Back Pain from Disc Dehydration with No Disc Bulge or Herniation and No Sciatica?

Lower Back Pain Diagnosis and Back Pain Treatment Information
Dr Barry L Marks, DC | Orange County Back Pain Specialist

A common question I get is “How can I have pain, when there is no disc bulge or herniated disc and there is no pressure on my nerves on the MRI? My doctor says I have no bulge so he doesn’t know why I hurt…”

It’s an excellent question really and one that often stumps doctors. The answer lies in the anatomy of the spine and disc in particular. Up until about 20 years ago doctors thought the discs and supporting ligaments of the spine had no nerve supply. We now know however that the outer layers of the disc called the annulus and the broad ligament that runs up and down the back of each spinal bone (posterior longitudinal ligament) are both supplied by the sinuvertebral nerve. This nerve carries pain impulses from these structures.

When you think of nerves, you may think of a sinlge wire leading from the spine to it’s intended target like wiring in your house or car. It’s a nice and neat way to think. The reality is however, that nerves are more like ivy. A main nerve may lead to the target, but once there the nerve divides into many tiny fibers that spread out over the area. So it is in your disc and posterior longitiduinal ligament.

So when your disc is in trouble and beghins to become dehydrated and deteriorates (degenerative disc disease) it has been found that your nerves begin multiplying and cover the area even more densly. This leads to a disc that is hypersensitive and when the nerves are irritated they bombard your brain with pain messages.  The nerves that are embedded in your discs tell the brain to sense pain directly over the spine. Therefore, if you have degenerative disc disease of your last disc, your L5 disc, you will perceive pain in the midline of your lower back just above your tailbone.

The reason you do not experience sciatica is because the nerves that cause sciatic pain (pain down your butt to your legs and feet)  are further away from the disc in the hole between the spinal bones known as the foramen. To irritate these nerves, there needs to be pressure into the foramen by either a space that is diminished by the two bones coming closer together as the disc deteriorates or from a bulge or herniation poking into the foramen and onto the nerves.

So, if you are sufferifng from pain that is in the midline of your spine and you have a positive MRI for dehydration (desiccation) or degenerative disc disease, but no bulge or herniation it is likely you are suffering from disc disease that is affecting the sinuvertebrtal nerve.

For more information on treating this type of back pain go to: http://orangespinaldecompression.com and http://cureforlowerbackpain.com

Cure for Lower Back Pain… in only 5 weeks!

Orange, CA
Back pain diagnosis and treatment for lower back pain

Dr Barry L Marks, DC’s latest book, “Cure for Lower Back Pain” is now available.

Who needs this book?

• If you are suffering from severe back pain and leg pain from back muscle strain, herniated disc, bulging disc, sciatica, stenosis, facet syndrome or arthritis…YOU need this book.
• If you continue to suffer from back pain, leg pain and diminished physical activity….YOU need this book.
• If your life is hampered in any way by your back pain…YOU need this book.

“Cure for Lower Back Pain” will teach you:

• How to know if you have been accurately diagnosed
• What treatments are best for your particular condition
• Plus…special free bonuses including Free direct access to the author for a second opinion

For more details go to www.CureForLowerBackPain.com

To: Back Pain & Sciatica Sufferers From: A Concerned Leprechaun

Back pain treatment information in Orange County
By back pain and sciatica specialist Dr Barry Marks, DC Orange, CA

“An Imporant St. Patrick’s Day Message to Back Pain & Sciatica Sufferers from a Concerned Leprechaun…”

Hello,

Let me introduce myself. My name is Shamus and as you can plainly see, I am a Leprechaun.

I’m writing to you for purely selfish reasons. See, with the economy getting a little soft…okay, yeah it stinks for lots of people out there. Well because of that, you would not believe how many people have resorted to looking for pots o’ gold. Namely, my pots o’ gold!

Think about it. Every time you see a beautiful rainbow across the sky it’s a direct road map to my pot! Then every hooligan in Orange County comes snooping around. A few years ago, nobody bothered. But nowadays everyone’s looking for my gold!

I’m tired! It’s hard to lug around that pot, find a hiding place and then dance around trying to distract gold seekers. So I had a great idea.

I know Dr. Marks, you know, “The Professor of Back and Leg Pain” guy? Well he did me a favor a while back and his spinal decompression machine did wonders for my sciatica, so I owe him. I used to be all hunched over and had a limp; some people actually thought I was a troll! Embarrassing…after Dr. Marks fixed my back and leg I can run, jump, carry heavy pots and even play tricks again. It’s great, but with all the gold seekers out there these days, I don’t want a relapse, so…

I decided to do something that will pay him back, help you out of pain and most importantly, help me take it easier.

It’s a “win-win-win…”

So here’s the deal; I gave some of my gold to Dr. Marks so that he can give you a discount on spinal decompression. That way less people will be chasing me around, Dr. Marks will stay busy and you’ll get rid of your back pain or sciatica like I did.

How much gold you ask? …

• First, he’ll throw in his Complete Spinal Decompression Qualification Evaluation valued at over $250 for FREE to see if you qualify for care.
   
• Then, $500 for each of you! That’s right; he’ll take $500 off any decompression program thanks to my generous donation.

But there is a catch…or two….hey what did you expect? I’m a Leprechaun!

Here they are:

• The offer expires on St Patrick’s Day, March 17^th at 6:00 pm. After that, poof! It goes away like a rainbow on a hot dry day.
   
• And oh yeah, it is limited to only 7 patients. Number 8 goes home empty handed just like all those gold seekers.

So if you’d like some sage advice from a little green guy who knows what to do with money, I’d call Anna or Cecilia at Dr. Marks’ office right now at (714) 938-0575 and cash in on this offer before it goes away.  Just tell them Shamus sent you.

Maybe now I can get some rest… hey you kids get away from there, those are my Lucky Charms!!!

Shamus

P.S. Call (714) 938-0575 for your Free Evaluation and to redeem your $500 Discount

Back Pain

Dr Barry L Marks
Doctor of Chiropractic, Orange County, CA
Back Pain Specialist, Author, Lecturer

Back pain is a serious problem
Back Pain is the most common cause of sick days in the US next to the common cold. Conservative estimates are that 80% of all American adults will suffer from at least 1 week of debilitating back pain in their lifetime. Other studies have shown that upwards of 90% of people will suffer from back pain.

It’s obvious to see that back pain is a major medical concern.

What causes back pain?
The most common back pain causes are:

• Muscle pain or back spasms from lumbar spinal strain
• Joint pan and back ache from misaligned spinal lumbar bones (subluxation)
• Spine pain and sciatica from degenerative disc, herniated disc, bulging disc, slipped disc
• Arthritis back pain
• Back pains and sciatic pain from stenosis

Most back pain treatment options fail
Sadly, while it is a very common medical condition, it appears that many patients have great difficulty finding back pain relief. Traditional and alternative methods of back pain often leave the low back pain sufferer still in pain. Therefore chronic back pain (pain lasting longer than 3mos) is prevalent.

The most common forms of back pain treatment are:

• Medicine, Drugs (over the counter and prescription)
• Chiropractic, Chiropractors
• Physical therapy
• Acupuncture, Oriental Medicine
• Back Surgery, Spine Surgery (laminectomy, spinal fusion)

Each of these treatments have merits and times when they are appropriate. But what does a back pain sufferer do for their lower back pain when these methods fail? Are there alternatives to the alternative therapies?

A new alternative to acupuncture, chiropractic, physical therapy, pain management drugs, and back surgery
Spinal Decompression is a fairly new medical treatment for back problems. Back and leg pain can be relieved through spinal decompression using a DRX9000 unit. The DRX9000 Spinal Decompression machine can relieve back pain and sciatica from herniated disc, bulging disc, slipped disc, stenosis and arthritis. It does this with very little risk and quite quickly, usually under 2 months.

To learn more about Back Pain and how DRX9000 Spinal Decompression therapy may be the help you’ve been looking for, follow this link.

About the author, Dr. Barry L Marks, DC
Dr. Marks is more than just a “back doctor,” he is a former Associate Clinical Professor at a leading chiropractic College, has over 22 years experience in spinal orthopedics and is a well respected back specialist in Orange County, CA. He is the Medical Director of Orange Spine & Disc Rehabilitation Center in Orange, CA, Orange County’s first dedicated DRX9000 spinal decompression center. For an interview or more information, contact Dr. Marks’ office at (714) 938-0575 or email at info@spinediscrehab.com.

Supplements for Disc Problems?

Dr Barry L Marks, DC
Spinal Decompression Specialist in Orange County

Spinal decompression therapy is the latest computer medical technology to relieve back pain caused by bulging disc, disk herniation, slipped disc and degenerative disc disease without surgery. The process uses very specialized equipment and protocols that are right out of the space age.

Despite the high tech nature of spinal disc decompression, there are very low-tech dietary supplements that you can take to help support and heal your discs while undergoing spinal decompression for severe back pain or sciatica.

Nutrition for Discs
Discs, like all other organs of the body, require proper nutrition to help maintain them under normal operating conditions. When an injury occurs their needs may increase in order to facilitate repair. It is my opinion, that every man, woman and child should take a basic multi vitamin and mineral supplement each day for basic health. For the disc pain sufferer, the following nutrients need to be taken above and beyond what is in their daily multivitamin:

• Hyaluronic acid
  Recommended dosage: Average adult 6 mg in two doses: AM and PM with food 

·    Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
Recommended dosage: Average adult 2,000 mg divided in two doses: AM and PM with food
 

·    Manganese
Recommended dosage: Average adult 50 mg in two doses: AM and PM
(Do not take at same time you take Calcium supplement)

·    Chondroitin sulfate
Recommended dosage: Average adult 1,000 mg in two doses in AM and PM

·    Glucoasamine
Recommended dosage: Average Adult 3,000 mg in two doses in AM and PM

 

·    Water
Proper hydration is mandatory to ensure proper disc health. How much water do you need? Drink enough water to make your urine clear to very light yellow in color.

I have found a readily available, relatively inexpensive supplement that meets the above needs called “Move Free® Advanced” by Schiff Labs. 4 Capsules each day in split doses will meet the recommendations above.

Spinal disc decompression is an effective new computerized medical technology that can relieve painful bulging discs and degenerative disc disease without chiropractic, shots or surgery and can be aided by taking specific dietary supplements to increase disc nutrition and healing.

 

Disc Disease Doesn’t Occur Overnight…

Dr Barry L Marks, Chiropractor
Spinal Decompression Specialist
Orange County, CA

Did your back suddenly “go out”?
Were you fine one day, then practically bed ridden the very next day?

Many severe back pain sufferers seemingly have no warning then BAM! Back pain. And I’m not talking about a sudden injury like lifting or twisting. That’s understandable.

Out of Nowhere…?
What I hear often from patients in my Orange County Spinal Decompression center is that they were fine until they bent over to pick up a paper clip or turned to grab their seat belt or slightly bent forward to brush their teeth when their back suddenly became severely painful.

Then when they see their family physician or chiropractor they are shocked to find they have a serious disc problem like a bulging disc or disk herniation. From picking up a paper clip!

The Surprising Truth…
You may be surprised to learn, as many of my patients in similar situations usually are, that your disc problem did not just suddenly happen. The mundane activity that seemed to precipitate your back or leg pain was only the proverbial “last straw.”

You might be even more surprised to learn that your back problem has probably been slowly festering for 10, 15 even 20 years or more before it suddenly “gave out.”

You see, disc disease is a slowly evolving and progressive condition. It all begins with one large injury, a few lesser injuries or repeated “micro” injuries that cause the spinal bones to become locked up or misaligned. The biomechanical stress of misalignment can then lead to defects within the disc’s outer annular fibers. The weakened disc begins to lose water (desiccation) and shrink. In time (usually several years) the disc will bulge, which may protrude out near a spinal nerve.

At this point it is entirely possible to feel no pain. People often go for years with no pain while their disc is slowly deteriorating.

D-Day
With years of deterioration under your belt (figuratively and literally!) your disc is a time bomb. Tic, tock, tic… Your disc can hold out no longer.  Tic, tock…then you make the wrong move and Kaboom! It explodes. Depending on how severe the disc deterioration is and where it is located will dictate if you will have just back pain or back and leg pain (sciatica).

Severe back pain and leg pain due to a bulging disc, disk herniation or degenerative disc disease is a long-term process that slowly erodes until it finally fails and produces acute pain.

If you are suffering from sever back or leg pain due to a disc problem, you need to learn more about how your problem may be helped without chiropractic, shots or surgery. Learn more here: OrangeSpinalDecompression.com

“Diagnose Your Own Back Pain”

Fuzzy diagnosis
I like to use the term “fuzzy diagnosis” for prospective patients who come to me with back or leg pain and a diagnosis from their primary care physician or chiropractor that sounds like:

• Lumbalgia (just means back pain)
• Sciatica (just means inflamed sciatic nerve and leg pain, but doesn’t tell you what’s causing it)
• Slipped disc (sorry, they don’t slip. They bulge, herniate, prolapse, extrude, etc and each is different)
• The fuzziness is aggravated when not only does a patient have a very non-specific diagnosis, but also the diagnosis is contrary to what I find on examination.

Here are a couple of maneuvers to try at home that are fairly accurate predictors of your real underlying back problem. Caution, and this may be news to you and your doctors(s); you might have more than one thing wrong with you! So there could be overlap, which is why your diagnosis may have been fuzzy or confused.

Facet syndrome test:
Sit in a backless chair or bench. Bend backwards at the waist. Now bend backwards and sideways at an angle to the left and then to the right. Now bend forward and put your chest into your lap. If bending back causes pain in the center of your spine and mimics your back pain and bending forward relieves it, you are likely suffering from facet syndrome. If you have no pain arching backwards like this, you do not have facet syndrome.

Disc bulge or herniation:
Sit in a chair. Simply lift one leg out in front of you. Lower it and try the other leg. If you have back, buttock, thigh, leg or foot pain then when one or both legs are extended, you likely have a disc bulge or herniated disk putting pressure on a nerve in your lower back.

Now lie face down. Lift one heel up towards your buttocks. If this causes pain in your lower back or pain in the front of your thigh (other than muscle tension) then it is likely you have a bulging disc or disk herniation in the upper lumbar spine.

Cough or sneeze… if you experience sharp pain in the back or into the leg on coughing, sneezing, a bowel movement or during sex, you likely have a bulging disc or disk herniation in the lumbar spine.

Subluxation
If you can bend forward towards the floor without pain and lift your leg out while sitting without back or leg pain, you do not have a bulging disc or herniated disk causing your pain. If you have more pain arching backwards, you could have a subluxation or misaligned vertebra (Spinal bone)

Tumor
If you have back pain and/or leg pain and/or numbness and your pain is not aggravated by bending, moving or straining and you have unexplained weight loss or night pain, you may have a tumor.

Short video clips explaining each of these causes of back pain as well as additional information is available here:
http://www.orangespinaldecompression.com

Rememebr these are strictly guides to help you understand your back pain and clarify what your problem is. You now must consult with a competent doctor to properly confirm your diagnosis with x-rays, MRI, additional tests if indicated and begin a lower back pain treatment program designed specifically for your newly found, crystal clear, diagnosis.

Disclaimer: (Just in case there are lawyers or jealous doctors lurking out there to get me) This is not intended to actually treat or diagnose a medical condition. This is not medical advice. You are not my patient and we do not have a medical relationship so I am not violating any Federal privacy laws. This is merely information to educate health care consumers. The results of which should be shared with your personal chiropractor, medical doctor or whoever you elect as your care giver.

Disk Herniation, Bulging Disc, Degenerative Disc Disease…?

So you’ve been told by your family doctor or chiropractor that your back pain is caused by a “disc” problem…well what does that actually mean?

Hearing a diagnosis of a “slipped disc” doesn’t do you any good if you do not know what that means and more importantly it does not tell you what can be done about it. So this article will address what disc disease is and what causes it.

Back Anatomy 101
Your spine is made up of 26 bones stacked upon eachother. These bones (vertebrae) are seperated and held together by “discs.” Discs are like cushions between the bones to absorb shock and take stresses away from the bones. Each disc is approximately 75% water. The disc is made of a tough, but flexible outer structure called the “annulus”. It is a series of concentric fibers wound together much like a radial tire. In the center of the disc is the “nucleus”, which is a gel-like structure roughly in a ball shape.

The discs also act as spacers between the spinal bones to allow the nerves from the spinal cord to exit and deliver their nerve information from the brain to the body and back again without interference.

Disc Physiology (Function)
Discs stay healthy by a process called imbibition. The discs “drink” water at night (much like a sponge absorbs), which contains minerals, oxygen and other nutrients needed to nourish the discs. When we wake up in the morning our discs are full of water and at their tallest. As the day goes on, the forces of gravity and our daily activities such as bending, lifting, twisitng, etc all cause the discs to be slightly compressed and water is squeezed out. By the time we hit the sack we will lose enough water to be about a half an inch shorter! Luckily as we lie down imbibition kicks in and our discs are replenished.

Disc Damage
Acute trauma and repeated stress to the spine causes malfunction and misalignment. This results in discs losing water and not being able to imbibe enough water at night. The result is dehydration (dessication) of the disc. After prolonged periods of dehydration (5-7 years) the disc will begin to breakdown and shrink. As this occurs, the side of the disc may bulge outward and irritate nearby nerves causing pain to radiate out to the leg. This is a “bulging disc.”

With time the disc will eventually herniate; the gel nucleus breaks through the anuulus fibers and causes irritation to the nerves mechanically and chemically by acids that leak out. This is a “disk herniation.”

A Progressive Degenerative Condition
The disc degeneration process is a downward spiral. The condition gets worse year by year until the disc collapses completely and severe nerve entrapment occurs causing a neurological crisis.

Disc Disease Summary
Disc disease is the most common cause of severe and/or chronic lower back pain and sciatica. It begins as stress on the spine which leads to dehydration and breakdown of the disc and
eventually nerve irritation and damage. It is a relentless
process that progressively worsens over time.

Once disc disease such as bulging disc, disk herniation or degenerative disc disease shows up, it must be properly treated to prevent it from worsening and causing permanent nerve damage.

“Spinal Decompression Real Life Story”

Excerpted from OC Post

“Amazing New Spinal Decompression Technology Returns 24-year Old to Normal Life and Prevents Certain Surgery… Astonishing Before & After MRI Scans tell the story…”

Orange, CA

Imagine…
you’re only 24 years old and you are told there is nothing that can be done except surgery about the 4 disc bulges & herniations in your back that are causing daily severe back and leg pain–pain that prevents you from enjoying life, exercising, or even taking a short walk. Now imagine how your life would instantly change if you discovered the solution to your back pain without surgery and it only takes a matter of weeks.

This is Michelle Wichlac’s story.
Michelle was desperate for an answer. Her back and leg pain were ruining her young life! After being told she needed surgery on multiple discs, she searched the internet for a solution. It was there that she found Dr. Barry L. Marks, DC, a leading Orange County disc expert, spinal decompression specialist and former associate clinical professor.

After a consultation with Dr. Marks, Michelle was certain she had found the expert to solve her problem. “I chose Dr. Marks because he just seemed to be more knowledgeable than the other doctors I had met with,” explains Michelle.

“It was totally amazing to see the turn around in Michelle,” beams Dr. Marks. “She was crying and unable to sit still during the consult because she was in so much pain. But after a matter of weeks she was smiling and hugging me and just so happy to be out of pain.”

“…I am only 24 years old and was crying at least once a day because of my bulging & herniated discs. All my doctors did was suggest surgery and give me pain pills. After the treatments (with Dr. Marks) I am living a pain-free normal life. I have a smile on my face now instead of tears. I am so grateful that God lead me to Dr. Marks and his wonderful staff. Thank you all!”
- Michelle Wichlac

Even Michelle’s surgeon couldn’t believe it. When she reported back to him that she had opted for this alternative to back surgery and that it had actually worked, he was skeptical. The doctor ordered another MRI to compare with the first one. What he found made him a (humble) believer…
Pictures Tell the Story…

MRI “Before DRX9000 Spinal Decompression”

• L2/3 disc: 2.6 mm protrusion
• L3/4 disc: 2.3 mm protrusion
• L4/5 disc: 2.3 mm protrusion
• L5/S1 disc: 6.0 mm broad protrusion contacting left S1 nerve

MRI “After DRX9000 Spinal Decompression”

• L2/3 disc: no evidence of disc bulge
• L3/4 disc: no evidence of disc bulge
• L4/5 disc: no evidence of disc bulge
• L5/S1 disc: 1-2 mm slight bulge no nerve contact

On Michelle’s first MRI, she had three 1-2 mm bulges and a 6 mm herniation at L5/S1 contacting the left S1 nerve causing her sciatica. When she finished her program, a repeat MRI showed all the disc bulges were gone except for L5/S1 which had gone down to only 1-2 mm and was no longer contacting the nerve.

Amazing! Her activity level went from 0 to being able to exercise. All without surgery or shots and in less than 2 mos.

Begin a New Life…
Now instead of just imaging what life without back pain is like, many former back pain sufferers , just like Michelle, are actually experiencing it, thanks to the amazing spinal decompression technology Dr. Marks brings to Orange County back and leg pain sufferers.

Back pain? Sciatica? Disk Herniation? Bulging Disc? Degenerative Disc disease? Sciatica? Dr. Marks has helped hundreds of back pain sufferers find lasting relief from all over Southern Califonia including Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside and San Diego Counties. He even has patients who have sought his expertise from out of state.

Highly Sought After Spinal Decompression Expert
“Some of our patients come from out of state and stay with relatives or in nearby hotels after being told about our program by family members who have been happy with their results here,” reports Dr. Marks.

In fact, Dr. Marks says he receives well over 200 inquiries each month about his program, such is the demand for this unique service. “But readers need to realize, this isn’t for everyone,” points out Dr. Marks, “some conditions do not meet strict medical qualification quidelines. Spinal decompression would be inappropriate for them.”

So, everyone must be qualified with an exam and a review of their MRI results.” Dr. Marks continues, “Then, of the 1 out of 3 that are good medical candidates, we select the 10-12 best candidates each month…the ones that need it the most and the ones we feel will be the most committed to success. The rest go on our waiting list. This process takes time and effort and we have to work as a team. I can’t afford to waste time on someone who is not absolutely ready to get better now. They are taking the place of someone else who needs this service and is willing to do whatever it takes to get better. We are very selective about who we accept into our program. We provide very personalized, almost concierge-like service for our patients in a relaxed boutique like setting. It’s not a mass assembly line “medical clinic.”

For more information on spinal decompression and whether it can help your back pain and/or sciatica, Dr. Marks has prepared a Free Report. Call toll-free 1-888-301-6805 (24 hr rec. message) or go to: http://www.spinediscrehab.com/endpain.htm

“Back Pain Remedies: Use a Rocking Chair (JFK Did!)”

JFK’s Back Pain
It’s well known that John F. Kennedy had a severe problem with lower back pain. Racked with terrible back pain from WWII injuries, President Kennedy was advised to use a rocking chair as part of his chronic low back pain therapy to lessen his dependance on pain medication. He began using the chair before being elected President and then brought his favorite chair with him to the White House.

Rocking Chair Exercises for Lower Back Pain
Today, we know that rocking chairs are good for lower back pain because the motion stimulates nerves to lessen pain impulses and mechanically loads and unloads the disc to aid in water and nutrient exchange (imbibition).

As a cure for lower back pain caused by a herniated disk or bulging disc or for chronic low back pain due to a degenerative disc try these proprioception exercises with a rocking chair.

• Basic exercise:
  Sit with both feet flat on the ground or floor
  Gently rock back and forth by pushing with your legs (do not use your back)
  Continue rocking in this fashion for 5 minutes then move to the next exercise
• Tip-toe:
  Sit with only the toes on the ground or floor
  Gently rock back and forth by pushing with your toes (do not use your back)
  Continue rocking in this fashion for 5 minutes then move to the next exercise
• Heel:
  Sit with both heels on the ground or floor
  Gently rock back and forth by pushing with your heels (do not use your back)
  Continue rocking in this fashion for 5 minutes then move to the next exercise

Use a rocking chair as one of several back pain remedies that make up a larger back pain relief program. This is an excellent adjunct to spinal decompression for bulging disc treatment.

JFK’s Chair
For those interested in all things JFK, here’s an excellent reproduction of his favorite chair along with the history of its use to help his back pain.

The True Kennedy Rocker
From: The NEW YORK FIRST Company