How to Choose a Spinal Decompression Center in Orange County, CA

October 17, 2009

Spinal Decompression Information
Orange County
, CA

How to Choose a Spinal Decompression Center in Orange County, CA

spinal-decompression-drx9000
Spinal Decompression
using the DRX9000 is responsible for getting thousands of Orange County back pain and sciatica sufferers out of pain and back to their active lifestyles, quickly, safely and without acupuncture, chiropractic, drugs, shots, or surgery.

There is no shortage of spinal decompression facilities in Orange County, CA these days. The problem many back pain and sciatica sufferers face is which office to choose. Who will honestly evaluate me and tell me whether or not this will work for me? Who has the most experience? How much does it cost? Does insurance cover my treatment? Lastly, who can I trust?

First, who is a good candidate for spinal decompression?
Let’s face it, spinal decompression may be very successful, but it isn’t for everyone. So, right up front you need to know if you are a good prospect for this new procedure.

The only way to know is for you to be carefully evaluated by a doctor who specializes in spinal decompression therapy. If your doctor doesn’t specialize in this area, then they have no idea. And a good specialist worth his or her salt can’t honestly tell you unless he or she has actually examined you. So a specialized exam and a review of your x-rays and MRI films are crucial.

What kind of experience should a decompression doctor have?
Next, before you put your painful back into the hands of a doctor, you need to be certain he or she has the experience and training necessary to help you. They should be able to cite some form of certification or training that qualifies them to treat you. They must be well trained, but also have a lot of procedures under their belt. What’s more, they must have a lot of “successful” procedures under their belt.

But how would you know that? Can’t a doctor just make up statistics? Yes, they could. So you need to look at other sources of validation such as testimonials. Does the doctor have numerous testimonials specifically from successful spinal decompression cases? Another form of validation would be to look for books, articles, seminars, etc produced by the “expert.” Face it, on the internet there is a lot of hype–marketing. Look for someone who has posted lots of actual educational materials. It’s likely this person knows his or her stuff.

How much does it cost?
In today’s current economic climate, cost is a big factor. But is it the only factor? The most expensive programs are around $7,000. Are these programs better? Not necessarily. In fact the more expensive programs are being pushed by heavy marketing by persons with less training, less experience and less sophisticated equipment. These higher priced programs often include ancillary services that do not necessarily add more real life benefits, but do add cost to the program.

And what about the really cheap programs? These are oftentimes offices using very low tech methods and equipment and re-branding it as “spinal decompression.” Or they are offices that are using spinal decompression as a passing fancy to make a quick buck and are not wholly committed to providing this service. They may be around today, but what about tomorrow?

The bottom line on cost is, it should be a reasonable fee and it should be freely given to you on paper listing all the services and the cost of each service for you to review.

Does insurance cover my treatment?
This is intimately related to cost. Most decompression offices in Orange County, CA will tell you insurance does not cover at all or claim that it is covered very well even by Medicare. These are statements that clearly shade the truth.

Here’s the truth. A spinal decompression program includes the decompression itself, which is generally not covered by insurance since there really is no accurate insurance code for it yet. There are other services such as physical therapy modalities such as heat, ice, EMS, exercises, office visits, etc. that are included as part of a program that are a necessary and beneficial part of spinal decompression. These are typical services that ARE covered by most PPO insurance policies to varying degrees.

The amount your insurance will cover is all up to your individual insurance policy. If it has many limitations on physical medicine there is little an office can do to change that. For example, if you have an HMO (or a PPO that has very restrictive coverage for chiropractic; in essence the chiro coverage is HMO coverage, even though your medical is PPO) then you will have very little to no coverage unless your provider is an HMO provider. Good luck finding and HMO provider offering the latest medical technology like spinal decompression. That just doesn’t fit in with the cost cutting philosophy of managed care plans.

An important note about Medicare: 99% of decompression programs are delivered by DC’s (Chiropractors). Under Federal Medicare rules DC’s are only reimbursed for spinal manipulation (adjustments) and only at about $30 each. They will not pay for exams, x-rays, or therapy of any kind. So if an office says “Yes, Medicare covers our program…” run. It is quite likely they are engaging in monkey business to get paid.

Lastly, who can I trust?
You need to know who to trust. That’s a question for your gut to answer. Yep, the good ol’ gut check is probably your best tool to know who to use for this important medical procedure. Your gut tells you when something seems right. It will also tell you when something is wrong.

As with any complex medical procedure, you should check out the office, doctor and staff prior to engaging their services. You should feel comfortable there. After all, the average spinal decompression program is between 20-24 sessions. Since you will be spending so much time there you must feel comfortable.

Orange County, CA spinal decompression facilities are on the rise. The question is, which one to choose? For more information and more detailed answers to the questions raised in this post, go to How to Choose a Spinal Decompression Office in Orange County, CA



DRX9000 Spinal Decompression in Orange, CA 92868

July 15, 2009

Spinal Decompression Therapy for back pain & sciatica
Dr Barry L Marks, DC
Orange County, CA

Severe back pain sufferers who have been diagnosed with disc herniation, bulging discs or degenerative disc disease have a viable option besides shots and surgery. Spinal decompression with a DRX9000 is quickly becoming a popular alternative to traditional medical treatment for lower back pain.

But many potential patients wonder what spinal decompression is all about. Is it safe? Is it painful? Who can recieve this therapy? What does the machine look like?

Here is a brief introductory video into Spinal Decompression…

For more information on spinal decompression and to see if it is the therapy for you, visit http://orangespinaldecompression.com


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

February 26, 2009

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…”

leprechaunHello,

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 17th 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


Lower Back Pain Treatment: Realistic Expectations

February 17, 2009

Lower back pain treatment with spinal decompression
Back pain and sciatica specialist Dr Barry Marks, Orange, CA

Realistic expectations…drxenjoytx

When it comes to lower back pain treatments one thing a good doctor must do is set realistic expectations for the patient.

Lower back pain, especially severe lower back pain and/or sciatica caused by disc bulging, herniation or stenosis is difficult to treat. And response to treatment can be a rocky road; up one day, down the next.

An important thing to keep in kind is that back pain caused by degenerative disc disease and bulging discs develops very slowly over a period of years, decades really. The treatment of this type of pain can take time.

Yes, I see lots of patients who have almost miraculous results in days or a few weeks within my severe back pain and sciatica center, but it’s important to realize there are others who will respond very slowly, sometimes erratically.

Another important thing to remember is that whatever treatment you are undergoing must be done in the manner in which it has shown to be most effective. Take for example DRX9000 spinal decompression. The manufacturer recommends 20 sessions over a period of about 6 weeks. Their research indicated that is took at least 20 sessions to see visible changes within the disc and see significant reductions in pain. Some patients, in my experience about 10%, will eventually get the desired results, but not until as many as 30 sessions.

That’s why when I hear of back pain sufferers discontinuing their DRX9000 care before 20 sessions, or worse hearing of a doctor who discontinues their care prematurely, I get upset. 20 sessions is a starting point. Yes, many will be done at 20, but others will require 24, 26 or 30 sessions.

If you have been on a DRX9000 spinal decompression machine and discontinued your treatment early, before 20 sessions, then you don’t know if you would have gotten better or not. I’ve had patients transfer care to my office after being prematurely released from their other doctor because the DRX “didn’t work” only to find relief after only a handful of visits with me.

If you have been prematurely released (prior to 20 visits) then I would suggest you contact your doctor and see if he or she is willing to complete the treatment. If not, find someone who is.

Trials of 3 visits or 2 weeks “to see if the DRX9000 will work” are useless. In my opinion you need to do the full 20 then evaluate. Keep in mind that you may require more than 20 visits to get the results that you and your doctor expected. Only then can you know that you’ve gotten the most out of the technology.

drx_michellew_and_drmarksSevere back pain treatment for disc degeneration, bulging discs and disk herniation can be complicated. It is important to work with your doctor and make sure that both of you are committed to seeing your treatment through to the end. With realistic expectations, neither one of you should end up disappointed.

For more about Severe Lower Back Pain treatment with the DRX9000 Spinal Decompression visit: http://www.orangespinaldecompression.com


Treatment for Bulging Discs, Disk Herniation, Degenerative Disc Disease

August 29, 2008

Dr Barry L Marks
Chiropractor, Orange County Spinal Decompression Specialist

Fair warning before reading this article…it may offend certain people with pet causes and who cling to their beliefs no matter what the facts tell them.

Acupuncture, Chiropractic, Drugs, Exercise, Physical Therapy and Surgery CANNOT cure disc disease.

Let that sink in for a few seconds longer before moving on…

I have been a practicing chiropractor for over 22 years. I truly believe in my soul that every spine should be regularly adjusted by a chiropractor. My family and friends all receive regular chiropractic care. I believe that a properly functioning spine increases the immune response and therefore will help resist disease.

But, I know my limitations.

Same goes for acupuncture, drugs, therapy, etc. Tremendous relief can be experienced at the hands of these practitioners, but they have limitations as well.

All of the therapies listed above can help reduce inflammation, spasm and pain. They might be able to improve mobility and get you to walk a little better.

But not one of them can repair a degenerative disc. All they can hope for is, at best, is to slow down the deterioration.

If you think surgery can repair a disk herniation, consider this sobering fact. Surgical intervention in disc disease involves cutting or burning away of the bulge. In other words, the disc material is being removed and the disc fibers that are left behind are damaged and repair themselves with scar tissue. Scar tissue is not like disc tissue. It is less flexible, weaker and prone to inflammation. And that is why within 5 years of a first surgery, approximately 70% of patients require a second surgery.

Okay, so is all hope lost? Is there no treatment out there that can repair a damaged disc?

Yes and No.

First the “yes.”

A fairly new computerized medical technology called spinal decompression CAN repair a disc. It has been proven in several studies and more importantly in my own office, that DRX9000 spinal decompression DOES increase disc hydration levels (puts water back into the disc). Spinal decompression DOES reduce the size of disc bulges and herniations. Read this for proof. Thousands of patients each year are now finding relief of their disc related back pain without chiropractic, shots, therapy or surgery.

But it’s not a cure-all.

Sorry to rain on your parade. Before you run out to your car and drive over to the nearest DRX machine and jump on, you must realize that like every other medical treatment out there, there are limitations. Many patients cannot undergo spinal decompression due to physical problems and limitations. Others are so bad that the procedure cannot make up for the many decades of spinal neglect and abuse that some patients endure before finding this treatment.

But for the people that are good candidates, for those who have not allowed their spine to totally deteriorate, the DRX9000 spinal decompression unit can be a God send. I have personally seen patients who could not walk go back to exercising within weeks. I’ve seen people suffering from debilitating leg pain for many years find relief within days.

Spinal decompression with the DRX9000 gives back pain and sciatica sufferers their best chance for repairing a damaged disc and finding relief.

To learn more, order a Free Consumer’s Guide to Severe Back and Leg pain.

You may also learn more online at Orange Spinal Decompression.


Traction vs. Spinal Decompression for Back Pain

August 28, 2008

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

I am often asked what the difference between Traction and Spinal Decompression is. Here is my 5 minute answer as opposed to my “90 minute all you can ever care to know about spinal decompression” seminar answer. 

Traction
Traditional traction which has been used for decades uses force to pull on the spine. The simple traction table at right uses a cheap electric winch with a rope to pull the spine. Others are more cleverly disguised. No matter how sophisticated the machine may look, traction machines mechanically pull on the spine in only one direction. 

The problem with traction is that it just pulls and after a few minutes your body says “hey, I’m being stretched!” and reacts by tightening up the muscles. This prevents the disc spaces from opening and staying open. No traction manufacturer has been able to show before and after MRI’s where traction was able to increase hydration to the disc or reduce disc size.

Spinal Decompression
Spinal Decompression is an evolution of traction. True Spinal Decompression like a DRX9000, not only pulls the spine, but it also “senses” how much force the body is pulling back and is able to lessen the pull when needed.

DRX spinal decompression has a feedback sense so that when your body begins to tighten up, the machine backs off a bit. This occurs several times each second. So essentially your body does not know it is being pulled and does not spasm. That is why comparison MRI’s do show improvements in disc hydration, reductions of disc bulge and reduced nerve impingement after DRX9000 use. See this post for dramatic before and after MRI results of one of my patients.

Back pain sufferers beware:
“Spinal decompression” has become very popular due to the fact that “true spinal decompression” like with the DRX9000, works. This technology has spared many people from dangerous spinal surgery. Because of this, there are a lot of manufacturers and doctors who have jumped on the bandwagon to scoop up “easy money.”

Most “decompression” machines today are just traction machines in disguise. Machines that 3 or 4 years ago were proudly called “traction” machines have suddenly become re-badged as “Decompression units.” Roller massage tables that do no more than heat, massage, vibrate and lightly press on your spine are being sold as “decompression tables.” Devices that hang you upside down are no longer “gravity traction” units but are now “decompression” swings. It’s endless.

None of these machines use a computerized feedback sensor. None of them have research behind them proving they work. 

Why the DRX9000?
As a practitioner for over 22 years specializing in spinal orthopedics, I have seen fads come and go. I have used traction extensively in the past. I even illustrated the user manual for a leading traction machine in the 1980’s. I never saw the kinds of results I routinely see now with the DRX9000. There’s no comparison.

When I looked at other machines, I found that I could buy 2 or 3 competing machines for the price of just 1 DRX. I chose the DRX because I realized the others paled in comparison when considering build quality, patented features, patient comfort features and the research behind it proving it worked.

Traction vs. Spinal Decompression is very simple: From the 12th Century up through the 20th Century we had traction. In the 21st Century we have Spinal Decompression and current medical research indicates that Spinal Decompression works.

More about DRX9000 Spinal Decompression in Orange County can be found here.


“33 yr old male w/back pain…What Should I do?”

August 15, 2008

This is an analysis and recommendations for a 33 y.o. male blogger suffering from back pain.

For background on this read the followign thread and return here for the rest.
http://gleenglobes.wordpress.com/2008/08/14/now-i-am-scared/

X-ray analysis:
(Radiographs located on Flikr from subject)

1. You have a right leg inequality problem. It’s shorter than your left. I would recommend your chiropractor measure the height difference between the right and left leg at the top of the femoral head (ball). Then begin wearing a heel lift of that difference in your right shoe. That will take some of the pressure out of your spine.

 

2. Because of your long-standing scoliosis, which most likely is due to the hip problem, you have developed lipping and spurring of the lumbar and thoracic vertebral bodies at several levels, a sign of degenerative disc disease. Your discs are deteriorating due to mechanical stress.

 

3. The sharpness or acuteness of the angles in your middle back scoliosis is troublesome because it causes more stress. Long flowing curves are easier for your body to adapt to.

 

4. The dark area on your front to back view of the middle back is normal it is air in your stomach. It’s technically called the “magenblase” or air bubble.

5. Your neck looks good. Nice curve, good discs, no spurs, so you’re ok there.

Treatment considerations
Treatment is needed to keep the spinal joints freely movable to allow your spine to adapt to the curvatures. A crooked, but loose spine often will do well.

I would recommend heat, massage, electrical muscle stimulation and chiropractic adjustments. If you are in acute pain I would say 3 times a week for 2 weeks then decreasing. If you have chronic lower grade pain then I would say weekly for several weeks.

Once pain is under control, I would suggest core exercises for strengthening and stability. See my blog for several examples of core exercises. http://www.spinaldecompression.wordpress.com

Changing the scoliosis can be hard, but not impossible, your best bet would be trying to find a Chiro in your area that specializes in “Chiropractic Biophysics.” These doctors are trained in a special technique to change spinal curvatures using special equipment and exercises as well as adjusting. Visit this site for details and probably a referral: http://www.idealspine.com. I’m not a biophysics doctor, but I have read lots about it over the years and think it would be helpful to you.

If your discs continue to deteriorate you will be in big trouble. Correcting your spine through biophysics will slow down the progression of deterioration, but not fix the discs. For that, I would recommend spinal decompression with a DRX9000. This treatment can help repair your discs. I would try to correct the curvature first, then work on the discs. At your age you still have time.

Of course, I am going off of a brief history and your x-rays, I have not actually examined you, but I feel there are a few avenues open to you that may very well provide the back pain relief you are looking for. I do not see anything here that would cause me to think you are a surgical candidate.

Action steps:

  1. Have your x-rays measured and wear a heel lift on the right side
  2. Go to biophysics site and look around and look for a referral of someone who specializes (not just dabbles) in this form of chiropractic
  3. Once your scoliosis has been corrected, consider spinal decompression for your degenerative lumbar discs.

I hope you find this information useful. Keep in touch. Good luck!

Dr Barry L Marks, DC

 


Decompression Therapy for Back Pain Relief

August 14, 2008

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

Back pain sufferers feeling the pain of herniated disk, bulging disc and degenerative disc disease have new hope. A fairly new spinal treatment is emerging as one of the leading back pain remedies available for spinal disc problems.

DRX9000 Non Surgical Lumbar Decompression Therapy
With advances in computer medical tehcnology, a new twist on an age old back treatment is helping thousands of lower back pain and sciatica sufferers find relief. Mention a machine that stretches the lower back to relieve pressure and instantly you think of “the rack.”

Traction of past years shared a lot in common with the Medieval form of torture found exclusively in dungeons. One similarity is they often caused pain. Another is that neither one produced any real measurable succes at alleviating back pain.

The reason why outdated forms of traction failed is because of a simple mechanism of our bodies. When your spine, or any other part fo oour body for that matter is pulled, the muscles of the area instinctively contract or pull back. When that occurs on the spine, it prevents the disc spaces from opening up. That’s why chronic low back pain or spinal disc patients actually came off of old traction machines with more muscle spasm than when they started.

Thanks to modern medical technology spun off from aerospace engineering, spinal disc decompression can now be effectively given to relieve pain from herniated disk, bulging disc, degenerative disc disease and stenosis. The key is in the machine’s ability to not only pull like a traction device, but also vary its pull when it senses the patient’s muscles contracting. This feed back mechanism allows modern disc decompression equipment to open up the spinal disc space to bring much needed water into the disc. In addition, the decompression causes a vacuum to suck bulging disc material back in and off of spinal nerves.

Before and after MRI’s conclusively show increased levels of disc hydration and smaller disc bulges after DRX9000 spinal decompression therapy. Patients also report signficant decreases in spinal pain following treatment.

To learn more about spinal decompression, visit http://www.orangespinaldecompression.com


“Spinal Decompression Real Life Story”

August 13, 2008

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!)”

August 7, 2008

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