Through our experiences in our San Antonio  clinic, we have found that chronic back discomfort is incredibly common. Due to the failure of the typical treatment methods, a large number of people are living in constant pain needlessly.

While the most commonly-used  treatments have a high failure rate, new advancements in treatment are getting excellent results even for patients who have been suffering for many years without relief.

For a list of alternative, effective natural treatments Click here: Natural Pain Relief Alternatives

One of the most dramatic  breakthroughs we’ve seen in our San Antonio, Texas office is spinal decompression. Spinal decompression is a technologically advanced form of spinal traction that reduces spinal disc bulging, enhances disc hydration and nutrition, and mobilizes spinal joints and connective tissue. For properly-selected patients, the results are often nothing short of amazing.

Unfortunately, spinal decompression remains underutilized as a treatment for a couple of reasons. First, the early marketing for spinal decompression was often hype-filled and factually inaccurate. Although decompression is statistically the most effective treatment currently available for most serious types of back pain, the early marketing for it promoted it as a panacea for all  sufferers. Spinal decompression does enjoy an excellent success rate, but it is not effective in every patient and it is simply not appropriate for every sufferer.

Another reason that spinal decompression continues to be underutilized for treating  painful back problems is due to the usual challenges that all new health care procedures face in the United States.

The problem is that insurance companies refuse coverage for medical procedures that don’t have an established procedure code. The American Medical Association produces the codes, but won’t add a new code until a decent number of doctors are using the new procedure. Doctors won’t invest in the equipment and/or training to use the new procedure if it’s not covered by insurance (because they will have a hard time getting paid for it). This brings us back to the insurance companies not covering the new procedure because there’s no code for it. Because of this system, it usually takes several years for any new treatment to be widely used, no matter how beneficial it may be.

Due to the lack of insurance coverage for spinal decompression, many of the  patients we consult with at our san antonio spinal decompression clinic will opt to go with insurance-covered treatment methods. Unfortunately many of these continue to live in pain for years and spend thousands of dollars in insurance co-pays and deductibles on the standard back pain treatments without any lasting relief.

Many of these  sufferers finally opt for surgery looking for a cure for their symptoms. Statistically, about half of the patients who do seek a surgical treatment  discover that the surgery either does not help or makes things worse.

While spinal decompression is far from 100% successful, it does get good to excellent results for the vast majority of back pain patients. Ironically, although some patients we’ve consulted with have opted to go the surgery route because they think it will be less expensive due to it being covered by insurance, most back surgeries wind up being more expensive to the patient than spinal decompression.

What many patients fail to realize is that the co-payments for a high-priced medical procedure like back surgery will usually run several thousand dollars. Even with no insurance coverage at all, spinal decompression typically costs the patient less out of pocket than an average  surgery, and a lot less than a complicated back surgery.

In most cases, spinal decompression is statistically the most effective treatment available and in the long-run is also usually the most cost-effective treatment available.

Dr. Michael Golab, D.C. and Dr. Ronald Fielden, D.C. are the treating doctors at South Texas Non Surgical Spinal Center. Visit their website for more about spinal decompression and their San Antonio back pain treatment program.

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The symptoms have often been difficult to treat, but a new option to this debilitating problem now promises to provide effective relief in most cases with little or no risk.

Get Rid Of Sciatica Naturally Now! Click To Learn How

Natural treatments are also starting to provide some effective suppport alongside conventional treatment and sometimes instead of it as more and more people are turning towards natural relief for sciatic problems, herniated disc or bulging disc and leg or lumbar discomfort and sciatica buttock pain

Causes of Sciatica

Sciatic nerve irritation

The term is often used to describe uncomfortable sensations going down the leg, however the true definition is irritation of the sciatic nerve, which is a combination of several nerves as they leave the lower back. The majority of cases of sciatica are caused by herniated or bulging discs in the lumbar spine. These discs are soft cartilaginous structures that provide cushion between each vertebrae.

Bulging disc/hernia

Discs have both inner and outer portions. The inner area is softer in consistency compared to the outer portion because they have a higher water content. Once the outer fibers become weaker or are damaged the softer material begins to move its way outward because of the pressure on the disc itself. As it moves out it begins to create a bulge or whats called a hernia, causing the disc to protrude outwards and narrowing the hole where the nerve exits.

This can cause pressure and inflammation that can eventually irritate the nerve which in turn causes severe discomfort, numbness or weakness down the legs and in the back

Conventional treatment

Traditional treatment programs typically consist of targetted medication, injections and in severe cases surgery. These approaches may work in the short term to reduce inflammation and decrease the pain somewhat, however they also carry with them significant risk.

The risk to reward benefit is often not worth it long term as most of these treatments are only temporary. If the problem becomes more severe and the nerve is actually compressed then these treatments may offer no relief at all.

Steroid injection

One of the most common treatments applied is steroid injection. This helps to reduce the inflammation. This can definitely bring temporary relief however it has a side effect. Discomfort may come back even worse. It can also trigger an increase in blood sugar.

Surgical intervention

If sciatic pain becomes unbearable then surgical intervention may be recommended. In a small number of cases this treatment may provide relief, at least temporarily. The problem is that surgical outcomes on the spine are low with about a 50% success rate and it brings with it significant risk factors. A common condition called failed back surgery syndrome is associated with spinal surgery and can the result of excessive scar tissue formation, spinal instability after surgery and increased stress on other spinal structures. The risk is also there for the need for a repeat surgery down the road.

Newer methods

Spinal decompression

Spinal decompression is a new procedure that is very effective in relieving symptoms. This treatment doesn’t have any risks or side effects Spinal decompression gently and logarithmicly pulls the spine, safely bypassing the guarding reflex muscle contraction associated with traditional traction. This procedure allows a therapeutic pressure to develop inside the disc space that helps to heal the disc and reduce inflammation or the bulge. This procedure has 80% success rate.

Spinal decompression corrects the problem for a long time. It helps alleviate the discomfort for a long period of time. As the research continues, more and more benefits of spinal decompression continue to arise.

More natural treatments are also available including acupuncture, Eft therapy, special dietary programs to control or reduce inflammation, the use of deep relaxation techniques, such as meditation, the active practice of laughter, massage, chiropractic, magnet therapy and many more.

You can find out about some of these natural cures by clicking below

Natural Cures For Sciatica

By: Dr. Randall Pruitt

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Dr. Randall Pruitt is a board certified chiropractic neurologist. He was a pioneer in the use of Spinal Decompression In Phoenix Arizona. He utilizes the DRX9000 in his practice to achieve results for the treatment of Sciatica In Phoenix

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Sciatica and back pain can be indeed bothersome and disturbing in the long run when left untreated. In a multitude of cases, it can be so painful that you can hardly move around and perform your daily activities. To prevent it from affecting your lifestyle and happiness, you need to treat your back problem as soon as possible.

See a recommended list of natural treatments here

Seeing as most of the back problems are caused by muscle spasm in the back, with the help of some back muscle pain treatment,  painful symptoms will be reduced and you will have more freedom of movement once flexibility has been restored to your back muscles.

An easy procedure to provide relief from your back problem would be to place some cold ice packs on your inflamed back. The reason why cold ice packs are fruitful at reducing painful inflammation is in view of the fact that they are fruitful at reducing swelling and muscle spasms on your back and numbing all the sensation.

A person suffering from upper back trouble may also complain of having shoulder pain. Identifying the root cause of your backaches is major at finding an effective technique to treat it. To do this, all you need to do is to consult your doctor.

By knowing the root causes of your back problems, choosing the appropriate and constructive treatment for your upper back and shoulder pain should be a breeze. You can choose from a variety of natural treatments to provide relief. In spite of everything, it is highly recommended that you seek the advice of a doctor before making a decision about which type of treatment you should use.

Back problems usually happen when the fibre of the muscles are pulled beyond the acceptable levels which is also known as muscle strain in the back.

It may also lead to a bulging disc or herniated disc and sciatic nerve pain

Activities such as lifting heavy object which your back muscles are not strong enough to handle all sitting down all day and hardly moving around can cause a lot of undue stress on your back muscles.

The reason why you are experiencing back discomfort is because your body wants you to take a break to prevent the back muscles from further damage.

Let your body take a break by taking up  meditation

Having a good body posture at all times and doing the back exercises frequently are activities that are critical and of assistance to powerfully treat your back. You can strengthen your back muscles and restore flexibility to your back by performing the back exercises regularly. It should not be a problem to you any more once you have developed a stronger back.

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There are several reasons why a person experiences back pain

Some of the causes of back pain are doing things that your back can not handle such as lifting heavy objects, insufficient daily exercises, weak back muscles, pregnancy, sports injuries and body posture.

You can find a list of highly effective natural remedies for sciatica and lower back pain by clicking here

Back pain whilst pregnant

In cases of maternity, pregnant women often suffer from back pain and pregnancy which are caused by muscle spasms in the back.

Lower back pain and muscle spasms are often experienced when a pregnant woman is having weight problems, the movement of the baby which is causing imbalance to the spine along with the stretching of the pelvis. During pregnancy, maintaining a good posture is very important if you want to ease the amount of back pain you experience and best way to do that is the balance the weight of the baby and keep your spine as straight as possible. There are also a great deal of exercises that are designed for pregnant women to provide them relief from their back pains.

Movement and back pain

Back muscle spasm pain is a common and painful symptom that is often experienced by people who lead sedentary lifestyle. Exercising regularly can prevent your back muscles from getting stiff and consequently causing your back pain. Believe it or not, sitting in one place for hours without moving can produce a lot of stress on your back muscles.

Exercise

Since you hardly move around, your chances of suffering from crippling back pain is even higher on account of your weak back. To restore flexibility and strength to your back muscles, they are indeed many back exercises that are designed in such a way that you can do them easily at home. Performing these exercises as a form of taking a break from your work every hour, you are effectively providing relief for your back and in return you will have more energy and comfort to carry on with your work.

Age related

Aging people are found to be main victims of pain in middle of back. Nearly all elderly people are unable to do anything that can potentially lead to undue stress on the back muscles because their bones and muscles are not as strong as before.

Lower back pain from a bulging disc is a health condition that mainly occurs in the lumbar or lower back region, along the spine

The condition commonly occurs with age, due to natural degeneration of the intervertebral discs

Accident injuries and physical trauma can also bereasons why a person can suffer from middle back muscle pain.

Just the same, treating middle back pain is doable if you have the discipline to perform the  back exercises everyday to strengthen your back muscles. Swimming and stretching out are unusually worthwhile at strengthening the back muscles as well as aiding in the process of recovery.

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Spinal decompression is an advanced form of spinal traction used in the treatment of disc-related back pain and related conditions such as sciatica. The primary difference between true spinal decompression and traction (and inversion) machines is that spinal decompression machines are set up to "trick" the spinal muscles into staying relaxed during treatment, allowing for greater changes in disc pressure than with regular traction, which has to fight the resistance of the muscles. Spinal decompression treatment provides excellent results for many people, but some fail to get any improvement at all, and others may even feel worse. I will attempt to explain the most common reasons for these treatment failures, and give suggestions for how to know when spinal decompression is and is not likely to help you.

Spinal decompression in my San Antonio office has been quite successful for most patients, but it is not appropriate or effective for every patient. It has been my observation that some providers of spinal decompression services will recommend it as a "cure-all" for all patients in an attempt to keep their machines full and maximize their return on investment on the equipment. Even the best doctors don’t have a 100% success rate, because no treatment works for everyone. The problem is when doctors accept patients who are not really good candidates for treatment, the results are lacking, and some poorly-selected patients may even temporarily get worse when they receive this form of treatment.

From my experiences in my San Antonio practice, the patients who get the best results with spinal decompression are those with one or more bulging/herniated discs and patients with mild to moderate disc degeneration. Patients who have previously undergone disc surgery are somewhat more complicated, but most still get good results when they meet the selection criteria (no metal implantation in the spine, no spinal instability, and no impaired healing at the site of surgery). The vast majority of people who meet these criteria get very good results and are usually able to return to their normal activities without any significant pain.

While there are case reports that indicate complete disc ruptures can be treated with spinal decompression, in my experience, people with actual ruptures tend to not do very well with this form of treatment. It should be noted that even doctors sometimes incorrectly call a disc bulge or herniation a rupture. True disc ruptures (also called extrusions and sequestered discs), in which the inner gel of the disc is actually leaking out, are relatively rare, so it is good to find out for sure what your actual condition is.

In addition to the importance of applying spinal decompression only in the appropriate cases, it is extremely important for the doctor or technician operating the machine to set the patient up properly for the treatment. Several factors are involved, and every spinal decompression system has its own unique set-up procedure. Ongoing training of any personnel who operate this type of equipment is essential. It is very easy to get sloppy with setting up patients on the equipment, and this leads to ineffective treatment. Overall, because of the design of the better spinal decompression systems, even very poor patient set-ups rarely lead to patient injury, but mistakes in the use of the machine can definitely prevent the patient from getting the desired results and might cause a temporary flare-up in symptoms. To help avoid this problem, I recommend asking any potential spinal decompression provider you may be considering seeking treatment with about his or her training for the operators of the equipment. A one-time training done when the equipment was first received is simply not sufficient. I strongly recommend working with providers who perform re-training on the equipment on at least a quarterly basis.

One other consideration is the fact that some patients are not good candidates for spinal decompression treatment because of their inability or unwillingness to follow the recommended treatment protocol. In my experience, the primary reasons why a patient can’t or won’t follow the treatment recommendations are usually related to money and/or time.

A complete spinal decompression program of care that inclues decompression as well as additional treatments may seem expensive to some people. Since spinal decompression is an alternative to disc surgery though, a cost comparison with surgery will show spinal decompression to be much less expensive with statistically much better resuts, making it a good value in most cases. Even so, some people try to lower the cost by attempting to reduce the amount of treatment they get. In my experiences from my San Antonio office, this approach is often a very big mistake. The people who discontinue care prematurely will often feel better and return to activities before their disc condition is stable. This can lead to re-injury and even worse problems. In my opinion, it is far better to invest in the recommended treatment in order to get maximum benefits.

Of course, some people fail to follow treatment recommendations primarily because they have busy lives and are unwilling to spend the time on getting better. This type of patient tends to miss a lot of appointments and may go long periods of time between treatment sessions. Unfortunately, the success of spinal decompression usually depends on getting the recommended amount of treatment at the recommended frequency of treatments. The effectiveness and results are not as good when people don’t make time for their appointments. What some busy people fail to realize is that if they don’t set aside time to properly deal with their health problem, sooner or later that health problem will deteriorate to the point where it forces them to make time to get treatment, and this often occurs when they are at their busiest and treatment is least convenient. It is my recommendation to invest the necessary time in getting better, rather than do the treatment intermittently and not get the best results.

To summarize, spinal decompression can be an extremely effective treatment for people suffering with pain from bulging and degenerated discs, but it is important that doctors select patients for this treatment carefully and make sure that the technicians operating the equipment get refresher training regularly to be sure patients are being set up on the machine properly. Patients need to take the responsibility to follow the treatment recommendations to allow for maximum correction and healing.

Dr. George Best has been providing spinal decompression in San Antonio, Texas since 2006 with the DRX9000 system. For additional infomation, visit his website at www.spinesanantonio.com.

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What exactly is a herniated disc?

A herniated disc results from the degeneration of the spinal disc due to aging or an injury to the spine. When a disc herniation takes place, the cushion that lies between the spinal vertebra is pushed outside of its usual position. It can cause pain, weakness and numbness in the lower back and leg. Read on to know more about the symptoms and treatment of herniated disc.

The human spine or backbone is made from 33 bones, known as vertebrae. There are 7 cervical vertebrae, 12 thoracic vertebrae and 5 lumber vertebrae. There is the sacrum (5 vertebrae fused together) beneath the fifth lumber vertebra, followed by the coccyx or tail bone (3 vertebrae fused together).

These vertebrae are cushioned by small, soft pads of cartilage. Spinal discs comprise a jelly-like inner layer, called nucleus and a tough outer layer, called annulus fibrosus. These discs act as a shock-absorber and protect the spine from any kind of injury or stress. Spinal discs also allow bending movements of the spine.

If the spinal disc degenerates due to aging or any injury, the soft inner layer may rupture and get herniated through the annulus fibrosus. This can cause irritation of the spinal nerve, leading to pain, weakness and numbness in the lower back, arm and leg.

This condition is known as a herniated disc. It is also referred to as compressed disc, bulging disc, prolapsed disc, slipped disc, ruptured disc or herniated intervertebral disc. Herniated disc most commonly occurs in between the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae in the lower back (lumbar spine); however, it can also occur in the cervical spine.

Causes

When this disc problem is associated with wear and tear due to aging is known as degenerative disc disease. As the water content and elasticity of the nucleus of the disc are reduced with aging, people between the age of 30 and 50 are at higher risk of herniated disc. Lifting heavy objects can also lead to spinal disc herniation.

Sometimes, traumatic events such as a fall or any injury to the spine can cause it. Smoking reduces the oxygen levels in the body, causing deficiency of vital nutrients in the body tissues, thus increases the risk of a disc herniating. Some other risk factors include excess body weight, being tall (men taller than 5 feet 11 inches and women taller than 5 feet 7 inches) and occupations that cause excess stress to the spine.

Symptoms

The severity of the symptoms may vary depending upon the position and the size of the herniation. If it is pressing on the nerve roots, then it can cause pain and numbness in the back and legs. If the hernia is in the lower back, then it causes back pain known as sciatica that spreads to the buttocks and legs. Lower back pain and leg pain may worsen after sitting, sneezing or coughing. If it occurs in the upper back, then it can lead to neck pain that may spread to the shoulders and upper arms.

Some other symptoms are numbness, tingling, weakness and muscle spasms. In some rare cases, this condition can lead to cauda equina syndrome, which is caused due to compression of the spinal nerve roots. Emergency surgery is required to relieve the pressure and cure cauda equina syndrome; otherwise it can cause permanent weakness or paralysis. If left untreated, a herniated disc can lead to some complications such as increasing pain and numbness in one or both legs, bowel or bladder dysfunction and progressive loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

If you experience back pain or leg pain that interferes with normal activities for more than a week, then you should consult an orthopedist. Certain tests are suggested by the doctor for diagnosis such as straight-leg-raising test, cross straight-leg-raising test and screening neurological examination. Certain imaging tests like X-ray, CT scan, MRI scan and myelogram are performed to confirm the location of the herniated disc and to detect which nerve is affected.

Treatment

Treatment is decided depending upon the severity of the symptoms. There are surgical as well as nonsurgical options. Nonsurgical methods include pain relievers, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, hydrotherapy, electrical stimulation, cold therapy, heat therapy, bracing, traction and stretching. You can also benefit from certain exercises like dynamic lumbar stabilizing exercises and aerobic exercises with pain-free activities.

There are also many natural alternative methods and treatments available to relieve or cure this condition. See some suggestions here, natural cures

In some severe cases, surgical options such as minimally invasive and decompression procedures are recommended.

Nonsurgical Treatment

Many a time,  improvement can occur with nonsurgical treatment options which aims at reducing irritation of the nerve, relieving pain and improving physical activities. Primary treatment is administered for  back pain relief . You need to limit or modify the activities like prolonged sitting, lifting heavy objects or bending, which can aggravate the symptoms. Physical therapy and exercises can help increase the strength and flexibility. Pain relievers like acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and aspirin can help to reduce pain and relieve inflammation of the nerve roots.

Neuropathic pain medications like pregabalin, gabapentin and duloxetine can be effective for painful nerve conditions. Lower doses of tricyclic antidepressants like nortriptyline can also help to relieve pain.

A natural pain reliever might be the preference, such as using Eazol

If you have persistent back spasms, then your doctor prescribes muscle relaxants like methocarbamol, cyclobenzaprine or carisoprodol. If pain is not improved with these medications, then corticosteroids are administered orally or through epidural injection. Some other treatment options including cold or heat therapy, bracing, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), hydrotherapy and traction are also helpful in relieving pain.

Deep relaxation can be achieved through learning to  meditate , or by regularly listening to relaxing music and a method gaining in popularity nowadays is the use of laughter as a pain reliever

Once pain is relieved, the treatment is given to strengthen and stabilize the spine and restore spinal function. Rehabilitation involves physiotherapy and various exercises such as stretching, aerobics, and dynamic lumbar stabilization exercise. These back strengthening exercises help control pain, correct the posture, strengthen the muscles and improve flexibility.

Surgical Treatment Options: If you don’t experience any improvement with nonsurgical treatment options after a period of time, then surgical options are recommended. Surgical treatment is aimed at relieving pain and preventing irritation of the spinal nerve due to herniated disc. Minimally invasive procedures include chemonucleolysis and endoscopic discectomy. Open decompression involves discectomy, microdiscectomy and spinal fusion.

Some alternative treatment options are also found to be effective such as acupuncture, massage, spinal manipulation and yoga. You can prevent potential problems by doing regular exercise, maintaining good posture and healthy weight, and quitting smoking.

By Reshma Jirage

Herniated disc success story!

New York Chirpractor specializes in Spinal Decompre fef ssion. Non Surgical spinal decompression for treatment of herniated discs. Whole Body vibration using the PowerPlate and Cold Laser therapy.

Back Pain Treatment

Probably the worst back issue that can happen to someone is a herniated disc. There may be other worse conditions, but a herniated disc is all too common today. The mainstream method of treatment is surgery. This is rarely sucessful.

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