinion decompression therapy is it’s own category.

             Spinal Manipulative Therapy (SMT) can be defined as a “high velocity, low amplitude” type of force applied to joint which is often accompanied by a audible release or “crack,” which is the release of gas (nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide). Some joints “cavitate” or “crack” while others are less likely to release the gas. This is what a chiropractic adjustment does and is what we do at our San Francisco Chiropractic Clinic.

Studies that date back to the 1940s report an immediate improvement in a joint’s range of motion occurs when the joint cavitates. Many people instinctively stretch their own neck to the point of gas release, which typically, “…feels good.” This can become a habit and usually is not a big problem. However, in some cases, it can lead to joint hypermobility and ligament laxity.  As a rule, if only a gentle stretch is required to produce the cavitation/crack, it’s typically “safe” verses the person who uses higher levels of force by grabbing their own head and twisting it beyond the normal tissue stretch boundaries. The later is more likely to result in damage to the ligaments (tissue that strongly holds bone to bone) and therefore, should be avoided.  Since SMT is usually applied in a very specific location (where the joint is fixated or “stuck”, or, partially displaced), it’s obviously BEST to utilize chiropractic,  as we chiropractors do this many times a day (for years or even decades) and we know where to apply it and can judge the amount of force to utilize, especially the neck where there are many delicate structures.

            Back to the question: Which is better, MOB or SMT? Or, are they equals in the quest of rid of neck pain? A recent study of over 100 patients with “mechanical neck pain” (strain/sprain)  showed that those who received SMT had a significantly better response than the MOB group as measured by a pain scale, a disability scale and 2 tests that measure function! So, the next time you ask the question, “….do you have to crack my neck?,” the answer should be “yes, if you want to achieve the quickest response.” However, if there is sharp pain during the “set-up” of the manipulation or adjustment, modifications in the technique are appropriate or, a different method should be considered.

            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 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.

Special Note: When SMT fails to deliver results, spinal decompression therapy should be considered as a treatment option for back and neck pain secondary to herniated and bulging discs.

To schedule an appointment with one of our Back and Neck Pain Experts in San Francisco, call 415-392-2225.

Pinched Lumbar Nerve Causing Sciatica

Low back pain (LBP) can be localized and contained to only the low back area or, it can radiate pain down the leg. This distinction is important as the former, LBP only, is often less complicated and carries a more favorable prognosis for complete recovery. In fact, a large part of our history and examination is focused at this differentiation. This weeks’s Health Update is going to look at the different types of leg pain that can occur with different LBP conditions.

            We’ve all heard of the word “sciatica” and it (usually) is loosely used to describe everything from LBP arising from the joints in the back, the sacroiliac joint, from the muscles of the low back as well as a pinched nerve from a ruptured disk. Strictly speaking, the term “sciatica” should ONLY be used when the sciatic nerve is pinched.  The sciatic nerve is made up of five smaller nerves (L4, 5, S1, 2, 3) that arise from the spine and join together to form one large nerve (about the size of our pinky) called the sciatic nerve – like five small rivers merging into one BIG river. Sciatica occurs when any one of the small nerves (L4-S3) or, when the sciatic nerve itself, gets compressed or irritated. This can be, and often is caused from a lumbar disk herniation (the “ruptured disk”), a mis-positioned vertebra (such as a forward slip of the vertebra called “spondylolisthesis”), pressure from an arthritic spur off the spine where the nerve exits (“spinal stenosis”), or, from a tumor near or around the nerve. A term called “pseudosciatica” (a non-disk cause) includes a pinch from the piriformis muscle where the nerve passes through the pelvis (in the “cheek” or, the buttocks), which has been commonly referred to as “wallet sciatica” as sitting on the wallet in the back pocket is often the cause. When this occurs, the term “peripheral neuropathy” is the most accurate term to use. Other “pseudosciatic” causes include referred pain from the facet joints which is described by the patient as a “deep ache” inside the leg, or from a metabolic condition where the nerve is affected such as diabetes and other conditions. Here again, the term, “neuropathy” is the better label when diabetes, hypothyroid, lead poisoning, alcohol toxicity and/or others is the culprit. Direct trauma like a bruise to the buttocks from falling or hitting the nerve during an injection into the buttocks can also trigger “sciatica.”

            The symptoms of sciatica include low back pain, buttocks pain, back of the thigh, calf and/or foot pain and/or numbness-tingling. If the nerve is compressed hard enough, muscle weakness can occur making it hard to stand up on the tip toes creating a limp when walking. In the clinic, we will raise the straight leg and if pinched, sharp pain can occur with as little as 20-30° due to the nerve being stretched as the leg is raised. If pain occurs anywhere between 30 and 70° of elevation of either the same side leg and/or the opposite leg, this constitutes a positive test for sciatica (better termed, “nerve root tension”). When a disk is herniated into the nerve, bending the spine backwards can move the disk away and off the nerve resulting in relief, which is very diagnostic of a herniated disk. Having a patient walk on their toes and then heels and watching for foot drop as well as testing the reflexes, the sensation with a sharp object, and testing the reflexes at the knee and Achilles tendon can give us clues if there is nerve damage. The GOOD NEWS is that chiropractic methods can resolve this problem FREQUENTLY, thus avoiding unnecessary surgery! So, check with us FIRST, before electing for surgery!!!

            We realize you have a choice in who you choose to provide your healthcare 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 for sciatica treatment in San Francisco please call 415-392-2225. Mention this blog post for a complimentary consultation.

Lumbar decompression with the DRX9000

We have been treating low back pain in San Francisco for over 20 years…in the SF Financial District. Our newest clinic is located at the landmark Embarcadero Center.

About 8 years ago we added spinal decompression with the DRX9000 to our treatment protocols for herniated and bulging lumbar discs. The results have been outstanding.

A typical spinal decompression patient will have already been diagnosed with a herniated or bulging disc and have MRI films. It’s also not unusual for our spinal decompression doctors to suspect a herniated disc and refer out for MRI. There is a diagnostic center right across the street from our spinal decompression clinic.

More often than not, the patient has already explored other treatment options such as cortisone, physical therapy, acupuncture, and pain medications…even chiropractic care.

As long as there are no contraindications such as previous fusion surgeries in the back, aortic aneurism, advanced osteoporosis, advanced spinal degeneration, MS and more…we are able to move forward with the DRX9000.

How many visits we recommend and what we decide to do along with the spinal decompression therapy is determined case by case.

The typical spinal decompression will consist of treatment on the DRX9000 for 30 minutes. 10 minutes of muscle stimulation to teach the spinal muscles to work with the spine in the new position, and 10 minutes of ice to reduce inflammation and soreness from the treatment.

YES…the treatment itself can make you a little sore…after-all it’s physical.

We have you wear a back support throughout the day and recommend that you ice every few hours for the first week or so.

The hour long treatments are usually performed 20-26 times over the course of 2 months. Some patients achieve complete resolution of pain and symptoms…some partial…and everything in between. It’s rare when there is no improvement. Most herniated disc patients are very satisfied with the treatment outcomes.

Our spinal decompression doctors have a lot of experience…and there is an art to setting someone up on the machine and fitting them for the harness that is worn during decompression therapy. And knowing when to increase the tension or lower it. Or when to start exercises…and what exercises will work best.

We also incorporate deep tissue laser therapy, massage, and gentle chiropractic adjustments into the process when indicated…knowing when is key.

So that’s it.

If you would like to find out if you are a candidate for care at our San Francisco Spinal Decompression Center…call 415-392-2225. Mention this blog post for a complimentary consultation.

We have been providing spinal decompression services in downtown San Francisco for 8 years now. The machine we use is the DRX9000.

DRX9000 Lumbar Decompression

Nonsurgical spinal decompression is a machine that is designed an built to treat neurovascular compression syndromes such as herniated and bulging discs, spinal stenosis, disc degeneration, and facet syndrome.

Not everyone qualifies medically for spinal decompression therapy…and here are some of the contraindications and exclusions:

• Aortic Aneurism
• Surgical Fusion (cement, wires, mesh, hardware)
• Unstable Spondylolithesis (usually Grade II and above)
• Advanced Osteoporosis
• Moderate to Severe Congenital Scoliosis
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Bone or muscle tumors
• Severe Spinal Degeneration

Please note: Your spinal decompression doctor will have to make the decision of whether or not you are a good candidate for spinal decompression at their clinic.

The best thing to do is research spinal decompression doctors in your area online and meet with them face to face with your medical records. You can both decide together if spinal decompression therapy makes sense for you.

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

We have been providing spinal decompression therapy in San Francisco for about 8 years now. The machine we use is the DRX9000, which treats the lumbar spine. We also have a DRX9000c cervical decompression system.

Spinal Decompression Therapy with DRX9000

In addition to the DRX9000 systems, we also  incorporate chiropractic adjustments by hand or with an instrument, deep tissue therapeutic laser, massage, core exercises, stretches, and lifestyle modifications as needed.

Our typical spinal decompression patient will have single or multiple level bulging or herniated discs which are evident on MRI. There is often times associated spinal and disc degeneration. Usually, the patient has already tried other forms of back or neck pain treatments such as cortisone, physical therapy, acupuncture, or even failed back surgery.

It is also not unusual for our San Francisco Spinal Decompression Clinic to be the first place a herniated disc patient comes for help. We have an MRI facility directly across the street from our Embarcadero Center location, so we are able to order MRI and have the findings within 24 hours.

The treatment protocol for spinal decompression is anywhere from 18-30 sessions depending on the nature and severity of the neck or low back condition. We are usually able to start right away and the sessions are about an hour long.

Insurance does not cover spinal decompression, but they will often cover some of the ancillary charges such as chiropractic, massage, ice/heat, exercises and exams.  We have payment plans for those that need help.

If you have been diagnosed with a herniated disc or a bulging disc and are not finding the relief you need, you may be a candidate for nonsurgical spinal decompression with the DRX9000 or DRX9000c.

If you live or work near downtown San Francisco we would love to meet with you to discuss your treatment options. If you have an MRI please bring it with you. If not, we can order one if necessary.

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