If you suffer from back pain due to herniated disk, degenerative disc disease, bulging discs, slipped disc, ruptured disc, sciatica, spinal stenosis, facet syndrome or any of the other common causes of low back pain, then you’ve probably heard about spinal decompression.
Seems like wherever you turn you see or hear ads for this new back pain therapy. But what is it? And does it really work?
The concept of distracting a disc to relieve pressure is nothing new. Traction units in various forms have been around a long time. Until recently however, traction was unable to create meaningful disc decompression due to a protective mechanism of the body by which muscle spasms lock the disc shut.
With the advance of computer technology, researchers were able to figure out a way to trick the body into thinking it isn’t being distracted. The result: no protective spasm and the ability to finally open up the disc space to cause changes within the discs. The leader in spinal decompression technology is Axiom Worldwide, the makers of the DRX9000, arguable the best spinal decompression unit available.
Research is ongoing, but all accounts to date show great promise. A very high percentage of patients report less back and leg pain and over 80% report complete relief from pain. Before and after MRI’s prove that the disc is actually being repaired with more hydration and less bulging.
Readers must be cautioned however, since not all back pain and sciatica sufferers are good candidates for this newer procedure.
Contraindications to Spinal Decompression:
- Spinal fusion
- Metallic spinal implants (bolts, plates, screws)
- Fresh disc surgery (less than 6 mos)
- Severe bony stenosis
- Severe osteoporosis
- Grade II or greater spondylolisthesis
- Cancer or tumors of the spine
- Infection of the spine
- Pregnancy
- Aortic aneurysm repair
- Inability to lie flat
Conditions Treatable with Spinal Decompression:
- Herniated disk
- Degenerative disc disease
- Bulging discs
- Slipped disc
- Ruptured disc
- Sciatica
- Spinal stenosis
- Facet syndrome
- Chronic lower back pain
- Failed back surgery (without metal implants)
How Do You Know if You Are Eligible for Spinal Decompression?
Specialized consultation and physical examination by a spinal decompression specialist
MRI or CT scan
Your family physician, orthopedic surgeon, chiropractor, acupuncturist, or physical therapist has no idea whether or not you are eligible. Only a doctor who specializes in this treatment has the training and qualifications to know. In order to find out, you must have an evaluation and an MRI or CT scan review. Beware of any doctor who accepts you for care without a thorough history, examination and MRI review.
Free Spinal Decompression Qualification Evaluation with “OC’s Professor of Back & Leg Pain”:
Orange County is home to one of the very first dedicated DRX9000 Spinal Decompression Centers, Orange Spine & Disc Rehabilitation Center in Orange, CA. Each month Medical Director Dr. Barry L. Marks, DC sets aside a certain number of Free Evaluation appointments to help severe back pain and sciatica sufferers find out if they are good candidates for this procedure. To see if any appointments are available this month call (714) 938-0575 or email Dr. Marks’ office at info@spinediscrehab.com.
For more information including a Free Report in the mail, follow this link:
http://www.spinediscrehab.com/orange_spinal_decompression.html
Free Back Pain
August 7, 2008 at 8:45 am |
This is very interesting! Thanks for leaving the comment on my site.
Unfortunately, I do have grade II spondylolisthesis, but still, it’s a relief knowing that medical treatments are constantly progressing.
August 7, 2008 at 9:23 am |
For those that may not know… A Spondylolisthesis is a slippage of the vertebral bone and it is graded by Grade I-IV. A grade II is moderate and prevents a patient from receiving spinal decompression treatment.
Rae, just keep your lower back in good shape by keeping good core strength. I’m sure your doctors have already harped on you about that! If not check this blog… core lower back stretches already posted, ab work out already posted and core exercises coming up soon!
Warmest regards,
Dr Barry Marks, DC
August 9, 2008 at 6:29 pm |
Thanks for the comment on my site Dr. Marks. Reading this post is amazing; I have had persistent back pain for 11 years, especially around my period.
August 9, 2008 at 6:41 pm |
Thank you Sharon.
Low back pain just before, during and just after your period is VERY common.
Two things to consider:
1. Remove inflammatory things from your diet:
Caffeine (sorry!), chocolate (sorrier!!) too much red meat, fried foods, packaged foods
2. See your chiropractor… manipulation of the pelvis and sacrum help ease the pain of a period and many women find their period back pain eventually goes away with regular care.
Warmest regards,
Dr Barry Marks
August 9, 2008 at 11:59 pm |
Thanks for visiting and commenting on my newest blog “Run the Cat.” I appreciate your kind words.
I like your blog. I don’t suffer from back pain (hopefully never will) but I like that you stress good core strength. Good knowledge for everyone!
August 10, 2008 at 3:26 am |
Yes I agree kweenmama. My goal is to not only educate people with back pain, but everyone with a back. And everyone can benefit from good core strength.
August 13, 2008 at 11:31 pm |
Thanks a lot for visiting and commenting on my blog “The Way to Wellness” It’s time to start a Healthy life: your 7 days program” you encourage me to post a blog daily.
August 14, 2008 at 1:54 am |
Thanks for your comment. I thought about what you said when I stood up on that hill!
August 17, 2008 at 6:15 am |
I am very curious about the Spinal Decompression machine. I live in San Diego. I was diagnosed with DDD with a Bulging disc in L-4-L-5 and DDD with high intensity point from L-5-S-1. It has been about 12 weeks since it happened and i still have some irritating pain. I refuse to get shots or surgery. I have been doing alot of streches and working into more core work which has helped. I would like to know what more i should be doing. Id also like to know how many treatments you usually need with the DRX 9000 and how much each treatment costs. Also if there are any machines in San Diego. Thanks for taking the time to read this and look forward to hearing back from you.
Rodger Holliday
August 17, 2008 at 7:06 am |
Thanks for stopping by Rodger,
If you have DDD (degenerative disc disease) no treatment other than spinal decompression is going to actually help heal or repair the disc.
Therefore, I beleive you should seriously consider decompression with a DRX9000. I use a DRX as opposed to other units because after researching all machines at the time, this was head and shoulders above the rest. I could have bought 2 of the competing machines for the price of this one, but I know I purchased the best.
Treatments vary depending on your case. 20 is average and I have had patients require up to 50 before they were totally stabilized due to their severely deteriorated spine. Most patients will be done between 20 and 25 sessions.
Cost is usually for an entire package and will range from $4,000 – 7,000. My office has a flat rate fee that covers you up to 30 sessions. We offer several financing options and have a program where your MRI is included in the fee. A continuation or maintenance program in our office afterwards can be as low as $420 per year.
Rodger beware of offices selling 1-3 visits by the visit ala cart, to “see if it works.” I have had my share of miracle patients who felt tremendous relief after a few treatments, but these are the exception. Research tells us it takes right around 20 sessions to rehydrate a disc and reduce disc bulges. Stopping after less than 20 sessions is a big mistake. I’ve had people who took until visit 28 before they felt their back suddenly improve. This is a serious and long-term problem that requires commitment from the doctor and patient. Half-hearted, piece meal attempts just won’t cut it.
I will refer you to someone in our DRX network if you go to my website and request our free report at http://www.orangespinaldecompresion.com
Good luck Rodger and keep me updated.
Dr Barry L Marks, DC
August 19, 2008 at 10:11 pm |
Thanks for the comment on my site! I appreciate your kind words
I swear, I would almost say it was fate. I suffered from a a back injury in 2001; a 60% compression fracture of the L4 vertabrae. I was operated on in 2002 (a laminectomy and a fusion???) Not too sure, but I know the surgery took 11 hours! Since the operation I have not suffered any back pain except occasionally long car rides, which can hurt anyone’s back I’m sure.
I will definitely bookmark the site for future reference. Thanks again
ELizabeth
August 28, 2008 at 9:12 pm |
so how does spinal decompression really differ from spinal traction?
Thanks
Chris from chriskolba.wordpress.com
August 28, 2008 at 11:42 pm |
Thanks for your question Chris. Check out my latest post here. I just happened to be working on this piece when your comment came in. http://spinaldecompression.wordpress.com/back-pain-and-sciatica-articles/
Thanks again. If you have any further questions, please feel free to comment here.
Dr B Marks
September 4, 2008 at 1:07 am |
Thanks for the info. Great site.
Would love to get your opinion on my site.
http://www.chriskolba.wordpress.com
Thanks
Keep up the good work.
Chris
September 4, 2008 at 1:14 am |
So how does the machine actually “trick” the body? What is the mechanism that makes it different from traction which has provided good results in many (not all) cases? And how is the cost justified vs traction that is reimbursed by the ins companies?
Im not trying to be difficult, im really interested in understanding the diff so i can educate my patients and myself.
Thanks
Chris
September 4, 2008 at 11:58 pm |
Thank you Chris, not a bother at all.
There is a “feedback loop” that allows the DRX to not only pull, but also “senses” how much the patient’s body is resisting or pulling back. This is all computer software controlled. It calculates this (manufacturer data here) 17 times a second. This allows for constantly changing amounts of pull so that the spinal muscles do not spasm or tighten up. Traction machines use electrically controlled “dumb” winches to pull. They cannot provide variable amounts of pull based on what the patient’s body is doing. All tehy can do is ramp up to a certain amount of pull, hold it there statically, then release if it is a “intermittent” traction device.
My experience is that it works for the vast majority of the people I put on my machine. I screen patients very well. If you were to just stick anyone with back pain on the unit, the success rate would be much lower.
I’ve worked a lot with traction in the mid ’80’s and this is far superior.
Regarding costs: This is a big area of controversy for chiropractors (not the patients). Now, mind you this is for my office, other offices may be different. Unlike many chiropractors who heavily discount their fees and provide “cheap” care, I don’t. I’m a 22 year highly trained, highly specialized doctor providing a specialized service that is in high demand. I charge a fair, but professional fee.
I just bill for everything I do. A spinal decompression program is more than laying on a machine for half an hour. I bill for a minimal E/M code (each visit the patient’s response is reviewed and treatment may be altered accordingly), mechanical traction, hot packs/ice packs, electrical stimulation, neuromuscular rehab (for exercises I do with the patients using a cold laser), and when appropriate, exercises and spinal manipulation. Total all that up and it costs.
I do bill insurance for the patient and how much is covered depends on how good their policy is. Many policies have very limited Chiro coverage, while others are more realistic and pay us on par with PT’s and MD’s. And just like those other providers, I don’t feel compelled to discount my fees because I’m charging a fair fee for a vitally needed service. I know that patients seeing a PT are paying equal or more and my treatment works better. The cost to the patient is a value because they are getting treatment that works and is far less expensive than epidurals, surgery or other treatments that don’t work.
Thank you again for your interest.
September 5, 2008 at 3:20 am |
Thank you so much for the insight. Ive always wondered what the difference was and how the decompression units actually worked. I agree with you 100% that you shouldnt discount your prices. the more people do that the more insurance companies will cut. We have to charge a fair professional price for our services and not let insurance or lack of dictate our price. Thats for the patient and THEIR ins. co. to fight out.
Thanks again!
Chris
September 14, 2008 at 12:58 pm |
Thanks for visiting my site. I appreciate your comments!
Chris
September 27, 2008 at 3:02 am |
Thanks for your comment on my site. Hubby had the fusion (L5 & L6?) 3 years ago. Now there is so much scar tissue, that he’s still having pain.
September 29, 2008 at 7:49 am |
Dear Dobegil,
Find someone in your area that does cold laser therapy. This is a non-invasive therapy that can help relieve inflammation and pain. There are also settings on the laser to deal with scar tissue formation and how it blocks the transmission of electrical energy through the body. Worth looking into. Go to http://www.erchonia.com and look for “physician search” link on the left sidebar.
Warmest regards,
Dr Marks
October 4, 2008 at 4:52 pm |
Hey Doc,
thanks, info. The closest cold laser therapy I found was in Vegas. Good thing, since we have family there.
Deb
October 5, 2008 at 1:00 am |
Hi Dr. Marks,
Since I saw you for the evaluation, my back has gotten worse. Haven’t been able to sit or stand more than a few minutes and I’m back on pain medication. I truly believe that Spinal Decompression is my only hope for a normal life. This past week I really contemplated calling my surgeon and proceeding with that option because insurance will cover most of the cost. I wish the insurance companies would support spinal decompression therapy.
I just want to take advantage of all options before I go “under the knife”. I will be in touch soon to begin the treatment. In the mean time, no refereeing on the soccer field for me!
Sandra
October 5, 2008 at 6:00 am |
I truly feel for you Sandra,
My best clinical judgment says that you are indeed a good candidate for this procedure and I look forward to getting you back onto the soccer field soon!
Warmest regards,
Dr Barry Marks
October 16, 2008 at 3:29 pm |
I’ve had a bulging disc in my lower back for the past 7 years and all I’ve been told to do (even when the sciatic nerve pain goes to my leg and causes me to be on crutches for a week or so) is take aleve or tylenol. I am in my mid 50’s and this is not getting any easier when the pain comes… I now have developed mild blood sugar and high blood pressure (I say mild because when tested my blood sugar ran a 130 month ratio and the blood pressure is in the same category). When the pain comes it’s hard to say, because the lower back, the hip the and at one time I even thought I had apendix problems because my lower rigth side hurt so bad… I didn’t know where the pain was coming from. Q: Would decompression be something that could work for me and if so, do you have any offices in Texas?
October 17, 2008 at 12:15 am |
Hi Josephine, sorry you’re having such a hard time. You definitely need to have a full evaluation of your back to include a physical exam, x-rays and possibly an MRI depending on the x-ray and exam findings.
This is the minimum that should have been done when you had your first episode of this pain.
Josephine, please listen to this: it is totally unacceptable for you to be hobbling around on crutches only taking Aleve when other methods are available to solve your problem. Shame on who ever gave you that advice.
Sciatica is a serious condition. Repeated episodes of sciatica means there is a serious underlying problem that must be addressed.
I do not have an office in TX, but I will send you a referral from one of our affiliated offices.
Good luck to you. Hope to hear about your throwing away the crutches soon!
Dr Marks
October 21, 2008 at 12:00 am |
I am desirous of the latest research and where the procedures are performed in the L.A. area-especially those which are non-invasive.
Thank you.
October 21, 2008 at 2:45 am |
Hi Jim,
Thanks for stopping by. For research go to: http://spinediscrehab.com/spinal_decompression_research.html
You’ll also note the location of our office and it’s proximity to parts of LA County and an offer for a Free Qualification Evaluation to see if non-surgical spinal decompression is right for you.
Thanks again.
Please let me know if I may be of any further assistance to you.
Warmest regards,
Dr Marks
October 22, 2008 at 6:11 am |
Hello Dr Marks,
Nice job, good website with lots of important information. It is helpful. No matter what type of pain we suffer from, it is a constant struggle to deal with the aching pain and still carrying on. Thanks to spinal decompression, at least people have reason to smile. I have been visiting an informative site for a few weeks now it is also providing good information and helping many with their medical advices. Here is the website Click here to read on Spinal Decompression
Thanks for sharing this…
October 27, 2008 at 5:13 pm |
Dr. Marks,
Is it possible for anyone under 16years of age to have DDD? Can you kindly tell me where I can find scientific proof that this is possible or not. Does it occur after major trauma?
thank you
Aldo
October 27, 2008 at 8:39 pm |
Thanks for your question Aldo.
Yes, degenerative disc disease can occur in the teenage spine. It is not common, but does certainly occur. There are forms of arthritis that afflict young spines.
Most commonly DDD in a youg spine woudl occur after trauma; either single large event (auto accident, sports injury, serious fall, etc) or multiple smaller insults (repetitive sports, accidents, etc). Once the disc is injured it may slolwy deteriorate over time and eventually show up on an MRI as a degenerative disc. This process can take several years.
Here’s an article from Spine-Health, a reputable website for spine info:
http://www.spine-health.com/conditions/back-pain/back-pain-kids-and-teens
Please let me know if there are any other questions I can help you with Aldo.
Warmest regards,
Dr Marks
October 30, 2008 at 1:12 pm |
Spinal decompression can help a number of people who meet the proper patient criteria. The more informed a patient is, the easier the decision.
Great work Dr. Marks.
December 1, 2008 at 2:57 pm |
I have a bulging disc problem, tried everything from therapy to accupuncture, to no avail. Is your treatment covered under Medicare?
December 1, 2008 at 8:40 pm |
Hi Marcia,
Your question is a common one…
MediCare coverage for Spinal Decompression:
Most DRX9000 spinal decompression facilities are operated by chirorpactors, as such any treatment given to you is considered “chirorpactic.” MediCare only pays for chiropractic adjustments, and only pays +/- $30.
HOWEVER, if you have a secondary insurance other than an HMO, then that insurance may reimburse for some of the expenses. How much all depends on your chiro coverage in your policy.
Some patients only get reimbursed a few hundred dollars, while others receive 80%+ of their bills covered.
The only way to know is to have a spinal decompression office call for benefits.
I hope this helps Marcia. If you have any further questions let me know. Thanks for commenting on my site.
Warmest regards,
Dr Barry Marks, DC
http://orangespinaldecompression.com
December 16, 2008 at 8:09 pm |
Nice blog Dr. Marks
February 11, 2009 at 11:29 pm |
I just became a rep for a company that has a high powered laser. The machine cost 60K but physicians can charge on average 150 dollars per visit. They can run it through insurance also. The laser is FDA approved for pain, goes down 10 inches deep depending on tissue density. How do you feel about high powered lasers and do you feel that they help treat patients that have failed traditional therapy?
February 16, 2009 at 6:42 pm |
I’m not sure what type of laser you are referring to. I use a “cold laser” in my practice made by Erchonia that I get very good results with for a variety of conditions. I really have no opinion of a “high powered” laser. Could you forward more info to me to take a look at?
Thanks for your comment/question MK
Dr Marks
March 5, 2009 at 7:42 pm |
Hi Doctor Marks!
Thank you for your reply ! the MRI, X-rays and bone scans didn’t show anything on the cervical area
I started to use the inversion table (EP-550)daily for 10 minutes at the time. It has been 10 days, no relief yet. I will use it for at least 50 days, hopely I would get some relief. What do you think about this inversion table decompression?
I keep going to the pool once a week for swiming as well.
Thank you
Thank
March 6, 2009 at 12:35 am |
Hi Dori,
Thanks for the update on your condition.
Good news that those procedures were negative, but are the x-rays truly normal? Make sure your neck x-rays show a normal curve measuring 30-40 degrees. This normal alignment is not usually considered by medical radiologists. If your curve is reduced or flattened or in some cases reversed, it will be a source of neck pain and overall malfunction of the nervous system.
Inversion distraction can help relieve pain from tight muscles in the back, but there is no scientific evidence of it actually decompressing discs or re-hydrating discs. In only rare instances could it hurt you, so, give it a try for awhile, but if after a month or so, it hasn’t helped, chances are it won’t.
Another low-tech, but effective method of distracting the cervical spine at home is to place a towel rolled into about a 4″ roll on the edge of your bed. Lie down with your neck on the roll and your head hanging down over the edge of the bed. In this way gravitational forces pull down on your head over the roll which acts as a fulcrum to open up the joints of the cervical spine. I have foudn this to be very effective at relieving spinal stress and restoring normal neck curves particularly after trauma like an auto accident.
Good luck Dori, I hope youa re feeling better soon.
Warmest regards,
Dr Marks
http://www.drmarks.com
March 10, 2009 at 10:11 pm |
Hi I have had many spinal decompression treatments for pain radiating down my left leg. 38 treatments. It worked great but now I have more severe pain going down my right leg wear I never had pain before til I was close to the end of my treatments. I then recieved decompression treatments for the simptoms in my right leg and the pain became more intense. My doctor an I decided to quit after 35 more treatments. Would you have any advice for the cause? Has this ever happend to any of your patients during treatment? thanks wendy
March 11, 2009 at 5:07 am |
Hi Wendy,
I have seen cases where the leg pain switches from one side to the other. This can occur when the disc herniation is centrally located rather than far to the right or left. I have not however, seen a case where one leg clears up then the other acts up and doesn’t respond. That is curious. If it is feasible, I would have another MRI done to compare with the original to see if things have changed internally. At 35 and 38 treatments I would say you and your doctor have given it a good go. I would suggest you lay off the DRX and possibly concentrate on doing some deep soft tissue in your back, buttocks and posterior thighs with cold laser and active stretching.
Keep me in the loop Wendy. I’d like to know how things work out.
Dr Barry Marks, DC
http://www.spinediscrehab.com/nopain.htm
March 11, 2009 at 9:11 pm |
Hello Dr Marks- My MRI was done by request of family doctor, and the nurse contacted me back and said it is a Bulging Disc, Degenerative Disc Disease, and I’m 45 and 200lbs and 5′10″ and I will be going to an appointment in bout one month to Steindler Orthepidic Clinic, and my work is warehouse work and I feel its from all the lifting I do. I can do a majority of different types of work there, but I like the physical work. Is there any encouraging words for me, and with out knowing exactly how the MRI looks, can you give me advice on what to ask in visit there?
March 12, 2009 at 7:52 pm |
Hi Kevin,
Sorry about your back. What I can say is that unless you have progressive or severe neurological problems like a foot that you cannot lift up or numbness around the “saddle area” or anus, you should not entertain the idea of spinal surgery until all other methods have been exhausted.
Methods such as the DRX9000 may be able to help heal your disc, reduce the bulge and alleviate your back pain.
No matter what treatments you decide on, let me tell you openly and honestly my opinion about your work. I realize you like the physical nature of your work, but let’s be realistic. At 45 and now with a bulging disc do you really want to jeopardize your ability to do any kind of work at all? Maybe you should consider a position where you can do a little bit of physical work and then also less strenuous activities as well. Pace yourself and give your back a break. Your back will not last forever and if you continue to work it too hard it will eventually fail, big time and then you’ll be in trouble. Please consider these words carefully Kevin.
It would be better to get your physical energy out by working out in a controlled environment with weights and/or machinery than lifting, bending and twisting in a warehouse.
The key things to ask are: are there signs of nerve impingement? Do I have stenosis? Are there a lot of degenerative changes in the bone? Are there any signs of instability of my spine? Get your orthopedic opinion and then go home. Do not taker any action. Premature action leads to many unnecessary injections, surgery, etc. Then make an appointment for a DRX Spinal Decompression specialist in your area. Email me for a referral if you like or go to http://www.orangespinaldecompression and request a report. When you do and my office sees you are from out of the area we will automatically forward your request to someone near you. Get an opinion from them and then go home.
Then consider your options and select the option that feels right to you.
I wish you luck and I would love to hear back from you.
Warmest regards,
Dr Barry Marks, DC
http://www.spinediscrehab.com
May 20, 2009 at 3:16 pm |
Super page / will come back again soon
May 26, 2009 at 2:09 am |
Thanks! I’ll look forward to speaking with you and answering any questions you may have.
Warmest regards,
Dr Barry L Marks, DC
http://cureforlowerbackpain.com
http://twitter.com/drbarrymarks
June 24, 2009 at 5:28 pm |
Hello,
All of the websites talk about the back. My problem is in my Neck. I have 3 dehydrated disc, 2 deteriorated disc, reverse curve, and S-Class Scoliosis (through my back) Of my Neck. My docs says the disc where probably herniated and healed on there own. I have a lot of pain and life altering migraines. My docs just keep giving me shots and adjustments. Is there any hope of a procedure that can help. Does your machine work on NEcks.
June 24, 2009 at 9:19 pm |
Hi Heather,
Sorry about your neck. This site is dedicated to the back because that is the area I specialize in. There are physicians out there that do perform spinal decompression on the neck. Check out http://axiomworldwide.com and request info from a doctor in your area with a DRX9000 “C”
Good luck!
Dr Barry Marks
http://orangespinaldecompression.com
September 20, 2009 at 3:05 pm |
Hello I am sending you a message from England – I had spinal decompresion surgery for a bulging disc around 2.5 years ago as I had developed seere sciatica – loss of muscle in my left thight and drop-foot – this last week the pain has returned for the first time with a vengeance and I was wondering if the DRX9000 treatment is suitable for me and if it is available in the UK? Please reply to me. Many Thanks
September 20, 2009 at 9:47 pm |
As long as you haven’t had any of your vertebrae fused, there is the possibility the DRX9000 could help. For overseas facilities contact http://www.axiomworldwide.com and search for a doctor near you.
Good luck!
Warmest regards
Dr Barry Marks, DC
http://www.spinediscrehab.com/special.html
September 21, 2009 at 11:28 am |
Very Many thanks for the information – they didnt “fuse” anything what the surgeon did was to “grind” the bulging bit away – in your opinion if I resume my exercises will this help the muscles get strong again? and help me be free of pain – I really dont want surgery again if it only lasts two years or so ….
October 8, 2009 at 4:24 pm |
Hi,
You mentioned yesterday that I might be suffering from myelopathy. My wife thought it was funny that you mentioned all of my symptoms even though I didn’t mentioned all of them. I also have short term memory loss. She and I think that you might be right on. Why haven’t any of the doctors that I went to checked into this. I was involved in a rear end collision in 1988. At that time the Navy doctor cracked my neck because of the stiffness. He never took xrays. I never went back because it wasn’t a pleasant experience. I got yelled at constantly for not being still and not giving him full control of my neck. He said he could hurt me. I’m presently going through VA disability. I have seen numerous doctors since getting out of the service for these issues. Many pushed it off as being in my head, or thats what I thought. I’ve been given numerous muscle relaxers and pain medicine throughout the years. I presently take 600 to 1200 mg of Advil or Ibuprofen daily for headaches. Some doctors and chiropractors took it more serious; but I never had an MRI until 18 years after my accident. That was for the deep subfacial lipoma that was removed from the back of the neck. This was large and the scar is indented and quite big. I decided to go through disability since my headaches and pain is worst. I also was diagnosed with depression, because of the pain and no lasting relief. I went to a rhematologist for knee, ankle, big toe and neck pain and he said that I have myofacial pain syndrome and facet joint syndrome because of the whiplash. He referred to the MRI from 2006. I also have right calcific posterior tibialsis tendinitis and bilateral big toe arthritis. Do you think that my whiplash injury could of caused myelopathy if it is this. Do you think that my bilateral cubital tunnel surgery for the ulner nerve could of actually been coming from my neck? Could my whiplash injury cause or aggravate my lipoma to grow.
Thank you for your response and taking the time out of your day to do this.
Rod
October 9, 2009 at 2:29 am |
Hi Rod,
First, thank you for your service. I am always humbled by those who have served the rest of us.
Next, your Navy doc was probably an Osteopath or DO; a physician trained in manipulation AND medicine. Unfortunately, most DO’s spend very little time manipulating so when they do, it can be quite rough. Those that do many manipulations a day for several years are quite skilled, but most do not. No doctor should perform manipulation without an x-ray, particularly when there is a history of trauma like an auto collision. Also, any doctor performing manipulation should be able to perform the task on you comfortably without “asking” or yelling at you to “relax.” A real pro who is gifted in this art just does it without drama.
It is possible for lipomas or synovial cysts to erupt over areas that have been traumatized, so it is possible yours was related to your MVA. A large scar may also cause problems as the scar is not just in the layers of skin, but may reach deeper and make attachments to different layers of muscles and fascia causing pain if not removed.
Your present day disc problems and possible myelopathy are highly likely to be from your whiplash years ago. Time wise it makes sense. And yes, the bilateral cubital tunnel issue could have been stemming from your neck. I often find people on their 2nd or 3rd carpal tunnel surgery, but continue to have pain because it is from their neck. It could’ve also been a “double crush.” Some pressure at the neck and some at the elbow causing an overall nerve blockage resulting in symptoms.
My advice is still to get another MRI and have some electro-tests done. The VA should be able to provide that.
Again, good luck and keep me posted.
Dr Marks
http://orange-car-accident.com
October 30, 2009 at 8:29 pm |
hi. this is a very informative article, thank you. I didn’t fully understand spinal decompression until i read it, other than relieving pressure. very interesting on ‘tricking’ the body into thinking it isn’t being distracted.. i appreciate the fact that you indicate not all back pain sufferers are good candidates for spinal decompression, and the contraindications. seems there are quite a few back pain causes and symptoms it does treat, though – very common ones.
thank you again for the informative article. i’ll be back
Julie
October 31, 2009 at 8:14 am |
Thanks Julie!
Have to tell it like it is. Many conditions are successfully treated, but nothing is 100%
Thanks again for stopping by and commenting
Warmest regards
Dr Barry Marks, DC
http://orangespinaldecompression.com
November 6, 2009 at 12:04 pm |
Hello: I am a chiropractor. Practice in malaysia. Appreciate your help. I am considering a DRX. Have you found it to be good investment as well as beneficial for patient? Thankyou Dr. Tom
November 9, 2009 at 2:36 am |
Hi Dr Wiltse,
I believe the DRX9000 is an invaluable tool for a doctor who wants to be able to help back pain patients rehabilitate their spines in order to avoid surgery. I can say from my anecdotal experience treating patients, it has been a tremendous success for the majority of my patients. Personally, I found great relief when I suffered a herniated disc in December of 2008. I was glad I had the machine in the office, because it fixed my back and has kept me working.
Whether or not it is a good investment, depends on you. They are expensive. You will need to market the services to pay for the increased cost of the equipment. You may want to consider leasing a used machine. You can find a good 2 year old system for about 1/3 the price of a new one, so the cost of adding the service to your practice will be less burdensome.
Doctor, it is my opinion that if you decide to provide spinal decompression that you must be passionate about it and add it because you truly want to help a segment of the population that up until a few years ago had very little hope. I can tell you that I am very gratified when I receive testimonials from my patients who say thanks for saving them when nobody else could.
Dr. Marks
Good luck and I wish you well.