Dr Davis' Back & Wrist Pain Blog

Nonsurgical Disc Herniation Treatment with the DRX9000

San Francisco Chiropractor and Herniated Disc Doctor Comments:

We have been helping herniated disc patients in the SF Financial District for over 17 years now with chiropractic care. Overall, we've had pretty good success, but there was always a sub-set of patients with chronic back pain secondary to herniated discs, that chiropractic just could not help on it's own....and neither could anything else.

Well...about 3-4 years ago we began using the DRX9000 spinal decompression system. A state of the art machine that is designed and built to treat neurovascular compression syndromes such as disc herniations, disc bulges, spinal stenosis, and disc degeneration.

The machine we have treats both cervical disc herniations (DRX9000c) and lumbar disc herniations (DRX9000)...and costs around $150,000. Does it work? YES. Does it work on every single person that does it? NO...just most of them. And...we have been on an absolute roll lately with results. I think a lot of it has to do with experience. Over the years we have performed thousands of treatments...and every time we treat a herniated disc we learn how to do it better.

How often should we treat a herniated disc patient? How many lbs. of pull should we use?...for how long? How many DRX9000 sessions does this person need?

Does the patient also need something extra like Active Release Techniques (ART) or chiropractic adjustments? If so, when? What exercises? How often?  What about maintenance care? And on and on. We learn more every day.

They say spinal decompression will eventually be the gold standard for disc herniation treatment. We think it is already, but it has to pass all the double blind long-term studies that the medical profession needs to see...same with insurance companies.

But hey...the preliminary medical research on the DRX9000 is very promising. There is a DRX9000 Special Report that summarizes the research results from a study done by the Mayo Clinic, John Hopkins University, and Duke University...very encouraging.

Anyway, if you are suffering with chronic back pain, sciatica, neck pain, arm pain, weakness, numbness, tingling...that is just not responding to conventional therapies...the DRX9000 or DRX9000c just be might be the answer.

To find out if you are a candidate for care at our San Francisco Spinal Decompression Center...Executive Express Chiropractic...call 415-392-2225 or request an appointment online.

Read some San Francisco DRX9000 Patient Stories

San Francisco Spinal Decompression Patient Testimonial: Cervical Spine

Executive Express Chiropractic Cervical Disc Herniation Patient David Bain talks about his experience on the DRX9000c:

To schedule an appointment to find out in you are a candidate for nonsurgical spinal decompression with the DRX9000c...call 415-392-2225 or request an appointment online.   

What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?

San Francisco Carpal Tunnel Doctor Comments:

We have been helping carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) victims for 18 years in downtown San Francisco...for 17 years at Front Street Chiropractic (aka Carpal Tunnel Injury Center), and for about 7 months at our new clinic, Executive Express Chiropracticat the Embarcadero Center. 

I used to give a carpal tunnel seminar every week at our clinics...and there was usually a waiting list. CTS was a hot topic for a while...and it still is...even though it's not very well understood. What I mean by that is doctors and patients both tend to use CTS as a blanket term for hand pain...when in fact, only a small percentage of patients with hand pain have CTS.

So what exactly is carpal tunnel syndrome and what causes it?

I like this overview of carpal tunnel syndrome from www.mayoclinic.com. What I don't like are the treatment choices (wait...they now at least mention chiropractic...they never used to).

Anyway, if you jump to the "causes" section of the Mayo Clinic article you will see the following simple explanation:

The cause of carpal tunnel syndrome is pressure on the median nerve. The median nerve is a mixed nerve, meaning it has a sensory function and also provides nerve signals to move your muscles (motor function). The median nerve provides sensation to your thumb, index finger, middle finger and the middle-finger side of the ring finger.

Pressure on the nerve can stem from anything that reduces the space for it in the carpal tunnel.

The Mayo Clinic article goes into great detail about the signs and symptoms of CTS as well as risk factors. But the thing is...most patients that present with hand pain just have general pain vs. classic CTS signs & symptoms. 

In my experience, symptoms such as arm pain, hand pain, and numbness/tingling...even weakness, are usually caused by nerve pressure in the neck...as the nerves that control the upper extremities originate there.

I have written several blog posts about this in the past...here is one of the more recent:

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? Could the problem really be in your neck? 

Helping patients with neck, arm, and hand pain has always been a specialty for us at our downtown SF Chiropractic Centers. And since so many people that work in the Financial District grind it out every day sitting at a desk working on a computer...it's been a good thing for both of us.

So...the moral of the story is this...Just because you may have some hand pain, numbness or tingling...does not necessarily mean you have CTS. In fact...chances are you don't. Your best bet is to find a doctor that treats CTS and related disorders on a routine basis and let them check you.

If you need help finding a doctor in your area send me an email at ebendavis@yahoo.com. If you live or work in San Francisco you can visit us at Executive Express Chiropractic. To make an appointment call 415-393-2225 or request an appointment online. 

San Francisco Lumbar Disc Herniation Treatment

San Francisco Chiropractor Discusses Disc Herniations, Hurricanes, and the DRX9000:

Some experts consider lumbar disc herniationsto be a variation of normal because they are so common...I guess there is some truth to this. After-all, if we were to pull 10 random people off the street and perform a lumbar MRI (the gold standard for disc herniation detection)...3 of them or more would probably have lumbar disc herniations.

In fact, many of the patients we have seen at our San Francisco Chiropractic clinics have probably had herniated discs in the low back...but we will never know for sure because chiropractic care makes them feel and function better...so no need for an MRI.

And of course there are many that had MRI also (before they came to us).

However...there is a sub-set of lumbar disc patients that do not respond to any treatment methods...including chiropractic. Some patients get progressively worse and become chronic and severe. The intensity just keeps building until the symptoms are unbearable.   I guess it's kind of like a hurricane...only a small percentage of them turn in to a category 4 or 5 that can cause mass destruction.

In order for that to happen certain conditions need to be in place...warm tropical oceans, moisture, and light winds. If these conditions stay in place long enough a hurricane can form. Then a whole bunch of other stuff needs to happen in order for the hurricane to reach catastrophic intensity...same with disc herniations.

When certain conditions exists whereby stress overcomes resistance, the center of the disc (nucleus pulposus) can burst through the outer containment walls of the spinal disc (annulus fibrosus) and put pressure on the nerve root or spinal cord. The severity of the problem just depends how much disc is on nerve and where.

It's my professional opinion that disc herniations happen quite a bit...more when we are out of shape, obese, or toxic from poor diet and lifestyle. Poor posture and sports/work/auto injuries can also create the right conditions for a disc herniation. And sometimes they just seem to happen for no reason at all (even though there really is one).

The body repairs most of them...just like most hurricanes fizzle out quick. But some lumbar disc herniations become category 2, some category 3, some 4...and yes, some lumbar disc herniations become category 5 storms that can literally wreck a persons life.  All of this happens because the conditions were right...just like a hurricane.

My experience has been that only about 10-15% of the patients with lumbar disc herniations become chronic and severe...but it's still a big number.

So...then the question becomes what do we do for a category 4 or 5 disc herniation that is unresponsive to conventional therapies? Well...there is back surgery. 

What if I don't want back surgery? Then there is nonsurgical decompression with the DRX9000. The DRX9000 is a very expensive machine that is designed and built to repair lumbar disc herniations. 

We have a DRX9000 at my San Francisco Chiropractic/Spinal Decompression clinic so I know how life changing the results can be. 

Will the DRX9000 spinal decompression help anyone with a disc herniation? NO...it does not work every time...just most of the time (check out DRX9000 Special Report).  Up until 4 years ago when I purchased my first DRX9000, we would have to refer patients out that did not respond to chiropractic...now we have a next step...and for that we are thankful...and so are our San Francisco DRX 9000 Alumni.

And...you don't have to wait until your category 2 or 3 becomes a 4 or 5...you can fix your disc herniation now before it's too late...this is what most of our successful SF disc patients did...and so can you.

So give our San Francisco Spinal Decompression Center a call at 415-392-2225 or request an appointment online. 

Neck Pain That Radiates Into The Arms? You May Have A Cervical Disc Herniation

San Francisco Chiropractor and Spinal Decompression Doctor Comments:

Radiating neck pain is a common symptom of a bulging or herniated disc in the neck. Sometimes the pain travels from the neck and into the arms...sometimes all the way into the hands. Sometimes the pain travels down one arm...sometimes both...all cases are different.

The neck, arm, and hand pain will often times come and go...leading you to believe the problem is gone. But when the pain returns it will usually be more intense and the symptoms will last longer.

If a disc bulge in the neck, or a herniated disc in the neck is left uncorrected, the frequency, intensity, and duration can increase to the point where the pain is unbearable...not much fun. 

This is not a good place to be. In fact, you should get yourself down to the chiropractor at the first sign of radiating neck pain...because chances are...the problem has already been there for a while. 

Gentle chiropractic will probably be the solution...but if chiropractic fails to deliver results, an MRI may be indicated. If we order an MRI and find that you have a herniated or bulging disc, we have a next step....Nonsurgical cervical spinal decompression with the DRX9000c.

The DRX9000c is able to help difficult to treat cervical disc herniations without surgery. Sure, it can't fix all of them...but the results are very impressive.

Chiropractic and cervical decompression with the DRX9000c...that's what I would try. In fact, I have personally done cervical decompression for neck and hand pain, so I know first hand how effective it can be...and so can you.

To find out if you are a candidate for care at Executive Express Chiropractic at the downtown SF Embarcadero Center...call 415-392-2225 or request an appointment online.  

Carpal Tunnel Symptoms and Cervical Disc Herniations

San Francisco Carpal Tunnel Doctor Comments:

We have been helping patients with carpal tunnel symptoms for many years now in downtown San Francisco. We have also successfully treated our fair share of cervical disc herniations.

In fact...some of the patients with carpal tunnel symptoms also had herniated discs in the neck.

Is there a connection between carpal tunnel symptoms and cervical disc herniations?

Great question...and the answer is YES. Here's how they are connected:

The nerves that exit from in between the bones in the lower part of the neck travel down the arm and into the hands. These cervical nerves are prone to pressure from herniated and bulging discs in the neck as they branch off the spinal cord.

When there is pressure on a cervical nerve root it can cause problems at the target cells...in this case the hands. Symptoms like hand pain, numbness and tingling in the hands, burning, weakness, loss of grip strength, and night pain are classic carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) symptoms.

CTS occurs when there is pressure on the median nerve in the carpal tunnel...an opening in the bend of the wrist. The median nerve is one of the branches of nerves that originates in the neck.

So how can I tell if my carpal tunnel symptoms are from the neck or hand?

It's really hard sometimes to make this determination yourself...it's best to see a carpal tunnel expert...a doctor that treats lots of CTS, like we do at Executive Express Chiropractic in the SF Financial District.

Honestly...true CTS is rare...but CTS symptoms are common and are usually the result of pressure on the cervical nerves from misaligned vertebrae (Subluxations), tight muscles, degenerated discs, bulging discs, and cervical disc herniations.

I know it sounds complicated, but it's not...and neither is the treatment. Sometimes we can fix a problem in a few sessions...sometimes it takes months...it just depends on the severity.

Sometimes we can't help at all...but that's rare. The moral of the story is to go see someone that treats CTS day in and day out...it will be worth the effort (sometimes an expert is hard to find).

If you have CTS symptoms and would like to find out if you are a candidate for care at Executive Express Chiropracticat the SF Embarcadero Center...call 415-392-2225 or request an appointment online.

 

Hand Pain:Why Don't More Doctors Check The Neck?

San Francisco Chiropractor and Carpal Tunnel Doctor Comments:

I have been getting hit with a lot of emails regarding my recent post: 

Throbbing Hand Pain? Can It Be Caused By The Neck?

Basically, these people want to know if there is a doctor near them that does what we do at Executive Express Chiropractic in downtown San Francisco. They say none of the doctors they have seen for hand pain have checked the neck. Or, they are going to a chiropractor that does not work on the hands.

Here's the deal...Not all chiropractors work on the extremities. Most will be able to work on the neck...which will probably help many upper extremity pain syndromes. But...sometimes that's not enough...you need a chiropractor that can adjust the neck, shoulder, elbows and wrists...as  well as the rest of the spine. Our CTS protocols include full spine adjusting as well as extremity adjustments.

So when you are trying to find a Chiropractor for your arm or hand pain...ask if they adjust the extremities (shoulders, elbows, wrists). 

While you are at it...you should find out if the chiropractor offers nonsurgical spinal decompression of the cervical spine with the DRX9000c...just in case you need it.

Yeah, sure...my opinion is biased...but if you are trying to find a chiropractor in your area that does what we do...you might as well know everything.

Whoops...I almost forgot...we incorporate Active Release Techniques (ART) into our neck, arm, and hand pain protocols.  ART is a very advanced (high-tech) form of massage. It is very specific...and quick. Add this to the list too.

To find a doctor near you that has cervical spinal decompression, go to www.axiomworldwide.com.

To find an ART doctor go to www.activereleasetechniques.com.

Good luck putting it all together...but if you do, it will most likely be worth the effort.

If you live or work in the SF Bay area...you can visit us at Executive Express Chiropractic. We are downtown at the Embarcadero Center. Simply call 415-392-2225 or request an appointment online.

Throbbing Hand Pain:Can it be Caused By The Neck?

San Francisco Chiropractor Comments:

I have been helping patients with neck, arm, and hand pain in downtown San Francisco for many years now. I can tell you this...sometimes hand pain is not what it seems. What I mean by that is...we are conditioned to think the cause of pain (when we feel it) is at the site of the pain...and it usually is...but not necessarily when it comes to the spine.

Here's the deal...the nerves that exit from the spine control all the body parts. The nerves that exit from in-between the bones in the neck travel down the arm and into the hand. The nerves that exit from the low back travel down the leg. If one of these nerve roots has any pressure on it from a bone out of place (subluxation), which is very common...it can cause pain to be perceived at the target cells...the hands or the feet.

Now if you work on the computer a lot using your hands...and all of the sudden your hands start to throb with pain...the first thing you are going to think is do I have carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) or a problem in my hand, and you might. But chances are...you are not going to think, Gee...I wonder if I have Cervical Radiculopathy (radiating pain from nerve root compression) from the neck?...especially if there is no neck pain...and there doesn't need to be. 

Seems strange...but it's true. In fact...my 17 years treating back, neck, and wrist pain has taught me that...more often than not...hand pain is from the neck...especially with office workers...and they make up the majority of our patient base in the SF Financial District.

So the moral of the story is this...If you have hand pain, and you spend a lot of time on the computer...don't just assume the problem is in the hand...because it might be in the neck. Find yourself a good chiropractor and get checked out.

To find out if you are a candidate for care at Executive Express Chiropractic at the SF Embarcadero Center...call 415-392-2225 or request an appointment online.  

Can Sitting Long Periods Cause a Disc Herniation?

San Francisco Chiropractor Comments:

Most of the patients we treat at Executive Express Chiropractic in downtown San Francisco, spend the majority of their day sitting in front of a computer. Sitting for long periods can be very hard on the back and neck...especially on the spinal discs.

There is a right way to sit and many wrong ways...and depending on the physical condition of the body sitting in the chair...a herniated disc may be waiting to happen.

Our bodies simply are not designed to be sitting in a chair all day...they are designed to be moving around...they need motion for all the joints and spinal discs to stay healthy. Spinal discs and joints are avascular...meaning there is no direct blood supply to them. They receive nutrients from the bloodstream and expel waste products through a pumping action caused by motion...this process is called imbibition in the spine.

Often times sitting for long periods in conjunction with bad posture and poor lifestyle choices, such as...lack of exercise, poor diet, bad posture, not enough rest, too much stress (tight muscles), being overweight, using a bad pillow, etc...can lead to abnormal stresses on the lumbar or cervical spinal discs, and over time contribute to spine problems such as bulging and herniated discs.

Heck...you can even be a picture of health...but if you are in front of that computer for 10-12 hours per day with minimum breaks, working under intense stress...you are at risk.

So what should you do if you sit all day to prevent spine problems like disc herniations from happening?

Well...you should have a good ergonomic chair and proper workstation setup, you should take micro-breaks throughout the day, you should get plenty of exercise...including specific spinal exercises (from a chiropractor), use a cervical pillow when you sleep...have a good mattress, a good diet, and try to manage mental stress. In addition, chiropractic adjustments work wonders keeping the spine healthy and better able to handle just about anything. The more all of the above is out of balance...the more spinal adjustments you should get.

Since most of our patients at Executive Express sit all day...we know what to do. But if you do not live or work in San Francisco, find a chiropractor near you...one that prescribes exercises and understands nutrition, posture and ergonomics. Believe me...you will be glad you did.

For a complimentary consultation at Executive Express Chiropractic in the San Francisco Financial District...call 415-392-2225 or request an appointment online.

Pinched Nerve in the Neck in San Francisco?

San Francisco Chiropractor Comments:

If you have been diagnosed with a Pinched Nerve in the neck...you probably have one or more of the following underlying conditions:

1. Cervical Disc Herniation

2. Cervical Disc Bulge

3. Cervical (Spinal) Stenosis

4. Vertebral Subluxation

5. Degenerative Disc Disease of the cervical spine

6. Spinal Arthritis (Bone spurs)

Maybe you have only seen your family doctor...or maybe you have seen an orthopedic doctor or a chiropractor. Maybe you have had an x-ray or an MRI...or maybe not.

You see a Pinched Nerve is kind of a catch-all phrase for neck pain from nerve pressure...which can result in radiating pain down the arm, numbness, tingling, weakness of grip...even headaches. The most common causes of pinched nerves in the neck are those listed above. 

The treatment for a pinched nerve in the neck will vary depending on who you talk to and what kind of doctor you see.

At Executive Express Chiropractic in downtown San Francisco, we treat Pinched Nerves with chiropractic, active release techniques (ART), exercise, and cervical nonsurgical spinal decompression...not necessarily all at the same time.

Most of the time we are successful...which is great, because neck surgery is not much fun (Note: NOT ALL PINCHED NERVES NEED SURGERY). Especially cervical fusion which is irreversible.

At least what we do leaves our patients whole. We don't take anything out of the body, or put anything in...it's all natural. Either it works or it doesn't. Hey...if it doesn't work you can move on. Sure you may be out some time and money, but so what...you are still intact.

Does chiropractic or cervical decompression ever hurt anyone? Sure...but it's rare.

So...if you have a pinched nerve in the neck (or think you do) and you want to be better, especially if you live in San Francisco...give chiropractic a shot at Executive Express. If you don't live or work near downtown SF, make sure to go to a chiropractor that does nonsurgical spinal decompression also...just in case you need it. 

You can find a spinal decompression doctor that uses the DRX9000c, which is the machine we use at www.axiomworldwide.com.

To find out if you are a candidate for care at Executive Express Chiropractic at the Embarcadero Center in downtown San Francisco...call 415-392-2225 or request an appointment online.