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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Low Back Pain & Patient Education

Posted on November 6, 2011 by admin
Eben Davis Chiropractor

Back Pain Talk San Francisco

Patient education is a very important aspect of caring for our patients. In fact, it can be one of the most important aspects of care. For example, when patients present with a brand new injury and pain levels are off the map, it’s quite common for that acute suffering patient to inappropriately think that, “I’m going to die… this hurts so much!” Hence, one of the very first things we do as chiropractors is to determine what structures are generating the pain so we can tell you!

Once you have an understanding of where the pain is coming from and why it hurts so bad, then you can be reassured that it’s not life threatening or dangerous. Also, at this acute point of time, the patient often unknowingly puts heat on the back, often for hours. This is the WORST thing you can do as the area is already swollen and putting heat on a swollen area draws more blood and fluids into the area.  It’s literally like throwing gas on a fire. So, receiving proper information from us such as, put ice on the area for 15-20 minutes on and off several times in a row to “PUMP” the swelling out of the area will make complete sense.

Also, did you know that 2/3rds of our body’s weight is above the waist? That means, when a 150# person bends over, they are “lifting” 100#! That’s one of several reasons why bending over can be so dangerous. To “fix” that, squat by bending the knees keeping the back straight and keep objects that you might be lifting close to your body as that weight literally weighs 10x more when your arms are straight and you’re lifting. When you can’t squat and have to bend over, bend the knees, arch your back (literally “stick your butt out”), and bend over at your hip joints – DON’T use your back. You’ll need to practice that one a few times before it’s fully understood.

As your back pain improves, we will review these important self-help approaches and add new “tricks of the trade” like certain stretches, some strengthening and perhaps some balance exercises.  Did you know that your thigh muscles shrink just by sleeping overnight?  It’s true!  When you wake up in the morning, your thigh muscles are smaller than when you went to bed. Well, this same muscle shrinkage (technically called “atrophy”) occurs in the lower back and hips, so strengthening exercises are REALLY IMPORTANT! Just think, if your muscles shrink overnight just from laying in bed, what about when you might have been told to use bed rest for several days or more? There potentially is a lot of muscle shrinkage and weakness that can occur in a relatively short amount of time and therefore, strengthening exercises also need to be taught in order to regain your strength so you can more safely do your activities.

Now what about back pain prevention? What methods to you think will help us NOT get low back pain? That’s right – managing weight! If your BMI (body mass index or, the ratio between your height and weight) is >25, you need to trim down a bit (or more). Go on line and SEARCH BMI, and pick one of many “BMI Calculators” to figure out your BMI. So, what do chiropractors know about weight loss?  Did you know the chiropractic college curriculum includes more nutritional courses than most medical schools? We will help you find a way to lose weight – whether its calorie restriction, a special diet like no/low salt, gluten-free, or a diabetes-specific diet. Another prevention trick for the low back (actually, whole body!) is to STAY FIT! Make aerobic exercise and even a light weight lifting program part or your daily ritual. Other methods help too, so come in and let us guide you in this journey to better health!

            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 a complimentary back pain and spinal decompression assessment with a San Francisco Spinal Decompression Doctor call 415-392-2225

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Take Charge of Your Spinal Decompression Success

Posted on October 30, 2011 by admin
drx9000 in san francisco

Spinal Decompression Therapy with DRX9000

When it comes to spinal decompression results…a lot depends on YOU! First of all, you have to make the decision in the beginning to finish what you start. You can’t expect to try a spinal decompression machine like the DRX9000 once or twice and make a determination whether or not decompression therapy will work for you…it’s just not possible.

And if you decide to invest time and money into spinal decompression…do it right. Keep all your appointments…do your home care…wear your back support…do your exercises…and follow your specific doctors orders the best you can.

Sure, nonsurgical spinal decompression is now considered the gold standard for natural treatment of cervical and lumbar herniated and bulging discs…but it’s NOT a Magic Bullet. It’s actually a lot of work for both patient and doctor. And like anything worthwhile results often do not come easy.

At our San Francisco Spinal Decompression Center we have seen it all. We have seen the worst of herniated disc cases return to near normal. We have also seen herniated disc patients go through the entire program and not respond. This is rare but it can happen.

Here’s the deal…there is no way to know if spinal decompression will work for you unless you try it…all of it…not part of it. Some chronic back or neck pain patients do not respond until the end of the treatment process. If they were to quit early or just test a few sessions they would have never achieved results. Finish what you start.

Sometimes there is just too much stress in a patients life to overcome…15 hour work days…a divorce…drugs, alcohol, a problem child. This can interfere with decompression outcomes.

Typically, if a patient fails to respond we will extend the treatment up to 10 visits for free and try other things. About half come around from our extra efforts. Our spinal decompression doctors in San Francisco will go to war with you. We will not give up…and you better not either!

To schedule an appointment at our San Francisco Spinal Decompression Clinic call 415-392-2225. Mention this blog for a complimentary consultation and DRX9000 Tour.

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Is Spinal Decompression Ongoing?

Posted on October 23, 2011 by admin

Spinal Decompression is now considered by many to be the “Gold Standard” for the nonsurgical treatment of herniated and bulging discs associated with chronic back pain and sciatica.

drx9000 in san francisco

Spinal Decompression Therapy with DRX9000

At our San Francisco Spinal Decompression Center we have helped thousands of herniated disc patients return to more normal lives. About 70% of them decide to continue on with some sort of maintenance program to maintain the positive changes obtained with the normal treatment protocol.

WHY…is this necessary to maintain the changes…will the results undo themselves without ongoing spinal decompression sessions?

Well…this is a great question…and the simple answer is that these patients are so happy with the spinal decompression results that they don’t want to take any chances.

What we are talking about are decompression maintenance visits of anywhere from once per month to once every 3 months. Some patients just monitor their back or neck pain themselves and come in for a session or two when they think they need it.

Spinal decompression is a tool. It helps thousands of herniated discs patients return to more normal lives every month worldwide. There are also thousands of back and neck surgeries that are prevented each year because of nonsurgical spinal decompression on machines like the DRX9000.

If coming in for periodic spinal decompression sessions will allow these patients to maintain the positive changes achieved it’s a small price to pay.

So…is spinal decompression ongoing?

For some, YES!

The choice is YOURS :-)

For a complimentary consultation at our San Francisco Spinal Decompression Clinic call 415-392-2225. Mention this blog post for a complimentary consultation.

 

 

 

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All Spinal Decompression Doctors Are Not The Same

Posted on October 16, 2011 by admin

We have been providing nonsurgical treatment for herniated and bulging discs in San Francisco for about 20 years now in the SF Financial District.

drx9000 in san francisco

Spinal Decompression Therapy with DRX9000

We were the first to offer DRX9000 and DRX9000c spinal decompression in San Francisco. Since then, many have purchased spinal decompression machines and claim to be experts in the nonsurgical treatment of herniated and bulging discs. And some of them are. But most are not.

In my opinion, most doctors that offer spinal decompression services lean too much on the machine…as if it were a magic wand. Sure, the spinal decompression machine is the meat and potatoes of a spinal decompression treatment program…but there is a lot more to it.

In my experience…and I have personally helped thousands of chronic and severe back and neck pain patients return to more normal lives, the spinal decompression treatment must address physical, mental, and chemical stresses that may be interfering with the patients health.

If a spinal decompression doctor does not address these areas, the results will not be as good. Some patients are under a tremendous amount of mental stress either at work or at home. This triggers the release of the stress hormone Cortisol which is pro-inflammatory. It is very hard to repair a herniated disc with chronic stress.

Some herniated disc patients have very poor diets. They eat mostly processed foods and animal products which are also pro-inflammatory and can interfere with spinal decompression treatment.  I prefer a Plant Based Diet and my best resource is Dr. John McDougall, MD.

And there is an art to setting up herniated disc patients on the DRX9000 or other spinal decompression systems. You get better and better the more back and neck pain patients you treat.

There is also an exercise component to decompression therapy. Start too soon and you set the patient back. Start too late and you slow down the process. And you have to know which exercises will work best for each patient…everyone is different.

And there is even more to it than this. So don’t just think because a doctor has a spinal decompression machine like a DRX9000 that the treatment will be the same as it will be somewhere else. Do some research. Ask if they have patients you can talk to. Ask for an office tour or maybe a trial session to see how it feels. Do your homework.

To schedule a complimentary consultation and DRX9000 spinal decompression tour at our San Francisco Spinal Decompression Center, call 415-392-2225 and mention this blog post.

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Low Back Pain and Spondylolisthesis

Posted on October 9, 2011 by admin

Low back pain can arise from many conditions, one of which is a mouthful: Spondylolisthesis.

The term was coined in 1854 from the Greek words, “spondylo” for vertebrae and “olisthesis” for slip. These “slips” most commonly occur in the low back, 90% at L5 and 9% at L4. According to www.spinehealth.com and others, the most common type of spondylolisthesis is called “isthmic spondylolisthesis,” which is a condition that includes a defect in the back part of the vertebra in an area called the pars interarticularis, which is the part of the vertebra that connects the front half (vertebral body) to the back half (the posterior arch). This can occur on one, or both sides, with or without a slip or shift forwards, which is then called spondylolysis. In “isthmic spondylolisthesis,” the incidence rate is about 5-7% of the general population favoring men over women 3:1. Debate continues as to whether this occurs as a result genetic predisposition verses environmental or acquired at some point early in life as noted by the increased incidence in populations such as Eskimos (30-50%), where they traditionally carry their young in papooses, vertically loading their lower spine at a very young age. However, isthmic spondylolisthesis can occur at anytime in life if a significant backward bending force occurs resulting in a fracture but reportedly, occurs most frequently between ages 6 and 16 years old.

Often, traumatic isthmic spondylolisthesis occurs during the adolescent years and in fact, is the most common cause of low back pain at this stage of life. Sports most commonly resulting in spondylolisthesis include gymnastics, football (lineman), weightlifting (from squats or dead lifts) and diving (from over arching the back). Excessive backward bending is the force that overloads the back of the vertebra resulting in the fracture sometimes referred to as a stress fracture, which is a fracture that occurs as a result of repetitive overloading over time, usually weeks to months.

If the spondylolisthesis lesions do not heal either by cartilage or by bone replacement, the front half of the vertebra can slip or slide forwards and become unstable. Fortunately, most of these heal and become stable and don’t progress. The diagnosis is a simple x-ray, but to determine the degree of stability, “stress x-rays” or x-rays taken at endpoints of bending over and backwards are needed. Sometimes, a bone scan is needed to determine if it’s a new injury verses an old isthmic spondylolisthesis.

Another very common type is called degenerative spondylolisthesis and occurs in 30% of Caucasian and 60% of African-American woman (3:1 women to men). This usually occurs at L4 and is more prevalent in aging females. It is sometimes referred to as “pseudospondylolisthesis” as it does not include defects in the posterior arch but rather, results from a degeneration of the disk and facet joints. As the disk space narrows, the vertebra slides forwards. The problem here is that the spinal canal, where the spinal cord travels, gets crimped or distorted by the forward sliding vertebra and causes compression of the spinal nerve root(s), resulting pain and/or numbness in one or both legs. The good news about spondylolisthesis is that non-surgical approaches, like spinal manipulation in particular, work well and chiropractic is a logical treatment approach!

            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.

For a complimentary consultation with one of our San Francisco Chiropractors  to determine the cause of your low back pain, call 415-392-2225 and mention this blog post.

 

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