Dr Davis' Back & Wrist Pain Blog

Milk, Calcium, and Protein. Do they REALLY Protect You from Osteoporosis ?

San Francisco Bay Area Chronic Back Pain Specialist Comments:

One of the more common underlying conditions we see at our chronic back pain centers is osteoporosis, which is a decrease in bone mass and bone density with an increased risk and/or incidence of fracture. So, it only makes sense that we be familiar with causes, preventions, and cures. The thing is, in my opinion, most of what my patients (as well as the general public) know about osteoporosis is not accurate.  Most people think osteoporosis is caused by a lack of protein and calcium, and the solution to their problem is to get more of it, in the form of calcium tablets, milk, or meat. The meat and dairy industries spend billions of dollars trying to get this message across to us, and it works. There are some people who are more informed and know that weight bearing exercise is necessary to keep bones strong, which is true. It is also true that there can be hormonal factors that can cause calcium imbalances. But, the REAL reason that osteoporosis is so prevalent in our society is NOT something that most people want to hear. But, my job is to steer you in the direction of health and provide you with information that you can use to compare to what you already hold to be true, so you can make better decisions.  So, here we go:

Milk, Dairy Products, Chicken, Beef, even Fish are what we call Animal Protein foods. They have ZERO fiber, all kinds of allergens, are very high up on the food chain so they contain lots of contaminants. Ironically, according to what now amounts to an overwhelming body of evidence, the same animal protein products we are told we need to prevent osteoporosis, actually appears to be one of the primary underlying causes of osteoporosis as well as many other diseases, including cancer and heart disease.

So, let me steer you to a great article that explains the connection between osteoporosis and animal protein in great detail. I also recommend the book the China Study by Dr. T. Colin Campbell. If you would like to discuss specific dietary recommendations, your treatment programs all include one on one sessions with me. In addition, I think everyone should own a copy of Dr. John McDougall, M.D.'s cookbook. Not exactly what you want to hear around the holidays, but vegetarian turkey tastes pretty good.

Weight Lifting Offers Excellent Long Term Health Benefits, Especially For The Elderly

San Francisco Herniated Disc Doctor Comments:

We treat many elderly patients at our San Francisco and Marin County Disc Pain Centers. So, I have first hand knowledge and experience working with badly degenerated spinal conditions which have culminated into disc herniations, spinal stenosis, arthritis (DJD), as well as Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD).  Studies show that  after age 40, we lose about 1% of our muscle mass per year (Sarcopenia). In addition, as we grow older we tend to become less active. Often times, this is not because we are lazy, it is because it hurts our back to stand/walk for long periods, or in some cases, do any kind of exercise. So, since bones remodel from stress, motion, and exercise (as do muscles),  they say "Life is Motion", it's no wonder our muscles atrophy, and our bones lose density (Osteoporosis) if we are unable to give them what they need. The good news is, there IS something we can do about it. Weight Lifting, yes,  Pumping Iron,  according to studies, is one of the most important activities that we can pursue to stay healthy. In fact, out of all age groups, older adults seem to benefit most from the practice.  I have been training with weights since I was 15 years old. And I plan on doing this the rest of my life. Sure, some of you are in no condition right now to start weight training. But, this is something we can consider once your spine becomes healthier and stronger. We start off real easy, then slowly over time, increase the intensity. I found a great article on the subject I think you should read with some links and resources.   I highly recommend the following free publication: For a free copy of "Exercise- A Guide from the National Institute of Aging," call 800-222-2225. If you have any questions about weightlifting with your condition, direct them to me.   

San Francisco Chiropractor Finds New Promise in Nonsurgical Disk Herniation Treatment featuring the DRX 9000 Spinal Decompression System

Herniated Disks for the most part have been thought to be untreatable, with the exception of surgery which has been shown to have limited success. Up until about two years ago I would do my best to help Herniated Disk patients, but it would be obvious after several weeks that we were going nowhere. Often times, the herniated disks were wreaking so much havoc that we were unable to perform any manual therapy or exercise without aggravating the condition. So, we would refer the patients out for medical care. Some would have surgery, some cortisone injections, and some would just live with the pain or take pain pills. After researching spinal decompression for about a year or so, I decided to purchase a disk herniation repair system. The system I purchased is the DRX 9000 made by Axiom Worldwide in Tampa, Fla. I purchased the DRX 9000 because I felt it was the best of the best. It felt the most comfortable to me when I tried it. As it turns out, the DRX 9000 is the most expensive of all the spinal decompression machines. But that's OK, our patients are able to listen to music or watch DVD's during the treatment. Some even fall asleep it is so comfortable. As far as the results, they are simply amazing, even with the worst of cases. Yes, there are some people that do not respond, that's just the way it is. We try to increase the odds of a favorable outcome by incorporating an extensive home care regimen that includes a plant based diet, meditation, and yoga. We have found that the more patients participate with the home care regimen, the better the results. It should be pointed out that this is not a magic bullet. The treatment takes from 5-12 weeks depending on the program you choose and the severity of your condition. The patients that decide to work with us understand that "ACTION" is the starting point of ALL progress. They put their life around this and make it happen. There is always a reason why we are not able to take action just yet, the most common one being that "the time is just not right."  Someday, we insist that the pieces will all fit together and we can find the time to fix our back. We live in a society where we want instant gratification. Give me a pill or a shot. We want to eat our Big Macs and stay thin, so we eat the Big Macs and take diet pills. It's crazy, but this is what I hear day in and day out. This is not the kind of patient that comes on board with us. Typically, the patients that  we accept are ready for change. They understand that what they have been doing is NOT working. They understand that anything of value is not obtainable without maximum effort and massive ACTION. They are willing to do whatever it takes to get better and they recognize that there is now modern technology that can help to facilitate this process. So, if you just started, I congratulate you for your decision. If you are suffering with chronic back pain and are not sure what to do about it, you should consider a complimentary consultation (415-392-2225) with one of our doctors to see if you are a candidate for our program. Chances are, you will be glad you did.      

Backbends to Manage Back Pain

Yoga is a very therapeutic practice for people with back pain, specifically herniated discs. In particular, there are some yoga poses, or asanas, that are exceptionally helpful for providing relief of pain and, when done with diligence, actually can reverse the postural causes of herniations. Backbends are positions that put the spine in extension. Our spines are not normally in an extended position. When we sit at our desks, drive our cars, watch a movie or really do anything else that requires sitting or leaning forward, our spines are flexed. This constant flexing can actually change the way the weight is dispersed on our discs which can result in herniations. Extension helps to bring the spine back into balance. Robin McKenzie is a famous New Zealand physiotherapist who designed an extension protocol for discogenic back pain. "The primary work of spinal extensions are an absolutely necessary". Stan Andrzejewski, PT writes a good article on the importance of extension for back pain here.
So, to get started on practicing backbends, please see a teacher who has some experience with back problems and in designing sequences for specific therapeutic conditions. Create a sequence that consists of spine extension poses like (click on the link!):

1. Cobra
2. Bow Pose
3. Bridge

Backbends may initially be uncomfortable, but they must be practiced gently and persistently for results :) Also, always transition between backbends with poses that put your spine in a neutral position, not those that put the spine in flexion. For example, lay flat on the floor rather than hugging your knees to your chest. If you have any questions just post a comment!

The Mental Causes for Physical Illness and the Metaphysical Way To Overcome Them

San Francisco and Marin County Chronic Back Pain Doctor Comments in the relationship between our Thoughts and our Health:

Happy thoughts become happy molecules. Sad thought become sad molecules. The following is an excerpt from Louise L. Hay's best selling book "Heal Your Body":

Both the good in our lives and the dis-ease are the results of mental thought patterns that form our experiences. We all have many thought patterns that produce good, positive experiences, and those that we enjoy. It's negative thought patterns that produce comfortable, unrewarding experiences with which we're concerned. It's our desire to change our dis-ease in life into perfect health. We've learned that for every effect in our lives, there's a thought pattern that precedes and maintains it. Our consistent thinking patterns create our experiences. Therefore, by changing our thinking patterns, we can change our experiences.

So, can changing my thought patterns get rid of my back pain and heal my herniated disk ? Well, I doubt it if that's all you did. Could it interfere with the healing process if I did all the other things you recommend but still harbored my negative thoughts and did not try to change them or confront the problem ? YES. Hey, here's the thing, there is an invisible knob that is adjustable by you for all the various components of health. Your mental state is a component of health. You can choose to adjust it in the direction of health, or in the direction of illness, the choice is yours. By spending just a few minutes a day on this you can adjust the knob in the right direction. I recommend you buy the book mentioned above ($6.95) and learn some really simple mental exercises. My job is to point you in the right direction and teach you about health and wellness. How we get sick and how we get well. It's up to you to take action.

Happy Thanksgiving :)   

Can Yoga Help Me Lose Weight ?

San Francisco Disk Pain Doctor Comments:

We incorporate Yoga into our disk herniation treatment protocol at our SF Bay Area Back and Hand Pain Centers because of the underlying philosophy, that the spine is "The Center of Life". The spine encapsulates and protects the spinal cord (the spinal cord is the only organ to be completely encased by bone), and the spinal cord carries information from the brain to all the cells, tissues, glands, and organs, controlling and regulating all bodily function. So, the healthier the spine, disks, ligaments, and supporting spinal (core spine muscles) muscles are, the healthier you are. As far as Yoga helping you to lose weight, yes it can, indirectly. Yoga can help to stretch out stiff, deconditioned spinal muscles, allowing for more flexibility and range of motion. This can make it easier to initiate and stick with an exercise program. Exercise, along with diet (preferably plant based) are the two main ingredients when it comes to weight loss. This is a very simplified explanation. There are many less obvious benefits from Yoga (as it relates to weight loss). Anyway, I found an article on the Yoga Journal website that explains the Yoga-Weight Loss connection very well. If you have any questions about Yoga, please see Sarah, our in-house Yoga instructor.   

What Can I do to get the most out of my DRX 9000 Spinal Decompression Treatment ?

SF Bay Area Disc Pain Doctor Comments:

We accept about 20 new cases per month at our San Francisco and Marin County spinal decompression centers. We incorporate the DRX 9000 into an overall spinal regeneration program that addresses diet, exercise, yoga, meditation, and spinal rehabilitation. The patients that respond the best to the treatment put the most into the treatment. They make all their appointments, they adhere the best they can to the home care regimen, which includes bracing, hydrating the discs by drinking 80-100 oz of water per day, along with a plant based diet and fish oil supplementation. The plant based diet and fish oil are to reduce inflammation and promote healing. It is rare when a patient does not respond favorably to treatment that is in full compliance with the home care. Sometimes it takes a while before you start feeling better. Thats just the way that it is. In fact, it's also possible to feel worse in the beginning. The treatment is physical and most of the patients we start with are in pretty bad shape. Fortunately the soreness goes away in most cases in a week or so. We also want our patients icing frequently (every 1-2 hours for 10-25 minutes) to reduce muscle spasms, inflammation and pain. In addition, for the first 2 weeks we do not want you lifting much at all, driving for long distances, or exercising (unless prescribed by us). So, don't get discouraged if you don't start feeling better right away. Focus on your home care, making your appointments, relaxing, and just let the process unfold. Most of you will be very happy when it is all said and done. And remember, the more you do, the more you gain. 

Does Animal Protein Play A Role In Osteoporosis ?

San Francisco and Marin County Chiropractor Dr. Eben Davis comments on a recent study suggesting women who eat a Plant Based Diet build Stronger Bones than Meat Eaters

I have been teaching patients for quite a while that there is a connection between what we eat and bone density. And, it's not what you think. The milk and dairy industries spend billions of dollars every year trying to tell us thing like "Milk is Good Food."  The ironic thing is that milk and dairy products, along with other sources of animal protein such as meat and chicken, and yes, fish, cause us to lose bone mass. The meat and dairy industries want us to think that we lose bone mass when we don't get enough calcium or protein. There could not be anything farther from the truth. We lose calcium (bone mass) when we eat too much protein. So what is too much ?  Well, I'm sorry to say that we should not eat any. Then how do I get my protein you ask ? Hey, elephants and apes are the largest, strongest animals in the world and they are vegetarian, just like we were designed to be. Anyway, I don't want to ram this down your throat, instead I will direct you to an article I found on the website of the US Dept. of Agriculture which explains the outcome of a study they did to try and figure out why/if vegans do in fact have stronger bones than omnivores, and thus less osteoporosis. You be the judge. 

Low Carb-Diets Focusing On Vegetable-Based Sources Of Fat And Protein May Reduce Risk Of Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)

San Francisco Chronic Back Pain Center comments on recent study that seems to support the health benefits of a plant based diet.

As you know, we incorporate a plant based diet into our back and hand pain treatment protocols at our San Francisco and Marin County locations. Whether it be disc herniations, disc degeneration, or carpal tunnel syndrome, a plant based can help speed up the healing process because of it's inflammation reducing effects. In addition, patients tend to lose weight which puts less stress on the joints and increases the odds of a favorable outcome. Not to mention the fact that a plant based diet has been linked to lower rates of coronary heart disease and many other degenerative disease processes, including arthritis.

  There is a study that appears in the November 9, 2006, issue of The New England Journal of Medicine that seems to support this even after you cut through all the mumbo-jumbo. I suggest you read this. The first sign of heart disease 38% of the time is a heart attack. I'm not sure off the top of my head what percentage of these are fatal, but it's pretty high. A plant based diet can give you some protection against CHD, as well as most of the other chronic, degenerative diseases, even cancer.

Fish Oil Used To Treat Heart Attacks in Europe, But Not in United States ?

San Francisco Chronic Back Pain Center comments on the benefits of Fish Oil:

We incorporate Fish Oil into our chronic back pain treatment protocol because there is scientific evidence that it helps reduce inflammation and pain with herniated disc patients. However, there are many other clinical uses of Fish Oil, including, treating heart attack victims. Here is an article I found on the Fish Oil Blog that I thought was interesting:

Currently the most e-mailed article on the New York Times Website is one about fish oil being used in Europe after heart attacks, but not in the United States.

Every patient in the cardiac care unit at the San Filippo Neri Hospital who survives a heart attack goes home with a prescription for purified fish oil, or omega-3 fatty acids.

“It is clearly recommended in international guidelines,” said Dr. Massimo Santini, the hospital’s chief of cardiology, who added that it would be considered tantamount to malpractice in Italy to omit the drug.

Omitting omega-3 is considered malpractice? Not surprising. In Denmark, every nursing mother is required to start taking fish oil supplements within 7 days of childbirth!

As the article correctly points out, “in a large number of studies, prescription fish oil has been shown to improve survival after heart attacks and to reduce fatal heart rhythms.” However, in the United States, fish oil supplements aren’t typically recommended for people that have had heart attacks “are routinely offered more expensive and invasive treatments, like pills to lower cholesterol or implantable defibrillators.”

How likely are US physicians to prescribe fish oil following a heart attack?

A study published last month in The Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine found that only 17 percent of family doctors were likely to prescribe fish oil to their patients, including patients who had suffered a heart attack. There was a great need, the authors concluded, to “improve awareness of this important advice.”

Maybe your doctor has some ’splainin to do!

Well, hopefully more doctors will come around as this information proliferates. Fish Oil has also been shown to lower LDL cholesterol levels, improve arthritis, and reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease. It's worth learning more about, and the Fish Oil Blog is a good place to start.