Saturday, June 15, 2013

Alternative Treatment for Degenerative Disk Disease


Intervertebral discs are the cushions of cartilage in between every vertebra in the spine. If the spine experiences even the smallest amount of trauma it can then rupture, cause inflammation, or bulge the disc.

Numbness and tingling in the bilateral extremities, with radiating pain, is a common sign of someone with degenerative disc disease, even worse if the disease is irritating adjacent nerve roots. Symptoms normally appear when the disc puts pressure on the nerve root. The chiropractic approach to disc degeneration is to reduce inflammation and improve the motion in the spine. If the chiropractor sees it necessary to help with his diagnosis, he may send the patient for an MRI or CT scan for further evaluation. There are three types of spinal manipulations for disc problems:

Flexion-distraction technique: A non-thrusting technique that is normally used on herniated disks or the treatment of spinal stenosis.

Specific spinal manipulation: The restricted joints are identified and treated by the chiropractor, restoring movement back into the joints.

Instrument-assisted manipulation: This technique is performed with a handheld instrument, typically an activator.

Many chiropractors offer manual therapy to their patients in addition to the spinal adjustment. Trigger point therapy involves pressure being put on the painful spots to relieve the tension. Therapeutic exercises, such as stretching and resistance techniques, help prevent symptoms from getting worse.

Degenerative disc disease is most commonly diagnosed in people who have suffered an injury to their disc because they degenerate quicker. There are a few different types of disc injuries:

Disc tear: Located in the outer cartilage where fluid starts to leak out.

Bulging disc: The jelly substance centered in the middle of the disc is pushed to one side and begins to swell.

Herniated disc: The jelly substance ruptures through the fibers on the outside and extends past the normal position.

Prolapsed disc: A fragment of the disc breaks away becomes a free-floating piece.

Desiccated disc: The disc loses the fluid inside, degenerates, and wears down. This takes place right before the bones start to fuse together.

Optimal functioning of the musculoskeletal system is a necessity for good health. 60% of the human body consists of bones, muscles, tissue, and nerves which are all part of the musculoskeletal system. Chiropractors are experts in this area, so it's only wise to seek out and receive chiropractic treatment for degenerative disc disease. Many patients have avoided unnecessary surgery or a pill dependency because they chose the best approach to natural healing.

Sciatica From Herniated Discs


Sciatica from herniated discs is one of the main diagnostic theories used to explain the majority of lower body radiculopathy issues. Sciatica, by definition, is nerve pain and related symptoms sourced in the spine, but experienced in the buttocks, legs and/or feet. Being that disc desiccation and herniations are virtually universal in the lumbar spinal region, it is no surprise that almost every person with sciatica symptoms will also have disc issues which may be blamed for their occurrence. However, research statistics clearly reveal little, if any, correlation between intervertebral disc issues and any variety of back pain, including sciatica.

Herniated discs can result from injury or normal spinal degeneration. Herniations are most common in the lower cervical and lower lumbar intervertebral levels. Herniated discs at L4/L5 and L5/S1 are the most prevalent targets of blame for sourcing sciatica pain. While it is certainly possible that a bulging or ruptured disc can enact sciatica pain, tingling, weakness or numbness in the back, buttocks, legs or feet, most herniations are coincidental to any pain experienced. This has been proven time and time again in more clinical studies than can be cited. However, this does not stop even the most innocent minor herniations from being theorized as the cause of pain in many sciatica sufferers.

A herniated disc unto itself is not painful. Traumatic injury to the back pain can surely cause pain and a fresh disc injury may hurt for a while. However, unless the disc influences some other spinal structure, the pain is not likely to last for more than a few weeks. The possible mechanisms which can create chronic pain in herniated disc patients are as follows:

* Spinal stenosis can reduce or cut off nerve supply of the actual spinal cord, possibly enacting dire symptoms. Although diagnosed often in combination with herniations, actual symptomatic spinal stenosis is more often the result of arthritic osteophyte buildup within the spinal canal.

* Foraminal stenosis is the proverbial pinched nerve. In these cases, the disc bulges into the space through which the spinal nerve roots leave the spinal column. In many cases, the disc is said to "impinge", "encroach upon" or "compress" the affected nerve root. The result may be painful short term, but will enact complete objective numbness and weakness in a specific set of muscular tissues in the long term. Once again, this rarely occurs and most pinched nerve diagnoses do not even account for the lack of correlation between symptoms experienced and symptoms expected.

* Chemical radiculitis is thought to exist in some patients with particularly sensitive neurological tissues. This diagnosis comes into play when a ruptured disc or disc with an annular tear spills the nucleus proteins unto nearby nerve tissues. This protein may be irritating to some people, but not others. Chemical radiculitis is a highly controversial theory of pain which may apply in some cases, but not in all. Even when the diagnosis is accurate, it would not likely explain sciatica pain, but may provide an answer to localized back pain.

* Discogenic pain may be diagnosed when the small nerves in the endplates are affected mechanically or when they are exposed to irritating protein inside the disc. In some cases, these endplate nerves may grow into the disc, enacting pain. However, being that these nerves are so small and not known for their sensory properties, this theory is once again highly controversial and would never explain sciatica, since these nerves are localized only.

Sciatica is a radiculopathy process, and like most nerve pain issues, is rarely traced back to definitive structural compression concerns. In my experience, the majority of patients with any type of lower body radiculopathy are not suffering from a spinal causation, but are instead being victimized by a regional oxygen deprivation syndrome which is affecting the entire sciatic nerve. This explains both the treatment-resistant nature of the pain, as well as the typical symptoms which are far too widespread to be explained from the working medical diagnosis. I routinely advise many patients to consider this explanation for their pain if they have tried everything for their diagnosed condition and have not found lasting relief...

Bulging Disc Pain - Why Spinal Decompression Therapy Can Be the Best Treatment


A bulging disc refers to a spine-related condition by which an intervertebral disc weakens and shifts out of its normal parameter due to constant pressure. Throughout a person's lifetime, the discs go through a lot of wear and tear. As a person ages, the discs lose fluid which makes them less flexible and more vulnerable to everyday stress and factors such as poor posture, excess weight, heavy jobs, smoking, and degenerative diseases. Over time, degeneration starts to occur and the ability of the spine to absorb stress weakens as the disc deteriorates further.

Most bulging discs occur in the lower back. If the affected disc is located in the lower part of the spine, a person may suffer from low back pain, while if it is located in the upper part of the spine, a person may suffer from neck pain. The symptom may also present sciatica, a problem that characterizes pain from the buttocks down to the legs. This occurs when the disc presses on the sciatic nerve.

If the pain from bulging discs causes a person to experience functional limitations or disability, treatment may be necessary. Unfortunately, not all available treatments are usually effective for this kind of problem. Usually, doctors will recommend medications, injections, physical therapy and surgery. However, they all work to ease the pain instead of treating the cause.

Fortunately, most cases of bulging discs can be improved with conservative treatments. Among these treatments is the spinal decompression therapy. Spinal decompression is a nonsurgical treatment for back pain and neck pain caused by disc problems. This treatment eliminates the need for drugs and surgery to ease the pain.

Spinal decompression therapy works by using computer-controlled traction to reduce the pressure from the discs and the nerves. During the treatment, the patient is instructed to lie down, fully-clothed on the decompression table. Vibrating units are operated to relax the spinal muscles to maximize the effectiveness of the treatment. The table is then tilted to a certain angle to use gravitational pull to stretch the spine and open the segments. When the segments are isolated, the pressure in the spine is reduced.

The decompression provides benefits other than reducing the pressure in the spine. It also creates a vacuum effect that allows the disc to return to its normal parameter and to draw oxygen, nutrients, and fluid into the disc to self-heal. Treating back pain and neck pain with spinal decompression is highly recommended for a number of reasons:

• It is safe and gentle
• It is generally painless and comfortable
• It is proven effective in majority of cases
• It is FDA-cleared
• It is non-invasive
• It is more affordable than surgery
• It provides long-term pain relief

The way spinal decompression treats pain is incredible. This simple and comfortable treatment has the ability to provide long-term pain relief, better than what traditional treatments do. It has improved lives of those who were once restricted from the pain. For someone who has been dealing with pain from bulging disc for a long time, it is not too late to consider this promising therapy. With a complete and successful treatment of spinal decompression, long-term pain relief is only a few steps away.

How to Avoid Back Surgery and Save Yourself A Lot of Pain


If you have prolonged moderate to severe back pain, chances are at some point a doctor is going to suggest back surgery. Most likely this suggestion will come after pain med prescriptions and epidural blocks have lost their efficiency and you are at your rope's end.

There are many things you can do to help your back heal and avoid going under the knife. Of course everyone is different and each cause of back pain is unique, so unfortunately a "one cure fits all" remedy is simply not available.

Let's get going. First and foremost is diet and exercise. Yeah yeah I am sure you are as sick as the rest of us of hearing you've got to work out and eat right. But maybe you are hearing it so much because it is actually important? Just a thought.

The preventative effects exercise alone can have on your back and its overall health are significant. Ever heard of exercises that strengthen your core? They are not referring to your spirit or soul. They are referring to that group of muscles located in and around your midsection (your waist and lower back). They are called obliques, abdominals, flexors, extensors and glutes. Keep these babies toned and loose and you will not only avoid a plethora of potential back problems later in life, but you will find your posture is one even 18th century Aristocrats would be proud of.

Keeping these muscles strong keeps weight bearing forces off the spine...which can prevent such nasties as bulging or herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, and facet joint deterioration. All of which equal pain with a capital "P." Regarding diet, answer this question: What is most likely to wear down your spine-80 or more lbs of beer belly fat (men) or no extra weight at all? Does the answer really need to be stated?

What does need stating is the effect smoking can have on the back. As if you needed one more reason to not smoke, the arteries which carry precious nutrient-rich blood to your back-including to all the delicate tissue around your spin and the discs and muscles that cushion and support it-tend to harden and restrict with age. Smoking speeds up this process possibly making it so you have an 80-year old back when you are only 60 or 65. Lack of nutrients to your back is an open door invitation for degenerative diseases such as arthritis to take hold.

But let's say you've already spent most your life neglecting your core muscles coupled with a wicked mixture of bad eating habits. Now you have constant moderate to severe back pain. Is it too late? Is your back destined to be sliced and diced? No, not necessarily.

Again, this has to be said with caution because sometimes surgery may indeed be necessary. But we'll assume you are one of the many lucky ones who can find relief without a surgical knife. How do you know if you are one of the lucky ones? One of the following tactics will work.

To begin with, start exercising your core muscles! Trouble is by now you may be in so much pain that you can't actually exercise. Now what?

Work with a physical therapist. Start slow, with stretches and mild moves. Believe it or not, little by little your muscles will strengthen. However, that might not be enough. You may have damage that needs repaired in addition to strengthening your core. Fortunately the body is its own best healer!A chiropractor, especially one that specializes in spinal decompression, may be exactly what you need. Today's decompression tables are guided by super smart computers that control the force and angle of the pull on the spine thus tricking the body's natural tendency to resist. The result is extra room between the vertebrae into which bulging or herniated discs can distract and heal.

Lastly, use a decompression spinal brace for your toughest times. Such a brace can give your back the break (no pun intended) it needs just long enough to get you to your next round of core-strengthening exercises.

What is a Multi-Discipline Comprehensive Pain Management Center?


When people think of going to a pain center, they often think of going to simply receive pain medication like narcotics. This is a stereotype and unfortunately with the unprecedented rise in prescription drug abuse in the US over the past decade, one that will not go away anytime soon.

A true multi-disciplinary Comprehensive Pain Management Center includes much more than Medication Management. This includes treatments of Interventional Pain Management, Physical Therapy, Physiotherapy, Rehab, Chiropractic, Spinal Decompression Therapy, Manipulation Under Anesthesia, and potentially Naturopathic and/or psychologic methods of pain reduction. With the proper combination of pain management services patient outcomes can be maximized thereby allowing patients to return to work, do more social activities, and get back to living. Isn't that what it's all about?

Patients in pain are not the same and effective treatment should be individualized. If a patient comes in with 10/10 back pain, out of work, and having severe difficulty even walking, then most likely passive therapies such as ice, heat, electrical stimulation, along with pain medications and injection treatments would be initially implemented. Subsequently the acute pain would hopefully be reduced a substantial amount so that more active treatments including physical therapy can begin for further pain reduction.

If however the patient were experiencing chronic pain at 6/10 severity, it would potentially be prudent to start physical therapy for a couple weeks to see how well it works and then graduate to an injection if there was not substantial enough improvement.

There are significant benefits to offering the multi-disciplinary approach. Injections and physical therapy can lessen one's need for pain medication. Chiropractic manipulations can add pain relief and have been shown to be extremely effective in conjunction with physical therapy for acute low back pain. Spinal Decompression Therapy has been shown in numerous research studies to be effective for back, neck, arm, and leg pain and allow many patients to avoid surgery. It may not be simply one treatment that provides pain relief, rather, it could be the combination of two or three different disciplines.

Spine problems should not be loosely evaluated by providers. Many times patients have had several prior treatments, but no real detailed evaluation in collaboration with different providers.

Having medical providers from various training backgrounds treating patients in a coordinated fashion is the most modern and advanced method available in existence. As chiropractic doctors and naturopathic doctors receive more mainstream acceptance, medical and osteopathic doctors are recognizing the benefits of their discipline more and more. Good communication between doctors of various types (MD, DO, DC, NMD) appears to be very beneficial when dealing with back pain, neck pain, sciatica, radiculopathy, chronic headaches, and fibromyalgia.

A comprehensive collaborative approach encompassing multiple disciplines improves patient outcomes. The combination of treatments works well, and should be a consideration when deciding on which Pain Management Center is right for you.

Avoid Back Surgery With Spinal Decompression - Back Pain Tips


Reasons why you would consider avoiding back surgery:


  • you can't take the time off from your job or you are too busy

  • you are self employed and can't take time away from your business

  • you are a single mom or dad and don't have anyone to help with the kids

  • thinking about having surgery terrifies you

  • you want to try a less invasive procedure

  • your doctor has recommended against back surgery

It is not always possible to avoid back surgery, but it is worth a trial.

There is a treatment method, mostly used by chiropractors at this time, called spinal decompression.

Can you benefit from spinal decompression?


  • If you suffer from chronic back pain.

  • If you suffer from failed back surgery syndrome.

  • If you have herniated or bulging discs.

  • If you have been diagnosed with facet syndrome, sciatica or lumbar degenerative disc disease


How to know if you are not a good candidate for spinal decompression?


  • If you are expecting a baby.

  • If you suffered from a recent vertebra fracture.

  • If you have titanium rods in your back.

  • If you have been diagnosed with abdominal or pelvic cancer

  • If you suffer from spinal infections (very rare condition)

  • If you have been diagnosed with severe osteoporosis.


What is the downside of non surgical decompression?


  • It can be expensive.

  • Often times is not covered by insurance.

  • Mostly done at chiropractors offices, and some people do not like chiropractors.

  • Could make your symptoms worse.

  • Many medical doctors do not believe it can help their patients.

  • As of this writing, there are not long term studies of patients who have used it. 


So should you consider spinal decompression as a treatment plan for your back pain?

It all depends if you meet the requirements mentioned above, if you can afford it, and if you are willing to try this technique in order to avoid surgery.   Prior to making a final decision about spinal decompression make sure you discuss it with your medical doctor or your chiropractor.  Like I mentioned previously this treatment is not that readily available yet, and can be very expensive, since several treatments and necessary so be well informed before you make your final decision.

Friday, June 14, 2013

What Are Uses For Hemp?


Hemp is made from the cannabis plant. The part of the plant used to make hemp is the stem, whereas the leaves are used most often for marijuana. Hemp itself will not work to get anyone "high."

Hemp has an incredible amount of uses which span many industries. These include clothing, paper, auto industry, fuel, food products, and more.

Hemp grows well in the open without pesticides or herbicides. Cotton, however, needs a lot of agricultural chemicals to thrive and uses half of the pesticides sprayed in the world. Hemp's deep rooting system actually removes toxins and aerates the soil which benefits future crops.

As opposed to cotton, hemp fibers are longer, stronger, more insulative, and more absorbent. Effectively this means hemp will keep a person cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter than cotton will.

Hemp clothing is less likely to fade than cotton and can be made into a variety of fabrics, including linen. Hemp fabrics are soft, sturdy, and block ultraviolet light well.

Hemp is also frequently used in the auto industry as a substitute for fiberglass. With hemp being biodegradable and cheaper, it's a step in the environmentally conscious direction. Also hemp has the potential to become a biodegradable plastic, which would be a substantial improvement over existing technology.

Ford, Mercedes Benz, and BMW have replaced more expensive and dangerous fiberglass with hemp.

Hemp produces 3 to 8 tons of fiber per acre. This is four fold the amount coming out of the average forest. With hemp's long fibers, construction materials can be made very strong and light into beams, studs, posts and fiberboard. This could save forests, recreational areas, and watersheds.

In addition to support structures for housing, hemp can be made into flooring, paneling, plywood, roofing, and reinforced concrete. Essentially, anything needed to make into a house can be made in some way shape or form from hemp.

Paper from hemp is very high quality and does not yellow with age. In Europe, bibles typically are made with hemp paper. Using hemp would save rainforests from depletion and hemp paper can be recycled many more times than paper from wood.

Hemp has some antimicrobial properties. This makes it useful for lip balm, sunscreen, creams, massage oils, shampoos, and hair conditioners. It's even well qualified for use in laundry detergents and provides a healthy protein to be used in pet foods.

Considering that half of the world's forests are gone and only 3% of the US original forests remain, switching to hemp would allow the chance to regrow some of these areas yet satisfy the growing needs for them in this country.

Ask Your Chiropractor About Spinal Decompression


If you suffer from herniated discs, sciatica or other sources of pain directly related to your central nervous system, your problem casts a dark shadow over every single facet of your daily activities. There are many treatments available for pain relief, but if you justifiably fear invasive surgeries or pharmaceutical solutions, you do have more natural options. Spinal decompression therapy from a chiropractor has proven to drastically reduce pain and optimize your body's natural healing powers. Here's a short overview.

What Conditions Does Spinal Decompression Help?

• Bulging Discs
• Herniated Discs
• Sciatica and other forms of Leg Pain
• Chronic Back Pain
• Neck Pain
• Limited Mobility

What is Spinal Decompression?

Nerve roots in the spine can become pinched by disc problems or bone spurs, resulting in excruciating pain. In a nutshell, decompression gently relieves the pressure on these nerve roots over time and separates the discs, allowing the free flow of beneficial nutrients, oxygen back into the area and thereby promoting the body's natural healing process.

How Does It Work?

A fully-clothed patient lies on a special table and decompression is achieved by using a combination of spinal position and the application of varying degrees and intensities of distraction forces which serve to gently separate discs, creating a space. This careful stretching of the spine creates a vacuum effect between the discs and pressure is relieved. Each session only takes about 20 minutes, and most patients require several treatments over a period of time to achieve optimal results.

Your chiropractor is expert in combining the newest technologies with the body's ability to heal itself naturally. Is spinal decompression right for you? Ask your chiropractor.

Self-Confidence - The Driving Force Behind Greatness


Ever wondered what is it about great people that make them what they are? Not all of them hail from good families. Not all of them have received great education. In fact most of them were poor, had a hard life, and did not get many opportunities. But when they did get one, they grabbed it with both hands and made the most of it with whatever resources they had.

This is what sets them apart!

The belief that they had in themselves that they are capable of doing whatever it takes to achieve their goals. This confidence in their self is the driving force behind the success of every great person on this earth. Confidence is one of the most powerful assets you have. You could be incredibly skilled and talented, but without confidence in your abilities, you will never use your full potential.

A lot of our characteristics are inherited from our parents. If you see new born babies, they are not all the same in the way that they behave. Some babies are anxious while others are relaxed. Some babies are happy while others are irritable. But not all happy babies become happy grown-ups and not all irritable children grow up to be irritable adults. Our inherited talents, temperaments and personality have only so much to do with what we can become.

It is our belief in self that gives us the power to achieve whatever we want to have!

Every skill can be learned. Every talent can be acquired. Any disability can be overcome. If you have the confidence to learn, to perform and to achieve, anything is possible. You might be where you are now because of things that were out of your control, but that doesn't mean you can't make changes now to help you improve your self-confidence. You can learn how to gain confidence. It is always in your hands to become in charge of your life. And, being confident means doing just that.

When we think of confidence, what we are looking at is a set of behaviors. A confident person acts, thinks, feels and reacts differently to a person who has low self-esteem. If you look at each of these four areas, you can see a certain pattern in the way confident people behave. The best confidence tips deal with all these areas.

To become confident you need to truly believe that you are the driver of your own life and it will take whichever direction you want it to take. Learn how to become the king/queen of your own life. Studies also show that people with high self-confidence and good self esteem tend to be happier in general. This should be your goal on your journey to being a more developed being.

In the words of the great Marcus Garvey, "If you have no confidence in self you are twice defeated in the race of life. With confidence you have won even before you have started."

So, go ahead and be a winner!

Herniated Disc Made Easy?


Many patients who experience lower back and leg pain or neck pain and arm suffer with disc herniation. When the doctors says, "You have a herniated disc?" The patient then wants to know "What is a herniated disc?"

Spinal Anatomy

Let us start by reviewing the anatomy of the spine. Most disc protrusions occur in the neck (cervical spine) or in the lower back(lumbar spine) and much less frequently in the mid back( thoracic spine). The anatomy of the disc and vertebra of the cervical spine is different from the disc of the lumbar spine. However, the dynamics of how discs of your spine herniate, bulge, or protrude are the same.

The spine has twenty-six bones called vertebra. In between the vertebra there is a shock absorbing cushion called the intervertebral disc. Discs are made up of ring fibers of cartilage that encase a thick liquid nucleus. The disc of your back for the most part are a tissue with minimal blood supply. Most of the nutrients necessary to keep the disc alive come from the pumping movements of the spine. When the joint quits moving the disc begins to die.

The outer rings fibers of cartilage in a disc have a rich nerve supply. Although, the disc nucleus material is thick it behaves with fluid dynamics much like a bag of water. When a disc is compressed from side to side or front to back, the thick liquid nucleus moves causing the cartilage to expand, absorb shock, and prevent the vertebra from fracturing.

Degenerative Changes of Discs

Discs of the human skeleton, about the age of 25, begin to dehydrate causing the cartilage to become dry and brittle. Disc are often damaged early in life as we participate in activities that are highly compressive to the spine and disc. When pressure is exerted on our body, the ring fibers of cartilage begin to tear and crack. The pressure then causes the thick liquid center to spread into the crack causing the weakened cartilage to protrude, bulge, or herniate.

Damaged, cracked, and torn disc cause pain by:


  1. applying direct pressure on a nerve

  2. leaking chemicals that irritate of the nerve

  3. or by stretching the nerves in the outer rings fibers of cartilage.

Symptoms of Herniated Discs

In the cervical spine (neck) herniated disc symptoms are:


  • neck pain

  • arm(s) pain

  • upper mid back pain

  • numbness in the arm

  • loss of muscular strength in the arm(s)

  • cramps in the arms

In the lumbar spine (lower back) herniated disc symptoms are:


  • lower back pain

  • sciatica (leg pain), especially below the knee,

  • leg numbness

  • leg cramps

  • leg weakness

Severe cases of lower back disc herniation can cause frequent urination, inability to urinate, diarrhea, or severe constipation. If you are suffering with lower back and leg pain or numbness and begin to lose control of your bowels or bladder this is an emergency. You need to go directly to the hospital emergency room for immediate treatment before the nerves to the bowel or bladder are damaged permanently. This is called Cauda Equina Syndrome is considered uncommon and rare in both traumatic and atraumatic cases of lumbar herniated discs.

If you are suffering with herniated discs, I urge to the consider spinal decompression therapy. Spinal decompression treatment is:


  1. extremely safe

  2. likely effective

  3. cleared by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

  4. non-surgical

  5. affordable

Remember, with herniated discs, early detection often leads to early correction. Postponing treatment more frequently leads to more invasive, costly, and risky procedures.

What Are the Green Flags of Back Pain?


Green flags in back treatment. Have you heard about them?

We associate green with meaning go. When driving a car, the green light means go. Red means we have to stop, unless we want to cause an accident and possibly get killed. When crossing a street, if the "green man" flashes, it means that we can proceed but it is always wise to look out just in case.

So what does a green light in back pain treatment mean? Well, a therapist therapist trained in the McKenzie Method performs a repeated movement assessment to determine the most appropriate exercise for a patient that results in an immediate reduction in pain. In some cases, the pain may move from a more peripheral location (i.e. in the arm or leg) to a more central location. If this occurs, a McKenzie therapist calls this a green light and it means the patient is performing the correct exercise, in the right direction and that the pain will resolve quickly.

The phenomenon of pain moving to the center is known as "centralization." It was first observed back in the 1950's when New Zealand Physiotherapist Robin McKenzie asked a patient who was suffering from back and leg pain to lie on a treatment table with his back in an extended position. The amazing thing about this story is that at this time the so-called experts thought that this was a bad position for backs. Not so for this lucky patient of Robin's, he was the best he'd been in over 3 weeks after laying in this position. The patient also remained better once he stood up.

From this one event back in the 1950's, Robin McKenzie then went on to develop the McKenzie Method over the next 10-20 years. The important thing to note is that he never went about to invent a method but it was his open mind and questioning nature that allowed him to question everything that he had learned and develop a system that now helps millions of people around the world.

So, back to exercise, back pain and green lights! A green light in back pain treatment means the pain is reducing or centralizing as you perform or repeat the same exercise. It is wise to remember the level of pain and location before you start. The pain may increase or decrease during the performance of the one exercise, however, the essential element is "what is the pain like one you have finished the exercise." If the pain is less or has moved to a more central location, it means a green light and you can keep repeating that one exercise or movement every few hours in order to resolve the pain. There is no need to perform other exercises. Actually, if you perform the opposite exercise, the pain may increase, worsen and peripheralize (i.e. spread further into the limb.) This is a red flag and you should not be doing this exercise.

Therefore, remember when doing exercise for your back pain, a green light means go, go, go!

Severe Lower Back Pain Options With Spinal Decompression Therapy


Severe back pain in the lower back, also known as the lumbar area, can have a debilitating effect on a person's life. The lower back area is absolutely vital for the proper movement and structural support of the human body. Therefore when the lower back area gets injured or is under severe stress due to injury, many bodily functions are affected as well.

Although the degree of back pain can be associated with age, severe back pain can happen at any age and is generally due to our stressful lifestyle. The major causes of lower back pain are:

(1) Bad posture - sitting or standing with a bad posture (back is bent or not straight) can lead to the muscles becoming stiff, and thus, painful to move. This especially happens when we sit or stand with a bad posture for a long time. It is, therefore, advisable to stretch out for a while in between long hours of sitting or standing.

(2) Physical Exercise - too little or too much exercise is not healthy. When we sit in the office all day, our backs become stressed and stiffen. Too much physical exercise, such as lifting weights, if not done properly can also result to pain.

(3) Obesity -Seeing that the lower back primarily act as the supporter of the body's weight, being overweight also puts too much stress on the back. This is also the cause of back pain during the latter stages of pregnancy.

(4) Aging - the body becomes more susceptible to wear and tear as we age. The discs that act as cushion between vertebral bodies in the spine generally become susceptible to degeneration which causes back pain.

(5) Compression of the nerves - as a disc weakens over time due to stress and injury, the disc may rupture and cause leakage of its gel-like center to the spinal cord. As the gel exits the spinal cord, it may irritate the nerves located around the area. Also, the nerves may also become compressed if the rupture results to a bulging disc. The compressed nerves, then, causes pain, numbness, and tingling of the back and lower limbs.

Most of the factors that cause severe back pain can be prevented through proper lifestyle and proper exercise. The pain can sometimes be relieved through physical therapy, rest and taking pain killers. However, sometimes these may not be enough.

An alternative method of treating pain is spinal decompression. Spinal decompression offers a long-lasting, safe, non-invasive, non-surgical, and cost-effective way of treating lower back pain caused by compression injury. It works by using a machine, DRX 9000, to apply a gentle force to decompress injured discs and vertebrae, relieve them of excess pressure, and relieve us of pain and other symptoms.

Its mechanism involves the continuous cycle of stretching and relaxing of the spine in order to separate it from the bones and create negative pressure inside the injured discs. The vacuum created from the negative pressure also works to assists the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the injured discs, thereby regenerating homeostasis, and accelerating the healing process.

Spinal decompression could provide instant relief of pain and requires only a few analgesics (if any) to be taken after the treatment. It is more reliable than the traditional spinal surgery since only minimal side effects can occur. Muscle spasms, due to excess forces applied on the back, are prevented by the continuous oscillation process of elongation and rest as the machine senses when the muscles become too tense.

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Treatment of Sacroiliitis


Sacroiliitis is a disorder that is far more complex than back pain and it is important to seek medical attention early if you develop the symptoms. The condition is complicated with a variety of causes; it may be secondary to an injury or pregnancy but this is not a disorder to gamble with. Delay may lead to joint degeneration or the pain may be a symptom of a larger, inflammatory arthritic condition known as ankylosing spondylitis. This is one of the many forms of inflammatory arthritis, the most common of which is rheumatoid arthritis. Complications of ankylosing spondylitis can be quite serious and include:


  • Spine Deformities

  • Difficulty Breathing

  • Lung Infections

  • Heart Problems. 


Symptoms OF Sacroiliitis


  • Pain and stiffness in lower back, thighs, buttocks

  • Pain becomes worse with walking, due to the motion of the hips.

  • Psoriasis, an inflammatory skin condition, may occur with a type of arthritis and sacroiliitis.

  • Pain radiating down leg, often mimicking sciatica

  • Limp

  • Decreased range of motion

  • Elevated temperature

  • Bloody diarrhea occurs with Reiter's Syndrome, which causes painful urination, joint pain, sacroiliac joint pain, and eye inflammation, and accompanies sacroiliitis.

  • Eye inflammation in one or both eyes, a symptom of Reiter's Syndrome and evident with sacroiliitis. 


Diagnosis


  • History and Physical

  • When examined, pain localized around sacroiliac joints, can be detected.

  • Laboratory studies, including blood cultures

  • X-rays of sacroiliac joints

  • MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan of sacroiliac joints

  • Culture of fluid from affected sacroiliac joint 

It is important that the doctor be informed if there is a history of IV Drug use and whether any antibiotics have been taken recently. Recent antibiotic use can delay the proper diagnosis and identification of the infectious organism if a blood culture is done.

Treatment

The underlying cause and symptoms are considered when implementing a treatment plan.


  • NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs) such as naproxyn and ibuprophen reduce inflammation and pain.

  • Cortiosteroid Drugs, such as prednisone and medrol, reduce inflammation and slow down joint deterioration.

  • DMARDs (Disease Modifying Anti-rheumatic Drugs), such as Azulfidine and methotrexate, help limit joint damage.

  • Antibiotics, if an underlying infection is determined by a blood culture or culture of fluid from infected sacroiliac joints. Drug must be specific for that infectious organism.

  • Rest to relieve strain on sacroiliac joints.

  • Tumor necrosis factor inhibitor medications, such as Enbrel, Humira, Remicade, can block a cell protein that acts as an inflammatory agent. This helps reduce pain and stiffness. These medications are quite expensive and may not be prescribed unless other medications are not effective.

  • Physical therapy will be started after the painful, acute phase is under control. Range of motion exercises and stretching exercises to improve muscle strength and joint flexibility.

         Decrease or eliminate smoking because nicotine decreases the blood flow to the affected areas and makes it more difficult for the body to fight the disease. 

These medications can effectively relieve the painful symptoms of sacroiliitis but they have many side-effects. They may interact with medications you are already taking so it is important that you understand all their side-effects and how to use them appropriately. Some of these drugs increase the risk of bleeding, the risk of a cardio-vascular event or damage to your kidneys, liver or gastrointestinal tract. Complete patient education is vital to the management of sacroiliitis and the effective relief of its symptoms.

Top 5 Exciting Pain Management Advances in the 21st Century


1. Regenerative Medicine

2. Spinal Cord Stimulation

3. Radiofrequency Ablation

4. Increased education techniques

5. Better imaging

In this day and age, the predominant focus in pain management is on symptom suppression, not disease modification. The holy grail of pain management is to regenerate soft tissue and cartilage. The current standard of care for most injection treatments is steroids for joints and the epidural space. The problem with that approach, however, is it doesn't cure anything. It simply alleviates pain for a period of time and puts the proverbial "bandaid" on it.

Regenerative medicine on the other hand, involves a disease modifying approach. Cartilage may be regenerated and soft tissues may be healed faster and more completely than what occurs naturally now. This is an exciting time for regenerative medicine as some of these products are being introduced into clinical practice with promising results. Stem cell injection treatments are now available that are made from the amniotic fluid of consenting donors in an FDA regulated process. Amnion is an unbelievable source of stem cells along with numerous other factors for joint health such as hyaluronic acid.

Spinal cord stimulation has come of age and represents an excellent treatment option for patients in pain who no longer have a surgical option. Considering that narcotics are tough to handle on a chronic basis due to side effects and tolerance, the electric stimulation can decrease pain and reduce the need for narcotics. These devices continue to improve with the enhanced programming, slimmer profiles, longer rechargeable batteries, and various anatomical areas for clinical use.

Radio frequency ablation has advanced significantly over the past decade. The results for lumbar, cervical, and sacroiliac pain have been excellent after these procedures. The thermal deadening of the tiny little nerve endings that supply joints (hence causing pain) has been shown to alleviate pain for up to 2 years. Injections typically work for 3 to 6 months, however, an RFA may allow longer term relief and in this day and age, an outpatient procedure with 2 years is a welcome outpatient option.

The education that patients receive has improved substantially over the past decade. With the advent of iPads and other digital technology, the animations and online education that is available has expanded substantially. Knowledge is power, and the more that patients accumulate the better treatment outcomes may be.

Imaging techniques continue to get better. In the past decade, higher resolution MRI's have come into existence which may play out to help with better diagnosing capabilities. Also, fluoroscopic x-ray machines continue to improve resolution which may improve procedure accuracies. If pain doctors are more accurate with their interventions, patients will receive better pain relief.

Prostate Issues and Massage


Men that suffer from prostate problems or difficulty in sex might benefit from a prostate massage. The treatment can provide many benefits from prostate relief to heightened sexual pleasure. A revitalized sex life and healthy functioning prostate can be achieved with proper Kundalini energy flow and movement. I use special Tantric tools for this purpose.

The prostate massage has been known to help men overcome impotence. The prostate helps create seminal fluid and massaging the prostate helps stimulate activity. With increased seminal fluid incidences of impotence will begin to drop. Massaging the prostate has been said to heighten overall sexual pleasure so regular massages can aid tremendously in helping a man overcome impotence. My prostate massages can help relieve the symptoms of prostatitus, and other pelvic problems.

Regular prostate massages can help induce orgasms and stimulate ejaculation. Many times the orgasms reached when prostate massage is involved are highly intense. When the prostate is stimulated, the blood and seminal fluid increase in their flow. This increases flow of fluids also can help to improve sexual function overall. The fresh blood supplies and nutrients help keep the reproductive system healthy and functioning well.

Prostate massages can often times help improve erectile problems. Sometimes men suffer from restricted blood flow in the pelvic area which can directly effect the male reproductive system. Health conditions, age and injury can all be contributing factors in erectile dysfunction. The massage will help improve the flow of blood as well as nutrients and reduce incidences of erectile dysfunction. It isn't uncommon for a full and active sex life to be restored with the help of prostate massages.

Pelvic Awakening

"Elevated Spinal Phase of the Wave: Arching - Anterior Pelvic Position"

Here is the spinal snake arching before you, displaying flexibility and strength. Convexly, the body exercise's lift and expansion of the chest and ribs, and forward tilting of the pelvis. The stomach is firm. Rib-cage is open, and the arms and eyes are relaxed. The cobra breath will excite and pleasure your spirit, as it wave's the body.

"Rounded Spinal Phase of the Wave: Flexing - Posterior Pelvic Position"

The total orgasmic wave cycle includes an up and down motion, especially when we are talking about Tantra. Yet many people as they get older, more often move from a spinal flex position, limiting their range of motion which causes less pleasure, and soft tissue and joint stiffness. A fuller range of motion is called upon for better health.

Kriyas are automatic movements, vocalizations or actions that are part of the process of Kundalini clearing. Spontaneous yoga postures, twitching and shaking are good ways of releasing energy blockages that are stuck in the body.

Kriyas most often occur when the body's instinctive guidance or innate intelligence is responding to the work. The process is about learning to move and channel the Kundalini energy, so that you can contain and experience a full body orgasmic pulsation/wave.

Gestalt Ecstasy: Spinal - Core Release

Here you see complete freedom to express your self. A full range of release is shown through the somatic presence of ecstasy. Boundaries shifting, metaphysically between expansion and contraction, permitting flow and pleasure to emerge. Ecstasy is a wonderful thing to share with your body. The mind simply relaxes and let's go. The secret ingredient is conscious breathing. I teach you how to synchronize and release the breath.
Spinal Waving: Organismic Flow

There are three areas in the bodymind where the reins on our spirit are pulled most tightly by the entrenchment of ego's defenses: the scalenes (head-neck), the diaphragm (chest-belly), and the iliopsoas (kidneys-pelvis) segments. If we can release these, we can free ourselves from the crippling effects of trauma, denial and the accumulation inner and outer negativity.

It is these three somatic blocks that lead to the unconsciousness and inertia resulting from mind-body dissociation.

Since these blockages are set up in order to curb emotion, we cannot be emotionally authentic without opening up these three neuromuscular areas... and in doing so the Heart is then given preeminence in our psyche.

This is why true yoga is more than simply doing postures, it is moving and releasing the breath. [E-motion]

Spinal Waving is like Michael Jackson doing the "Moon Walk Dance" or Elvis moving his body in a rock and roll manner. Flexion and extension with all wheel drive in motion.

Pelvic Movement & Centering

Pelvic Centering is the act of being in between tension and relaxation within the pelvic cavity. This is accomplished by learning how to move energy up and down the spine. This is a core practice with the use of breath channeling. Most people in America breathe from the abdomen, leaving intercostal and pelvic breathing dormant, unused. The lower gates need to be exercised and used for good health, longevity, and performance to take place.

Many people over 40 are numb, comatose within the Chakra system. They hold their breath and tighten their whole body, especially upper back, buttocks, and legs which leaves little energy for genital pleasure. Body awareness and feeling sensation is key for multi-orgasmic flow and pleasure.

Pelvic Thrusting seems natural enough, yet most older adults have difficulty moving their hips. Lower back problems and lower extremity stiffness will do it! My work can help. Relaxation and letting energy release, circulate is good therapy. The opening of the three gates and seven Chakras will balance out the body, giving it greater freedom and mobility.

Tantric Release: Orifice Breathing

Awakening the sacred gates, allows you to experience 'The Holy Spirit.' This is done by energizing the P and G-spots together at the base of the pelvis and moving the spine in a wave like motion (snake-like), and allowing the breath to ignite the water element from the kidneys to the perineum. In an aroused state, the Kundalini Shakti feels so good and vital that you will want to 'sing the body electric.' Orifice breathing is about relaxing the guardian muscles around the mouth (upper body) and the anus (lower body). The polarity between the upper chakras (heaven) and lower chakras (earth) is what forms circular breathing. The combination and synchronization of thoracic-intercostal, abdominal, and pelvic breathing is what creates core movement and visceral health.

By using dialog and touch, I teach you how to enter the sacred spaces within your own body. Remember, whenever we guard our bodies with tension in a chronic way as in oral and anal retention, it does more harm than good.

The mouth and lips is the first seal or gate for controlling and releasing feelings. Emotions like anger, hate, love, and joy start in the mental mind and move into the physical body with oral consumption, expression, and instinctual response. Speech, singing, eating, coughing, sucking, biting, and licking are all healthy signs of expressing oneself.

Tongue yoga is basic to the ancient teachings of Kundalini. The dance of the snake, the hiss begins with the sound coming from the oral cavity. It is a warning sign of power and confidence, no shame or guilt. The cobra stands its ground erect!

Sacred Tantra teaches one how to move their fire and water elements. Fire is stored and made in the heart and belly. Water is stored and made in the mouth (saliva) and in the kidneys and bladder (urine), and genitalia (sexual fluids). Most civilized adults rarely open their mouths very much and move their tongues. For example, try being orgasmic with your mouth shut, and notice how it feels. The tongue and lips make a powerful orifice in relationship to pleasure.

Working the Container: Asanas

Kundalini energy flows when you create a safe container. Yoga creates this container on two basic levels: the subtle channels and the gross vessels. Chakras are subtle locations where Western organs or structures exist in there gross state. I work with both anatomies at the same time. Eastern is more psychic, while Western is more corporal. Remember, it is the mind that controls the body. The soft-ware in your brain has to be adjusted along with the hard drive or hard-ware in your body.

The Kundalini can follow the spine when activated, if the orgasmic wave is allowed to move. Good sexual release and higher consciousness (divine bliss) is based on learning to let go of the Chakras, etheric wheels.

General health and sexual fitness is determined by your ability to tilt the pelvis and curve the spine. Most civilized adults have lost the feeling and/or too stiff to tilt their pelvis back and forth, and bend their spine. Sitting most of the day in one position on a chair will do it.

A healthy pelvis and spine needs to move! Core movements stimulate and balance your Jing energy flow (mojo). Curling up, rounding the lower back (kyphosis) creates a backward/posterior tilt and arching the lower back (lordosis) creates a forward/anterior tilt. The oscillation back and forth of the spine and hips is called 'mojo fucking.' The key to performing this motion is letting-go of the upper torso and lowering one's center of gravity.

A flexible/agile core body can hold and accumulate more warm energy (mojo) when it can move forward and backwards as in the picture above and below. The function here is allowing the kidney area of the back (the Jing energy) to relax while activating the core muscles of the lower body and pelvis. If this is not possible, please come in for a needed Tantric treatment where you can nourish your vital principle.

Expression

Many people actually hold their breath upon the beginning of their orgasmic flow. This constricts the energy body and can be a way to unconsciously attempt to not lose control into the bigger energy feeling. Holding the breath, tightening the stomach, buttock and leg muscles, and tensing the upper body upon orgasm is restricting the orgasm from being felt fully in the body. Mouth breathing can sometimes help release the defense mechanism of control, letting go orally by moving the tongue and lips.

Tantra practice shows you with breath awareness how you can oxygenate the body and build more natural Qi/Prana flow. This energizes the body instead of depleting it. Adding sound toning naturally opens the throat and as the throat opens and relaxes, the body follows. A slower and more conscious movement pattern adds to a more loving release and greater health benefits to your Tantric experience.

Relaxing into a natural state of being is only possible when you are willing to let go of control. The key is allowing the body to move without having the brakes on all the time. This is where you need a teacher to guide and show you the way.

Almost 80 percent of the men who visit me have lost their ability to have a multi-orgasmic response with a pre-cum release. The primary reason being vascular restriction, insufficient blood flow to the Bulbourethral gland, also called a Cowper's gland. This phenomenon can be caused by an over developed sympathetic nervous system (fight, flight, freeze response) and too much sedentary sitting. The lack of circulation and exercise by the urogenital and pelvic diaphragms causes' a decrease in the pleasure response. The perineum is the physical epicenter where the dormant Kundalini serpent sleeps in hibernation, just waiting to be awakened. My work is designed to awaken the lower Chakras, increasing the blood flow through out the pelvis and lower back. Most men respond to treatment within three visits or less based on their medical history.

I can do energy, functional, and structural work founded on your request. All sessions are of a Pink Tantric nature incorporating sensual flow, body movement, and pleasurable relaxation. Tantric tools and vibrational healing can be introduced here if you like. Prostate stimulation with a vibrating Tantric wand can be very helpful for awakening and healing the pelvic region of the body.

With every male tune-up you receive a complete operational firmware and utility software update on your body: including optimizing, configuration and implementing servo & ballistic interfacing, defragmentation, repartitioning, transparent decompression analyzes, deleting with your permission old and obsolete programs, improving network connectivity, and data transferring effectiveness.

Most clients are more familiar with IT language than esoteric, shamanist, or yoga terms, so explaining things using Information Technology can be most helpful. IT men are a growing clientele for me, being the sedentary nature of their work and the managerial stress. Being robotic at work is one thing, being human the rest of the time is another. What most men need is to visit the service station at Larry's for a good Male Tune-Up Massage and receive your 5000 mile warranty on all parts and labor.

Whiplash Trauma an Epidemic in Our Society!


Whiplash is a term widely used to describe the kinds of injuries sustained by motor vehicle accident victims whose cars were struck from behind. Whiplash trauma has been called an epidemic in our society, costing countless billions each year in health care expenditure, lost productivity and insurance claims. The real tragedy of whiplash, however, is the chronic pain and suffering experienced by many whiplash victims even years later. As chiropractic care is vital to obtaining the best possible outcome following whiplash trauma, we encourage patients to learn as much as they can about the nature of their problem. The following questions will help sharpen your knowledge of whiplash.

True Or False

1. There is little or no evidence that significant, long-standing physical damage occurs to the victims of rear impact motor vehicle accidents.

FALSE: Studies conclude degenerative changes such as spondylosis and osteoarthritis occur in the cervical spines (necks) of those injured in whiplash accidents in 40-60% of cases compared to only 6% of age and sex matched controls. In other words, whiplash victims are 6 to 10 times more likely to develop degenerative spinal conditions. These degenerative changes are significant in that they can impair mobility, produce pain and discomfort and may cause permanent and progressively detrimental effects on the nervous system. They are, however, in many cases reversible if correct treatment is administered early. Call our office if you would like more information about optimum treatment for whiplash injuries.

2. Headrests should be positioned so that the top of the headrest is at earlobe level, and the headrest is at least two inches from the back of the head.

FALSE: Correct positioning of the headrest is such that the top of headrest should be between the top of the ear and top of the head, and there should be no more than two inches between the back of the head and the headrest. The height positioning is important in order to limit the "ramping" effect that can occur in rear-impact collisions. Ramping occurs when the head is violently accelerated up and over the head restraint, resulting in greatly amplified shear forces on the neck and cervical spine. Similarly, studies show that headrests positioned more than two inches away from the back of head offer virtually no protection in rear-end collisions.

3. The forces generated in a 15 m.p.h. rear impact collision are equivalent to falling from a chair.

FALSE: Surprising though it sounds, the forces generated in a 15 m.p.h. rear impact collision are equivalent to falling from the top of a two story building! This is the reason why very low speed rear impact collisions can produce significant soft tissue injury, even when little damage was incurred to either vehicle.

If you or anyone you know has been in an auto accident or you think may have suffered a whiplash type injury please call Windmill Health Center.

For a consultation or more information you can reach Dr. Browner & Dr. Behar at Windmill Health Center, Weston 954-217-4881. We also have two additional locations to serve you in Pembroke Pines and Plantation, contact our Weston location for more information.

Alternative Scoliosis Treatment - Promising Technologies Lead the Way


The world of scoliosis treatment is rapidly advancing (finally) due to breakthroughs in the fields of prognostic testing and early stage scoliosis intervention. Soon the days of scoliosis brace treatment and scoliosis surgery will fade into the dark ages of the past and a more preventative and a pro-active scoliosis treatment model will emerge. At the forefront of this advancement are highly sophisticated prognostic testing and innovative alternative scoliosis treatment options. The formula that seems to be a formula that is consistent with almost any disease is one that combines a person's genetics with their environment creating the cellular or even molecular maladaptation.

Genetic predisposition + Environmental Influences = Idiopathic Scoliosis

Scoliscore genetic testing: The Scoliscore test is a saliva based test that compares the patient's active genetic markers for severe scoliosis against a known profile of 53 genes. It's comparison to the know profile is 99% accurate. This means the test is able to determine with a great deal of certainty the patient's genetic predisposition for developing a severe scoliosis spine curvature. It is important to note that genetic predisposition is only one component of the idiopathic scoliosis condition which is also heavily influence by environmental influences (biomechanical, biochemical, certain activities, etc.)

Scoliosis blood test: It was announced way back in 2008 that the long awaited scoliosis blood test would be released and now in 2011 we are still waiting (oops!). Anyway, the patent for the test has been released and it appears to be a 2 phase test. One based on assumed genetic predisposition and the other on the osteopontin (OPN) levels of the patient. The OPN explanation is quite lengthy and more laborious than this discussion needs to get, but it is a major regulator of bone growth. The hold up of the test's release is unknown, but there is speculation that conflicting research from a Chinese based study and the problematic development of a CD-44 receptor (the binding receptor for OPN) blocker may be the cause for delay, but again, that is pure speculation.

Early Stage Scoliosis Intervention: I would love to tell you that there are 1000's of diligent researchers around the world working on a cure for idiopathic scoliosis, unfortunately, that's not the case. The good news is that many of the brightest and most talented researchers have found each other through the internet and professional organizations and progress on the cause of and treatment of idiopathic scoliosis is being made. Most researchers now agree that the root cause of idiopathic scoliosis is most likely neurological and more specifically, an under-development of the involuntary postural control centers in the brain stem. Armed with the deduction that idiopathic scoliosis is primarily a neurological condition that primarily affects the spine, the methodology one uses for scoliosis treatment change drastically.

The Early Stage Scoliosis Intervention program utilizes a specialized alternative scoliosis treatment protocol that decreases the soft tissue resistance or tension in the curvature regions, realigns the spine to a more symmetrical position, and finally retrains the spinal muscles to hold the new position. The soft tissue (spinal discs, ligaments, muscles, etc.) slowly begin to adapt to the abnormal spinal position, essentially "locking" the scoliosis in place. This makes it necessary to "unlock" the spinal position from the maladapted soft tissue, so the spine can be repositioned, and finally the soft tissue can be neurologically re-trained to hold the spine in the new straighter position automatically and permanently. Essentially, the brain stem is being recruited to become part of the solution instead of part of the problem.

The scoliosis exercise based protocol is painless, but you may experience some mild stretching sensation during the initial onset of treatment as the body adapts and heals in its newly corrected position. Some patients have reported mild muscle soreness the day after treatment. It's extremely rare that a patient is unable to complete treatment due to physical discomfort.

Doctors can alter the natural course of this condition by identifying which patients are at the highest risk for severe progression via genetic testing (scoliscore) and by implementing an aggressive, non-invasive Early Stage Scoliosis Intervention program that re-trains the brains involuntary postural controls centers before the mild scoliosis curvature reaches the degree "buckling" point commonly seen during growth spurts.

Environmental Influences in Idiopathic Scoliosis

As far as it looks right now, it looks like the environmental factors/influences of idiopathic scoliosis seem to be falling into one of three categories that all interact with each other and the genetic pre-disposition creating a multi-factorial condition. These categories include: bio-mechanical forces such as, forward head posture, hip rotation, sacral inclination and other sagittal spine distortions as well as secondary bone adaptation to asymmetrical loading (Hueter-Volkmann principle). Activity related forces include: repeated hyper-extension of the mid back (sleeping on one's stomach, ballet, competitive swimming, etc.) compression of the spinal column (horseback riding, jogging, etc.). Bio-chemical influences include: Chronic Mycobacterium infections that drive up osteopontin levels (fish tanks in the home, dirty shower heads, basically anything in the home that has water standing for long periods of time) and possible nutritional deficiencies of selenium has been noted as being significantly decrease in populations of idiopathic scoliosis patients.

The future of alternative scoliosis treatment is very promising and a select few doctors and researchers are dedicated to finding a better way to treat scoliosis without the use of bracing or highly invasive scoliosis surgery which starts with advanced diagnostic testing and innovative early stage scoliosis treatment.

Cauda Equina Syndrome


Cauda Equina Syndrome is a serious neurological condition that affords the sufferer acute loss of function of nerve elements of the spinal canal beneath the Conus, the bottom of the spinal cord. Below the Conus a canal contains a mass of nerves called the Cauda Equina, which is latin for 'Horses Tail', this is a good description of what the body of nerves looks like. The Cauda Equina branches off the lower end of the spinal cord and contains the nerve root from L1-5 and S1-5. A lesion which compress or disturbs the function of the cauda equina may disable nerves although the most common is a central disc prolapse.

Causes of Cauda Equina Syndrome

Although the Cauda Equina is protected by the backbone it a still remains vulnerable to injury and trauma. There are two groups of causes.

Congenital - from birth:
Spina Bifida
Tumours of the Cauda Equina

and acquired Cauda Equina Syndrome:
Injury and trauma
Following medical procedure
Disc Herniation - slipped or prolapsed disc
Tumour of the Cauda Equina
Vescular problems of the CE
Infections such as Cytomegalorvirus
Symptoms of Cauda Equina Syndrome

Most cases are sudden, however some progress slowly with none or little pain.

Low back pain
Dysfunction of pelvic organs namely:
Bowel
Bladder
Sexual organs
Other symptoms include:
Walking difficulty
Severe unexplained pain

Treatment of Cauda Equina Syndrome

Patients should be referred immediately for a neurosurgical consultation. Urgent surgical spinal decompression is required for most patients to prevent permanent damage.

Immobilise spine if Cauda Equina Syndrome is due to injury. Surgery required to remove blood, bone fragments, tumour, herniated disc or abnormal bone growth.

Lesion debulking is required for space occupying lesions, e.g. tumours, abscess.

If surgery cannot be performed, radiotherapy may relieve cord compression caused by malignant disease.

Other treatment may be useful in certain patients, depending on the underlying cause of the Cauda Equina Syndrome:
Anti-inflammatory drugs, can be effective in patients with inflammatory causes, e.g. Ankylosing Spondylitis.
Infection causes should be treated with appropriate antibiotics.
Patients with spinal neoplasms should be evaluated for chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Postoperative care includes addressing lifestyle issues, e.g. obesity, and also physiotherapy and occupational therapy, depending on residual lower limb dysfunction.

The number of days lost at work due to back problems in the UK alone is huge. There are many reasons for back pain, for instance Sciatica. Accurate diagnosis and treatment are the cornerstone of the medical profession. It is generally accepted that a major factor in the successful treatment and recovery of Cauda Equina Syndrome is for surgery to decompress the nerves to be completed within 48 hours from the onset of symptoms. For this to happen the diagnosis needs to be swift and accurate.

Clear warning signs present themselves and include

Negligence by Medical Staff

The number of days lost at work due to back problems in the UK alone is huge. There are many reasons for back pain, for instance Sciatica. Accurate diagnosis and treatment are the cornerstone of the medical profession. It is generally accepted that a major factor in the successful treatment and recovery of Cauda Equina Syndrome is for surgery to decompress the nerves to be completed within 48 hours from the onset of symptoms. For this to happen the diagnosis needs to be swift and accurate.

Clear warning signs present themselves and include:

Lower back pain, found tender to the touch
Abnormal reflexes
Loss or reduction of sensation in the 'saddle area'
Pain in legs
Muscle weakness or wasting if syndrome has been undetected for longer periods
Anal and or bladder dysfunction
There are many occasions when these warning signs are failed to be diagnosed or misdiagnosed as another condition.
These medical errors may result in life changing circumstances and result in the compensation claims.
Unfortunatley on many occasions frontline healthcare providers miss the warning signs that present for this type of injury. So professionals such as a GP, Physiotherapist, and Chiropracter are those who miss the warning signs of a CES trauma. Hospital professionals too are vulnerable to CES diagnosis errors, such as A&E Staff, Consultant, Surgeon. Misdiagnosing or failing to diagnose CES is considered as medical or clinical negligence

CES may well leave the failed diagnosed, late diagnosed or misdiagnosed patient with severe injury.

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Spinal Cord Injuries Leading to Temporary or Permanent Paralysis


In a previous article, we looked at different types of back injuries due to trauma. Spinal cord injuries can occur at any level of the back or neck, and may be due to flexion, rotation, extension, compression, or cauda equina problems. And the result can be damage to the tissues including ligament strain, subluxation (misalignment of the vertebrae), nerve damage, and fracture or dislocation of the bones of the spine. This article will discuss the results of such trauma in terms of changes to the proper functioning of the spinal column and potential paralysis below the site of injury.

No one wants to think about being paralyzed from the neck down or the from the waist down as a result of a fall or motor vehicle accident. But people can be very seriously injured and lose the functioning of their bodies as a result of spinal cord trauma. In a fall or violent encounter affecting the back, though, one of the first signs of a cord injury is a loss of nerve function below where the injury occurs. It may be a total loss of sensation and control, or just a partial impairment with some loss of feeling. But if it is clear that some feeling has been lost, then spinal cord injury may be the problem.

A complete cutting of the nerve can result in immediate, total loss of functioning below the transection level. All sensation and reflex activity is paralyzed, the person loses control of the limbs, and the automatic processes of the body below that level are completely shut off. If the cord is cut high in the neck region, functions such as breathing may be impaired as the muscles that control the respiratory response are no longer able to function. In fact, pneumonia is a common cause of death in such patients who need help in breathing after complete paralysis.

While the prospect of recovering from the spinal cord being cut is very low, complete paralysis below the site of injury may not be permanent in all cases. Sometimes, trauma causes a concussion or contusion leads to a temporary paralysis due to the swelling at that part of the spine. In time, as the inflammation is reduced, proper nerve functioning is restored. This phenomenon is referred to as spinal shock, and the related swelling usually diminishes over a few days after a rapid buildup right after the injury occurs. The good news is that the paralysis is only temporary.

Nerves that have been completely cut or degenerated, though, do not recover in time or with treatment. The damage to the nervous system functioning is most often permanent and irreversible. If there is a return of feeling and muscle control within the first week of an injury, there is a much better chance of recovery. Compression injuries that compress the nerves in the spine can also recover with time. Injuries that cause a lack of sensation and movement for months, however, often lead to a permanent loss of functioning.

Information on Back Pain-Keeping Your Back Straight


Your back is a vital body part. It plays an essential role in every part of daily life. Since the back is so important, you want to keep up-to-date on information about back pain and its treatment.

Begin with this basic information.

Information on Back Pain #1 - What Is Your Back?

Back pain can best be understood when you understand the structure of your back, so let's build a spine. Your back consists of 30 small bones called vertebrae. These bones are stacked on top of each other, and connected by ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Your stack of connected vertebrae is divided into four regions. From the base of your skull down to your pelvis, these four regions are:

1. Cervical or neck vertebrae - the top 7

2. Thoracic or upper back vertebrae - the next 12

3. Lumbar or lower back vertebrae - 5 more

4. Sacrum and coccyx - 6 fused bones at the spine's base

Between your vertebrae are round, spongy cartilage pads called disks. Disks act as shock absorbers for your spine. A column-like spinal cord runs through your stack of vertebrae. It, too, is divided into segments similar to nearby vertebrae. Your spinal cord contains nerve roots and nerve rootlets that spread out, sending messages of pain from your back to your brain.

Information on Back Pain #2 - Back Pain's Causes

Back pain is among the most common complaints. It is also one of the most painful. Since it can be difficult to treat, it is important that you have good information on back pain. Most good information on back pain will agree that when you lift something too heavy, you may cause a sprain, pull, strain, or spasm in one of the muscles or ligaments in your back. That will cause back pain.

Let's look at more specific information on back pain.

1. Your cervical spine, or upper back, begins at the base of your skull. It is composed of seven vertebrae with eight pairs of cervical nerves. This part of your spine is designed to support your head and give you mobility.

Injury or mild trauma to the cervical spine can cause one of a number of serious, even life-threatening medical emergencies. You might have a spinal cord injury (SCI) or a fracture. Such injury could cause pain, numbness, weakness, and tingling.

2. Your thoracic spine is just below your cervical spine. Your ribs are connected to this part of the spine. Think of it as the back of your chest. Your thoracic spine is designed to be strong and stable, permitting you to stand upright and protecting your vital internal chest organs. Although thoracic, or middle back pain is rather uncommon, it causes significant pain when it does occur.

The most common causes of middle back pain are muscular irritation and joint dysfunction. You may injure a disk, and cause middle back pain, but such injuries are very rare.

3. Your lumbar spine, or lower back region, is most likely to experience pain. This is because your lumbar region supports the weight of your upper body. It takes the most abuse.

Many things can cause injury and pain to your lower back. As with all parts of the spine, muscle strain or spasm may occur when you lift or carry things that are too heavy. Sprains of ligaments occur in similar manner. You may experience joint problems or a "slipped disk."

The most common cause of lumbar or lower back pain, though, is simply using your back muscles for actions you usually do not do. Perhaps you sit at a desk most days, but one weekend, you help friends move furniture. Or you normally teach school, but during the summer, you decide to create a large vegetable garden in your back yard.

A so-called "slipped disk" (herniated disk) occurs when a disk, one of those spongy cartilage pads between your spines vertebrae bulges out and presses on nerves. This often occurs when you twisting while lifting something. You may not know what caused your slipped disk, if it happens. You will know the lower back pain that comes as a result.

Information on Back Pain #3 - Back Pain and Your Physician

Not every back pain will require a visit to your physician. Many back pains can be treated effectively at home with heating pads and ice packs. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications can also give the relief needed. However, there are times when you will want your physician to give information on back pain, and prescribe treatment.

Seek a qualified physician if any of the following is true:

o Your pain is so bad you can't move around

o Your pain is not less after two weeks

o Your pain was caused by an injury

o You have a fever

o You feel nauseous or are vomiting

o You have a stomachache

o You are weak or sweating

o Your pain goes down the leg below your knee

o You lose control over going to the bathroom

o Your foot, leg, rectal, or groin area is numb

Information on Back Pain #4 - Back Pain Prevention

Your health care provider, whether physician, chiropractor or other, will encourage you to maintain an active, healthy lifestyle as part of back pain prevention. The best information on back pain they can provide you is to avoid injury in the first place. Develop healthy back habits. The following five bad habits can cause back pain. Avoid them.

o Twisting when lifting

o Bad posture

o Lack of exercise and too much weight

o Smoking tobacco

o Ignoring back pain

The more information on back pain you have, the better prepared you will be to deal with it.

Do You Need a Slipped Disc Treatment Guaranteed to Repair Your Slipped Disc Instantly?


You require slipped disc treatment whether or not what you are experiencing is referred to as a bulging, slipped, or herniated disc. They are actually all names referring to the same thing - a disc extending out of its proper location in your vertebrae causing pressure on the sciatic nerve.

This condition can be caused by many things including lifting of strenuous weights incorrectly or an automobile accident, or a foolish move on your part (we all do it - for the guys, just think of trying to be all "macho" in front of the ladies and lifting all sorts of rubbish).

Once this happens, the disc which serves as a flexible buffer located in between your vertebrae bulges out and puts pressure on the sciatic nerve (and then all the ladies flee).

The sciatic nerve becomes pinched and you begin to feel pain around your lower back which gradually radiates towards your buttocks and then goes all the way down to your leg causing your feet and legs to feel numb.

The good news is that there are slipped disc treatments which you can use to combat this condition and this article will look at a few of these.

One of the most common slipped disc treatment available is that which is offered by a chiropractor. Chiropractors are trained to provide relief to problems involving the spinal column. Usually they achieve this by using a special device designed particularly for these conditions.

Additionally you may decide that visiting a chiropractor is not your thing, and instead decide to go with an alternative method of slipped disc treatment like doing nothing...

The reaction I get is almost always the same; stupefaction. Whenever I mention the fact that you can treat your slipped disc by doing nothing the people I am talking with never allow me to even finish the sentence before concluding on my behalf.

What I was going to say, before the bewilderment interfered, is that you can treat your slipped disc by doing nothing more than taking over the counter anti inflammation medication.

So you see that I was not saying you should just forget about doing a thing and waiting out the pain - nah! Please ensure that if the pain persists you get professional help. In fact a great way to do this is to opt to visit a physical therapist...

Even if you decide to see a physician, he or she may most likely still end up referring you to a physical therapist anyways. What the physical therapist will do is to assess the extent of your slipped disc and prescribe a series of low impact exercise routines which you will be required to perform daily.

The truth is that this may actually be all you require to solve your problem. Ensure that the physical therapist is trained and experienced with handling the pain of caused by a herniated disc.

FACT: Most conventional treatments for slipped disc only work as a temporary band aid solution; they all fail to work in the long run!

Numbness and Tingling and Spinal Decompression - What Are the Causes and Treatment?


If you have been experiencing symptoms of numbness and tingling, it could be caused by nerve damage or compression. A nerve in the spine can be pinched by a herniated or bulging disc, it can be caused by spinal stenosis from arthritis in the spine, or the nerve can become irritated by the joints in the spine being misaligned.

Also called peripheral neuropathy, numbness and tingling in the hands and feet should not be ignored in hope that it will clear up on its own. There are many factors that can cause peripheral neuropathy, including:


  • Trauma from broken bones

  • Malnutrition

  • Diabetes

  • Aids

  • Cancer and cancer fighting drugs

  • Medications or exposure to toxic substances

The nerves in our body act as transmitters between the arms and legs and hands and feet and the central nervous system. Nerves transmit signals that communicate sensation and direct muscle movements of the body. Peripheral neuropathy or numbness and tingling, if not addressed immediately, can lead to muscle weakness, lack of control and eventual atrophy.

Numbness and tingling may be caused by a pinched nerve

One of the most common causes of numbness and tingling is from a pinched nerve. Pinched nerves can cause a sharp, shooting pain or numbness, tingling and even weakness in the extremities. When the pain shoots down the back of the legs it's commonly referred to as sciatica because the sciatic nerve, which originates in the lower back, runs down the back of the legs to the feet.

Spinal Decompression Therapy is designed to take the pressure off the pinched, compressed nerves by slowly and gently stretching the spine at a certain angle followed by cycles of partial relaxation.

A herniated disc can cause numbness and tingling

Spinal Decompression relieves the compression taking place in the herniated disc by precisely stretching and separating the spine using a pattern of distraction and then relaxation that is orchestrated by the computer, which the straps are connected to. This process creates a vacuum or negative pressure within the discs that can allow the herniated or bulging disc to be drawn back in relieving the pressure on the nerves in the spine.

When the patient undergoes spinal decompression therapy over the course of several visits with the Chiropractor, the process allows oxygen and nutrient-rich fluids to flood into the disc to promote the body's natural healing process to work on the fibers of the previously degenerated disc.

What causes numbness and tingling in the hands?

If the numbness and tingling feelings are limited to the fingers and hands, the cause could be carpal tunnel syndrome, which is a condition that is caused by compression to the median nerve that crosses the wrist. Carpal tunnel is most often caused by repetitive use of the hands in an extended position, such as typing on a keyboard. It can be caused from a pinched nerve in the neck, which is where the median nerve originates.

Try a Chiropractor in Springfield, VA that has several techniques which can treat the many causes of numbness and tingling, from spinal decompression therapy to cold laser therapy, the Graston technique, and the active release technique, which works with deep tissue and specific movements to relax tight muscles, free up range of motion and relieve pinched nerves non-surgically.

Affordable Spinal Decompression Marketing in a Tough Economy


The economy is rough right now. Marketing Spinal Decompression Therapy to patients, particularly when this is a service not often covered by insurance, is getting more difficult by the day. For many practices the knee jerk reaction is to scale back on everything; including spinal decompression marketing. This can be a fatal mistake for a chiropractic practice, or for any healthcare practice offering spinal decompression.

You need to fight the urge to push that "panic button". You need to fight the instinct to save dollars by eliminating marketing and advertising. As scary as it might sound, during these tough times you actually need to maintain, or even increase, your marketing efforts!

You might be thinking to yourself, "Why would I want to spend more money on advertising when I have less money coming in?" The answer is obvious. When money gets tight, patients often cut back on care or drop out of care entirely. This is even more true with something that is often not covered by insurance, like spinal decompression therapy. You need more new patients to pick up the slack. You'll never get them without increasing your spinal decompression marketing efforts.

Now hold on, I said increase your spinal decompression marketing; I didn't necessarily say you had to spend more on it! You need to market smarter rather than simply throwing more money at the same old advertising campaign. Although it may sound difficult to believe, you can actually increase your spinal decompression marketing efforts without spending more money! In fact, if you really take the time to plan your marketing strategy wisely, you might even end up spending less!

Let's take at look at how it is possible to successfully market your spinal decompression services in a tough economy, without breaking the bank! I've broke this down into 10 easy to follow steps:


  1. Analyze your Current Marketing.

  2. Ditch the "Duds" and Keep the "Killers"!

  3. Make Changes!

  4. Look to the Internet my Friend!

  5. Take Advantage of all the FREE Spinal Decompression Marketing Available.

  6. Re-Acquaint Yourself with Internal Marketing.

  7. Use the Power of the FREE DVD and Other Free "Stuff"

  8. Ask Yourself, What Makes YOUR Decompression Practice so Special?

  9. Get Ready to Spend a lot . . . of Time NOT Money!

  10. Continually Monitor and Re-Evaluate your Efforts

Let's take a look at each step individually.

Step 1: Analyze your Current Marketing.

In this step you need to take a critical look at ALL of your current marketing efforts. Before you can successfully plan any changes to your marketing plan you need to know where you stand. You have to know where you are at before you know where you are going!

This step can be painful at times, but it is absolutely necessary for future marketing success. Take a look at how your various types of marketing are doing. Carefully examine your marketing budget and your 12 month marketing calendar. If you don't have any sort of marketing schedule NOW is the time to start.

Step 2: Ditch the "Duds" and Keep the "Killers"

Now that you have examined and evaluated your marketing efforts you need to act accordingly. Ditch the duds. Take whatever marketing isn't working and get rid of it. If that old stale local newspaper ad hasn't brought in a new spinal decompression patient in months, why would the next 3 months be any different? Stop throwing money at what isn't working and keep those killer ads. A killer ad is simply those ads that work! It is amazing how often we overlook something so obvious. If an ad isn't working we need to do SOMETHING with it, which brings us to step 3.

Step 3: Make Changes.

Now that we know what isn't working, we need to do SOMETHING about it. This something will depend on your marketing budget. At times we need to kill an ad and put that extra cash toward running what is showing a return on investment. Sometimes we just need to look at the ad and reformat it. Making some fresh changes is often all that is needed.

In my opinion making changes that fail is more desirable than simply letting a "dud" ad continue running unsuccessfully. If you make changes to an ad, or run an entirely new ad, at least you have made some effort. Odds are that new ad will get noticed. Even if the new advertising isn't effective at least you have learned something. Take notes, make changes, and keep moving!

Step 4: Look to the Internet my Friend.

The internet is really taking over as a dominant form of advertising and marketing. If you think you can survive against your competition while ignoring internet marketing you are dead wrong. The days of the local paper newspaper and hardcopy yellow page books will eventually be gone. This is probably not as far off in the future as most of us think! Although marketing decompression on the internet is a challenge, it is also vital for survival.

Internet marketing is a challenge because it is such a dynamic medium. Things are constantly changing and it is a real challenge to keep up and stand out among a sea of competitors. However, if you want to succeed it is a challenge you must continually meet.

If you don't market your spinal decompression practice on the internet regularly, you need to start NOW. If you already market on the internet then you need to DOUBLE your efforts now. Take your presence on the internet at make it KNOWN. This is not too difficult and often requires you invest little more than time. That's right, some of the most beneficial and effective internet marketing is absolutely free!

Step 5: Take Advantage of all the FREE Spinal Decompression Marketing Available.

There are a ton of opportunities for FREE spinal decompression marketing available that most doctors miss! In step four I praised the internet. Well here I go again. Open your eyes doctor! Have you paid attention to any newspapers, television shows, or radio broadcasts lately? I challenge you to go a single day without hearing something about MySpace, YouTube, Facebook, Friendster, LinkedIn, Twitter, or one of the other hundreds of free social networking sites. These are opportunities to connect with colleagues, potential patients, and fellow businesses! These are opportunities you need to sieze!

Post a video of your practice on YouTube or MySpace. Create a short infomercial or introduction to spinal decompression video clip which you can also link to from your site's home page. Offer to ship a free spinal decompression DVD or free information kit.

Email marketing can be free as well. Write an e-book which you can offer for free to those who provide their email address. Offer a free monthly email newsletter on health topics to members of your community. The possibilities with the internet are seemingly endless and they often cost very little but a lot of time!

Not ready for internet advertising? Then take advantage of old fashioned free advertising. Get out in your community. Meet people and introduce yourself and your services. Establish yourself as a local authority on non-surgical relief of back pain. Write an article for the local newspaper. Hold free workshops and lectures on preventing and treating back pain.

These are just some of the FREE advertising available. When the marketing budget gets tighter you need to expand your mind, step out of your comfort zone, and take advantage of the free advertising you have available!

Step 6: Re-Acquaint Yourself with Internal Marketing.
We often get so focused on external marketing that we forget about marketing within our practice. The best source for new spinal decompression patients is often your existing practice members. Keep your patients happy and educated!

When you have happy patients who understand the benefits of spinal decompression, then you must encourage them to tell others. Try implementing patient testimonials in your spinal decompression advertising.

What are other methods of internal spinal decompression marketing? Hold free health care classes and spinal decompression information classes for existing patients. You might also pass out free spinal decompression brochures or loop an educational spinal decompression DVD in the waiting room. You can also pass out free flyers or leave a stack of free spinal decompression audio CDS on the checkout counter. We have products to assist you with all of this!

Other good ideas are holding frequent drawings or contests for existing patients. Holding annual or semi-annual patient appreciation days is also a great idea. With happy patients you will see many new spinal decompression patients as word spreads. This effect is often two-fold when you openly an actively ASK for referrals from your existing patients, so don't be shy!

Step 7: Use the Power of the FREE DVD and Other Free "Stuff".
People don't like to feel like they are being aggressively sold a product or service. We don't like pushy salesmen and neither do our patients. Offering a free spinal decompression informational DVD or free spinal decompression information kit is a great idea. This allows you to market your services in a non-aggressive but effective manner. More importantly, who doesn't enjoy getting something FREE? Advertise these free products in your ads and online!

Step 8: Ask Yourself, What Makes YOUR Decompression Practice so Special?
The truth is spinal decompression isn't all that uncommon anymore. If you don't have any immediate spinal decompression competition in your area your practice is the exception rather than the rule. Spinal decompression practices are popping up everywhere. You need to ask yourself the same thing patients will be wondering, "what makes YOUR practice so special?" Is it your low fees? Your experience? Is your main advantage late evening and weekend hours?

Once you have your answer, tell prospective patients about it in your advertising! If you can't come up with an answer then you need to MAKE your practice stand out. Maybe you need late evening or weekend hours. Perhaps lower fees are in order? Although these changes may not be fun at first they are often all that is needed to jump start your practice to the next level.

Step 9: Get Ready to Spend a lot . . . of Time NOT Money!
I won't lie to you, smart and affordable spinal decompression marketing is a lot of work. When you are trying to maintain or increase your spinal decompression marketing while spending less money you are going to need to put your working hat on. You'll need your thinking cap and a lot of other hats too!

To save money you are going to be wearing a lot of hats. You'll probably be designing, editing, and coordinating a lot of your own marketing. If you are new to social networking and other free online advertising there is a bit of a learning curve. It all requires a commitment of your attention and time, but the end result will be worth your effort! Don't worry, when things pick up and your hard work is rewarded with an influx of new spinal decompression patients you can always delegate a task to someone else.

Step 10: Continually Monitor and Re-Evaluate your Efforts.
You need to constantly monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of your marketing. In a way you are starting all over again at step one. You should be analyzing your marketing no less than on a monthly basis. Make changes, keep what works, and change what doesn't!

There you have it: a 10 step crash course on affordable spinal decompression marketing in a bad economy. Now you have a basic understanding of how you can actually maintain or increase your spinal decompression marketing in a slow economy. Plan carefully and seize those often missed opportunities for free advertising. Hopefully you have come away from this article with some great tips and hints on successfully marketing your spinal decompression services. For even more help with affordable spinal decompression marketing and patient education, visit our site at: http://www.clinicallysignificantproductions.com. In the meantime get out there and start making the changes needed to market your very beneficial services to patients who need it ; without it costing you an arm and a leg!