Dr Davis' Back & Wrist Pain Blog

Chronic Low Back Pain and Spinal Decompression

San Francisco Chiropractor and Chronic Back Pain Doctor Comments:

Pinched Nerves, Disc Herniations, Disc Bulges, Disc Degeneration, Sciatica, Spinal Stenosis, and Slipped Discs...all have one thing in common...they can cause chronic back pain...and can be very difficult to treat.

All these conditions have another thing in common too...Every one of them can often times benefit from non-surgical spinal decompression of the lumbar spine with the DRX9000.

Not everyone that has chronic back pain needs spinal decompression...but many do. Usually, it's the cases of chronic low back pain that do not respond to conventional therapies such as chiropractic, physical therapy, acupuncture, or medical treatments.

I'll tell you this...It sure is nice to have a way to help these people. Up until three years ago when I purchased my first DRX9000 lumbar decompression machine, I would have to refer out if chiropractic did not work. Now we consider the DRX9000. The results are outstanding.

So, if you are suffering from disc bulges, disc herniations, pinched nerves, or any of the other conditions previously mentioned, you may be a candidate for spinal decompression therapy...it sure beats the knife.

If you would like to find out if you are a candidate for non-surgical spinal decompression at our San Francisco Chronic Back Pain Center...simply fill out our Free Online Decompression Evaluation...or call 415-392-2225 and ask for a complimentary consultation (Value $183).

Read some: Bay Area Spinal Decompression Success Stories

Attention San Francisco residents: Order your Free Special Report on the DRX9000 at www.sanfranciscospinaldecompression.com 

   

Cervical Disc Herniations and Carpal Tunnel Symptoms

San Francisco Chiropractor and Spinal Decompression Doctor Comments:

I am amazed at the amount of patients that have carpal tunnel symptoms...that actually have no idea there could be a connection to problems in the neck. In fact, a herniated cervical disc is not all that uncommon with patients who have chronic, ongoing, arm and hand pain.

Some patients are even seeing two different doctors...one for the herniated disc in the neck...the other for carpal tunnel syndrome...Hmmm.

As we have discussed on this blog many times...the nerves that control the arm and hand, come from the neck. They exit from in between the cervical vertebrae. So they can be compromised by things such as cervical subluxations, cervical stenosis, and herniated or bulging cervical discs.

You can even have a herniated disc in the neck thats causing your carpal tunnel symptoms...and have no pain in the neck at all. Hey, don't shoot the messenger...it's just they way it is. So...doctors, you need to always check the neck when a patient presents with arm and hand pain. To treat CTS symptoms without checking the cervical spine is just plain wrong.

Enough of that. All you need to do is find yourself a good chiropractor or osteopath, that specializes in neck, back, and wrist pain...and you should be OK. CTS symptoms need to be treated by an expert.

If you live in the SF Bay Area and would like to find out if you are a candidate for care at our Financial District Back & Wrist Pain Center...simply fill out our Free Online Consultation Form and we will contact you ASAP. Or you can call 415-392-2225 and ask for a complimentary neck, back and wrist evaluation.

If you live out of the area, send me an email at ebendavis@yahoo.com, and I will find someone for you. 

For a Free Report on Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression For Cervical Disc Herniations visit: www.SanFranciscoSpinalDecompression.com

How To Eat Right On $3.00 Per Day!

San Francisco Vegan Chiropractor Comments:

I just read the current issue of the Dr. John McDougall, M.D. newsletter. The feature story is really good...it's entitled:

Cutting Food Costs In These Times Of Economic Downturn

Dr. McDougall discusses the escalating costs of food...especially animal products. And he tells you how you can survive on the McDougall Diet for less than $3.00 per day. Check it out.

 

How Did I Get A Herniated Disc?

San Francisco Chiropractor and Herniated Disc Doctor Comments:

Patients are often suprised when they find out they have a herniated disc (see disc herniation video at spine-health.com). The first thing they want to know is:

How did I get a disc herniation and what can be done to fix it?

First of all...disc herniations in the lumbar spine are way more common than cervical disc herniations. Herniated discs in the thoracic spine are rare.

There's no quick easy answer to why someone gets a disc herniation. Check out this explanation from www.webmd.com:

A herniated disc usually is caused by wear and tear of the disc (also called disc degeneration). As we age, our vertebral discs lose some of the fluid that helps them maintain flexibility. A herniated disc also may result from injuries to the spine, which may cause tiny tears or cracks in the outer layer (annulus or capsule) of the disc. The jellylike material inside the disc (nucleus) may be forced out through the tears or cracks in the capsule, which causes the disc to bulge, break open (rupture), or break into fragments. See an illustration of a herniated disc .

Injury to the disc can occur from:

·                                 A sudden heavy strain or increased pressure to the lower back. Sometimes a sudden twisting movement or even a sneeze will force some of the nucleus (the material inside the disc) out through the disc's outer layer (annulus or capsule).

Activities that are done over and over again that may stress the lower back, including poor lifting habits, prolonged exposure to vibration, or sports-related injuries.

Here's my take...If the bones lose their normal alignment, it puts abnormal stresses on the spinal disc and they can wear out prematurely. Just like when your car is out of alignment and the tires wear unevenly. If this abnormal wear and tear occurs over an extended period of time, the outer containment wall of the disc (annulus fibrosis) will weaken and give way to the jelly like center of the disc (nucleus pulposus), which can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves causing pain and dysfunction.

Do Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Results Last?

San Francisco Spinal Decompression Doctor Comments:

We have been using non-surgical spinal decompression therapy with the DRX9000 at our San Francisco Back and Wrist Pain Center for over three years now. All in all, I think decompression therapy has been around in one form or another for about eight years...so it is relatively new.

I know many doctors with spinal decompression machines, and they all say the same thing...the results seem to last. Sure, we don't know what it will be like 10 years from now,,,but so far, so good.

Some patients actually come in for regular maintenance visits on the DRX9000...which is smart. Some patients just come in every once in a while for a decompression session when they feel something is not right. And others just do their home exercises routinely. Many of our DRX alumni also get regular chiropractic adjustments. Nothing is better than chiropractic for spinal maintenance. Some do both chiropractic and the DRX9000...whatever works...everyone's different.

However, some disc herniation patients are so bad off that they need ongoing spinal decompression...but this is rare. And, there's nothing wrong with this either. If decompression therapy can help them live a more normal life without drugs and surgery...why not?

So...is non-surgical lumbar or cervical decompression for you? There's only one way to find out...get checked at a decompression center. To find a doctor near you go to www.axiomworldwide.com. They have a doctor finder.

If you live in the SF Bay Area and would like to find out if you are a candidate for care at our San Francisco Spinal Decompression Center...simply fill out our Free Online DRX Consultation Form, and we will contact you within 48 hours.

Order a Free Spinal Decompression Special Report & Back and Wrist Pain Guide

Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression: Should I Try It Even If I Need Surgery?

San Francisco Chiropractor and Spinal Decompression Doctor Comments:

Yesterday we discussed some typical patient concerns regarding non-surgical spinal decompression. But, what if you have been told by your medical doctor that you need surgery...are you still a candidate for the DRX9000 or DRX9000c?

Hmmm...Good Question. Here's my take:

Over the years I have treated many patients with spinal decompression that were told they needed surgery. Sure, some of them did not get completely better, but some did. And yes, there are some that did not improve at all...but they are the minority. Bust most importantly, the DRX treatment did not hurt any of them. We did not cut into them. We did not fuse any bones together. And we did not cause any harm...because the treatment is very safe and gentle...what's that worth?

Heck, you can always have surgery if the spinal decompression does not help you. But if you have a surgical procedure such as a spinal fusion, you will never be able to have decompression treatment...because spinal fusion is a contraindication to spinal decompression.

The patients that choose non-surgical spinal decompression at our San Francisco Decompression Center, want to get better. They know there is a chance it might not help...but they also know there is a very good chance it will help. Listen...the only way to find out is to do it. Do your homework and decide. Chances are...you will be glad you did :)

If you would like to find out if you are a candidate for spinal decompression at our San Francisco Spinal Decompression Center...simply call 415-392-2225 and ask for a complimentary consultation, or fill out our Free Online DRX Consultation Form.

San Francisco Spinal Decompression Testimonials

Order a Free Spinal Decompression Special Report & Disc Pain Guide

   

Does Spinal Decompression Really Work?

San Francisco Spinal Decompression Doctor Comments:

I was communicating with a prospective spinal decompression patient yesterday. He had a couple of questions/concerns that are shared by many others...here they are:

1. Doctors that have a nonsurgical spinal decompression machine such as the DRX9000, all seem to say the machine helps just about everybody with a disc herniation. Is this information accurate?

2. Spine Doctors or Chiropractors that do not have a decompression machine have mixed opinions...some go as far as to say they do not work and that decompression treatment is just a waste of money. What am I supposed to think? 

I understand, and this has been my experience also. Think about it though...most doctors that have gone as far as purchasing a spinal decompression system, have done a lot of homework before they purchased...at least I did. I spent a year researching spinal decompression before I bought my first machine.

Then, it sure doesn't take long to start getting some really good results...even with the toughest of cases. So sure...decompression doctors are excited about what they do...and they should be.

Medical doctors, chiropractors, and physical therapist, or anyone else that does not have first hand experience treating patients with non-surgical spinal decompression...in my opinion, have no idea about the real life changing results that lumbar and cervical spinal decompression is giving thousands of happy patients. They may have an opinion...but what's it really worth?

And...even the doctors that have a DRX9000, and have lots of experience, don't know for sure if it's going to help you...nobody does. You have to do the decompression treatment and adhere to the home care regimen to find out. Everyone knows decompression treatment is safe...unlike many other treatment choices for disc herniations...and that's a big plus.

Here's the deal...something must be going right, because most of the patients that decide to do spinal decompression therapy do so because of direct testimony from patients that have had successful outcomes...they don't have a gun to their heads either...they make educated decisions.

They read information like the stuff I write on this blog, and they talk to people. Enough people have now done treatment on the DRX9000 and DRX9000c,  or some other machine that it's easy to find someone to talk to about it. 

New Research on spinal decompression supports their decision also. There is a DRX9000 Special Report out that is based on studies done at the Mayo Clinic and John Hopkins Universities. The results are very, very favorable. If you are considering spinal decompression therapy, don't listen to the naysayers...decide for yourself.

If you would like to find out if you are a candidate for spinal decompression at our San Francisco DRX9000 Center...please call 415-392-2225 and ask for a complimentary consultation...or fill out our Free Online Spinal Decompression Consult.

San Francisco Spinal Decompression Success Stories   

Mental Fitness And The Elderly

San Francisco Chiropractor Comments:

I came across this synopsis of a study I read a while back. It has to do with regular mental training and brain function in the elderly. Since we will all want to keep sharp as we age...I thought I would share it with you:

A study on the effect of formal mental training on elderly volunteers, with an average age of 73 at the start of the study, showed the brain appears to benefit from regular exercise, even as we age. After five years of training, a positive effect was seen when evaluating the subject's ability to do the activities of daily living. The training method involved using things like mnemonics, acronyms, and rhymes to aid memory; however, the author of the study believes other mental exercises, such as doing Sudoku puzzles, would be effective as well, especially if done regularly. The research is being hailed as showing promise as a non-drug treatment to combat mental decline associated with aging.

Journal of American Medical Association, Dec 2006

Sounds good to me. I try to read 3-4 books per month to keep my mind sharp. A mind is a terrible thing to waste...

Can Chiropractic Adjustments Lower Blood Pressure?

San Francisco Chiropractor Comments On Results Of New Study Suggesting Chiropractic Adjustments Can Lower Blood Pressure:

One of the first things I learned in chiropractic school was that spinal adjustments to the upper cervical spine (neck) can help lower blood pressure. So, it sure is nice to see scientific evidence to support what I already know is true.

Anyway, The ABC News article is entitled: Could A Neck Adjustment Lower Your Blood Pressure? Here is an excerpt:

The results were intriguing. The patients who received the chiropractic adjustments saw their blood pressure drop an average of 17 points -- a dip that usually takes two blood pressure medications to achieve. "My blood pressure dropped tremendously," said Denise Nieman, who had neck pain before participating in the study.

The idea behind the realignment is that the C-1 vertebra, located at the top of the spine, operates like a fuse box in the body. When it's twisted, it can pinch arteries and nerves at the neck's base, which not only causes discomfort but also affects blood flow.

"When the spine is misaligned, it can affect all types of things, all types of disease, conditions," said chiropractor Marshall Dickholtz Jr.

So, what do you think is better for you...taking blood pressure medication every day or removing the nerve interference that is causing the body to malfunction...allowing the body to naturally adjust the blood pressure lower?  Yes...I agree

If you would like to find out if you are a candidate for chiropractic care at our San Francisco Chiropractic Center...simply call 415-392-2225 and ask for a complimentary consultation.

Herniated Lumbar Disc...Now What?

San Francisco Chiropractor and Herniated Disc Doctor Comments:

How do you know if you have a herniated disc in the low back? Well, you don't, unless you have the right tests done. Sure, you may have a lot of pain in your low back...it may be shooting down your leg...but you still may not have a disc herniation.

Here's another thing...you may have a lumbar disc herniation and have no symptoms at all. In fact, some people live and die with disc herniations and never even knew they had them.

But...for the purpose of this article...we will be concerned about low back pain patients that DO have signs and symptoms of herniated lumbar discs, and want to know if they have one. Here are the most common signs and symptoms:

• Low Back Pain (can be severe)
• Sciatica (leg pain)
• Antalgia (listing to one side from muscle spasms)
• Numbness & Tingling in the lower extremities
• Night Pain
• Abnormal Gait (can be painful to walk)
• Hot or Cold sensations on the skin of lower extremities
• Weakness of the Lower Extremities (leg, feet, or toes)
• Loss of bladder or bowel function (this is a medical emergency)
• Loss of balance

There are more...but I think I covered most of them. And these are what we call subjective complaints...things that you feel and that are happening to you.

There are orthopedic tests that your doctor will do to help determine if you have a herniated disc. If these tests are positive (objective findings) she may order an x-ray or an MRI. Really, it just depends on the severity of your condition and how many subjective and objective findings point to a herniated lumbar disc.  An MRI is considered the gold standard for diagnosing a disc herniation.