Dr Davis' Back & Wrist Pain Blog

DRX 9000 Spinal Disc Decompression

San Francisco Herniated Disc Doctor comments on Spinal Decompression:

More and more people are discovering nonsurgical spinal decompression. There are a variety of machines, and there are many different ways to use them. Personally, I choose to use the DRX9000 by Axiom Worldwide. Sure, it is the most expensive, but in my opinion, it is also the best machine. I say that because I checked out some of the other machines before I purchased my DRX9000 lumbar decompression machines, and my DRX9000c cervical decompression system. I like the DRX9000 because it is very comfortable for the patient. You actually lie on your back with a wedge under your knees, which is a very comfortable position. You can watch a DVD movie or listen to music with state of the art head phones while you relax and receive treatment. The sessions last about 25 minutes. Then you do 10 minutes of muscle stimulation (not painful) and 10 minutes of ice. That's the DRX9000 protocol. Some clinics, including mine, do other therapies along with the spinal decompression if indicated.

Back Surgery? Before You Decide, Do Your Homework

San Francisco Chiropractor comments on Back Surgery:

Sometimes it just comes down to surgery. Say you have tried chiropractic, physical therapy, acupuncture, cortisone and meds, and everything under the sun. But...NOTHING HELPS. What do you do? Well, in my opinion you should find out if you are a candidate for nonsurgical spinal decompression on the DRX9000. But say you can't qualify medically for spinal decompression, then what ?

It's probably time to consider surgery. Either that or live with it. Most of my patients would probably choose to live with it, but if you really do your homework, and hook up with the right doctor, you might change your mind. Anyway, I came across a really good article on the great Spine-health.com website entitled 38 Questions To Ask Your Surgeon Before Having Back Surgery. This is a must read if you need back surgery. You should print it out and take it with you to your doctors apts.

Just make sure you don't jump the gun on the decision to have surgery. I feel it is always best to consider all nonsurgical treatments first, especially nonsurgical spinal decompression.

If you would like to find out if you are a candidate for nonsurgical spinal decompression on the DRX9000 at our San Francisco Back Pain Center, please call 415-392-2225 and ask for a complimentary consultation.

DRX9000 Success Stories

Do Disc Herniations Hurt?

San Francisco Herniated Disc Doctor comments:

Here's the deal. We could pull 10 random people off the street, perform an MRI of their lumbar and cervical spines, and six of them would show disc bulges or disc herniations. Maybe four of them would have back or neck pain, and two of them would have severe, chronic back pain. Now, I'm just whipping these numbers off of the top of my head. But the point I'm trying to make is that you can have disc herniations in the neck, or disc herniations in the low back, and not even know it. In fact, most of the people that end up with nerve compression from herniated discs, had the problem for a long time and did not realize it. A certain percentage of people will die with herniated discs they never knew they had because they were asymptomatic.

But, for the subset of people who end up getting chronic, severe, back pain, because of herniated discs, it can be a nightmare. Some folks try everything, even surgery, and it does not help. Some of my chiropractic patients do not respond to care. This is why I purchased a DRX9000 nonsurgical spinal decompression machine, to try and help patients that have tried everything. It has been a godsend for many patients, but for some it did not work. But you know what, it's worth a shot, because it won't make you worse. And that's nice to know.

If you would like to find out if you are a candidate for nonsurgical spinal decompression at our San Francisco Spine Center, please fill out our Free Online Consultation Form or call 415-392-2225 and ask for a complimentary phone consultation. Chances are, you will be glad you did.

Read some San Francisco DRX 9000 Testimonials

Sciatica and the DRX9000

What is Sciatica and can Spinal Decompression with the DRX 9000 help ? 

Sciatica (defined by SpineUniverse), which is mild to intense leg pain, is a medical term used to describe symptoms caused by a specific low back disorder.

Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve or related nerve roots in the low back are compressed. Sometimes the medical term radiculopathy is used to describe pain, numbness, tingling, or burning in the arms (from the neck) or legs (from the low back). The bottom line is that when you get pain that travels from the low back in to the buttocks or down the leg it is called sciatica. There are several causes, but usually sciatica comes from pressure on the nerve roots that form the sciatic nerve from bulging discs or herniated discs. Disc Degeneration, Spinal stenosis, or subluxations can also cause sciatica. So can muscle spasms of the piriformis muscle in the buttocks (truck driver syndrome).

Anyway, spinal decompression with the DRX9000 designed to target specific spinal discs levels in order to relieve neurocompression from herniated discs, stenosis, and degenerative disc disease.  Nonsurgical spinal decompression can often times be a magic wand for sciatica. The best thing to do is to have a complete examination by  a certified DRX9000 doctor to see if you are a candidate for decompression therapy. Not everyone is. There are limitations of matter. But, if you are, it could be the answer you are looking for. It's worth a shot.

If you live in the San Francisco Bay Area and would like to find out if you are a candidate for nonsurgical spinal decompression with the DRX9000, you can simply fill out our Free Online Consultation form or call our Financial District Spinal Decompression Center at 415-392-2225 and ask for a complimentary consultation.

Read some of our San Francisco DRX9000 Success Stories 

DRX 9000c. Cervical Spinal Decompression

San Francisco Chiropractor and Disc Herniation Specialist incorporates Cervical Spinal Decompression into Nonsurgical  Treatment Regimen.

Spinal Disc Herniations in the neck can be difficult to treat. And the surgeries are more invasive than they are in the lumbar spine, where disc bulges and herniations are more common. I read somewhere recently that lumbar disc herniations are 7x more common than cervical herniations.

Anyway, cervical spinal decompression with the DRX9000c can help in many situations. Some doctors such as myself, incorporate decompression therapy into their overall treatment regimen. In my case this includes, spinal adjustments, extremity adjustments, cold laser therapy, myofascial release, meditation, yoga, nutrition, core strengthening, massage, and ergonomics. Not all patients do every single thing. And when they do, it's all about timing. We don't want to rush things. We want to strip down the old, and build up the new. Like Urban Renewal.  Some patients can barely move their neck and have already tried just about everything under the sun for their chronic neck pain and disc problems. So, with these patients we will focus on spinal decompression therapy with the DRX9000c until we can get some pain relief and a little bit more motion in the neck. Then we will slowly add other therapies as indicated.

Back Pain Yoga

San Francisco Chiropractor recommends Yoga for Back Pain

Yoga is a great way to compliment your chiropractic care or decompression therapy. Of course, it is always best to practice Yoga under the tutelage of a certified yoga instructor, but these poses are very gentle and should be OK. However, if you herniated or badly degenerated discs in your back or neck, you should consult with your doctor first before performing these yoga poses.  Anyway, here they are:

                                  Check out this series of poses.  

Wrist Pain that won't go away? Is it Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

San Francisco Chiropractor and Carpal Tunnel Doctor comments:

Arm and hand pain can be brutal because you use your hands to do everything. Unless you have actually experienced serious arm, wrist, or hand pain yourself, it's hard to imagine how bad it can be. Sometimes you can't sleep, you can't work on the computer, and you can't even grip a steering wheel. Pain pills do nothing to relieve the pain. Ice does nothing. Just the pressure from wrist splints sends you through the roof. I have had patients come to me for help that have lost their jobs because of severe hand pain and carpal tunnel syndrome. They have told me that the doctors they saw, who were carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and wrist pain experts, told them they were just going to have to learn to live with the pain. GREAT, Thanks.

The thing that surprises me the most is that some doctors do not even check out the neck when they examine someone for CTS. Many times it is the company or family doctor and they just are not that up to date on treating these sorts of problems. Many of these patients have repetitive stress injuries (RSI), which are very hard to diagnose an treat. 

Disc Regeneration. Is it possible ?

San Francisco Herniated Disc Center comments:

So, what's the deal...Can spinal discs really be repaired? Can a herniated disc regenerate? How is this possible? Here's my take on situation, for whatever it's worth:

Intervertebral discs are living tissue just like the rest of the body. Sure, it is more difficult for them to stay healthy and nourished because they are avascular (no direct blood supply). The spinal discs depend on spinal motion to stay hydrated and nourished, this process is called imbibition. It's the pumping action that it necessary for the exchange of nutrients between the discs (via capillaries in the vertebrae) and the bloodstream.  When the vertebrae lose their proper alignment (vertebral subluxation) the joints get stuck and the spinal discs are unable to receive the nutrients from the blood stream. This sets the stage for Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD), Disc Hernaitions and Osteoarthritis (abnormal wear and tear of the bones and joints). We grade these subluxation complexes I-IV. Depending on your age, any complicating factors,  and level of disc disease, we are often times able to regenerate the injured or herniated spinal discs.

Chiropractic. Does it really work ?

San Francisco Chiropractor Dr. Eben Davis, D.C. explains why Chiropractic is the Worlds Largest Drugless Healing Profession:

Chiropractic was discovered on September 18, 1895, when D.D. Palmer adjusted a deaf Janitor named Harvey Lillard and restored his hearing. You see Harvey was not born deaf. Harvey had fallen down some stairs 17 years before and lost his hearing from the fall. (Chiropractic History Story). So, really, chiropractic medicine has only been around for a little over 100 years. It's pretty amazing that it is now the worlds largest natural healing profession. And, to those who say it does not work or is all smoke and mirrors, really, that is a little far fetched. Only things with real truth behind them grow and blossom like chiropractic has. Sure, just like any profession there are some bad apples. And, just like anything else it will not help everyone. And it really is very, very safe. Geez, my malpractice insurance is only $2000 per year for the maximum coverage. If chiropractic care was injuring a lot of people it would be much higher. So don't believe the hype.

Chiropractic is accepted by Medicare and many insurance plans. Chiropractors in most states are considered primary health care providers and are even in some hospitals. Sometimes the emergency room. Patients happily spend out of pocket for quality chiropractic care. And it is typically a family affair. Chiropractic is for all ages.  Here is a great link that explains "What is Chiropractic". Personally, I don't know how I would survive without it, and neither do the millions and millions of happy patients we serve.

If you live in the San Francisco Bay Area and would like to find out if you are a candidate for care at our Financial District Chiropractic Center, please call 415-392-2225 and ask for a complimentary consultation.

   

DRX 9000. The Truth about Spinal Decompression

San Francisco chiropractor and DRX 9000 doctor comments:

Ok, so here's the deal. Not everyone is a candidate for nonsurgical decompression on the DRX9000. And, even if you are a candidate, you can't just expect to go on the machine, not do anything else different and get better. Yes, some people do nothing else but jump on the DRX9000 for 20 sessions, and still get amazing results. However, this approach does not give you the best chance for a favorable outcome. If you really want to get your moneys worth and give this incredible technology the best chance of helping you, we need to address all lifestyle factors, physical, mental, and chemical.  And guess what ? They are all adjustable, by YOU.  So, the bottom line is, the patients that do the best, put the most into it. They do their home exercises and follow the home care instructions to the best of their ability.

In addition, we need to remove any negative influences such as tobacco, junk food, alcohol, caffeine, and mental stress. This helps to create what we call "fertile soil" for the healing process to unfold. You can see what I mean when I say " This treatment is not for everyone."  Because the bottom line is, some people are just not willing to change any of their bad habits. Fortunately, the DRX 9000 spinal decompression system is so powerful that it can often times still fix the problem. But why take the chance. Do it right. Chances are, you will be glad you did. 

If you live in the SF Bay Area and would like to find out if you are a candidate for nonsurgical spinal decompression on the DRX 9000, I have two easy choices for you: #1-Fill out our Free Online decompression consultation form. #2-Call our San Francisco Financial District chiropractic center at 415-392-2225 and ask for a complimentary consultation. It's worth a shot.

Read some of our San Francisco DRX9000 Testimonials