A Non surgical way to treat mod-severe lower back pain: Part I

For patients who suffer from mild discomfort or pain in the lower back, there are treatment options such as chiropractic, acupuncture, stretching, exercising, yoga, even medications. What about patients who suffer from moderate to severe lower back pain? Pain that is unrelenting, one that goes into the legs and the buttocks, causes weakness, pain and numbness and tingling? Often for these patients they receive little relief from chiropractic, physical therapy, injections, steroids and medications. They often have to take strong medications such as cortisone and often times, these come accompanied by unpleasant side effects.

Often times, patients have gone to their primary care physician, neurologists, chiropractors, and orthopedic surgeons. They often have alread had a lower back MRI, a special type of imaging that can reveal disc issues- such as a herniated disc, disc bulge, and degenerated disc. Problems in the disc can cause pain the leg, numbness and tingling, sciatica and high intensity that does not go away- it affects all aspects of their activities of daily activities, even work.

After trying multiple injections, medications and still no relief, the orthopedic Dr may even recommend surgery for the lower back- often times a laminectomy or a fusion surgery to take pressure off of the disc.

These patients with moderate-to severe lower back pain may benefit from a non surgical procedure called non surgical spinal decompression. Spinal Decompression significantly reduces back pain in many patients and also enables the majority of patients to return to more active lifestyles.

Spinal Decompression utilizes revolutionary technology to apply a distraction force to relieve nerve compression often associated with lower back pain and sciatica. To see a video of how spinal decompression treatment works click here.

After completing a consultation, examination and analyzing a patients MRI, the Dr can determine what level to target the decompression at. The patient is specially positioned on the decompression machine and is pulled with varying degrees of weight similar to a logarithmic curve or an accordion. When distractive forces are generated on a logarithmic curve the typical proprioceptor response through muscle spasms are avoided. By not involving the muscles of the lower back, decompression can occur at the targeted disc level. The Drx9000, by Axiom Worldwide is one such device that does non surgical spinal decompression. Because this technology is only a few years old, it is only available in certain Doctor’s offices. If you need help looking for a Doctor who does the non surgical spinal decompression, please email us at info@arc4life. com.

A patient who is undergoing non surgical spinal decompression treatment will also have cold therapy and interferential stimulation to treat muscle spasms and inflammation in the lower back. They will also be given home icing instructions, as well as special stretching and strengthening exercises specifically for the lower back region. They will also be asked to wear a special lower back brace that will aid in healing of the lower back. By limiting the motion of lower back muscles and ligaments as much as possible, its support also helps improve posture. It also serves as a reminder to use proper lifting techniques to protect the lower back as much as possible.

In the Part II Discussion about Non Surgical Spinal Decompression I will discuss:

• What happens during a session of Spinal Decompression
  
• Are there any side effects or contraindications for Spinal Decompression
  
• How is Spinal Decompression different from other treatments of lower back pain
  
• What are the more specific indications for Spinal Decompression
  

Please email me if you have specific questions about non surgical spinal decompression for lower back pain, sciatica and lumbar disc herniation.
Here are a partial Listing of Doctors that specialize in Non Surgical Decompression:
CT Spine and Disc Center- Dr. Matthew Bellinger, located in Glastonbury, Connecticut 860-633-8756

NYC Spinal Decompression Center- Dr. Steven Shoshany located in New York City 212-645-8151

Executive Express Chiropractic and Spinal Decompression- Dr. Eben Davis located in San Francisco, California 415-392-2225

Additional Resources:

How to Properly Wear a Lower Back Support Belt for Moderate to Severe Lower Back Pain
Visit Low Back Pain Relief - Arc4ife carries low back supports and rest as well as lumbar belt for low back and sciatica pain relief

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