DRX
Do you have a pain in the neck?
20 December 2008My L4 and L5 are fine, but I have been told my C3 disc is herniated!
Americans suffer from acute or persistent neck pain every year, the problem can be caused in multiple ways: injury, strain, car accidents, overuse or even just old age. Undiagnosed or untreated neck pain can become serious over time and as such should never be ignored or untreated, at least have it investigated to determine the source of the problem so you can move ahead in rectifying the issue.
Almost always, problems in the cervical spine, the first seven bones (vertebrae) in the neck running from the base of the brain to just past the shoulder blades, requires assessment and treatment to prevent further, more permanent, damage.
Will spinal decompression still be able to help me? When the pain gets too severe surgery can often be the option suggested by your doctor. Not everyone is a great candidate for this surgery and many people just do not want to undertake this type of invasive solution. So what are your other options? The DRX-9000 can be a perfect solution to resolve this problem. The DRX-9000 is a very safe, non invasive treatment that can repair the disc rather then fusing it. Unfortunately, if left untreated, for many people cervical disc degeneration can lead to cervical disc herniations, which in turn leads to pinched nerves, which then may possibly lead to a suggestion of neck surgery.
It really comes down to which would you prefer? Surgical or Non-Surgical. The DRX-9000 not only works on lower spine decompression it will also aid the body to repair the cervical herniations and ruptures further up the spine and into the neck area too.
How does it work? View non-surgical spinal decompression.
If you are considering a surgical option, watch a slide show detailing surgical spinal decompression: And if you are curious as to how it may affect you watch this video as a lady named Lesley explains her decision to successfully undergo a cervical fusion operation. She details both her operation and the recovery.
It really comes down to your decision to either choose surgical or a non-surgical, non-invasive treatment for your disc problem.
Spinal Neurosurgery: The problem with fusing bones in the neck are that adjacent levels in the neck are placed under more strain. This has increased “wear and tear” at the surrounding disc space levels has been termed “adjacent segment stenosis”. We now know that if 10 people have a single level fusion, at 10 years 3 have had to have another operation for narrowing at the next level either above or below. This is less likely with multilevel fusions. Secondly, the bone does not always heal or “fuse” correctly. In fact, the overall success rates for these procedures range from 48% to 89%.
How would you know if what you are experiencing is cervical degenerative disc disease pain or if its something else? In addition to having the low-grade pain of a stiff or inflexible neck, many patients with cervical disc degeneration have numbness, tingling, or even weakness in the neck, arms, or shoulders as a result of nerves in the cervical area becoming irritated or pinched. For example, a pinched nerve root in the C6-C7 segment could result in weakness in the triceps and forearms, wrist drop and altered sensation in the middle fingers or fingertips. Spine Health.
If you or someone you know is experiencing cervical or lumbar disc pain, enter your email above to receive your free back pain report, or call for a no-obligation consultation, and see if the DRX-9000 might be right for you.
Make an adjustment: Stay Healthy ~ Be Happy!
Call Dr. Paul or Dr. Susan at 303.674.1500 or email office@fontanachiro.com Fontana Family Chiropractic Evergreen CO.
Is the DRX-9000 the solution you have been looking for?
17 November 2008Do you have a bad back or do you suffer from:
Disc degeneration: Degenerative disc disease refers to a syndrome in which a compromised disc causes low back pain. Lumbar degenerative disc disease usually starts with a torsional (twisting) injury to the lower back, such as when a person rotates to put something on a shelf or swing a golf club. However, the pain is also frequently caused by simple wear and tear on the spine. It is estimated that 30% of 30-50 year olds will have some degree of disc space degeneration, although not all will have pain or ever receive a formal diagnosis
Herniated discs, also sometimes referred to as slipped discs or bulging discs, are defined as: Herniation of the central gelatinous material (nucleus pulposus) of an intervertebral disc through its fibrous outer covering (annulus fibrosis).
Facet Arthrosis is a chronic degeneration of the facet joint cartilage and enlargement of the bony aspects (articular processes) of the joint.
Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spaces in the spine, resulting in compression of the nerve roots or spinal cord by bony spurs or soft tissues, such as disks, in the spinal canal. This occurs most often in the lumbar spine (in the low back) but also occurs in the cervical spine (in the neck) and less often in the thoracic spine (in the upper back).
Sciatica is a condition defined as pain radiating down the leg, due to irritation of the sciatic nerve and commonly caused by a herniated disc or nerve compression from osteophytes. It is incredibly painful and pain medication such as ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory medications don’t really seem to help. When having an episode of sciatica it is often hard to sit or stand for any period of time, it is a very uncomfortable irritating condition.
If you suspect you have one of these conditions, or have been diagnosed with one or more of these problems, you are almost certainly looking for some relief from the chronic or severe low back pain caused by these conditions? Wouldn’t it be lovely to just flop down and play on the floor with your kids, or be able to walk further than just around the block or even just spend the day shopping at the mall without being in constant, aggravating and frustrating pain caused by any of these conditions?
There is a solution to these common causes of lower back pain and cervical neck pain, the DRX-9000. The DRX-9000 can offer a non-surgical option for relief from these debilitating back problems.
The DRX9000 system uses a multi-factored approach for relieving disc herniation. As the DRX9000 slowly decompresses the spine, a vacuum is formed within the affected disc. This vacuum is called “negative intradiscal pressure” and relieves the disc herniation which in turn can reduce the pressure on the neighboring spinal nerves. The results are reduced pain and discomfort. This vacuum effect also draws the herniated material back into the disc, along with water and other nutrients and thus aids healing within the disc, relieving the intense pain and discomfort for all of the above conditions and more.
Axiom Worldwide boasts “The DRX9000 is gaining immense popularity among healthcare professionals as an alternative to back fusion therapy and other invasive treatments. Many patients have reported good success with the system and feel it was a better solution for them rather using surgical techniques to address their lower back problems.”
Call Dr. Paul or Dr. Susan at 303.674.1500 or email your questions to office@fontanachiro.com for a free, no-obligation consultation on whether the DRX-9000 is the right treatment for your back.
Make an adjustment: Stay healthy ~ Be Happy!
UPDATE: DRX-9000 treatment 2 years and counting.
11 November 2008An update on my back and the DRX-9000 treatment. It has been almost 2 years since I undertook my DRX-9000 experience. I had ruptured both my L4 and L5 discs and had spent almost 2 years trying to manage the sciatic and back pain. After a conversation with Dr Fontana about the DRX-9000 I located a unit close to my house in NC and committed to 20 sessions on the machine. My medical doctor was quite skeptical, but personally I could not do another round of epidural pain medication and I absolutely did not want to undertake surgery to repair the problem. After almost 24 months it turns out that I am still doing great! After spending close to 2 years in pain and discomfort and trying many different therapies, including physical therapy and pharmaceutical medication to resolve the problem, I found out about the DRX-9000.
I am happy to report that I am still doing fine and my back is as strong as ever. I am now at a point where I am able to resume regular activities with the kids, and not even worry about it. I tend to be a little more reserved still, I am certainly not going to go water ski-ing again but I will jump on the trampoline or help my husband (carefully) move furniture around the house. If I start to feel any discomfort or pain I immediately rest and ice, rest and ice in that order, which seems to work just fine.
I think its very normal over the course of time to feel some over-tiredness in the back area (not be confused with pain), for instance if I spend the day raking leaves, I know my back will be sore and tired, but ice and rest always resolves the situation. I certainly have not felt the intense back pain that came with the ruptured discs since completing my treatment in 2006.
It’s still truly amazing to me that had I not found the information on the DRX-9000 I would have been going into surgery for my disc problem, but with time and decompression therapy I have recovered completely and I am still 2” taller. It seems that all my reservations regarding the DRX-9000 have been resolved. I was concerned that it was a temporary fix, that my back would not be as strong as it had been or that I would only feel mild relief, I am now completely confident that my recovery is complete and as long as I take care of my back as I should have been all along, I will continue to experience the joy of little or no back pain after a day of shopping or playing with the kids.
Call Dr. Paul or Dr. Susan to discuss whether the DRX-9000 might be the right treatment for you.
Make an adjustment: Stay healthy ~ Be Happy!
Fontana Family Chiropractic Evergreen CO. 303-674-1500 or email office@fontanachiro.com
Halloween is spooky, Chiropractic – not so much!
31 October 2008
It may be Halloween but don’t be spooked by your chiropractor.
Your chiropractor recommends a regular schedule of appointments, not because they need the client base, but because they would rather see you for a 15 minute appointment twice a month than have to schedule you multiple crisis appointments once you actually do some damage.
The spine is like the chassis for the car, or the motherboard for the computer, its the mainstay of all body systems. All your spinal nerves, including the sciatic and gluteal nerves, lead both up your spine to your neck and beyond to your cranial nerves and all the way down to your feet, into your big toes. These nerves control how well you move, think, feel, and function. Without good spine strength and straightness those nerves get pinched, pulled, and inflamed resulting in you getting a bad back, a sore neck, headaches, hay fever, vertigo, or even the flu. A compromised immune system due to poor alignment is just one breakdown your body can experience. Chiropractors know the importance of spinal adjustments and preventative maintenance care.
If you had any doubts about the benefits of maintaining health over surgical repair Spine Health has some very detailed articles about what to expect if you need surgery on your spine. One of the most common back surgeries is fusion, but the thought of restricting movement permanently through surgery to get rid of back pain just does not sound like the ideal situation to most people.
The North American Spine Society lists multiple reasons for surgery related to other spine damage. Much of which is also preventable and treatable through chiropractic care. Including conditions such as whiplash and herniated discs, which we know can be successfully treated and maintained by the DRX-9000.
Wellness programs created by insurance companies now offer coverage for chiropractic care, acupuncture, and massage; the health insurance companies see the long term benefits of preventative maintenance. There is a reason for that; preventative maintenance not only saves you a lot of pain, but more importantly for them, it saves them money.
Chiropractors have never claimed to treat everything that ails you. For a tonsillectomy seek a surgeon, for a broken leg go to the emergency room, and for things like impetigo or other viral or bacterial infection seek out an experienced MD. However, you have things you can do to either not get sick in the first place or to lessen the severity of an illness such as a tinnitus attack or insomnia. One of those choices can be chiropractic care, and when used in addition to healthy lifestyle choices, it can help maintain your goals.
Chiropractic is not a new science; it’s proven the test of longevity many times over the past several hundred years. It is wise to have faith in MD’s but health care does not have to come in the form of one genre. Having an open mind to different care options can save you time, money and so much pain. Often it is possible to avoid surgery by using a chiropractor. Surgery should always be undertaken with an understanding of the risks and complications that an operation may carry. Many things can and do go wrong with surgery, and people can underestimate the risks, surgery is not a guarantee of wellness, just one more option to consider when making an informed health care choice.
Spine Health explains, Spinal manipulation (like that used by chiropractors in chiropractic medicine) is not a new or recent concept. Records show that manipulation of the spine can be traced back to the time of Hippocrates (1, 2).
Since the inception of chiropractic medicine in 1895, chiropractors have held as a primary tenet that biomechanical and structural derangement of the spine can affect the nervous system. Because the nervous system is so intimately related to the spine from an anatomical standpoint, identifying and restoring spinal structural integrity through chiropractic treatments can improve the health of the individual by reducing pressure on sensitive neurological tissue.
It is important to note that doctors of chiropractic do not utilize drugs or surgery in their practice. However, there are times when a chiropractor will recommend that the patient consult another practitioner if these or other methods of treatment are indicated. [Spine health]
Dr. Paul or Dr. Susan at Fontana Chiropractic in Evergreen would be happy to schedule a consultation to discuss your ongoing health or maintenance care and concerns.
Choose to be proactive not reactive with your health care.
Call Dr. Paul or Dr. Susan at 303.674.1500 or email office@fontanachiro.com
Make an adjustment: Stay healthy ~ Be happy
Thank you Dr. Paul and Dr. Susan for introducing this [DRX] therapy to Evergreen…
7 March 2008M.E.P. of Evergreen Colorado 12.5.07
“For many years I have experienced very specific, sharp, low back pain resulting from an injury which occured over twenty years ago. Although I have maintained my strenght and mobility all these years with regular chiropractic treatments and massage therapy, I was still in constant pain especially while lying down, making it difficult to sleep.
I began the DRX 9000 treatments with Drs. Fontana and followed their specific instructions and treatment plan for my first 11 sessions then left for a week’s vacation. I was pleased to find that my pain was reduced significantly during my trip. Returning from the trip I was again in pain and resumed the DRX treaments and again after several more sessions began enjoying significant relief. I have had a total of 17 (or 18??) sessions and am very pleased that I have experienced approximately 65% to 75% overall improvement and am confident that my imporovement will be even greater by continuing the treatments. I am very excited and grateful to have found a treament that is effective in alleviating that nagging sharp pain and allowing me to heal by utilizing a non-invasive modality without the use of drugs or surgery. Thank you Dr. Paul and Dr. Susan for introducing this therapy to Evergreen. And thanks to you and your staff for making coming in for treatments a very pleasant experience.”
M.E.P. of Evergreen
Thank you
File: Fontana Family Chiropractic Evergreen Colorado
After about ten treatments, I began to experience some relief…
6 March 2008Lisa S… (43) 12.21.07
When I first came to Fontana Chiropractic, I had gone through over a month of debilitating pain from sciatica. There had been no car accident, and I didn’t fall, but my L5 had apparently had enough. I could hardly walk, I could not sit or stand for any length of time and I could not sleep due to the pain. Chiropractic alone had given me a small amount of relief, but it became increasingly apparent that it was not bringing about the healing that I needed. I had begun to contemplate a future that included this pain as part of my daily life. I was discouraged.
At this time we began treatment on the DRX. I have to admit I was a mite fearful at first. I didn’t know if the machine would hurt or if it would help. Vut the pain had made me desperate. After about ten treatments, I began to experience some relief and douns that I could sleep better, and could even sit for awhile without increasing my pain level. After twnty treaments, most of the pain was gone. By twnety-two treatments, I am pain-free. I still have to be careful, and I know my body is not finished healing. But the relief from pain has changed my outlook on life and, thankfully, I will enjoy Christmas without pain, something I dared not hope for before this treatment.
My thanks to the Fontana’s and to Peggy for caring for me as if i’m one of the family.
Lisa S…
File: Fontana Family Chiropractic Evergreen Colorado
…Dr Fontana and his great staff, they are the best in my book!!
5 March 2008Lonnie R. M… (40) 3.3.03
I first came to Dr. Fontana’s office on Dec. 19th to seek advice on chronic back pain in my L-5 region. After my consult I decided to go with the DRX treatments. My back at first when I came in was painful every day and I had times when I could not move from shooting pain through this area for 1-5 secs. After starting the treaments and following Dr. Fontana’s advice within a few days the shooting pain decreased and lower back pain was not an all day and night ordeal. As i’m aware of my back problem today, after all my treatments this no longer stops me from everyday activities and things I had given up. My pain level decreased from 7 – 2 on a scale of 1-10 (one being pain free) and I believe that if I continue with Dr. Fontana’s exercise program as well; I can minimize the pain for time to come. Lastly, his staff is one of the best and I couldn’t have asked for better care from them or Dr. Fontana. If you need help or care for this lower back pain I would without a doubt send you to Dr. Fontana and his great staff, they are the best in my book!!
Lonnie R. M…
File: Fontana Family Chiropractic Evergreen Colorado
This was the best thing I ever did for the health of my back…
4 March 2008Diana V… (45) 9.26.2005
For years I suffered with pain caused by degnerative disc disease. I would get injections and feel better for a short time, then steadily get worse until I would have to take narcotics and finally receive another injection. In August of 2004 I was yet again taking narcotics to try to manage the pain. A friend told me about the DRX 9000 machine and that one was available at Fontana Chiropractic in Evergreen, CO. After checking information about the procedure and visiting the office, I started treament immediately. After only a few treatments I was able to stop taking all medications. I felt better than I had in over six years. The complete treatment plan offered by the Fontana’s included DRX 9000, chiropractic adjustments, ice and stimulation and massage therapy. I looked forward to going to their office. Now more than a year later I still feel great, still not taking any medications. This was the best thing I ever did for the health of my back.
Diana M V…
File: Fontana Family Chiropractic Evergreen Colorado
I highly recommend anyone with back trouble to seek the DRX treatment…
3 March 2008Kevin H… (48) 4.19.05
Dating to 1997 I have had back trouble that continued to affect me. An MRI in 2003 indicated a bulging / herniated disc. The neurosurgeon suggested surgery. I opted for steroid injections and have had 3 of those. Last year, the injection hit my spinal cord resulting in spinal headaches.
At the end of February, my back pain started again and after 3 weeks of pain medication and not able to work, I came to Dr. Fontana’s office to begin the DRX program.
As of this date, I have no pain and am able to resume all activities including skiing, golfing and softball. The staff and Paul and Susan have been fantastic. I really appreciate the quality and results they have provided.
I highly recommend anyone with back trouble to seek the DRX treament program with Drs. Fontanta.
Thank you Kevin F. H…
File: Fontana Family Chiropractic Evergreen Colorado
I would suggest this treatment to others suffering from lower back problems…
3 March 2008Pam J… (51) Wrote on Sept. 3, 2002
Lower left side of my back felt twisted and knotted with a pain down the right leg into the heel of my right foot. Aggrevating and constant nagging pain brought me to the clinic. After sessions of adjustments and stim work I went on to the DRX machine. My lower back and leg pain have been cut in half and I don’t take as many pain medications to get throught the day and night. Half way through the treatments I feel more spacing in my lower spine area with less stiffness and much more flexibility. My cycles have returned and there is more regularity to all other body functions. I look forward to each session and would suggest this treatment to others suffering from lower back problems.
File: Fontana Family Chiropractic Evergreen Colorado