Lumbar decompression with the DRX9000

We have been offering spinal decompression services in San Francisco for about 8 years now. During this time we have performed over 15,000 spinal decompression treatments to the neck and low back…so we have a nice sampling to draw certain conclusions from.

One of the first things many potential spinal decompression patients ask is “does spinal decompression hurt?”…and you can’ really blame them…most are already in a lot of pain and really don’t want to have the injured spinal disc pulled on if it is going to hurt.

Well…the good news is that decompression therapy with machines like the DRX9000 are designed and built for maximum patient comfort. In fact…most people fall asleep during the spinal decompression treatments, which last about 30 minutes.

So…to directly answer the question “Is spinal decompression painful?”

I would say NO!…most of the time.

Sure…there are situations where people get sore…sometimes real sore…but “real sore” is rare.  As spinal decompression doctors we expect that patients will get sore…after-all, the treatment is physical. Because of this we use muscle stimulation and ice right after the decompression treatments to reduce inflammation and muscle spasms. We also instruct the patients on how to apply ice throughout the day.

We have real specific do’s and dont’s that allow for maximum healing.

And when patients do get sore…it’s usually nothing more than the soreness you would get if you did a new exercise. Because in actuality, it’s very similar. Part of the soreness some people get after decompression is because the muscle are now working with the spine and disc in a new position…so they have to work a little different…because of this they can get sore. Ice reduces the likelihood of the soreness interfering with the treatment.

Bottom Line: Most herniated disc patients look forward to their spinal decompression therapy. The listen to music, sleep, relax, and generally get better.

So there you go. Don’t let the possibility of soreness from decompression therapy stop you from doing it. Because chances are, it will be a non event.

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

Back Pain

When people think of chiropractic, they immediately think of low back pain and are often surprised to find out that chiropractic can benefit many conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, rotator cuff tears, as well as hip, knee, and ankle conditions.  There is also research support for manipulation (a key component of chiropractic) and its role in managing “somatovisceral” related conditions such as pneumonia, dizziness, stage 1 hypertension, PMS, asthma, colic, and bed wetting.

Research clearly shows that chiropractic manipulation out performs other forms of treatment for acute, subacute and chronic low back pain. But, the question remains, can “maintenance chiropractic” PREVENT problems down the road? Ironically, two medical doctors in August of 2011 published an article in a leading medical journal (SPINE) entitled, “Does maintained spinal manipulation therapy for chronic nonspecific low back pain result in better long-term outcome?” The study’s objective was to determine if treating chronic low back pain patients (pain >6 months) after a course of 12 treatments in the first month would do better, the same or worse if treatments were continued at 2-week intervals for an additional 9 months. They compared 3 groups of patients: 1.) 12 treatments of “sham” (placebo) manipulation over a 1-month period. 2.) 12 treatment of “real” spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) for 1 month but no treatments for the subsequent 9 months. 3.) The same as #2 but with treatments every 2 weeks over the next 9 months. To determine the differences between these 3 groups, the authors measured pain and disability scores (using questionnaires), generic health status (questionnaire), and back-specific patient satisfaction (questionnaire) at 1, 4, 7 and 10-month intervals.

The results showed that groups 2 (SMT for 1 month only) and 3 (SMT for 1 month + every 2 weeks for 9 months) had significantly lower pain and disability scores than the 1st group (sham/placebo group) at the end of the 1st month or, 12 visits. However, only group 3 (treatments were continued for 9 months at 2 week intervals) showed more improvement in pain and disability scores at 10 months. Equally important, the scores for the non-maintained group 2 patients returned to near their pre-treatment levels by month 10!

The authors concluded that not only is spinal manipulative therapy effective for chronic low back pain, but more importantly, REGULAR ADJUSTMENTS EVERY 2 WEEKS after the initial course of concentrated care (3x/week for 4 weeks) was needed, “…to obtain long-term benefit,” suggesting that, “…maintenance SM after the initial intensive manipulative therapy,” is appropriate care to obtain long-term results.

This study FINALLY supports the recommendations made by chiropractors for many years –regular adjustments are beneficial to obtain a higher quality of life, less pain and less disability!

            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 with one of our San Francisco Chiropractors, call 415-392-2225. Mention this low back pain article for a complimentary consultation and office tour.

DRX9000c Cervical Decompression

We have been treating neck pain in San Francisco for over 20 years now. About 7 years ago we began to include nonsurgical cervical decompression into our treatment protocols. The machine we use is the DRX9000c.

As chiropractors, when it comes to treating neck and back pain, we are always looking to achieve a favorable outcome with our hands…and for the most part this is what happens. However, there are times when “hands-on” does not work…or it doesn’t work good enough…or the patient is so sore and inflamed you can’t even lay your hands on them…what now…NECK SURGERY?

Well…that was our thought process 7 years ago. Now things are different…different because we have a next step…cervical decompression with the DRX9000c.

So cervical decompression can help prevent neck surgery?

YES!

I have actually had patients (many of them) that were scheduled for neck surgery, that decided to put it off and try spinal decompression first. Why?…to avoid neck surgery if possible. Did it work? YES…more often than not.

Here’s the deal…the DRX9000c is NOT a Magic Bullet. What it is is the most advanced medical technology available (that I know of)  for the nonsurgical treatment of neurovascular compression syndromes in the neck. Conditions such as herniated and bulging cervical discs, spinal stenosis, facet syndrome, and degenerative disc disease.

But it doesn’t work every time…just most of the time…and if you ask me…that’s a good enough reason to try it…as long as you qualify medically…not everyone does.

So yes…cervical decompression can help prevent neck surgery…absolutely…that’s one of our primary goals…and it’s why herniated and bulging disc patients seek us out.

Listen…you can always have neck surgery. But if you have any kind of cervical fusion surgery you will never be able to try nonsurgical cervical decompression…and that is a bummer.

I have had patients cry in my office when I told them this. I have had herniated disc patients with neck fusion say they would have the screws removed and come back. They were stuck and living out a nightmare. heck…at least try spinal decompression first (if you qualify).

It’s what I would do…and it’s also what I would have a loved one do. In fact…a close family member went through spinal decompression at my clinic and still had to have low back surgery…it was that bad. But at least she knows she tried.

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 and demonstration of the DRX9000c.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.