Spinal decompression therapy NYC-Manhattan's only Patented spinal decompression center

Herniated Discs and Spinal Decompression

2011-08-11T11:16:00.002-04:00

As an NYC pain relief center, Living Well Medical and all of our therapists, chiropractors and doctors are intimately familiar with the causes of back and neck pain; some of us have even gone through that pain ourselves in addition to having treated it before. Among the most notorious of the conditions we treat is the herniated disc - it regularly takes our patients out of the flow of their lives and steals productivity, activity and general happiness. Having seen this so many times, it’s no surprise that Living Well Medical has become a place of expertise for the non-surgical treatment of this condition. Today, I wanted to talk a little bit about a particular technology we use to treatment disc herniations of the back and neck called spinal decompression and how it works. Hopefully, if a herniated disc is causing you pain, you will see that there are options to becoming pain free that don’t involve a surgical center.

As many of you likely know, a herniated disc is a problem that occurs when the inner portion of a spinal disc pushes outward into the spinal canal. It’s not uncommon for that protrusion to compress spinal nerves causing inflammation, pain and potential disability. What’s more, spinal injuries and problems of this sort typically take long periods of time to heal because many of the smaller structures of the spine like intervertebral discs are largely avascular and have little blood supply with which to obtain nutrients that can aid in repairs.

At our office, we use the DRX 9000 spinal decompression system. During treatment with the DRX 9000, a patient will lie down on a table and be specially harnessed to the device. A specific program is created to only target the discs that are herniated and causing pain. When the program is run, a precise stretch is applied to the spine, lengthening the spine and creating more space between the vertebrae. This takes pressure off of the disc; reduced load on the disc enables it to more easily bring in those desperately needed fluids and nutrients.

Spinal decompression seeks to lend support to the natural healing process, so it is completely non-invasive. Over a series of treatment sessions, the herniation can be made to return to its original position in the disc, relieving pain and restoring proper function. However, it’s important to note that spinal decompression is not for everyone and results will vary from person to person. People who have had spinal fusion surgery in the past are unfortunately not candidates for decompression with the DRX 9000.

For more information on pain treatment at Living Well Medical in NYC or on spinal decompression, give our office a call at 212-645-8151. We’re here to help when you need us.

- Dr. Shoshany, NYC Chiropractor

What Causes Sciatica?

2011-06-27T14:18:00.001-04:00

In the world of back and neck pain, sciatica is perhaps one of the best known names. It’s like the superstar of back pain and neck pain. Well, more like the super villain. The point is, sciatica gets a lot of attention for good reason - it hurts like crazy and it’s unfortunately common. Back pain that leads to downtime may be experienced by as high an estimate as 80% of the population in America. Sciatica is involved in a rather high number of those cases.

So what the heck causes sciatica? What are the reasons we get it? It sounds like the same question but not quite. One is an anatomical explanation and the other leads us into specific conditions. That’s because sciatica isn’t really a disease or condition; sciatica is just a group of symptoms related to nerve impingement. And it’s in the nerves where we begin to find our explanation.

As you know, the spine is a huge conduit running the “wires” of our nervous system. It’s a delicate structure that the entire body depends on to function properly with tasks like collecting data, relaying signals and providing motion and function to our bodies. Sometimes, due to age, accident or some combination thereof, the nerves become squished as they exit the spine causing irritation, inflammation and ultimately, pain. Pain varies from person to person and based on severity of the nerve compression, but it’s pretty much part of the deal. Sciatica specifically indicates that the sciatic nerves in the spine (they exit the spinal canal in the lower back) are affected. The lower back and neck are generally more susceptible to injury of this kind because there is a much greater range of motion.

So what about conditions? Why do I get sciatica? There are, sadly, many reasons people feel the stinging, burning pains of sciatica. In addition, they can only be confirmed with MRI findings. Problems like herniated or bulging discs, spinal stenosis and piriformis syndrome are some of the more well known culprits. Spondylolisthesis or spinal tumors are less likely but also real contributors to lumbar pain.

The main thing I hope you take away from this is that if you have back pain, see a doctor right away. At Living Well Medical in NYC we specialize in treating pain without surgical intervention. Give us a call today if you need help at 212-645-8151.

- Dr. Shoshany, NYC Chiropractor

Common Causes of Neck Pain

2011-05-31T13:52:00.001-04:00

You never know when you might have a new pain in the neck - you wake up from a nap or you move in a seemingly harmless way, and all of a sudden, you feel a twinge. Neck pain is, as implied by the expression, at least an annoyance if not an outright miserable experience. Especially as it relates to muscular issues (which account for a good number of neck pain cases), the pain can descend suddenly and stick around for an inordinate amount of time. This is particularly true if you don’t get the right kind of treatment. At Living Well Medical in NYC, we deal with neck injuries and pain of all types, so we’re familiar with most causes. Here we’ll be discussing a couple of them. Of course, if you have questions, we’re here to answer them.

Muscle injury/tension

Those of us who are very active or have jobs that require strenuous activity will perhaps be familiar with neck pain from a muscle injury. Repetitive motions can overtax muscle tissue causing pain and inflammation. With neck pain, it usually is indicated by difficulty with a certain range of motion.

Injuries of this type can typically be treated with manual therapies like physical therapy, Active Release Techniques, the Graston Technique, and/or chiropractic.

Herniated Spinal Discs

Neck pain because of a herniated disc is a much different affair than a muscle problem. Pain is of a different variety, shooting and burning, sometimes extending out into the arms and upper back. It tends to be much more severe, although that is a case by case thing.

In order to be sure you have a herniated disc, MRIs and nerve tests are necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

Spinal disc herniation often requires a more multidisciplinary approach to get the best results. One of the staples of treatment in our office is spinal decompression with the DRX9000, a cutting edge non-surgical technology specifically designed for the relief of pain related to herniated discs.

As a practice that focuses on pain relief, neck pain is one of the most common problems we see. If neck pain has been a problem for you and just won’t go away, give us a call. We have experience treating just about any kind of pain. Call us today at 212-645-8151 and come on in. We’re here to help.

- Dr. Shoshany, NYC Chiropractor

Getting Treated for a Herniated Disc

2011-05-10T11:08:00.002-04:00

A herniated disc is a pain unlike anything else. To say it completely interrupts your life is a total understatement. To say it can be absolute misery is perhaps too bluntly saying it like it is. The main point is, for people suffering with a herniated disc, getting relief is nearly the only thing on their minds. At Living Well Medical in NYC, we’ve been helping people find lasting relief and even go back to being pain-free for years, and we do it without surgical intervention.

Herniated disc treatment programs at our New York office generally involves many different facets to improve overall wellness. Changes in nutrition and diet, physical therapy to improve muscle stability, chiropractic to adjust the spinal alignment, acupuncture to relief pain and stress, and a wealth of other soft tissue techniques like massage and Active Release can all constitute a full pain relief program at Living Well Medical. However, a major component that contributes to lasting benefits is spinal decompression therapy.

This therapeutic device is relatively new as a treatment for herniated, bulging or prolapsed discs, but the results it has achieved have pushed it to right near the top of the non-surgical back pain treatment list.

By applying closely monitored and computer-regulated amounts of stretch to the spine in the areas of herniation/bulge, pressure on the injured discs can be relieved, allowing them to pull badly needed nutrients and fluids into themselves. In so doing, damaged disc structures may be repaired and pain relieved. The device allows patients to lie down and relax during treatment; many even fall asleep during a typical treatment session.

The advancements in non-surgical pain relief like spinal decompression therapy have enabled us to help people in numbers we were not able to before. If a herniated disc is at the core of your pain, contact our office @ 212-645-8151 and ask about spinal decompression. We want to help you stop the pain.

- Dr. Shoshany, NYC Chiropractor

Does Spinal Decompression Work?

2011-04-28T15:25:00.010-04:00

We were one of the first chiropractic and pain management centers in New York City to employ the DRX9000 technology to help patients suffering from back pain. From personal experience its become very clear that using the DRX 9000 to treat people with herniated or bulging discs has a great and clear effect on a patient's life.

Yes. Spinal Decompression works.

Spinal decompression, unlike surgery is non invasive and does not require the use of foreign materials of fragments of your own bone to treat painful conditions of the spine. It requires no drugs or injections, and does not have harmful side effects. The reason spinal decompression may be hard to find is because it is a very specialized piece of equipment. It treats back and neck pain, and it does it well. Most patients who are suffering from back pain and/ or sciatica and other forms of pain stemming from problems with intervertebral discs are never made aware of this amazing, non surgical option.

From my own personal experience it has become clear that it definitely helps alleviate painful symptoms and improve quality of life. Our patients who have received spinal decompression have demonstrated great results and sometimes the relief is even imminent.

Is anyone a candidate for spinal decompression?

Not everyone is a candidate for spinal decompression. Those that are very obese, have certain metal implants form surgery and other health issues and conditions, and people that have undergone spinal fusion surgery, along with a few other conditions, are not suitable candidates for spinal decompression. You cant know for sure until you schedule a consultation and get evaluated by a doctor. This can actually be done for free since we have been offering free consultations to people who are looking for surgical alternatives.

Specifically I recall one patient that had undergone chiropractic and physical therapy treatment with us for a long time. Due to time, wear and tear and age this particular patient was not improving much. Most people that get chiropractic adjustments feel better almost immediately and we combine our chiropractic adjustments with physical therapy, massage, the Graston Technique, and Cold Laser Therapy among other treatment protocols to help almost any painful condition. However due to their age and the amount of time and the intensity of the symptoms, they were evaluated for spinal decompression. It was a huge step in the right direction, not only did the painful symptoms decrease, but after continued treatment there was a very noticeable remission of pain, numbness and loss of sensation.

There aren't any long term studies done of spinal decompression, but the short term results have been very promising. We have done case studies ourselves on patients that were taking some very strong prescription medication with many side effects that interfered with their daily lives greatly. The results were overwhelmingly positive, and they were able to get off prescription drugs and get back to living their lives.

Sciatica and leg pain

2011-04-19T14:17:00.001-04:00

It’s extremely common, extremely painful and extremely frustrating. It’s sciatica, one of the most
common problems contributing to people missing work in the US. Contrary to popular usage
in everyday speech, it’s not a condition. Rather, it’s a grouping of symptoms which include
everything that stinks about back troubles.

Here’s a short list of sciatica’s greatest hits (tongue firmly planted in cheek):

Lower Back Pain
Leg Pain
Burning Sensation
Numbness/Tingling
Muscular Weakness

So you read that list and think, I have some one or more of these symptoms and it’s the worst
- you might be a sciatica sufferer. One of the tricks that back pain causing conditions pull,
is to have very similar results. As a form of radiculopathy (when related to herniated discs
compressing the sciatic nerve, the namesake of sciatica), these types of symptoms are often
associated, although the direct cause may differ. That’s why spinal decompression practitioners
and other pain specialists typically require MRIs to determine the root cause of pain.

In many cases, disc irregularities like herniation or degeneration cause the nerve compression
that leads to irritation, inflammation and pain. Spinal decompression is one of our mainline
treatments for conditions like these, but Living Well Medical in NYC is multidisciplinary facility;
physical therapy, acupuncture, massage, chiropractic, Active Release Technique and so many
other techniques are available under one roof. Based on what we find, we create a unique
treatment program that is built around what’s wrong with you - none of these cookie cutter
programs you find in other pain clinics.

Sciatica is a major problem - it puts your life on hold completely. I talk to patients who can’t
stand, can’t sit, can’t even lie down to sleep properly because the pain is always there. The
most important thing is to see a doctor if the pain doesn’t go away in short order. Call us at 212-
645-8151.

I Hurt Myself While Carrying My Laptop

2011-04-14T17:53:00.004-04:00

We sometimes see patients come in who haven't had a slip or fall or an accident or have any sudden trauma occur, but instead they complain about pain resulting from every day activities, like running to catch the train, or just carrying your laptop around in a messenger bag.

Up until a few years ago, messenger bags weren't very popular, backpacks with shoulder straps were really the only method of carrying your stuff. As messenger bags became more popular, and more accepted in the workplace, partly due to their ability to not look awkward and out of place with a business suit, we started seeing more patients with neck and shoulder, and hip pain from carrying awkwardly secured loads.

Recently a patient complained of neck pain, while he was running late, with his heavy laptop and a few other items loaded in to his messenger bag. There was no accident, no fall, so sudden impact, just running around Manhattan like most of us do on a daily basis.

Messenger bags are fairly hard to secure firmly against the body, and will pretty much always move around and they require constant adjusting, and most people have a preferred side to carry the load on. Not to rail against messenger bags, but they can be a cause for some serious long term chronic, painful conditions. That said there are some helpful ways that we can modify the behavior of the owner of the bag to reduce the incidence of pain and injury.

What does the bag do to cause pain/ injury?

Well, the messenger bag only has one strap and must carry the load to one side while pulling across the body, this causes the opposite oblique and abdominal muscles to contract much harder and more often than is the load was centered on the body.

The Leg to the side of the bag, must work harder, and required much more hip flexor activity to lift the leg while walking, fighting the load of the bag.

The quadriceps and glute muscle to the side of the bag must work harder when going up stairs and bear more impact when going down stairs.

Bearing the load across the body also causes the opposite trapezius muscle to contract for long periods of time, and also recruits the sternocleidomastoid to the same side and causes them to contract in unison to fight the load.

The load often causes the owner of the bag to "lead with their head", leaning the head forward and out, and may lead to developing Forward Head Posture (FHP).

These misalignments in the body can lead to neck pain, back pain, and over time, lead to postural distortions that can develop in to chronic, painful conditions.

How do I avoid Potential Pain?

Switch it up: Switch between the messenger bag and a backpack, and make sure each is carried sung, and securely

Tighten: Make sure the items inside the bag fit securely, that they don't move around too much, tighten straps, and cords to keep things from moving around too much.

Posture: Pay attention to when you are leaning, or moving in a way you naturally wouldnt, and switch sides, switch between carrying the bad over either shoulder equally.

Train: Make sure you are training your body so that your "core" isnt used to handling awkward loads.

Get Help!

We usually treat neck pain and back pain stemming from carrying awkward loads with a combination of Physical Therapy, Behavior Modification, Chiropractic adjustments, and we also use techniques like Graston Technique, and Gaitscan Analysis to address the surrounding musculature and find other problems with the body that may be contributing to the pain/ injury.

Did I Pinch a Nerve?

2011-03-14T12:31:00.002-04:00

It might start with just a movement that was a little too quick or a funny position that just didn’t feel right. Maybe you picked up a moving box and felt ‘something pop.’ Before you know it, your in so much pain that you can barely do anything without feeling it. I see people like this all the time at Living Well Medical in SoHo. It doesn’t take much, especially once you get into your late 50’s and higher. Your back gets a little more delicate because the spinal discs don’t work quite like they used to. It’s natural.

So inevitably your mind goes to the worst case scenario: did I pinch a nerve? It’s a scary question.

Everyone knows someone that has had severe back pain. Back pain is one of the most (if not the most) common debilitating conditions in the US. Pinched nerves because of a problem with spinal discs is only one of a host of conditions that lead to serious back pain, but for the purposes of the this blog, we’ll only focus on that (since I deal with them pretty regularly). It takes an MRI to really know if that’s the case, and after you’ve had one you can get cleared for treatment.

Conventional medical clinics will often propose surgical intervention, but no one wants that. If you can avoid the surgical knife and get relief, why the heck not? What’s more, surgery outcomes too often fall short of the hopes of the patients, occasionally having no effect at all (or even worsening things).

Here at Living Well we have a wide variety of non-surgical treatments that we use to get people back in control of their lives and their pain. That might include any number of methods like spinal decompression therapy, Active Release Technique, physical therapy, massage, acupuncture, or chiropractic adjustment, - the list goes on - but the specifics of your case and problem will dictate what is chosen.

The main thing is, if your think you have a pinched nerve, go to a doctor! Pain like that doesn’t normally just “go away” on its own; you need a little backup. If you are hurting, give us a call today at 212-645-8151.

Be well!

- Dr. Shoshany, NYC Chiropractor

C5, C6 Herniated Cervical Disc Herniation

2011-03-08T19:37:00.003-05:00

Waking up not being able to move your neck seems like a serious issue, most people would definitely freak out a little, running their options through their mind, imagining the worst possible scenarios. Thoughts of the long waiting times in the emergency rooms, the constant pain, the impact on quality of life, and the thought of going under the knife would leave most people feeling defeated.

However giving up and not doing some serious research and seeking out second opinions when it comes to your health options can be a pretty big oversight, because there aren't many more important things in life than health.

Chiropractic adjustments remove interference with the nervous system, allowing the body to heal itself, these interferences can range from tight muscles, muscular imbalances, postural distortions, to herniated or bulging discs. Chiropractic is also the overwhelming alternative to surgery in The U.S.

Here is a Patient Testimonial from Living Well Medical.

What is Sciatica

2011-03-07T18:00:00.007-05:00

New York City residents are very likely to suffer from back problems, which can often mean suffering from leg pain or numbness in the form of Sciatica.

Sciatica isn't a condition itself but it is the symptoms of a spinal nerve being impinged, irritated, or otherwise agitated from a bulging, herniated or ruptured spinal disc. Here is a short video about Sciatica, using the "Superspine" spinal model.

What Causes Leg Pain?

2011-02-22T15:22:00.002-05:00

As New Yorkers, we are always on the move. Time is money; you’ve got to move fast in this town to succeed. That’s one reason that chronic or severe leg pain is a big problem. More than anything, it’s the pain that’s the problem of course, but the consequences to everyday life are quite noticeable too. So what the heck causes leg pain? How is it capable of so acutely affecting our lives? To the second question, there is probably no satisfactory answer aside from the obvious one (being in constant pain is miserable), but the first is much more quantifiable.

Leg pain is a very general term and doesn’t tell us a lot about the underlying causes, but as far as patients we often see at Living Well Medical here in NYC are concerned, they generally belong to two categories: neurological and musculoskeletal.

Neurological of course means that it involves the nervous system. The legs and lower body is innervated by the sciatic nerve roots that exit the spine in lumbosacral region (lower back and pelvic area). Sometimes, other structures like muscles, fascia or support structures like spinal discs can impinge upon these important nerves. The result can be pain (in the legs, lower back, buttocks, etc.), numbness, tingling, muscle weakness and worse in extreme cases. The most common symptoms are generally associated with sciatica, a group of symptoms related to a pinched sciatic nerve. So essentially, a pinched nerve from something like a bulging or herniated disc might be at the heart of the pain. Spinal decompression, chiropractic adjustment with the Cox flexion technique and even traditional pain management are commonly part of a Living Well Medical complete pain relief programs for leg pain of this type.

Musculoskeletal pain is another common culprit in leg pain, particularly sports-related injuries. If you have ever pulled a hamstring or strained a calf, you know what it feels like. Shin splints, Achilles tendonitis, runner’s knee - there is a world of injuries that come with physical activity. Your legs probably hurt because you have overexerted yourself in some way with these types of injuries. Whether related to repeated stresses on a muscle group or heavy weight bearing activity, your body has a threshold past which you shouldn’t force it. We regularly treat patients like these with non-invasive treatments like Active Release Technique and massage therapy, but the particulars of the case will always determine the course of treatment; there isn’t really a cookie-cutter way to relieve pain. At least, not if you want lasting relief.

So those are the basics of leg pain. It should be noted that this in no way covers everything. It’s mainly meant to show some of our more common leg pain causes. If you have leg pain, we’re here. Call Living Well Medical in SoHo New York and make an appointment - 212-645-8151.

- Dr. Shoshany, NYC Chiropractor

Chiropractic treatment for Lower Back Pain

2011-02-22T13:32:00.008-05:00

As the findings of a recent Cochrane study recently confirmed, Chiropractic care for Lower back pain is as safe and effective as traditional medical care, but what may set it apart is its non invasive method, and its track record of safety. Over the past decade there have been about 106,000 deaths per year due to the negative effects of drugs, and drug treatment. NSAID medications alone, produce 10,000-20,000 fatalities from adverse effects on multiple organs, in the United States alone. Chiropractic is the leading choice for alternative pain treatment in the United States, that doesn't involved drugs or medication.

Combining Treatments
Chiropractic treatment is a great method alone, but when combined with other treatment methods, such as the Graston Technique, Cold Laser Therapy, and rehabilitative Physical Therapy, the effects of Chiropractic manipulation can be combined with these advanced treatment methods to create a individualized approach to speeding up the body's natural healing process.

Graston Technique
The Graston Technique is a soft tissue modality that employs several specially designed metal instruments that help treat the build up of scar tissue and other muscular adhesions that may be causing pain, obstructing drainage, resulting in slower healing times, and dysfunction in the body's proper movement patterns.

Cold Laser Therapy
Using a low class laser a beam is focused on to the site of pain, or inflammation for several seconds to minutes depending on the size of the area being treated and the dose provided by the cold laser therapy unit. Low level Laser Therapy may help stimulate the body's healing response and speed up the healing process.

Physical Therapy
Physical Therapy helps the patient return to normal activity through post injury or treatment, by rehabilitating the injured muscles, joints, ligaments, and tendons. It also helps find underlying structural and muscular weaknesses, then using strength and flexibility exercises addresses the weakness or imbalances.

A combined approach to helping clear the obstructions in the body's natural drainage and healing systems, allows for a reduction in pain, faster heeling, a correction of underlying physiological causes, a reduction in the need for pain medication, and can also help strengthen underlying structural and muscular faults which may lead to dysfunction in the first place.

Questions on lower back pain.

2011-01-09T21:36:00.013-05:00

I often get questions emailed to from people all over the world concerned about their back pain. These people are looking for alternatives to surgery:
When I have permission I post questions and answers:

The first person is from Egypt

Question on lower back pain

Question: I am very worried about the MRI result i recently received and would like an insight on what courses of treatment may be available for this condition. I would also like to know how serious this condition is. The accident referred to in the findings took place more than 10 years ago.

Thanks,

Findings:
- Status post motor car accident, the current study reveals:
- L4-L5 and L5-S1 discs are degenerated and show diffuse bulges
with associated small posterior central component at L5-S1 level
indenting the ventral thecal sac and attenuate the inlets of both
neural foramina at both levels, being slightly more on the left at
L5-S1.
- Buckling of ligamenta flava at L4-L5 level which augments the
discogenic canal stenosis.
- Rest of imaged discs are unremarkable.
- Intact vertebral bodies and neural arches with normal MR signal
intensity of their bone marrow.
- Noligamentum flavum hypertrophy.
- No facet joint arthropathy.
- Noprimary spinal canal stenosis.
- Normal MRI structural appearance and signal intensity of the
conus medullaris.
- Normal MRI appearance of retro and para spinal soft tissue
structures.
OPINION:-
L4-L5 and L5-S1 degenerative disc lesions with neural effects
described above.

This is just one piece of picture, Do you have pain or dysfunction?
Are you able to function without pain? The MRI report does indicate that your lower lumbar spine has degenerative changes and the disc has bulges.
When a patient presents with similar findings in our office. NYC Herniated disc Center. we conduct a thorough exam and run diagnostics to understand the extent of the degeneration, dysfunction and/or disability. We utilize a Non-surgical treatment called Spinal Decompression in conjunction with Physical therapy and Chiropractic care . We also find that the more chronic the condition the more emphasis needs to be placed on soft tissue techniques like the Graston technique or Active Release technique(ART). Chronic soft tissue problems respond well to these therapies and have great benefit in restoring normal pain free function.
What treatments have you tried?
Treatment like Chiropractic and traditional Physical therapy should help you with your alignment and core strength.Good luck with your lower back pain treatment and if you have any more questions please email me.

Spinal Decompression Subject: L5/S1 disc protrusion Question: My MRI report reads: Degenerative lateral canal stenosis and medium size posterocentral protrusion at L5/S1.
I have seen an orthopaedic surgeon who recommended surgery as the only option and that too, by having screws fitted in.

I read about spinal decompression which is unfortunately unavailable in my country. Is my condition a permanent deformation that I need to live with or is it a condition that can be healed. I read that through spinal decompression, the bulged disc repairs itself by taking it's original place.

Just because you have a herniated disc or in your case a disc protrusion doesn't mean you need to rush out and get a surgery.Be sure to get at least two more opinions.
There is a time and place for back surgery but when it comes to a herniated disc be sure to exhaust all non-surgical methods first.Chiropractic care,Physical therapy, and if you can handle Pilates, Yoga and spinal strengthening exercises are all great options.
But to answer your question about spinal decompression,it is a excellent treatment for herniated disc and it does help heal the disc.
I have seen hundreds of patients that have been told they need surgery get better with spinal decompression treatment. These people that undergo this treatment not only get symptom relief but when we order a second MRI 2-3 months after the last visit we see a increase in their disc height and reduction of the herniation.

- Dr. Shoshany is a recognised expert in the field of spinal rehabilitation and pain management. He has been a featured guest on the "Today Show", and his articles on spinal rehabilitation and pain management have been published widely.
- Living Well Medical is a state of the art pain management and treatment center, pioneering an integrated approach to healing, and pain relief. It is located in the SOHO/ Tribeca area in the heart of New York City at 632 Broadway.

Pinched Nerve in the Neck - What to do?

2010-12-08T17:08:00.003-05:00

A stiff neck from sleeping funny or bad posture can be a bit of a pain, but for some people with neck problems, it takes on a whole new dimension. A pinched nerve in the neck can be exceedingly painful, so much so that sufferers are often forced to essentially take a break from their lives to recover and get relief from the pain. Here I hope to present a sort of “guide” for someone that believes they have a pinched nerve. But remember, if you are in severe pain, the best route to take is to see an NYC doctor about the problem right away.

Are there any surefire signs of a pinched nerve in the neck?

There is no “absolute” in terms of a pinched nerve in the neck, also called radiculopathy. However, there are some tell-tale signs that may indicate nerve impingement in the cervical vertebrae. That being said, only the proper medical tests like nerve conduction tests and EMG can tell if nerve impulses are indeed being interrupted. They include:

Headaches in back of head

Upper shoulder pain

Burning pain

Tingling, pins & needles in middle, ringer or little finger

What exactly is going on in a pinched nerve?

Although the physical mechanism can vary from place to place, the common thread in all types of radiculopathy is a nerve that is functioning improperly. It may be due to a herniated disc or scar tissue or a muscular problem, but in each case, a nerve is impinged by surrounding tissue and becomes inflamed, affecting its performance and often causing pain/disability.

What are the treatments for a pinched nerve?

At Living Well Medical in NYC, we have several different therapies available on-site that can help reduce inflammation, pain and swelling. In cases caused by a herniated disc, cervical spinal decompression is one of the more cutting edge treatments we use. It’s a next generation technology that can pinpoint individual spinal discs and may be able to stop the pain completely.

For other causes that are myofascial (related to muscles or the fascia), manual therapies like Active Release Technique, physical therapy and traditional gentle chiropractic methods might be more effective in treating the pinched nerve.

I’m pretty sure I have a nerve problem. What should I do?

The main point is to seek help and get the tests done to find out for sure. X-rays, EMGs and nerve tests can be done by our pain management doctors, and we have a vast referral network if you should need an MRI. But don’t wait. If you would like to speak to one of our experts, call Living Well Medical in NYC’s SoHo/NoHo area at (212) 645-8151.

- Dr. Shoshany, NYC Chiropractor

New York Spinal Decompression

2010-11-11T09:17:00.006-05:00

For several years, Living Well Medical in NYC has been helping patients with back and neck pain using spinal decompression therapy.

As a non-surgical treatment for patients with nerve compression in the spine resulting from injuries like herniated discs, bulging discs, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease and facet syndrome.

For spinal issues in the lower back like these, we chose the DRX 9000, an extremely effective decompression system that focuses on ailments of the lumbar spine. Because of the increasingly sedentary lifestyle in the modern world, lower back problems are becoming more common. The DRX 9000 was created to treat the lower back without the need for surgery.

That being said, spinal decompression is not the be-all and end-all for back pain treatment. It can take more than 20 treatments for some people to start seeing relief, and truly effective treatment should also involve postural training and strength exercises to provide greater overall stability. This can help prevent re-injury.

A single decompression session can take up to an hour, including time to be put into the harness and hook a patient up to the machine. The actual treatment often takes only a half hour. In the supine position, patients can relax and many doze off during a session.

One of major distinguishing features of Living Well Medical in NYC is that we have integrated other therapies into a complete spinal re-education program. Techniques like Active Release Technique, gentle chiropractic, cold laser therapy and physical therapy can help improve outcomes and regularly become a part of a custom treatment program.

The results are perhaps the thing we are most proud of about our spinal decompression protocols. Many patients who have found no relief with other methods and have come to us as a last resort only to find that spinal decompression was just what they were looking for all along. Everyone is different, but it offers a ray of hope for those who have not responded to other methods.

Want to know if you are a candidate for spinal decompression at Living Well Medical in NYC? Give us a call today at (212) 645-8151 and schedule your consultation today. We are waiting to help you.

- Dr. Shoshany, NYC Chiropractor

Vicodin and Oxycontin for breakfeast,lunch and diner?

2010-09-20T15:56:00.009-04:00

Vicodin and Oxycontin for breakfeast,lunch and dinner?
To many patients rely on dangerous,addictive medication for their pain relief.

Chiropractic combined with spinal decompression provides a safe, non-drug,non surgical approach to dealing with Chronic and acute low back and neck pains.

We had a patient that was suffering with low back pain and horrible sciaitica, along with neck pain and tingling down into his arms.
His MRI revealed multiple cervical and lumbar disc herniations along with spinal canal stenosis and disc dessication.
We started with gentle Cox flexion, and spinal decompression on the DRX 9000.
We shot this video today, he is improving daily and on to a full recovery and without the pills.
Learn more about our non-surgical,non-drug treatments for Back pain in NYC

Dr. Steven Shoshany

NYC Back pain treatment Testimonials

2010-09-09T15:59:00.003-04:00

We collect testimonials over the years some patients post them on review sites and some email them to me.
I received these two this month via email and wanted to post them:

Back pain treatment NYC-Reviews

I had the amazing good fortune of finding Dr. Steve Shoshany while in NYC. I was injured in a bad car accident 5 months prior to meeting with Dr. Shoshany. I was experiencing pain and stiffness in my neck and sharp, shooting, and throbbing pain and numbness in both arms and hands. I was diagnosed via MRI with a herniated cervical spine disk that was causing strain on the nerve roots that run down my arms. Dr. Steve acknowledged my problem right away. He was able to treat me immediately after my first consultation with him. His treatments included chiropractic spinal adjustments, the cervical spine decompression machine (3D Active Track) for 30 minutes, and then ice and electrostem. I saw Dr. Steve every day for 6 days and the pain relief was immediate. My pain was 70% less in just 6 days! Before seeing Dr. Steve, I spent 5 months in physical therapy and sought treatment with my usual chiropractor, accupuncturist, and an orthopedic acupuncturist. I was undergoing neck traction at my local physcial therapy center in Los Angeles, but it did not compare to the immediate results of the 3D Active Track. Dr. Steve gave me individual attention during each session. His on-staff physical therapists were very friendly and attentive. His practice offered all the latest technology machines. Dr. Steve was able to refer me to a chiropractic office in Los Angeles and even offered to speak to any doctors necessary who would then take up my care. I've been to several other chiropractic centers and no other practice compares! Jessica C New York, NYC

After months of suffering with sciatic symptoms that were not relieved by acupuncture or prescription pain killers, I was skeptical that anything would help. But only two weeks after beginning my spinal decompression sessions with Dr. Shoshany, accompanied by physical therapy and training, I feel like a new person. My quality of life has completely improved, and the daily tasks that were so painful for months are now entirely manageable and virtually pain-free! I know I sound like an infomercial, but I am in utter shock and feel like celebrating!!!

Dr. Shoshany's practice is top notch: the loft-space office is gorgeous, modern, and impressive. He is a chiropractor who works with a physical therapist, a trainer, and an acupuncturist. They provide a holistic approach to healing, as well as the perfect balance of professionalism and personal kindness. They notice the way I lift my bag, they coach me and encourage me. They even researched a dance I was learning to see how it would impact my back! I adore them each.

I highly recommend this practice, both for the experience and the outcome. Good luck
Cecily K. New York, NYC
If you are suffering with back pain,neck pain,arm pain or shooting leg pain (sciatica)
give us a call at (212)645-8151 or visit www.livingwellnewyork.com for an immediate solution to your problem, we hope you can be the next person to write a testimonial for us!

Do I Have Sciatica? How Can I Tell?

2010-08-24T18:53:00.002-04:00

Back pain comes in all shapes and sizes, just like people, and it does that for same reason - we are all different and pain affects us all differently. One of the more common words that people throw around when they are in pain is ‘sciatica.’ Although it is regularly used in conversation to mean a specific disorder, sciatica is in fact a group of symptoms and a condition in itself at all.

That being said, how can you tell if it really is sciatica? What are the symptoms to look out for? We’ll review a few below, but make no mistake, this blog post is not to take the place of actual diagnostic tests and seeing a doctor who can interpret them. If you are experiencing any of the below problems, talk to someone with expertise in your area. Living Well Medical, my practice, in NYC is equipped to help in these situations.

On to the meat and potatoes.

Perhaps the most common complaint with sciatica is burning, stinging pain in the lower back. The sensation is often, but not always, the result of a pinched or crushed nerve root. It is extremely unpleasant and sometimes debilitating.

Leg pain and pain in the buttocks that shoot out from the lower back are also common problems with sciatica. Again, this is usually because nerves are impinged due to a problem like a herniated disc or other musculoskeletal condition.

Also associated with sciatica is a pins and needles sensation (formally called paresthesia) or numbness in the lower back, buttocks and legs (all areas that are supplied nerve sensation by the radicular nerves that exit at the base of the spine.

If you feel any of these problems, talk to an expert. Give my office in SoHo NYC a call and make an appointment for treatment. We’re here to help.

-Dr. Shoshany, NYC chiropractor

(Check out my friend, Dr. Eben Davis, a San Francisco chiropractor, for more on non-surgical remedies.)

Power Taping seminar in NYC-Rock tape Kinesiology tape NYC

2010-07-30T13:09:00.005-04:00

Taping movement, not muscles

I have using a variety of Kinesio tape for over 10 years in my Chiropractic practice in NYC, I have been using Rocktape for about 1 year now and this stuff is awesome! I am hosting a one day seminar on PowerTaping details below.

Kinesiology taping has been practiced for over twenty years and anatomy has been
classically taught on the “isolated muscle theory”, focusing on individual muscle
action.
Therapists frequently learn origin, insertion, innervation, and action of
muscles in a closed environment, with very little regard for their functional
effect on movement as a whole. As a result, many sport training and rehab
programs are based on rudimentary bodybuilding concepts that focus on muscles in
isolation. This isolated muscle concept has limited our views of how the body
coordinates movement.
In contrast, PowerTaping is based on the obvious yet largely overlooked concept of
muscles acting as a chain. PowerTaping’s revolutionary technique utilizes “longitudinal anatomy”, or “movement patterns” concept, the body’s integration of movement via multi-muscle contractions as a
means of connecting the brain to the body’s uninterrupted fascial web in order to enhance rehab and athletic performance via cutaneous (skin) stimulation.
Join us for a one-day seminar and learn how to integrate this new systemic approach to taping that promises
to benefit everyone. This clinic is designed to assist athletes, coaches, trainers, massage therapists, DCs, MDs and PTs in learning how to functionally tape to improve rehabilitation, sports performance and pregnancy.

Power Taping® Clinic
agenda - Sept 18, 2010
7:30 AM Registration
8:00 AM Introduction
8:15-10:00 Power Taping overview
Movement vs Muscle Based Taping Theory
Basics of taping
Functional Movement Evaluation - "Symmetry Profile"
10:00AM Break
10:15-12:00 HANDS ON - Rehab Taping Application
12:00 - 1:00 Lunch (on your own)
1:00 - 3:00 HANDS ON - Rehab & Pregnancy Taping Application continued
3:00 PM Break
3:15-4:30 HANDS ON - Specific Taping Chains
4:30-5:00 PM Testing

DETAILS
Instructors: Dr. Steven
Capobianco (D.C.,
CCSP, CSCS, author of
Power Taping Manual)

Location: Dr. Shoshany DC,
632 Broadway
#303 NY NY
Date: Sept 18th
Time: 8AM-5PM
Cost: $99 - Students,
$199 - Early
Registration (before
Aug 1), $250 thereafter
Includes Power Taping
Manual, 4 Rolls of
Tape, and Taping
Instruction Poster for
your office.
Register at www.rocktape.com or call us at 408.905.7071
http://rocktape.mybigcommerce.com/products/New-York-Power-Taping-Clinic-%252d-Sept-18.html
pay here use Shoshany for code
http://rocktape.mybigcommerce.com/products/New-York-Power-Taping-Clinic-%252d-Sept-18.html

$199
Chicago Aug 28! New York Sept 18!! San Francisco Oct 9! Austin Nov 13

Chiropractor NYC-Featured Chiropractor

2010-07-21T18:00:00.005-04:00

--Staying At The Forefront Of Technology --

Featured Member: Dr. Steven Shoshany, Chiropractor – New York,New York NYC

I. Why Staying At The Forefront Of Technology Is Important:

Interviewer: What is the practice growth technique?

Dr. Steven Shoshany: I wouldn't necessarily point to a "technique" per se, but rather an attitude or an approach. For me, the focus is on cutting-edge technology and constantly attending seminars to learn the latest and most effective advances in my field. That way I can deliver the highest possible patient outcomes. The willingness to constantly put in the work and give patients more and better treatment is the "technique," if I had to put a name on it.

Interviewer: How did you get introduced to it?

Dr. Steven Shoshany: Remaining on the cutting edge has always been a part of my life, whether it's getting the latest gadget like a new phone or video game system or the most up-to-date treatment technology. It's a part of what drives me and it’s been a part of my success. Within the Chiropractic/Physical Therapy arena, there are always advances including on the diagnostic side, e.g., digital radiographs or musculoskeletal ultrasounds. These tools help us to better understand what is wrong with the patient so we can more effectively treat him/her.

Interviewer: How much of your staff's time does it take?

Dr. Steven Shoshany: I invest countless hours each year to learn the newest treatment methods like the Active Release Technique and the Graston Technique. All these tools allow me to confidently treat patients when others have had little success. We also upgrade our equipment to ensure we are using the most technologically advanced machines such as the DRX 9000 or the Erchonia cold laser.

Interviewer: What is the $ cost? Is a partner/vendor involved?

Dr. Steven Shoshany: Our office spends more on our equipment and training than most offices, I think. We strive to be the leader in the Metropolitan NYC area when it comes to non-surgical, cutting-edge techniques and procedures. When it comes to our patients, we cannot and chose not to go cheap; we invest in the best equipment, latest techniques and most competent staff because the value is passed on to patients who are looking for answers and relief from pain.

Interviewer: Results to date? Expected results?

Dr. Steven Shoshany: In general, we have gotten patients excellent results. We have so many different avenues available for treatment which generally translates into better outcomes.

II. Building a Multidisciplinary Practice:

Interviewer: What is the patient experience like in your practice?

Dr. Steven Shoshany: From the minute a patient walks in to our office, they are greeted and made to feel comfortable. We also respect a patient’s time; NYC is a busy place and patients have other places to be, so we are keenly aware of scheduling and patients hardly wait to be seen. Our practice is in a SoHo loft so it is spacious with high ceilings. It is a very tranquil setting that is conducive to healing. A patient can expect top-notch service and attention from our team of massage therapists, chiropractors and our physical therapist.

Interviewer: How does this differ from the competition?

Dr. Steven Shoshany: In my experience, most chiropractors practice solo, and they lose patients for various reasons. Maybe the patient is afraid of an adjustment or they are looking for a specific service. Our practice is multidisciplinary. The chiropractor works together with a physical therapist that can integrate strength, stretching and range of motion programs. We have a massage therapist that can work on tight muscles or aches. A medical doctor on staff can provide prescription medication or pain injections in the event they are needed. And we even have an acupuncturist. We try to cover all the bases to give patients everything they need in one place.

Interviewer: How does this benefit your patients?

Dr. Steven Shoshany: Patients benefit from a staff that works together every day and creates treatment programs for the individual. By offering all these services in one place, a person who is suffering with a condition like a herniated disc can get a combined approach or choose from a range of options. Having the ability to choose and having it all in one place is the key benefit we offer. Dr. Steven Shoshany, Chiropractor NYC – New York, New York

Spine-health Profile: http://www.spine-health.com/doctor/chiropractor/steven-shoshany-new-york-nyDr. Shoshany's Website: http://www.drshoshany.com/index.phpDr. Shoshany's Practice: http://www.livingwellnewyork.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/drshoshany
Blog: http://spinaldiscdecompressiontherapy.blogspot.com/

Severe Back Pain & Herniated Discs

2010-06-18T11:27:00.003-04:00

As far as frustrating problems that no one wants to go through as they get older, severe and chronic back pain is definitely up there on the list.

Herniated discs tend to be one of the more devastating conditions that are associated with back pain. Anyone who has ever suffered with pain related to nerve root compression and disc herniation will tell you the pain can be completely debilitating, literally forcing you to stop everything you do. It can just flat out take control. You can't work, you can't play, you can't sit and you can't stand without some kind of pain. It's a nightmare.

For anyone that doesn't know, a herniated disc occurs when the outer band of the disc (called the annulus) develops a tear, often due to trauma or wear and tear, and the cushioning center of the disc (the nucleus) spills out, often pressing against and irritating the spinal nerves nearby.

It used to be that herniated discs had very limited support in the way of non-surgical treatment alternatives, but those days are long gone. Today, practices that specialize in non-invasive, non-surgical approaches like mine in NYC, Living Well Medical, have a wide array of treatments to choose from, and in my case, we often use several in conjunction, depending on the needs of the patient who is in pain.

Specifically, non-surgical spinal decompression with the DRX9000 has made treatment without the fears of surgery a possibility for many of my patients. Spinal decompression is an exciting development that is fairly new on the scene as a back pain treatment. By stretching the spine very gently and precisely, discs that are causing nerve compression find their internal pressure reduced. Valuable fluids and nutrients can be pulled into the disc, and over time, herniated or bulging discs can start the process of repairing themselves which relieves pain.

Combining spinal decompression with physical therapy has helped us lower the possibility of re-injury by strengthening the muscles that support the spine. We have also successfully integrated other treatments like Active Release Technique and chiropractic adjustment into treatment programs for the better results. But in the end, it all depends on the condition of your back and what it needs to get better.

If you have severe back pain, give our front office in Manhattan's beautiful SoHo neighborhood a call at 212-594-8151. The surgeon's knife isn't the only option for a herniated disc, so see how we can give you an alternative that works.

- Dr. Shoshany, NYC Chiropractor

Surgery too often fails for back pain-best treatment for back pain

2010-06-09T15:46:00.006-04:00

A great article from Yahoo below.

All to often patients jump into a back surgery, while there is a time and place for back surgery most times back pain can me managed with Chiropractic care,Physical therapy,Spinal decompression and Home exercises

Overtreated: Surgery too often fails for back pain

"Why did they cut you?"

The shocking question came from a respected spine surgeon tracked down by Keith Swenson, who was still in severe pain after an earlier back operation.

He didn't know what to believe. Two other surgeons had urged more operations, different ones.

And Swenson, who's from Howard Lake, Minn., is far from alone. Even though only a fraction of people with back pain are good candidates for surgery, complicated spine operations are on the rise.

So is the hunt for any relief.

By one recent estimate, Americans are spending a staggering $86 billion a year in care for aching backs — from MRIs to pain pills to nerve blocks to acupuncture. That research found little evidence that the population got better as the bill soared over the past decade.

"The way medicine is so Star-Treky these days, they believe something can be done," said Dr. Charles Rosen, a spine surgeon at the University of California, Irvine.

The reality is that time often is the best antidote. Most people will experience back pain at some point, but up to 90 percent will heal on their own within weeks. In fact, for run-of-the-mill cases, doctors aren't even supposed to do an X-ray or MRI unless the pain lingers for a month to six weeks.

Yet a study last year found nearly one in three aching Medicare patients get some kind of back scan within that first month.

Why is that a problem? Those scans can be misleading. By middle age, most people who don't even have pain nonetheless have degeneration of their disks, those doughnut-looking shock absorbers between vertebrae. So in someone who does have pain, pinpointing that a particular black spot or bulge on a scan is the true cause is tricky.

The bigger problem: When the misery lingers, there's no one-size-fits-most treatment.

"There are a lot of procedures going on for patients in whom we don't have good scientific evidence that it's going to help," said Dr. Richard Deyo of Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, who long has studied how people fare with different options for this tough ailment.

For example, there's a wide variety of spinal injections that aim to numb back pain, using different drugs and targeting different spots. Which one works depends on what study you read.

When the Institute of Medicine recently listed the 100 how-to-treat questions that doctors most need answered, back pain neared the top of the list.

Lots of things can cause chronic back pain, from arthritis to bone-thinning osteoporosis, which has its own controversy over whether cementing cracks in the spine really helps.

But those cushiony disks are a big reason. They naturally thin and shrink with age. Sometimes they herniate, or rupture, so the gel-like center leaks and pressures a nerve. Sometimes a vertebra slips out of alignment. Sometimes the spinal canal painfully narrows, a condition called stenosis.

The right operation can help, but specialists say only about 10 percent of people with lasting pain are candidates. More than 333,000 of the simpler decompression operations — laminectomies and diskectomies that cut away part of a bone or disk to relieve nerve pressure — were performed in 2007, the latest data compiled by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. There were nearly 381,000 spinal fusions — more complex, riskier surgeries that bind vertebrae together with a bone graft and sometimes metal hardware.

There is some hopeful news — increasing evidence that more people should try pushing past the pain in aggressive exercise programs. Deyo calls them boot camps for back pain.

That's what ended Swenson's five-year pain odyssey. After a volleyball injury, scans showed he had degeneration in seven disks but one bulged in a way that doctors thought explained the pain radiating down both legs. They cut away part of that spot; it didn't help. Neither did multiple pain-blocking options.

"Exercise is medicine, but it has to be the right exercise," said Dave Carpenter, president of Physicians Neck & Back Clinics in Minneapolis, where Swenson finally turned.

The clinic's rehabilitation program focuses on strengthening muscles that support the spine, and published a study showing that only three of 38 patients prescribed surgery still needed it in the 13 months after completing tailored rehab.

Swenson, now 51, said he was so debilitated that it took several months to improve, plus two years of "maintenance" conditioning. Today, he's running a thriving gardening business near Minneapolis that ships peonies nationwide. It's a job that requires tremendous manual labor.

"Do I have flare-ups? Yes. But now that my back is strengthened, instead of flare-ups lasting one to two months ... the flare-ups last one to two days," he said. "This form of treatment is a lifetime change."

In New York City, Nicia Cortez wishes someone had told her of other options before her 2003 operation on a herniated disk.

"I was naive, and in severe pain. I didn't think properly at the time," said Cortez, who felt worse after surgery. It took her six years to work up the nerve to try again, this time a fusion that mostly relieved the pain: "I have my life back."

Her new doctor cautions that scar tissue and altered anatomy mean each subsequent back surgery has less chance of success than the one before.

"It's like trying to pave your driveway, layer upon layer, but at some point you replace the whole driveway. We don't have that ability with the spine," said Dr. Alok Sharan, spinal chief at New York's Montefiore Medical Center.

He makes patients exhaust nonsurgical options first, knowing that about one in five who has one back operation will have another in a decade.

"Sometimes people jump to this and think it will be a cure-all, and then five years later you need another procedure. If you're only 40, that's a big deal," Sharan said.

What's the best advice? First, some types of back pain are accompanied by red flags that need immediate attention — such as numb or weak legs or urinary problems. But for most people:

_Don't expect an X-ray, MRI or CT until a month to six weeks has passed, unless the doctor suspects a more serious problem. Following that guideline is becoming a quality-of-care measure in many organizations.

_Get back to normal activity as quickly as possible; the days of prescribed bed rest are over.

_Patients with sciatica, pain radiating down the leg, have the best outcomes from those nerve-easing decompression surgeries, Deyo stressed. California's Rosen said three criteria determine chances of success: a scan that correlates with the pain site; the patient has some weakness; and specific pain occurs when the doctor raises and straightens the legs.

Herniated disks heal on their own over about two years, but surgery for a faster fix is reasonable in good candidates, he said.

_Fusions are appropriate for far fewer patients, those with fractures, unstable or slipping spines, curvature of the spine and rare other reasons, Rosen said.

_Deyo recently studied surgeries for stenosis, that painful narrowing, and found decompression surgery as effective and less risky than fusions, which are more complicated and costly.

_A formal exercise program is especially effective if coupled with cognitive behavioral therapy that teaches patients to manage and function with pain, Deyo said.

_What if surgery fails? Usually, it was the wrong operation or the wrong candidate, said Rosen, who sees one or two patients a week classified as having "failed back syndrome" because of multiple failed surgeries.

Always get a second opinion. Rosen, who founded the Association for Medical Ethics, also recommends asking about a doctor's ties to companies that make spine-surgery products. That way you'll feel assured that a recommendation to cut doesn't come from a too-cozy relationship.

_Not a good candidate? A primary care physician can be a neutral adviser in helping navigate next steps. Patients with more challenging back problems may fare better at a multidisciplinary spine center with numerous specialists — in rehab and pain management — under one roof.
Living Well Medical in New York City is a multidisciplinary spine center that specializes in treating herniated discs,sciatica, spinal stenosis using Spinal Decompression,Chiropractic care, 3 dimensional rehab on the SpineForce, Physical therapy, Cold laser therapy and Pain management.
To schedule a consult call (212)645-8151

back pain treatment nyc

Pinched nerve in the neck-Arm pain-Is it carpal tunnel or a pinched nerve?

2010-05-10T09:57:00.007-04:00

Pinched nerve in the neck,arm pain-Is it carpal tunnel or a pinched nerve? NYC

This past week we saw 5 patients that all that had very similar problems.
They all had pain in the arm and some into the fingers and even numbness and tingling into the fingers.
This is not only painful, but scary because patients wonder if it is permanent.
This numbness and weakness can make it difficult to play instruments,put on clothes and affect so many activies of daily living.
Most of the patients also complained of previous neck pain.
It is tremendously helpful to have diagnostics like digital radiographs and Nerve conduction velocity or NCV and EMG electromyography to help determine the exact reason why the patients has numbness and zero in on the cause. Often times patients already have a MRI that confirms the presence of bulging or herniated discs, If not we order a MRI.
Once we confirmed the presence of the problem we utilize multiple non-surgical methods to eliminate pain and return patients back to their normal routines.
Cox Cervial distraction is great and has been clinically proven to be an effective treatment for those that suffer from cervical herniated discs and radiculopathy.
We also utilize cervical spinal decompression.
Our NYC Physical therapy office is one of only a few in NYC that integrate cervical spinal decompression into our treatment protocols.

Cervical traction reduces Cervical disc herniations.
www.nycdisc.com

Many times patients with compressed nerves in the neck will present with shoulder, arm,and hand pain even weakness of grip. When this happens it's common for the patient to think the problem is in the arm or hand especially if there is no neck pain.

Yes, you can have a compressed or " pinched nerve" in the neck and not have any neck pain. In fact this is fairly common. You may even think you have carpal tunnel syndrome.

At our NYC physical therapy office, we are always concerned with where the nerves originate that control or innervate an area of the body that is not functioning properly or is experiencing symptoms, such as pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the upper extremities.

The nerves that exit from in between the bones of the cervical spine, travel down through the shoulder, then down the arms and into the hands. Pressure on these nerve roots will interfere with the transmission of nerve energy to the target cells...resulting in malfunction and symptoms.

The solution is to remove the nerve pressure. Often times this is easier said than done. Depending on how long the problem has been there and what the actual source of the nerve pressure is, will dictate the treatment. We offer Cold laser therapy, the Graston technique and Physical therapies like the Flexbar.
If you are suffering with a pinched nerve in neck or have arm pain or weakness in your arm give us a call at (212)-645-1495 and we schedule an immediate appointment or if you live or work in NYC- fax your MRI to (603) 584-5825 along with your contact information and we will call you back at no charge to discuss possible treatment options.

Low Back pain NYC-Herniated disc NYC-Sciatica NYC-Back pain NYC

2010-04-23T12:19:00.009-04:00

Low Back pain NYC-Herniated disc NYC-Sciatica NYC-Back pain NYC-
NYC Low Back pain specialist
Call 1-212-627-8149 for an immediate appointment.

Over the past 14 years of treating patients with Low back pain,Sciatica and herniated discs in our Back pain and NYC Herniated disc treatment facility we have patients come in with MRI's that indicate disc involvement severe enough that if they where to consult with a surgeon they would recommend a back surgery. Some of the patients that come to us over the years have already had one or even two back surgeries.
I have listed below some of the MRI's findings on patients that have responded successfully to our Back pain/leg pain treatment protocols.
Our Protocols involve Spinal decompresion,Cox Flexion distraction, Cold laser therapy, Spine Force three dimensional Rehab,Custom made orthotics, Medical massage and more.

Clinical History: Low Back Pain

Findings: There is a slight scoliosis of the lumbar spine, convexity to the right.

There is no significant bony abnormality noted. There is disc space

narrowing at L3-4 and L4-5. There is probably disc space narrowing

also at L5-S1.

There is slight retrolisthesis of L4 on L5. There is minimal

retrolisthesis of L3 on L4

Findings: At L2/L3, there is a small left foraminal disc herniation and mild

canal and bilateral foraminal stenosis.

At L1/L2, there is mild diffuse bulging of the annulus fibrosis with a

small left paracentral annular tear.

Central disc herniations are noted at T11/T12 and T12/L1, effacing

the ventral thecal sac but without compression of the distal spinal

cord.

Impression: Degeneration of the lumbar discs and facet joins in superimposed

on congenital lumbar stenosis, with the largest disc herniation and

most severe canal stenosis at L4/L5.

Impression: Degenerative changes L3-4 disc space level.

Disc bulge in the midline L3-4 and right paracentral disc herniation

also present at this level.

Congenital central stenosis

Foraminal stenosis L3-4 disc space level.

Impression: Multilevel discongenic degenerative changes, most

pronounced at the L4/5 and L5/S1 levels.

Impression: Multilevel discongenic degenerative disease, most

severe at the L2/L3, L4/L5, and L5/S1 levels.

Moderate central canal stenosis from L2/L3 to L3/L4.

Multilevel moderate to severe neuroforaminal stenosis

without nerve root contact.

Stable postoperative changes from L4/L5 through L5/S1 with stable

soft tissue extending into the far left lateral/ ventral soft tissues at

the level of L4 consistent with postoperative changes.

Findings: At L5-S1, there is a rudimentary disc space and the canal and

neural foramina appear free of compromise at this level. Mild

hypertrophic degenerative changes of the facet joints are seen

at the L2-3 through L4-5 levels.

Intradurally, the conus tip and cauda equina appear intrinsically

within normal limits and there are no intradural abnormalities noted.

There are no fractures and destructive osseous lesions

demonstrated. There are no paravertebral soft tissue masses

noted.

Impression: A transitional vertebral segment at the lumbosacral junction is

referred as a sacralized L5 segment. Given this numbering

assumption, at both the L3-4 and L4-5 levels, there are

degenerative changes of the discs and facet joints, associated with

small, broad based, posterior disc protrusions/herniations, mildly

compromising the lateral recesses at both levels.

www.drshoshany.com

back pain nyc,herniated disc nyc,sciatica nyc,leg pain nyc, Chiropractic care Manhattan NYC

Findings: There is normal alignment. The alignment remains normal in flexion

and extension. In the neutral position there is straightening of the

normal lumbar lordosis

There is a transitional vertebra demonstrated on this study, the

lowest level on axial images being labeled L5-S1.

There is disk desiccation noted at L3-4 and L4-5.

Impression: Muscle spasm.

L3-4 and L4-5 central disk herniations, those two-level herniations,

encroaching on the anterior thecal sac best demonstrated in neutral

and extension views. There is tension spinal stenosis.

Impression: Muscle Spasm

Small focal left-sided disk protrusion at L5-S1 with slight disk

placement of the left S1 nerve root posteriorly.

Impression: Large left posterolateral disk extrusion at L3-4 with superior

migration of the extruded disk almost to the level of the L2-3

interspace. It compresses on the left L3 nerve root within the left

lateral recess.

Status post left L5 hemilaminectomy. Enhancing tissue in the left

lateral epidural space and surrounding the left S1 nerve root is

consistent with epidural granulation tissue. Soft tissue in the left

ventral epidural space representing either granulation tissue or

small left posterolateral disk protrusion without impingement on the

emerging S1 nerve root

Degenerated mildly bulging intervertebral disk with superimposed

small right foraminal disk protrusion at L4-5 possible impinging the

exiting right L4 nerve root.
www.drshoshany.com
back pain treatment nyc, herniated disc treatment nyc, low back pain treatment, Sciatica treatment NYC, Chiropractic care Manhattan

Back pain NYC-Low back pain NYC treatment-Sciatica NYC -Herniated disc NYC

2010-04-23T12:14:00.007-04:00

Back pain NYC-Low back pain NYC treatment-Sciatica NYC -Herniated disc NYC
treatment www.nycdisc.com
Non-surgical solutions for Chronic Low Back suffers in Manhattan, NYC

Over the years we have treated some of the most difficult to treat Back pain patients in NYC in our Manhattan,NYC practice. www.livingwellnewyork.com

I gathered a few MRI report findings from some of our more difficult to treat patients and posted them below without the patient name of course.

Reading some of the findings you would expect for these patients to undergo spine surgeries to correct their problems, in fact most of these patients where told they needed a surgery to get them out of pain.
These patients came to our Manhattan Back pain clinic instead and received a combination of
Cox flexion distraction technique, Spinal decompression with the DRX 9000, Cold laser therapy with the Erchonia laser, Rehabilitation on the SpineForce, Custom fabricated corrective orthotics, Physcical therapy and massage.

Clinical History: Low Back Pain

Findings: There is a slight scoliosis of the lumbar spine, convexity to the right.

There is no significant bony abnormality noted. There is disc space

narrowing at L3-4 and L4-5. There is probably disc space narrowing

also at L5-S1.

There is slight retrolisthesis of L4 on L5. There is minimal

retrolisthesis of L3 on L4

Findings: At L2/L3, there is a small left foraminal disc herniation and mild

canal and bilateral foraminal stenosis.

At L1/L2, there is mild diffuse bulging of the annulus fibrosis with a

small left paracentral annular tear.

Central disc herniations are noted at T11/T12 and T12/L1, effacing

the ventral thecal sac but without compression of the distal spinal
cord.

Impression: Degeneration of the lumbar discs and facet joints in superimposed
on congenital lumbar stenosis, with the largest disc herniation and
most severe canal stenosis at L4/L5.

Impression: Degenerative changes L3-4 disc space level.

Disc bulge in the midline L3-4 and right paracentral disc herniation

also present at this level.

Congenital central stenosis

Foraminal stenosis L3-4 disc space level.

Impression: Multilevel discongenic degenerative changes, most

pronounced at the L4/5 and L5/S1 levels.

Impression: Multilevel discongenic degenerative disease, most

severe at the L2/L3, L4/L5, and L5/S1 levels.

Moderate central canal stenosis from L2/L3 to L3/L4.

Multilevel moderate to severe neuroforaminal stenosis

without nerve root contact.

Stable postoperative changes from L4/L5 through L5/S1 with stable

soft tissue extending into the far left lateral/ ventral soft tissues at

the level of L4 consistent with postoperative changes.

Findings: At L5-S1, there is a rudimentary disc space and the canal and

neural foramina appear free of compromise at this level. Mild

hypertrophic degenerative changes of the facet joints are seen

at the L2-3 through L4-5 levels.

Intradurally, the conus tip and cauda equina appear intrinsically

within normal limits and there are no intradural abnormalities noted.

There are no fractures and destructive osseous lesions

demonstrated. There are no paravertebral soft tissue masses

noted.

Impression: A transitional vertebral segment at the lumbosacral junction is

referred as a sacralized L5 segment. Given this numbering

assumption, at both the L3-4 and L4-5 levels, there are

degenerative changes of the discs and facet joints, associated with

small, broad based, posterior disc protrusions/herniations, mildly

compromising the lateral recesses at both levels.

indings: There is normal alignment. The alignment remains normal in flexion

and extension. In the neutral position there is straightening of the

normal lumbar lordosis

There is a transitional vertebra demonstrated on this study, the

lowest level on axial images being labeled L5-S1.

There is disk desiccation noted at L3-4 and L4-5.

Impression: Muscle spasm.

L3-4 and L4-5 central disk herniations, those two-level herniations,
encroaching on the anterior thecal sac best demonstrated in neutral
and extension views. There is tension spinal stenosis.

Impression: Muscle Spasm

Small focal left-sided disk protrusion at L5-S1 with slight disk
placement of the left S1 nerve root posteriorly.

Impression: Large left posterolateral disk extrusion at L3-4 with superior
migration of the extruded disk almost to the level of the L2-3
interspace. It compresses on the left L3 nerve root within the left
lateral recess.

Status post left L5 hemilaminectomy. Enhancing tissue in the left
lateral epidural space and surrounding the left S1 nerve root is
consistent with epidural granulation tissue. Soft tissue in the left
ventral epidural space representing either granulation tissue or
small left posterolateral disk protrusion without impingement on the
emerging S1 nerve root

Degenerated mildly bulging intervertebral disk with superimposed
small right foraminal disk protrusion at L4-5 possible impinging the
exiting right L4 nerve root.

Some of these patients had previous back surgeries and most all these patients suffered with back pain and have tried physical therapies, epidurals and pain management without success.
If you are suffering with Back pain,Sciatica,Low Back pain,Neck pain,sciatica, slipped,bulged and herniated disc pain in Manhattan NYC call us for an immediate no-charge consulation at (212) 627-8149

Low Back Pain& Radiating Leg Pain- Back pain specialist helps to differentiate-Back pain treatment NYC

2010-04-08T15:43:00.008-04:00

Low Back pain & Radiating Leg pain
NYC Back pain specialist-Dr Steven Shoshany

It is necessary to differtiate between pain in the lower back and pain, which radiates down the leg. It is common for the layperson to combine them into one category but to a physcian or surgeon,they represent different pathologies.
Lower back pain is not due to the pressure on a nerve root, as lower extremity pain is. Most low back pain is muscular or mechanical in nature, caused by overexertion, overuse, strain or sprain of the ligaments and tendons of the low back.
It may also be attributed to degeneration of the disck space and facet joints, which hold the spine together. It may also be caused by arthritis or stenosis or referred symptoms from organ involvement (bladder,gallblaffer, kidney, prostate One must also rule out organic causes as any form of cancer.

Lower extremity (leg) pain is often seen to radiate, termed "radicular pain". This refers to pain which shoots down the leg, from the low back or buttock. It usually results from pressure on a nerve, which produces a "pinching" of the nerve, which appears to radiate down the leg in the distrubution of the nerve pattern. Visit leg pain nyc for a excellent chart on nerve distribution.
When the "pinching" of the nerve is mild, one may experience numbness or tingling. As it progresses and becomes more severe, pain may develop. Further progression may present actual damage to the nerve and weakness may also result.
Each nerve in the lumbar spine has a specfic pathway. the nerves also carry threee distinct characteristic properties. They carry all threee of these properties to specific parts of the leg and foot.

1 One characteristic is known as sensory distribution property. What this means is that a nerve will supply the sensory (sensation) property to a certain part of the leg. for example the S1 nerve root, which is the first sacral root, supplies sensation to the lateral aspect of the foot (little toe).

2 One characteristic is known as the motor function property. What this means is that each nerve also supplies a characterisitc muscle.The S1 root supplies the calf muscles (gastrocnemius), which allows each of us to stand on our toes.

3 One characterisitic is known as the reflex pattern propert. Several of the nerves in the lumbar spine have a reflex associated with them. The S1 root has the Achilles reflex, which is elicted by tapping on the tendon of the heel.

Leg pain brought on by walking:

Neurogenic claudication refers to pain in the lower extremities brought upon by wallking. This is often caused by pressure upon the spinal nerves within the spinal canal, usually the result of the disc bulging into the nerves when standing.

Vascular or intermittent claudication is a type of pain, which must be distinguished from the lefg. and lower extremity pain from above. Vascular claudication is due to insufficient blood supply to the legs (arterial insufficiency), and is also brought upon by walking. the difference between the two is that merely standing (without walking) can cause neurogenic claudication but vascular claudication can only be brought on by walking.

Spinal decompression is truly the most effective procedure for severe and chronic cases of bulging, herniated discs, degeneration, arthritis, stenosis and pressure on nerves.

To learn more about our Back pain and herniated disc treatments visit www.drshoshany.com
Back pain NYC, Sciatica treatment NYC, Physical therapy NYC

herniated disc therapy questions, NYC-

2010-04-08T13:41:00.003-04:00

Spinal Decompression

Subject herniated disc therapy

A recent question that was emailed to me and answer below:

Hello. I need a little advice that I hope you can give to me. In January 2010 I herniated my L2-3 disc. there was a central disc herniation with anterior thecal sac impingement and left foraminal impingement. I was going to a chiropractor who had me on the decompression table- the old fashioned kind where they strap your body in and there is calibrated wights that stretch your lower body as the table moves back and forth. It worked fine. But I was tod that I really needed a PT to help me rehab the core area and build myself back to normal. I have been going to a Mackenzie Specialist But all i was getting was heat treatments and then doing birddog exercises and a bicycle sort of exercise lying on my back. he also put me on this machine called the Repex machine- which stands for repetitive end range movements. Did Ok - but seemed to be going nowhere- I was doing the Mackenzie cobras at home every day Am and Pm. he told me not to do anything at home??? After almost 2 months of going to him I have now stopped. I do the cable exercises at home for my core- rotation and pulls etc etc BUT I still have some SLIGHT soreness in my left gluteal area and si AREA - this IS WHAT HE CALLS REFERRED PAIN.I understand that BUT what I need to know is how long will it take for me to feel 100% better. I have stopped ALL working out and am reallly really careful.I stand and sit with great posture and use lumbar supports in the car and at home. I also use the TENS machine and heating pads frequently. I read on many sites that COMPLETE SCAR tissue healing of a disc can take between 12-15 months. Does that mean this is when I will feel 100% better?????? I also have the book written by Jesse Cannone-- Lose the back pain.com and one exercise shows spinal decompression- by DRAPING yourself OVER the physio ball and letting yourself roll forward-- is this an OK exercise???If here is any added info you can advise me on I would be so very grateful for any expertise you can pass my way - either in the way of exercises besides the plethora of info I have found on the web or just some good old pat on the back to tell me that I will be OK- before this happened I could do anything- this back accident caused by doing deadlifts the WRONG way- has really slowed me down for the last few months- I would really like to get back to some exercises etc as soon as possible...P.S-- I do a lot of treadmilling since this occurred and just recently I have started to let myself hang from my chinning bar to let my spine decompress also-- please advise me on this also. Thanks so much for your ear and I hope to hear from you soon.

To answer your question,First I am not exactly sure about the type of spinal decompression table that you where treated on,there are so many table and products out there that claim to provide spinal decompression.
I use the DRX-9000 spinal decompression table in my NYC office, it provides consistent results and is very comfortable for the patient.
That being said, most everyone that completes spinal decompression needs to Rehab the Core muscles and strengthen the weak muscles and stretch the short muscles.
In my NYC non-surgical disc herniation facility we utilize the SpineForce Rehab system, it works by targeting all of the deep spinal muscles and works on strengthening them and stretching them, it's pretty awesome,check it out at www.spineforce.com
I like pull ups as well, that is a great way to lengthen your spine and strengthen your upper body, just be aware of any swaying and concentrate on form.
I don't know the Repex machine, but I use a machine that basically does a similar thing it is a repetitive flexion extension machine that does the Mackenzie technique.
It sounds like that you are doing everything you can and need to allow yourself time to heal, The disc is a avascular structure (meaning it has a poor blood supply) it takes time to heal after spinal decompression.
I have had patients complete a protocol and sometimes not see their desired results until a month or two after our last session. Healing a herniated disc takes time.
It is important to work on the core muscles and it sounds like you are already doing that, keep a positive mental attitude.
Good luck, and one more thing if after 2 months you are still hurting-I would go out and get a weight bearing MRI and add flexion,extension views
To learn more about herniated disc treatment in NYC
visit www.nycdisc.com
chiropractic care manhattan,chiroprator nyc, back pain treatment

End Back pain naturally NYC

2010-03-15T11:53:00.006-04:00

I have been practicing Chiropractic care in NYC for 14 years now and the past 7 years I have been utulizing Non -surgical Spinal decompression with the DRX 9000 spinal decompression table.
www.drshoshany.com

I remind my patients that spinal decompression is not a panacea, but in most cases when all other methods have failed patients can expect great things from spinal decompression. A patient that recently completed a spinal decompression protocol with us in our NYC office was kind enough to email me a testimonial in english and spanish. I posted it below.

Spinal Decompression testimonial

My name is Sylvia Rivera and I am 59 years old. This is my story. It has been 5 years since I began suffering from backaches. I have been hospitalized, taken many pain killers, patches and different kinds of injections such as epidurals, joint facets, cortisone and many other relievers. But these just proved to be temporary pain relievers. At times I could not walk,tie my shoes,pick anything up or carry anything. I thought my life was over, as I have always been extremely active and had to stop dancing which has always been a passion of mine. However, since I went to Living Well Medical and met Dr. Shoshany my life has changed for the better. I can do so many things I thought I would never be able to do again. Now I can dance, walk and enjoy my life . I am so happy that I met Dr. Shoshany and was recommended the Spinal Decompression treatment. Dr. Shoshany made my life healthier and I am much happier. If you want your life back, I strongly recommend seeing Dr. Shoshany

In Spanish:
Mi nombre es Sylvia Rivera Y tengo 59 anos y esta es mi historia. Hacen aproximadamente cinco anos que he estado sufriendo de dolores de espalda. He estado internanda, he estado tomando medicamentos fuertes y injeciones en la espina dorsal con un poco de sedante o sea anestesia, me han recetado parchos para aliviar los dolores, Y he estado en tratamientos de terapia fisica por un ano. Me sentia casi invalida no tenia vida social, no me podia levanter de la cama todo era con mucho esfuerzo y con dolores constante. Desde que conoci al Dr. Shoshany en la clinica Living Well Medical y me hicieron el tratamiento de decromprencion mis dolores han disminuido en una forma fantastica. Ahora puedo amarrarme los zapatos, puedo bailar, caminar mejor y disfrutar de lo que me habia resignado,! disfrutar la vida!. El tratamiento que el Dr. Shoshany me ha recomendado ha sido lo mejor que me ha pasado en muchos anos. Si quieres tener tu vida activa otra vez Y sentirte mas fuerte deberias ir a ver al Dr. Shoshany YO LO RECOMIENDO.

As you can read this her quality of life has greatly improved, I see this type of recovery daily in our office.
If you or a loved one suffers with Back pain, Sciatica, pain from a pinched nerve or herniated disc consider Spinal decompression treatment prior to a surgical intervention.
If you have a MRI report I can review it at no charge and determine if it makes sense to come in for a No charge consultation. Fax the MRI report to
(212)777-1653 please inculde a cover sheet with your name and contact information, I will do my best to return calls within one day.
to learn more about Spinal decompression visit www.truespinaldecompression.com

How Can I Tell that I Have a Herniated Disc?

2010-02-03T11:44:00.004-05:00

Chances are, during the course of your life, you've heard someone talk about having "slipped a disc." They likely mean a herniated disc. It's something I encounter week in, week out at Living Well Medical here in NYC. Maybe you got into a car accident that did it. People with jobs that require a lot of heavy lifting or weight-bearing are also some of the more common sufferers. What's more, as you get older, it gets easier for a spinal disc to herniate.

Now, not everyone who has a herniated disc will even feel pain. We see it all the time. On the other hand, there is definitely the potential for severe pain.

So maybe you have some awful back or neck pain, and you suspect a herniated disc. How in the world can you possibly tell if it is, in fact, a disc herniation? Are there certain symptoms? Are there any signs that conclusively point to it as the culprit? I'll explore these questions a little below and hopefully help anyone with chronic low back or neck pain get some answers.

There are symptoms that are associated with a herniated disc. Radiating arm and/or leg pain, a weak grip, numbness, tingling, pins and needles, deep muscle pain, and pain in the mornings and nights are all symptoms that one can experience because of a herniated disc. Unfortunately, there are a number of nerve entrapments causes that can lead to similar symptoms, so in terms of a "definitive" set of symptoms, a self-diagnosis for any one of these symptoms just can't be 100% accurate.

The only sure-fire way to know if you have a herniated disc is to get medical imaging scan done, specifically an MRI. I know, probably not the news you were hoping to hear, but the truth is that there are just too many other potential reasons for the types of pain described above. Diagnostic imaging can give a physician the detailed images of the spine they need to understand what is happening to you.

If you are in pain, Living Well Medical in NYC has a strong relationship with MRI facilities throughout the city, so you can get the help you need. And if you do have a herniated disc, we can prescribe effective, non-surgical treatment like spinal decompression, gentle chiropractic care, and physical therapy. Give us a call at 212-645-8151 today if you need someone who can guide you through stopping pain.

- Dr. Shoshany

Pinched Nerves and Sciatica NYC

2009-11-17T15:30:00.004-05:00

Back pain can take many forms, all of which are at least a disruption to your life and at worst a major obstacle to normal living. In many cases, the sciatic nerve has a close relationship with the symptoms that a pain sufferer exhibits, and it’s not uncommon to hear terms like ‘sciatica’ and ‘pinched nerve’ thrown around in connection to the pain. Sciatica is a set of symptoms that are displayed by a patient whose sciatic nerve is being compressed, or ‘pinched’ due any number of factors. At our comprehensive treatment center in NYC, Living Well Medical, we regularly treat patients who have debilitating pain related to a pinched nerve. We bring together a number of non-surgical treatments that include chiropractic adjustment, non-surgical spinal decompression with the DRX-9000 for herniated or bulging spinal discs, pain management with a Medical Doctor, cold laser therapy and physical therapy.

As mentioned above, there are several reasons that a nerve like the sciatic nerve can be pinched and compressed, leading to severe and chronic pain. Perhaps the most common, however, is a herniated or bulging spinal disc as a result of long-term wear or trauma.

When a weakness develops in the fibrous outer wall of a disc, the fluid from the interior of a disc can be forced out into contact with the sciatic nerve causing irritation, inflammation and general pain. This is typically referred to as nerve impingement, and severe nerve impingement of the lumbar nerve roots can cause the symptoms we know of as sciatica.

Sciatica often encompasses problems like leg pain, lower back pain, pain in the buttocks, numbness, tingling and even muscle weakness. Different people will experience different combinations of these symptoms, but the universal aspect is significant pain that makes an active life difficult. That’s where our office in NYC can help patients without the fears that go along with surgery or long-term pain medications.

Specifically intended for treatment of herniated discs and other conditions that cause severe low back pain, non-surgical spinal decompression with the DRX-9000 is an alternative to back surgery that has been safely helping patients stop the pain for years.

The DRX-9000 is a computer-controlled therapeutic device that applies specific amounts of force to targeted areas of the spine (based on where the herniated or bulging disc is located). By placing patients in a harness that helps directs the stretches to the lower back, malfunctioning discs can be ‘pumped’ and made to absorb more nutrients and fluids that will aid them in healing themselves. Because the discs are mostly avascular (having little blood supply), the nutrients are an important part of the healing process. Stretching through the DRX-9000 can also help create a pocket of negative pressure inside of the disc that can draw herniated material back to inside the disc over time. At Living Well Medical in NYC, our chiropractic physician, Dr. Steven Shoshany has been helping patients with his patented spinal decompression protocol for years.

If you suffer with sciatica and the pain of a pinched nerve due to a herniated disc in NYC, call Living Well Medical at 212-645-8151 or visit our website and find out more about non-surgical spinal decompression therapy with the DRX-9000.

Ergonomic tips for your workstation

2009-11-05T15:27:00.007-05:00

A great article from SpineHealth-
looking for a great Physical therapist or a Chiropractor in Manhattan,NYC?
Visit us online www.livingwellnewyork.com
11 Ergonomic Tips for Synchronizing Your Workstation and Office Chair

October 29, 2009
by: Sylvia Marten

Having the best designed and most ergonomically-friendly office equipment may not necessarily mean much for preventing back pain, neck pain and other pain if such equipment is out of sync with your workstation, as confirmed in a recent study that provides a great forum for examining how you can adjust an office chair to your work environment.

Detailed in the October issue of the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, a new study found that workers who received not only new ergonomic office furniture but professional set-up by an ergonomist had less symptoms of musculoskeletal pain and eyestrain 18 months later than those workers who had to set up their new furniture on their own based off instructions.

Now what if your employer can’t afford to hire a professional ergonomist to visit your office during these tough economic times? Well, there are still many ways to be proactive when setting up your office chair and desk just right to your needs and the principles of ergonomics.

Understand the Ultimate Goal

Having a special chair is often viewed as the be-all, end-all of correct office ergonomics. While an ergonomically-designed chair can certainly do wonders, remember that the ultimate goal is to achieve balance between finding a work chair that fits you, provides good support and minimizes stress on the back, and using it correctly in relation to your work environment.

Before providing instant analysis of your chair, examine other factors, including your optimal desk level, how you sit, and the height of your computer screen, and strive to improve on these areas.

Get Suited to Your Work Surface

Rather than just going out and buying a new chair, ask yourself “what type of chair will fit your work station?” Examine how long you sit all day and how you sit at your desk.

Are you semi-seated (similar to sitting on a bar stool) or do you sit straight up? Do you need to adjust your chair? Where is your computer in relation to your body?

Determine your appropriate work surface (which takes into account the position of your arms, elbows and hands in relation to your desk’s height and your laptop or desktop computer) and be sure to have a chair that allows you to attain this specific height.

The correct surface level can vary from profession to profession (for example, architects and draftsmen often prefer to sit higher), and the final decision as to what’s appropriate is thus determined by each individual.

Become a Series of Right Angles While Sitting and Typing

Sit down straight and as close and comfortable as possible to your desk, with your upper arms parallel to the spine and your hands rested on the work surface.

At this point, take a step back and examine whether your elbows are at a 90-degree angle. If they are not, adjust your office chair higher or lower as deemed fit.

Also make sure that your legs are bent at the knees at a 90 degree angle. Try to maintain this ideal sitting posture as much as possible, and if you find yourself slacking, give yourself a break by getting up and stretching.

Don’t Sit Too High Unless Necessary

Did you know that all of our ankles swell up anywhere from 6 to 8 percent by the end of the day, but for patients with back, leg or circulation problems, this swelling can jump from 10 to 15 percent, especially if sitting in a chair that is too high and leaves the feet dangling?

Generally speaking, a seat height ranging from 16 to 21 inches off the ground is suitable for most workers. To tell whether your chair is too high or at the right height for the desk surface, slide your finger underneath your thigh at the front end of the chair.

If this proves easy to do, your chair is likely at a good height. However, if this proves difficult, your chair is likely too high, which can put extra pressure on your feet and require you to proceed to the next tip.

Boost Your Feet in Certain Situations

In situations where you have to lift your feet off the ground because of a chair or even a desk that is too high, or where the chair height is right but you’re not that tall, consider using a foot stool to prop and rest your feet as opposed to leaving them hanging all day long.

Such action will reduce both pressure on the feet and the likelihood of foot pain at the end of the day.

Raise Your Work Surface When Applicable

Standard seats should allow for 2-4 inches between the back of the knees and chair.

However, if you’re a taller worker, you may be familiar with this problem: your chair seat is not long enough for your thighs, which have too much space underneath them. In these rarer situations, raising the work surface level may be necessary to ensure circulation at the back of the knee.

Make a Fist to Your Calf

Ensure that there is enough room between the front edge of your chair and calves by simply making a fist, bringing it to the edge of the chair and pushing it on the calf.

If you can fit your full fist between the front edge and your calf, you likely have enough space for circulation and pressure. If not, your chair is likely too deep.

Adjusting the backrest forward, inserting a cushion, pillow or rolled-up towel to support your lumbar spine (lower back), or purchasing a new office chair are some possible solutions to this problem.

Have the Support of Your Back

Back support is a main focus of many ergonomic chairs, but what makes a chair good in terms of supporting the back?

Ideally your work chair should do a couple of things: provide back support angling just past 90 degrees or up to 90 degrees, and include cushioning that pushes your back forward when sitting back in the chair.

Such low back support is essential in preventing slouching as you tire and minimizing the load or strain on your back. With this in mind, the backrest of an ideal ergonomic office chair is typically between 12 and 19 inches wide.

Sit Right

A lot of times, workers have chairs with great back support but don’t take advantage of these features because they sit on the edge of the chair.

Make a conscious effort to press your bottom against the back of the chair, and avoid slumping or slouching, which places extra stress on the lumbar discs and other structures of the lower back.

Apply A Different Kind of Eye Test

Once your chair has been adjusted to the height of the table, your legs have gotten comfortable and your back is supported, close your eyes and take a deep breath.

Casually look forward with your eyes closed, and then open your eyes, which should be aimed at the center of your computer screen. Depending on whether the computer screen is higher or lower than your gaze, you may need to raise or lower the monitor.

If you need to raise your laptop, consider using a stack of books or even a small box, which has personally helped me reduce the likelihood of neck strain at work.

Adjust Your Armrest

Armrests play an important role in reducing neck and shoulder strain and diminishing the likelihood of slouching forward in your chair.

Adjust the armrest to the point where your arms are slightly lifted at the shoulders. Doing so will allow the armrest to support just the elbow and take weight off the shoulders.

Perhaps after making all these changes, you ultimately decide that you do need a new office chair.

If you find yourself in the market for a new chair, you’ll want to consider many factors, including the seat’s height, width, depth, materials, armrests, back rest, lumbar support and swivel.

For more information, view the following article: Choosing the Right Ergonomic Office Chair. or visit www.livingwellnewyork.com

Kinesio tape-What are those strips of tape all the athletes are wearing?

2009-10-21T13:34:00.003-04:00

Those black strips on players' bodies?

It's Kinesio tape -- the latest cure for aches and pains

By: Chris Forsberg

Kinesio tape in NYCThe strips of black tape peeking out from the uniforms of Celtics stars Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen look more decorative than medical. But if you haven't been introduced to Kinesio tape before, get used to seeing it around professional sports.

"I actually have it on my back," said Celtics coach Doc Rivers. "I don't know what the hell it does, but it makes me feel better. It's not just the tape, they put it on certain muscles. … Maybe it's mental. Just like this [magnetic bracelet] here. A lot of teams are doing it. … I know Kevin loves it; J.R. [Giddens] does it."

Kinesio, also known as elastic therapeutic tape, was invented by a Japanese chiropractor. The tape is typically made from cotton strips with an acrylic adhesive. When applied, it is supposed to simulate the quality of human skin.

The tape gained mainstream attention at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Summer Games, where American beach volleyball standout Kerri Walsh wore it on her right shoulder while competing after rotator cuff surgery.

Some wondered if Walsh was covering up a tattoo or adding some sort of flare to the typically bland volleyball uniforms. Turns out she was utilizing some of the 50,000 rolls of tape donated by Kinesio USA.

The tape also received national attention during the 2009 NCAA tournament when UConn's Hasheem Thabeet wore it on his left shoulder.

The tape is gaining support from the medical community, including the Celtics' training staff.

"[Head trainer] Eddie [Lacerte] would say it's not [mental], and Eddie's not a voodoo guy," said Rivers. "Eddie had to take a class for it this summer. Half the trainers in the league took the same class. It's amazing what it does."

But, as Rivers is fond of noting, "Doc" is just his nickname. Don't ask him to explain the tape or how it works.

"It stretches the -- I don't know what the hell it does," Rivers said with a smile. "I just use it because my back has been hurting."
Kinesio tape in NYC Dr. Steven Shoshany Certified kinesio taping practioner
www.drshoshany.com
The NYC marathon is coming up,Lance armstrong used it for shin splints.
This stuff works great!!

Graston technique for plantar fasciitis

2009-10-05T10:21:00.007-04:00

Plantar fascitiis as seen on NYC Eyewitness News
This post has nothing to do with spinal decompression or back pain, but I wanted to post it here.
We have had such tremendous success with plantar fascitiis in our NYC practice,

NEW YORK (WABC) -- There is a way to get rid of pain without surgery or medication. The technique uses steel tools to loosen tissue, and it's been very successful.
Seven's On call with Dr. Jay Adlersberg.

It's a technique that has been patented and is used only by trained chiropractors and sports trainers. It involves specific tools, and it's a method that can relive some painful conditions. "I woke up one morning and could not put my foot down," she said.
She had plantar fasciitis, painful swelling of the tissue under the heel.
Sharon got no relief from anti-inflammatory injections.
"It just came back again," she said.
However, she did get relief from a treatment called the Graston Technique. Physical therapist Jamie Howard became a believer after nothing helped a nagging muscle injury.
"It was the only thing that would work out the tightness in my leg," she said.
When muscles, tendons or ligaments are injured, they can heal haphazardly, with random scar tissue forming. The area can be tight and painful.
The Graston Technique breaks up those fibers and smoothes the tissue underneath. Even though the stainless steel tools look more like torture devices, Howard says they are essential in finding and loosening scar tissue.
"You can feel things you just can't with your hands," she said.
There are different tools for different body parts.
There is one for the back or neck. There is another for carpal tunnel syndrome and trigger finger, or tendonitis of the thumb. The Graston Technique has become a staple for professional sports trainers. The Philadephia Flyers, Sixers and Eagles use it extensively.
Dr. Richard Goldberg, a rehabilitation specialist, has seen good results with his patients.
"I don't think there's much of a downside to the Graston Technique," he said.
Patients usually receive two treatments per week, for four to six weeks. On average, improvement comes after the third or fourth treatment. The technique developers say it's successful 60 to 90 percent of the time.
www.livingwellnewyork.com
We utulize the Graston technique in conjunction with Kinesio taping and cold laser therapy in our NYC practice. To learn more about our NYC practice visit us online www.livingwellnewyork.com

8 Back Pain Mistakes

2009-09-17T21:18:00.003-04:00

8 Back Pain Mistakes

Which ones are you making that put you at risk?
Steven Shoshany DC CCEP

1. Continuing to do what does not work!
We can this "INSANITY!" Definition of insanity-doing the same thing over and over expecting a different result!

2. Not dealing with back pain the first time!
Remember, back pain is the RESULT of weeks, months or years of improper body posture and muscle imbalance.

3. Thinking you are too fit to have back pain!
People who exercise regularly are just as likely - if not more so - to develop back pain. Cyclists, runners, swimmers, dancers, gymnasts, and bodybuilders are prime candidates. Why? Because their specific training creates muscle imbalance between the spinalis muscles of the back, core muscles, and other large muscle groups of the body.

4. Treating only the symptoms!
Cortizone shots, anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen, electrical stimulation, ice packs, heating pads, etc. are common treatments. you are in pain because of abnormal changes in your muscles, joints, and ligaments that are functioning under increased stress and strain. The problem is not likely to get better if you are only treating the symptoms. The end result could be HERNIATED DISCS!

5. Not understanding the back pain process!
Back pain, sciatica, and herniated discs take years to develop! PAIN is the result! What created the muscle imbalance that led to the pain? X rays, MRI'S, and CT Scan do not reveal MUSCLE IMBALANCES.

6. I've tried everything syndrome!
There is nothing more I can do. I either have to have surgery or just learn to live with the pain!

7. Not taking control!
Educate yourself. Patients who are knowledgeable get better and faster results!

8. Sitting passively for two hours or longer on a daily basis!
Passive sitting for long periods weakens the core muscles and spinalis muscles of your back. Over time this leads to muscle imbalance and increases your risk of back injury.

Do you live or work in NYC?
We are having a workshop next week September 23rd. from 7:30-8:00 - This workshop is free and we have 12 available slots.
In this half hour workshop you will learn how to prevent the most common types of back injuries and learn proper workplace ergonomics.
If you would like to attend please email me directly at drstevenshoshany@yahoo.com
or visit us online at www.livingwellnewyork.com

Headaches and Chiropractic care, in NYC

2009-09-08T14:53:00.004-04:00

This post is about Headaches, I recently had a patient come in that worked in the NYC Philharmonic and she suffered with headaches for years.
She was taking antiseizure medications to manage the headaches with little results.
She never tried Chiropractic care. She had interest in Cold laser therapy.
We evaluated her and determined that she had no cervical curve and extremely tight trapezius muscles. We diagnosed her as having Cervicogenic headaches, a fancy way of saying that the headaches are coming from her neck misalignment.
So I treated her with a combination of Chiropractic care and Cold laser therapy. The release was much needed.
Today was her second visit and she stated that this was the first time in years that she was headache free for three days!
So the moral of my story is try Chiropractic care if you suffer with headaches.
If you live or work in NYC and want to learn more about Chiropractic care or Cold laser therapy Feel free to visit our website www.livingwellnewyork.com
Chiropractic and Headaches
or visit my website at www.drshoshany.com
Headaches are common pain events for many people, and they are often recurring. A variety of prescription and over-the-counter medications may control headache pain, but they only mask the pain without addressing the cause. Headache medications may also have side effects, especially with long use. Hoping to find a more natural and holistic solution to chronic headaches, many people turn to chiropractic.

What is a Headache?
A headache may arise from muscular tension, vascular changes, sinus congestion, eyestrain and many other underlying causes. They can start over the eyes, in the back of the head, on the sides or top of the head, or feel centered behind the eyes. The one thing all these headaches have in common is that they hurt, and sometimes they hurt a great deal. The amount of pain associated with a headache may range from a mild ache to a throbbing, nauseating, relentless pain.

It is a common misconception that some types of headaches hurt more than others. It is often said that, for example, migraine headaches are more painful than other headaches. It is also common to call any kind of severe headache a "migraine." In fact, almost any kind of headache can cause a great deal of pain. Three types of headaches are commonly seen in chiropractic offices: tension headaches, migraine headaches, and cervicogenic headaches. Cervicogenic headaches are caused by pain referred to the head from the bony or soft tissues of the neck.

Headaches can be either primary, those that start independently, or secondary, those that begin as a side effect of another disease process. Headaches arising from muscular tension (generally arising from stress) and migraine headaches (vascular headaches) are two of the most common types of headache; both of these headache types are considered primary headaches. A large body of research suggests that chiropractic can effectively treat primary headaches, and many patients have found lasting relief from headache pain through chiropractic care.

Chiropractic and Tension Headaches
Tension headaches are caused by muscular tension and contraction involving the muscles of the shoulders, neck and head. Often this tension is a result of emotional stress, though injuries can also set a pattern of muscle contraction into play. It is normal for muscles to contract when we are threatened, irritated or angry, a reaction known as the fight or flight response. Over time, though, if work or home life creates a constant source of stress from which we can neither fight nor flee, the muscular tension can become chronic. This, in turn, leads to uneven stresses on the skeletal structure of the body, and changes in normal posture and movement to compensate. These misalignments lead to more muscular tension and contraction. This can become a vicious cycle that eventually results in pain, often as headache pain.

Chiropractic adjustments, combined with other therapies such as trigger point therapy and massage, can release muscular tension and realign the skeleton to break the cycle of pain. Often patients with chronic headaches will find relief through chiropractic in just a few treatments, as muscles relax and nerve irritation is reduced.

Chiropractic and Migraine Headaches
Migraine headaches are vascular headaches, arising from sudden dilation of the blood vessels of the head. No one knows exactly what causes migraine headaches, though the basic mechanism, involving both the nervous and vascular systems, is well studied. Migraines can be triggered by hormonal changes, foods, smells, weather changes, stress, and many other triggers. The headaches often begin with symptoms other than pain, such as visual auras, nausea or sensitivity to light and sound. The headache that follows can vary in intensity, but is often severe. Many migraine sufferers have found over-the-counter pain medications to be ineffective, and resign themselves to wait out the migraine event in a dark, quiet room. A variety of pharmaceutical drugs have been developed to treat migraines, but none of them work for everyone, and many have unwanted side effects.

Chiropractic can play an important role in treating migraines. Clinical studies, though still preliminary, suggest that chiropractic may have a measurable role in the prevention of migraines. Through manipulation and adjustments of the spine and neck, migraines can often be reduced or prevented. Nerves control vascular system tension, and chiropractic adjustments reduce irritation of the nervous system beginning with its roots in the spine, also improving vascular flow.

How Will a Doctor of Chiropractic Treat Headaches?
The fundamental technique of chiropractic, spinal manipulation, is used improve spinal alignment, reduce nerve irritation, relax muscle tension and improve vascular flow. Trigger point therapy, massage and other adjunct therapies may also be employed to broaden the treatment plan. Finally, the chiropractor will often recommend exercise, stretching and changes in posture, or teach relaxation techniques.

For preventive care, most chiropractors will also provide advice on nutritional supplements, vitamins, herbs, and diet toward the development of a long-term wellness plan to prevent future headaches.

Chiropractic care can provide a holistic, comprehensive treatment plan for chronic headaches, giving patients an opportunity to put an end to what can be a very stubborn type of pain and a considerable improvement in quality of life.

If you suffer with headaches in NYC and are looking for a solution visit our website www.livingwellnewyork.com or call us (212) 645-8151

Back pain and Herniated disc treatment in NYC

2009-08-26T09:49:00.002-04:00

Back pain and Herniated disc treatment in NYC- review
by Sandra C. Brooklyn, NY

I posted a recent review,

After a very scary MRI and dire verdict from another chiropractor who will remain nameless, I researched spinal decompression. I originally investigated an office in Brooklyn, but despite my interest, they never contacted me with anything but junk mail. Thankfully, Dr. Shoshany, on the other hand, called me the very next morning after I wrote an email inquiry, and spoke with me personally. He was able to get me an appointment the very same day, and I began sessions on the DRX-9000. I have to say that it has transformed my life--I can travel on trains and planes without excruciating pain and have finally started wearing heels again! Dr. Shoshany cares about providing cutting-edge care and his office involves a holistic approach to health. I made a huge commitment to this alternative therapy and am happy to say that it was one of the best decisions of my life--not only have I avoided painful and expensive surgery, but I have begun dancing again and can now do pilates & yoga exercises that were impossible for years. I have also been adjusted by Dr. Shoshany and he has a gift for gentle and effective chiropractic care. I truly believe that Dr S has given me back ten years of youth and happiness!
Visit Dr.Steven Shoshany online at www.drshoshany.com

Herniated disc NYC, Sciatica NYC

2009-08-05T10:43:00.003-04:00

Herniated disc NYC, Sciatica NYC-Call (212) 645-8151
www.livingwellnewyork.com

I HAVE A NEW BACK--YOU DON'T HAVE TO SUFFER...‎ - taffurel
Dr. Shoshany is the NYC spinal health care leader, an expert in spinal decompression, and a healer of back pain. He has the winning team, the high-tech facilities, and the proven approach. (Read this review and others.) By a new back, I mean one that has stability, flexibility, adjusts itself naturally, and free of the tricky discs, the gripping spasms & debilitating pain. Those that suffer with back disorders, know that this is pretty amazing testimony. Check it out: MY CONDITION (Very much like the everyman with lower back ailments) • MRI diagnosed bulging & herniated L4 & L5 discs for well over two decades (in its simplest terms). • Crippling spasms; lasting & debilitating pain when inflamed. • A sneeze could put me in bed for days, rehabilitating for weeks. • All my spare time was focused on preventing the next back breakdown & long rehabilitation. • Even swimming became painful! • My back pain sucked the life out of me. WHAT OTHER DOCTORS HAVE SAID: (…and I've seen a lot, what about you?) • Pain Management Dr.'s prescribed rest, anti-inflammatory meds., and other pain management approaches like physical therapy. • Past Physical Therapist recommended exercise, and oddly not with a lot of focus on how I should execute the exercise. • The Orthopedic Surgeon observed that surgery provided no guarantee, along with a lot of risk—he said I should try everything else first. • Chiropractic care in general has worked best for me over the long run, but soon enough I'd be stuck in bed with back spasms, and a lot of pain, and starting from zero over & over again. ABOUT ME: (…I'm just another ordinary guy, like many more I know) • I'm middle-aged, 5'11', and 220 (thanks to my back); but normally, I weigh 200, not so lite. • Otherwise I'm very active: Swimming, Biking, Weight Training, Landscaping, Entertaining Family & Friends are activities I enjoy. • I take care of myself SPINAL DECOMPRESSION/THE DRX 9000 TABLE: (Awesome Results) • While perhaps I've gained only millimeters in additional disc space, it feels like inches to be free from the non-stop nagging of back pain. • So easy, 20 consecutive treatments • I scheduled my therapy three times a week. I was serious, and I got serious results. • While it's not inexpensive, for a new back, revived energy, and no back pain—it's great value! • Unlike surgery, the expense is not astronomical, it's non-invasive, there's no recovery time, nor the possible complications of surgery. • It's straight forward, 25 minutes, or longer if you chose to take on other core strengthening therapies. • Dr. Shoshany, Spinal Decompression, DRX 9000 summed up in two words: Very Effective! In one word: Incredible! Dr. Shoshany (Dr. Sho) and his team of wellness professionals took my case as described above to create a healing program of core strengthening, chiropractic adjustment, stretching, and spinal decompression. This is a high-tech operation with a very caring and knowledgeable team of experts that all pull together to cause wellness in their patients For my part, I have taken their direction & the spinal decompression opportunity very seriously. Anyone with back issues understands the importance of a strong relationship with your back; and I was serious about creating one and I applied myself to reinforce the opportunity. I have put into practice all that Dr. Sho and his team have taught me (a special thanks to David Vargas, Trainer). My core muscles have strengthened significantly, and engaging my core strength in the simple routines of life has become second nature. The results have proven the work I was willing to take on to make the most of spinal decompression. I have a new back: if you're suffering with serious back issues, don't delay. Make an appointment to see Dr. Shoshany. I'm back in action with a spinal column to support it. It's truly incredible.
www.drshoshany.com

Suffering with chronic back pain in NYC?

2009-07-29T11:37:00.002-04:00

Suffering from chronic low back pain? You definitely are not alone. And like most you have no doubt tried a variety of treatments.

In most cases of low back pain the disc is the source of discomfort. Many studies have shown that the disc is overwhelmingly to blame for episodes of low back pain. The facet joints and the SI joints also contribute but as as commonly as the disc.

One thing that most people don’t understand about the disc is that while it is the most pain sensitive structure in the spine it is only initially pain sensitive in the outer 1/3. This is one of the reasons pain can hit so suddenly because as the inner portion of the disc is migrating outwards you don’t feel pain, but once the outer fibers are involved low back pain will be experienced.

The disc begins a degenerative process after micro trauma has weakened the outer fibers. This occurs primarily because of the lack of a direct blood supply to the disc. The disc relies on a fluid exchange that occurs with motion from the blood supply in the bones above and below the disc. Once damage has occurred however, the disc begins to weaken as it dries out and becomes more brittle.

One little known fact about disc pain is that once a disc begins to dry out it becomes more pain sensitive. That’s because certain cells that hold hydration in the disc also inhibit the growth of pain sensitive nerves in the disc. So once a disc drys out painful nerves become more abundant.

There is only one treatment that actually creates a healthy and nourishing influx on hydration into the disc and that is spinal decompression. This treatment creates an active fluid exchange so that the disc receives the nutrition that it needs to heal.

Muscle contraction response is a common problem when applying any type of traction force to the spine, however the technology known as spinal decompression has a patented computer technology that allows it to overcome contraction of these muscles in real time. This allows a true spinal decompression effect to take place.

Spinal decompression creates 2 desirable effects for the disc. One is that is draws in any herniated or bulging material centrally to decrease nerve compression or irritation.And secondly it brings in a fresh supply of nutrition so that the raw materials are present for the disc to heal.

By treating the primary source of the patients back pain the patient has a much higher likelihood of a long term recovery. Unlike most other treatment that are symptom based.

If you suffer from low back pain and have tried other treatments that have not worked for you, spinal decompression can offer you a valuable treatment option that can last.
To learn more about Spinal decompression visit our New York City Medical office at www.livingwellnewyork.com
We offer Pain Management (Board certified MD) Physical therapy, Acupuncture, Chiropractic care, Massage.

Cold laser therapy. How does Cold laser therapy work? Cold laser for Carpal tunnel syndrome in NYC

2009-07-08T10:06:00.004-04:00

Cold laser therapy. How does Cold laser therapy work? Cold laser for Carpal tunnel syndrome in NYC.

More and more people are learning about the benefits of cold laser therapy for a variety of conditions ranging from carpal tunnel syndrone to back and knee pain.
The article below describes in detail the mechanics of how this treatment works.
I have been using cold laser therapy in my Manhattan practice for years.
Visit www.drshoshany.com

Healed by the Light
By Jeffrey M. Nelson, MD and Karen P. Nelson, MA
The cell is a machine driven by energy… In every medical tradition before ours, healing
was accomplished by moving energy.
- Albert von Szent-Györgyi (1967)
Light energy has been used for healing since the earliest recorded medical history, but
has gone out of favor in Western medicine with the advent of the existing paradigm of a
more surgical and pharmacological basis. Recently, a shift in thinking has been emerging
with an explosion of research, exploration and utilization of energy medicine modalities
such as micro-current stimulators, bone growth stimulators, broad-spectrum multiple
frequency Tesla coil devices, and low-level or cold lasers.
Despite years of research demonstrating the benefits of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) as
a modality for wound healing, Western medicine, and its adjunct professions, have been
slow to adopt this technology. LLLT has been an essential part of therapy for
practitioners around the world for almost 20 years, but it is only recently catching on in
the United States. Still, the vast majority of students of medicine and allied health
practices in this country are not being taught its efficacy and use. It’s time we opened our
eyes to the light.
One of my first eye-opening experiences with LLLT in wound recovery was with a burn
patient. As a plastic surgeon and medical director of a burn and wound center, I see large
numbers of acute and chronic burn injuries as well as wounds of various etiologies. One
particular gentleman had a home fire that melted his carpet and he was forced to walk
across it in bare feet to get out of his home. He presented with very deep foot burns and
severe pain. He was on chronic narcotics due to an old back injury, so I knew his pain
would be difficult to manage. At presentation his pain was exceptionally severe and the
bottoms of his feet were purple, swollen and sloughing skin. Within two minutes of
treatment with the 635nm Erchonia® cold-diode laser his pain decreased by a selfreported
75%, and his skin went from blue and purple to pink right before our eyes! As
you can imagine, our jaws dropped and this particular laser therapy has been a part of my
practice ever since.
How It Works
The exact mechanism of action of LLLT is not completely understood; however, there
are several theories based on cellular research conducted over the last two decades or
more. The basic premise is that LLLT stimulates cell activation processes which, in turn,
intensify physiologic activity. Healing is essentially a cellular process and light energy
initiates a cascade of reactions, from the cell membrane to the cytoplasm, to the nucleus
and DNA. This is called cellular amplification; a phenomenon whose demonstration
earned the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1994.
There are many biological processes that take place in tissues that have been shown to
respond to LLLT in the 630-640 nanometer wavelength range. One of these processes is
the enhancement of ATP production in the mitochondria, which provides more energy
substrate for cellular healing and tissue recovery post injury. This wavelength has also
been shown to decrease inflammatory mediators in wounds and increase endogenous
endorphin release.
When one considers that wounds have varying degrees of cellular and vascular damage,
the wound site can be in a potentially anaerobic state. Cells deprived of oxygen or blood
supply have a potential to increase lactic acidosis and therefore amplify local cellular
damage. Normal physiologic healing requires growth factors and cytokines to be released
at the wound site. These cell mediators call inflammatory cells to the wound which clean
up damaged tissues, fight bacteria, and stimulate fibroblasts and vascular cells to grow to
try to heal the zone of injury. The physiologic concept is that LLLT improves cellular
metabolism and accelerates the process of debris cleaning, improves neutrophil bacterial
clearing and hastens cellular division. Therefore, all stages of wound healing; hemostasis,
inflammation, cell proliferation and migration, collagen synthesis, wound contraction,
and wound remodeling proceed more rapidly and more efficiently.
A key issue to understand is that LLLT, as a category, covers a broad range of
wavelengths. Individual wavelengths have individual physiologic results. The 635 nm
wavelength is the monochromatic output that has been shown to be the best wavelength
for improving cellular metabolism and therefore, improving wound healing.
Another important property of an effective laser is that it be a true laser, which, by
definition, produces the emission of coherent light, generated at a precise, stable
frequency, in a focused direction. Products that use Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) are not
true lasers. They produce non-coherent or random light, generating random frequencies.
Coherent light energy is critical when treating the human body.
One more consideration is the optimum power necessary for bio-stimulation. The Arndt-
Schulz Law of photo-biological activity, essentially states that “less is more” when it
comes to energy for improved cellular physiology. The Erchonia® LLLT provides the
best wavelength (635 nm) for cellular physiology at very low energy (2-5 mill Watts) to
stimulate cells to function better. If the stimulation is too intense, there may actually be
an inhibitory effect, or possibly degeneration or destruction of cells.
Healing Research
Our research with burn patients demonstrates several advantages to the 635nm LLLT in
burn/wound management. The most immediate advantage is an average of 70% decrease
in pain at the wound site within 5 minutes of a two-minute treatment per 4% total body
surface area (TBSA). Other research has shown that LLLT increases natural endorphins
in patients. This increase in endorphin release would explain why we often see decreased
pain for days at a time. I believe we are also seeing an immediate decrease in sensory
nerve stimulation and a decrease in sympathetic stimulation. This decrease in sympathetic
tone and sensory nerve stimulation provides the decrease in pain within minutes. During
our studies with burn patients we noticed that they had less swelling in their wounds,
visibly improved perfusion (blood supply) to the tissues and faster healing. When patients
have continued LLLT and we follow them post-healing, they have less scar formation
and less purritus (itching) in their scars. Currently, we are undertaking a multi-center,
double-blinded trial that will explore the potential of LLLT in healing burn injuries and
decreasing their late complications.
Our success with the burn-injured patient led us to apply LLLT to the management of
other complex wounds. Some of the wounds we have treated include diabetic wounds,
decubitus ulcers, post-orthopedic surgery wounds and skin and myocutaneous flaps. We
use the laser to decrease inflammation, improve tissue perfusion and decrease pain at the
wound site; each a tremendous advantage to the patient and the treating practitioner.
Complementary Advantages
The Erchonia® laser’s first FDA approval was obtained for the management of neck and
back pain. The advantages in improving musculoskeletal pain carry over to the physical
therapy and occupational therapy arenas. We have found in our clinical work that
patient’s stiffness and sense of tissue tightness greatly decreases after LLLT treatments.
Typically, an improvement of 30-50% occurs with just one treatment. Many extremity
wounds have long periods of immobilization associated with them; from splinting,
surgery, or just a protective mechanism of pain control. LLLT treatments increase the
patient’s recovery of range of motion (ROM). This mechanism of improved ROM is
separate from pain control and protective issues. Later, after a burn or wound injury,
many patients will report no pain, but have problems with tightness and stiffness. Within
minutes or hours of LLLT treatments they report significant (>30%) improvement in the
tightness. We have also found that many patients may have a functionally normal ROM
by goniometer measurements, yet feel very tight or stiff. The LLLT greatly improves
their subjective assessment of tightness, however their ROM may remain the same.
Basic Mechanics
The Erchonia® laser is a very portable, user-friendly, hand-held unit. Treatments take
about 5 minutes total on average, so it fits easily into a clinical treatment schedule.
Erchonia® laser can be used with full contact with the patient if needed, but most
treatments are done about 6-12 inches away from the surface area so there is no crosscontamination
if the patients’ wound is colonized with resistant bacteria. LLLT can be
used in the setting of open wounds, burns, tissue injury, surgical recovery, neuropathy,
deep tissue injury or active infection. There is no known “tissue problem” that is a
contraindication; however, I would not suggest treatment of a known active cancer until
more studies are done specifically in cancer cells. To date, there is no evidence that
LLLT converts normal cells to cancer cells.
LLLT can be used near and over hardware such as artificial joints. Pregnancy is not a
contraindication, but it is suggested that a pregnant patient not be treated due to
medical/legal issues. Though there are no known problems with the use of LLLT on a
patient with a pacemaker, it is not suggested that it be used directly over the pacemaker
or pacemaker wires.
LLLT can be applied through dressings and clothing, though, in my practice, I like to
observe the areas when treated. In the physical therapy setting this is important because
dressings or garments don’t always have to be removed. The number of treatments
depends on the problem being addressed and may be as little as one and as many as 20
spread over several months.
There can often be increased exudate in an open wound for LLLT increases tissue
perfusion which can increase wound fluid. Pain at the treatment site is rare, but can occur
on occasion with a mild increase in pain that then significantly resolves in 1-2 hours.
As a plastic surgeon in charge of a burn and wound center for many years, I have had the
opportunity to assist multiple patients with pain management, wound healing and
physical recovery with the use of 635 nm LLLT. This modality has been the best new
technology I have had to offer my patients in the last decade. It is my hope that others
will latch onto this technology and bring it forward, for it is a completely non-invasive
option that provides so many physiologic advantages with no apparent side effects.
Dr. Jeffrey Nelson is a plastic surgeon who has been involved in wound healing for more
than 20 years and is currently the Medical Director of the burn and wound center at St.
Mary’s Hospital in Tucson, Arizona.
Karen Nelson has an advanced degree in physiology and is working as a medical writer
in Tucson, Arizona.
Chiropractic,Physical therapy,Pain management,Spinal decompression.
Visit website at www.drshoshany.com
It's unlike any treatment anyone has ever experienced.

Cold Laser Therapy can:

(1) REDUCE PAIN by stimulating cells to produce their own
endorphins, a natural painkiller,
(2) PROMOTE FASTER HEALING by stimulating cells to
increase the production of two major healing enzymes by as much
as 75%,
(3) REDUCE INFLAMMATION by as much as 75%,
(4) INCREASE BONE REPAIR SPEED
(5) RELAX MUSCLES and muscle spasms,
(6) DECREASE SWELLING by stimulating lymphatic drainage,
(7) ENHANCE THE IMMUNE SYSTEM by increasing the number of "killer" cells by 400-900%, and most importantly,
(8) RE-ENERGIZE CELL MEMBRANES to allow transport of essential nutrients across cell walls (nutrients will not cross an injured or sick cell wall, thus slowing healing) allowing a healthy new cell to grow.
To sum it up, if you are suffering with pain consider cold laser as a treatment option.
Cold laser for carpal tunnel in NYC

Herniated disc NYC , Sciatica NYC, Herniated disc doctor in Manhattan

2009-06-25T14:43:00.003-04:00

Treatment for failed back surgery syndrome and herniated disc in Manhattan.

After watching President Obama speak about affordable health care and evidence based medicine I am trying to understand why Back pain is not addressed.

Some Back Pain Facts & Statistics

Although chiropractors care for more than just back pain, many patients visit chiropractors looking for relief from this pervasive condition. In fact, 31 million Americans experience low-back pain at any given time.

A few interesting facts about back pain:

One-half of all working Americans admit to having back pain symptoms each year.

Back pain is one of the most common reasons for missed work. In fact, back pain is the second most common reason for visits to the doctor’s office, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections.

Most cases of back pain are mechanical or non-organic—meaning they are not caused by serious conditions, such as inflammatory arthritis, infection, fracture or cancer.

Americans spend at least $50 billion each year on back pain—and that’s just for the more easily identified costs.

Experts estimate that as many as 80% of the population will experience a back problem at some time in our lives.

www.drshoshany.com

I see patients everyday that are told they need a back surgery or patients have tried numerous spinal injections and they are still in pain.
I am currently treating several patients that have had a back surgery.

If you read the recent study put out by the American Pain society it clearly states that back surgery and epidurals is not the answer to treat chronic back pain and the herniated disc.
I currently have a one patient that had a artificial disc put in his lumbar spine and he still is in pain and one patient that had a fusion of his fourth and fifth cervical and guess what, he is in pain too.
All to often patients rush out to see the spine specialist and surgery is recommended.
I am not saying that surgery is evil, because there is definitely a time and place and over the years I have referred patients to consult with spine surgeons and they felt better.
What I am seeing is that patients are jumping to quickly into a invasive procedure without exhausting all conservative measures first.

Herniated disc protocol in our Manhattan NYC clinic is a Intensive interdisciplinary rehabilitation program.
This Protocol involves Non-surgical spinal decompression on the DRX9000,three dimensional rehabilitation using the Spine Force, Massage therapy, Acupuncture,Nutritional support.We custom fabricate corrective orthotics to correct improper gait bio mechanics.

Research review by investigators in the Oregon Health & Science University Evidence-based Practice Center prompts America Pain Society to issue new clinical practise guideline
The American Pain Society (APS) has issued a new clinical practise guideline for low back pain that emphasises the use of noninvasive treatments over interventional procedures, as well as shared decision making between provider and patient. The findings are published in the current (May 1, 2009) issue of the journal Spine.

The new APS guideline, based on an extensive review of existing research, provides clinicians with eight recommendations to help determine the best way to treat patients with low-back pain. It also expands its current and previously published guideline for initial evaluation and management of this chronic condition.

"These recommendations are based on an even more complete body of evidence than was available just a few years ago. Consequently, we believe these recommendations will give physicians more confidence when treating patients with persistent back pain," said Roger Chou, M.D., lead author, director of the APS Clinical Practice Guideline Program, and associate professor of medicine (general internal medicine), Oregon Evidence-based Practice Center, Oregon Health & Science University.

"Unfortunately, randomised trials for a number of commonly used interventional procedures are still too limited to generate evidence-based recommendations, and our review also highlights the need for more research," Chou added.

Low-back pain is the fifth most common reason for doctor's visits and accounts for more than $26 billion in direct health care costs nationwide each year. While a number of interventional diagnostic tests and therapies, and surgery are available, and their use is increasing, in some cases their usefulness remains uncertain.

"We have advocated strongly in many of our recommendations for physicians to use shared decision making because of the relatively close trade-offs between potential benefits relative to harms, as well as costs and burdens of these various treatment options," Chou explained. Shared decision making involves a patient's full participation in medical choices after receiving comprehensive information about the impact of all options on his or her particular life situation.

To develop the guideline, a multidisciplinary APS panel, augmented by experts on interventional therapies, reviewed 3,348 abstracts and analysed 161 relevant clinical trials. The panel found that the evidence for the use of these interventions was mixed, sparse or not available. Based on the data the panel gathered, the APS now recommends:

1. Against the use of provocative discography (injection of fluid into the disc in order to determine if it is the source of back pain) for patients with chronic nonradicular low-back pain.

2. The consideration of intensive interdisciplinary rehabilitation with a cognitive/behavioural emphasis for patients with nonradicular low-back pain who do not respond to usual, non-interdisciplinary therapies.

3. Against facet joint corticosteroid injection, prolotherapy, and intradiscal corticosteroid injections for patients with persistent nonradicular low-back pain, and insufficient evidence to guide use of other interventional therapies.

4. A discussion of risks and benefits of surgery and the use of shared decision making with reference to rehabilitation as a similarly effective option for patients with nonradicular low-back pain, common degenerative spinal changes, and persistent and disabling symptoms.

5. Insufficient evidence to guide recommendations for vertebral disc replacement.

6. A discussion of the risks and benefits of epidural steroid injections and shared decision making, including specific review of evidence of lack of long-term benefit for patients with persistent radiculopathy due to herniated lumbar disc.

7. A discussion of the risks and benefits of surgery and use of shared decision making that references moderate benefits that decrease over time for patients with persistent and disabling radiculopathy due to herniated lumbar disc or persistent and disabling leg pain.

8. Discussion of risks and benefits of spinal cord stimulation and shared decision making, including reference to the high rate of complications following stimulator placement for patients with persistent and disabling radicular pain following surgery for herniated disc and no evidence of a persistently compressed nerve root.

Chou and his colleagues also reaffirm their previous recommendation that all low-back pain patients stay active and talk honestly with their physicians about self care and other interventions. "In general, noninvasive therapies supported by evidence showing benefits should be tried before considering interventional therapies or surgery," said Chou.

Recommendations from the first APS Clinical Practise Guideline on Low-Back Pain are intended for primary care physicians and appeared in the Oct, 2, 2007, issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine. For diagnosis, the first APS low-back pain guideline advises clinicians to minimise routine use of X-rays or other diagnostic tests except for patients known or believed to have underlying neurological or spinal disorders

About the American Pain Society

Based in Glenview, Ill., the American Pain Society (APS) is a multidisciplinary community that brings together a diverse group of scientists, clinicians and other professionals to increase the knowledge of pain and transform public policy and clinical practise to reduce pain-related suffering.APS was founded in 1978 with 510 charter members. From the outset, the group was conceived as a multidisciplinary organisation. APS has enjoyed solid growth since its early days and today has approximately 3,200 members. The Board of Directors includes physicians, nurses, psychologists, basic scientists, pharmacists, policy analysts and more.

This is an exciting new study because it confirms what Chiropractors have been saying for many years, Surgery and drugs to manage Low back pain is not the best treatment option.
In our New York City office we combine the best of the latest non-surgical technology like Spinal decompression,3D Spinal rehab, Physical therapy, Medical care and of course Chiropractic care to offer patients the most comprehensive care for back pain treatment.
Visit our website at www.livingwellnewyork.com
or my personal website which has an impressive amount of research on the benifits of non surgical spinal decompression

Sciatica treatment in NYC,New York City,Manhattan

2009-06-15T15:04:00.003-04:00

What You Need to Know About Sciatica from www.Spine-Health.com

By: Stephen H. Hochschuler, MD

The term sciatica describes the symptoms of leg pain and possibly tingling, numbness or weakness that travels from the low back through the buttock and down the large sciatic nerve in the back of the leg.

What You Need to Know About Sciatica NYC

The clinical diagnosis of sciatica is referred to as a "radiculopathy", which means simply that a disc has protruded from its normal position in the vertebral column and is putting pressure on the radicular nerve (nerve root) in the lower back, which forms part of the sciatic nerve.

Sciatica Causes

An important thing to understand is that sciatica is a symptom of a problem — of something compressing or irritating the nerve roots that comprise the sciatic nerve — rather than a medical diagnosis or medical disorder in and of itself. This is an important distinction because it is the underlying diagnosis (vs. the symptoms of sciatica) that often needs to be treated in order to relieve sciatic nerve pain.

Sciatica occurs most frequently in people between 30 and 50 years of age. Often a particular event or injury does not cause sciatica, but rather it tends to develop as a result of general wear and tear on the structures of the lower spine.

Sciatica symptoms
For some people, the pain from sciatica can be severe and debilitating. For others, the pain might be infrequent and irritating, but has the potential to get worse.

While sciatica can be very painful, it is rare that permanent nerve damage (tissue damage) will result. Most sciatica pain syndromes result from inflammation and will get better within two weeks to a few months. Also, because the spinal cord is not present in the lower (lumbar) spine, a herniated disc in this area of the anatomy does not present a danger of paralysis.

Sciatica symptoms that may constitute a medical emergency include:
Progressive weakness in the leg
Bladder/bowel incontinence or dysfunction.
Common Causes of Sciatica:

Lumbar herniated disc-see spinal decompression nyc,herniated disc treatment nyc

Spinal stenosis

Degenerative disc disease

Spondylolisthesis
Patients with either of the above symptoms may have cauda equina syndrome and should seek immediate medical attention. In general, patients with complicating factors should contact their doctor if sciatica occurs, including people who: have been diagnosed with cancer; take steroid medication; abuse drugs; have unexplained, significant weight loss; or have HIV.

Sciatica medical definition: radiculopathy

To clarify medical terminology, the term sciatica (often misspelled as ciatica, cyatica or siatica) is often used very broadly to describe any form of pain that radiates into the leg. However, this is not technically correct. True sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve is pinched or irritated and the pain along the sciatic nerve is caused by this nerve (radicular pain) and is called a radiculopathy. When the pain is referred to the leg from a joint problem (called referred pain), using the term sciatica is not technically correct. This type of referred pain (e.g. from arthritis or other joint problems) is quite common.

Sciatica treatment in Manhattan-visit www.drshoshany.comSciatica nerve pain is caused by a combination of pressure and inflammation on the nerve root, and treatment is centered on relieving both of these factors. Typical sciatica treatment include:

Non-surgical sciatica treatments, which may include one or a combination of medical treatments and alternative (non-medical) treatments, and almost always includes some form of exercise and stretching. The goals of non-surgical sciatica treatment should include both relief of sciatica pain and prevention of future sciatica symptoms.
Sciatica
Sciatica NYC, Non-surgical spinal decompression in Manhattan
The Piriformis is a muscle that often tightens and causes pressure on the Sciatic nerve- The Graston technique is very effective in treating Piriformis syndrome.

The Latest DRX9000™ Study Data Published In Peer-Reviewed Journal

2009-06-11T20:47:00.002-04:00

Suffering with Chronic back pain in New York City? Stop suffering- Proven techniques can end the pain.
Herniated disc treatment New York City-NYC www.drshoshany.comThe Latest DRX9000 Study
Data Published In Peer-Reviewed Journal! Manhattan,NYC

A study titled, "Prospective Evaluation of the Efficacy of Spinal Decompression via the DRX9000 for Chronic Low Back Pain" was published in the December issue of The Journal of Medicine. The study authored by Dr. John Leslie, Mayo Clinic, et al, was designed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the DRX9000 in the treatment of chronic lower back pain. Patients enrolled in the study had suffered an overall average of 266 weeks of low back pain. At the conclusion of the study, 16 of the 18 patients reported improvement in low back pain, greater than 50%. The authors state, "Patients also reported having better daily activity function as measured by the Oswestry Disability Index." Reprints are available through Axiom Worldwide. To view this article please visit here.
Visit the most Comprehensive herniated disc treatment center in NYC
www.livingwellnewyork.com

DRX 9000-Non Surgical Spinal decompression, Manhattan, NYC

2009-06-08T11:42:00.005-04:00

Spinal Decompression in Manhattan New York City-Call (212) 645-1495

Spinal decompression patients we see at NYC Back Pain Relief Center suffer from "chronic back pain" due to various back related injuries and conditions. Our patients have already seen countless doctors and back specialists in addition to trying multiple types of treatments such as bed rest, over the counter and prescription medications, chiropractic care and physical therapy. I have seen how patients become dependant on Vicodin, Percoset and Oxycontin. These medications do not solve the problem and are habit forming.

Often times our Spinal decompression patients have even undergone back surgery for their back pain caused by herniated discs, degenerative discs, sciatic and spinal stenosis.
They come to us because even after all of the treatments they have tried they are still experiencing pain and want to know how spinal decompression can help them.

If you want to learn more about how this treatment works visit our website and scroll down to the bottom and use the Virtual Decompression application.
This has a spinal decompression overview and multiple charts to learn more about your condition.Visit Manhattan Herniated disc treatment

DRX 9000 Spinal decompression,Back Pain Relief Center in Manhattan New York City,(NYC),chronic back pain,back pain,herniated discs,degenerative discs,Sciatic and spinal stenosis,Spinal Decompression Therapy are all conditions that we treat successfully in our Manhattan office.
We are offering a no-charge review of MRI findings to determine if you are a candidate for spinal decompression therapy-fax your written MRI findings to
(603) 584-5825 and a call back phone number,A spinal decompression specialist will call you back within 4 hours.
www.nycdisc.com

DRX 9000-Non Surgical Spinal decompression, Manhattan, NYC

2009-06-08T11:42:00.000-04:00

Spinal Decompression

Spinal decompression patients we see at Back Pain Relief Centers suffer from "chronic back pain" due to various back related injuries and conditions. Our patients have already seen countless doctors and back specialists in addition to trying multiple types of treatments such as bed rest, over the counter and prescription medications, chiropractic care and physical therapy. Often times our Spinal decompression patients have even undergone surgery for their back pain caused by herniated discs, degenerative discs, sciatic and spinal stenosis. They come to us because even after all of the treatments they have tried they are still experiencing pain and want to know how spinal decompression can help them.

Spinal decompression,Back Pain Relief Centers,chronic back pain,back pain,herniated discs,degenerative discs,sciatic and spinal stenosis,Spinal Decompression Therapy

Alexander technique NYC

2009-06-01T16:16:00.002-04:00

This appeared in today's paper.
We have always offered a multi-disciplinary approach to treating patients problems.
The Alexander Technique for Back Pain?
as seen in the New York Times

A recent study in the British Medical Journal BMJ found that the Alexander technique, a noninvasive method of adjusting body postures to relieve stresses, may aid in the treatment of back pain. New York Times reader Karen G. Krueger of New York City had some questions about that research. We contacted Paul Little, professor of primary care research at the U.K.’s University of Southampton and lead author of the BMJ study.

I have found that very few medical professionals in this country know about the Alexander technique; I myself found it through a friend in the arts — the technique is widely taught in music conservatories and drama schools as a means of enhancing performance and avoiding injury. What can you tell readers about the Alexander technique and how it works?

The Alexander technique involves a teacher using both gentle hand contact and verbal instruction to help patients learn to become aware of and avoid harmful habits of muscle use which may cause and maintain pain. The Alexander technique is not a form of back exercise -– rather it is applied in everyday tasks like standing, walking, sitting at a desk or playing a musical instrument. We hypothesize that the Alexander technique works through release of tension, decompression of the spine, more balanced muscle activity and improved flexibility.

In what circumstances should a back pain patient pursue the Alexander technique (with or without an exercise program) as opposed to other, more invasive approaches, such as medication or surgery?

I would recommend any patient try the technique before more invasive interventions; that is, patients with chronic or recurrent functional back pain where there are no clear “red flags,” such as progressive or multilevel neurological symptoms, steroid use or a recent history of trauma.

Have your studies demonstrating the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the Alexander technique to treat back pain increased the profile and availability of the technique to patients in Britain?

I think the profile has improved but not hugely — the medical establishment is inevitably slow and cautious about recommending new interventions when they perceive them to be novel.

The medical research establishment in the United States has begun to study various alternative health practices to address back pain and other chronic conditions for which traditional medical approaches have had limited success. What can you say about other “alternative” therapies for back pain?

There is encouraging evidence in the short term for massage and yoga and also some evidence for acupuncture, and for chiropractic when combined with exercise regimens. In terms of “alternative therapies” for back pain, try and use something that is based in good research evidence.

The Alexander technique has been around for many years. New York Times Personal Health columnist Jane E. Brody wrote about the technique back in 1990.
Dr. Steven Shoshany at Living Well Medical offer Alexander technique and many other postural corrective techniques. We offer Acupuncture, Spinal Decompression, Massage, Physical therapy
Visit
www.livingwellnewyork.com
or call offfice at (212) 645-8151

High tech Spinal Rehab in Manhattan, NYC

2009-05-26T16:18:00.005-04:00

High tech Spinal Rehab in Manhattan, NYC

Herniated disc?, or Chronic Low back pain? try Spinal decompression combined with the SpineForce in our Manhattan, NYC office.
Call the herniated disc experts at (212) 645-1495 or visit us online at www.drshoshany.com

SpineForce 3-D rehab trainer goes to Hollywood

Paramount Pictures selected SpineForce to be filmed in training sequences with actors for the upcoming summer 2009 Blockbuster movie “G.I. Joe” currently being filmed in Los Angeles, California. Paramount Studio Producers of the film starring Dennis Quaid and Sienna Miller wanted to highlight the SpineForce 3-D rehab exercise technology on the set of G.I. Joe as the state-of-the-art trainer used by the actors in the film.

SpineForce was developed by leading European physicians, physical therapists, strength conditioning coaches and experts in Biomechanics. SpineForce is the first FDA cleared technology designed to pinpoint and strengthen the 180 deep spinal muscles and improve strength, improve balance, coordination, proprioception, posture and range of motion all in one unique technology.

Deep Spinal musculature is the most important, yet often most neglected part of the body. Affecting over 65 million Americans, low back pain results from the accumulated effects of muscle and/or joint overloading from such biomechanical factors as poor proprioceptive (or sensory/balance) responses and reduced lower back muscle endurance.

Traditional low-tech strengthening and exercise technologies like sit ups, crunches, swiss balls, elastic bands and weight machines can be inconsistent, as they

do not reach the 180 deep spinal muscles. That’s because these exercises typically work on only one plane of motion, which can stress muscles and cause spinal joints and discs to grind and cartilage to wear away. “SpineForce conditions the body from the inside out, reinforcing the spinal structure and increasing overall stability and posture,” explains Dr. Marc Golub, National Trainer.

SpineForce helps patients in 5 primary areas:

* Relieve lower back, neck and shoulder pain which affects millions of Americans
* Improves balance and neuromuscular disorders (Fall Prevention, Stroke, Multiple Sclerosis)
* Provides strengthening, agility and coordination exercise for athletes (like improving range of motion and swing speed for golfers)
* Serves as an anti-aging tool (a preventative method for osteoporosis in seniors)
* Rehabilitate core and spinal muscles after back surgery or spinal decompression therapy

Reinforcing and conditioning the entire spinal structure, SpineForce increases overall strength, stability, balance, coordination and posture so people can live their lives to the fullest pain free. The state-of-the-art virtual trainer and interactive visual response system provides biofeedback that motivates and challenges individuals to reach their goals.
SpineForce is available in our Manhattan, NYC office visits us online at www.livingwellnewyork.com
The combination of Spinal Decompression on the DRX 9000 and spinal Rehab with the Spineforce is amazing!

Physical therapy in Manhattan-Introducing Spider tech kinesiology tape

2009-05-13T11:54:00.004-04:00

SPIDERTECH Introductory Training Program Kicks Off in Manhattan

NUCAP Medical, the originators of SpiderTech “Ready to Apply” pre-cut kinesiology tape products, announced the kick-off of their Introductory Training program on May 16th, in the Broadway, New York offices of Dr. Steve Shoshany D.C.,C.C.E.P.,C.K.T.P,-spinal decompression specialist.

The kick-off is the first “open” training event for SpiderTech products in North America, providing a one-day, intensive, SpiderTech basic theory and application course, The course teaches a functional therapeutic approach to modulate pain and myofascial dysfunction through the use of specialized kinesiology tape applications, providing the practicing therapist both the knowledge and practical hands-on tools necessary to incorporate Spider-Tech Therapy into their patient management strategies.

“We’ve developed and validated the training during our certification of K-Active Europe’s training team, as well as during several months of specialized presentations to key North American sports medicine and therapy clinicians”, states Dr. Kevin Jardin, NUCAP Medical’s CMO. “The feedback has been excellent, with participants ending up enthused about the level of knowledge, the breakthrough thinking behind the theory, and potential for SpiderTech products to deliver a difference in their therapeutic practices.”

These special Introductory Training programs are NUCAP Medical’s first phase in delivering a national training program targeted to the health care professional. The training provides the participant with certification within SpiderTech’s Basic Applications Program; with the only costs to the participants being the purchase of a SpiderTech Training Kit ($89.00 US) and provision of a suitable facility for hosting training.

“I’m very excited to host this event at my clinic,” comments Dr Steve Shoshany DC, C.C.E.P,C.K.T.P.,of NYC Disc decompression specialists. “To me it’s a breakthrough product in adding Kinesiology Tape Therapy into your therapeutic strategies" We’re looking to add training dates, and we still have some seats available for the May 16th sessions, so please feel free to contact us at drstevenshoshany@yahoo.com

NUCAP Medical’s Introductory Training program currently has multiple training events over the next 6 months across the US. To inquire about scheduling a training event, contact training@nucapmedical.com, or visit the Training home page at www.nucapmedical.com

About Dr. Kevin Jardine (CMO NUCAP Med., DC, CSCS, ART, Med.Ac)

Dr. Jardine is the founding partner of The Urban Athlete, a multidisciplinary treatment and training studio specializing in treating athletic related injuries. He is a sports medicine advisor to multiple professional runners, triathletes and cycling teams. Dr. Jardine is the co-inventor of SpiderTech therapeutic products.

About Dr. Steven Shoshany (D.C, C.C.E.P., C.K.T.P)
Dr. Shoshany is a chiropractic healthcare specialist with a diverse background. He holds a doctorate degree from Life Chiropractic University, and is currently the clinical director of NYC disc decompression specialists, specializing in spinal decompression.Offering the most comprehensive spinal decompression treatment available in Manhattan. For more information, visit www.drshoshany.com or www.nycdisc.com

Non Surgical Spinal decompression, Manhattan, New York (NYC)

2009-05-04T10:22:00.009-04:00

Herniated disc treatment in Manhattan NYC. We offer the most comprehensive treatment protocol utilizing state of the art technology like The DRX 9000, SpineForce and PowerPlate. NYC Disc is the only group in NYC that has a Patent on our protocols. We are one of the first spinal decompression practices in Manhattan. If you live or work in the NYC area and are suffering with Chronic back pain, Sciatica or have been diagnosed with a Herniated disc contact the herniated disc specialist in Manhattan NYCSpine Force - Treating Spinal Injuries And Strengthening "Core" Spinal Muscles. Why is there a Need for Core Spinal Stability? The core of the body is the foundation of all bodily movements. As the nerve center of the body, it is where the power is derived from. For maximum health and wellness, the spine must be strong, flexible and unimpeded in its movements. The core spinal muscles connect to the spine, pelvis, and shoulders to create a solid foundation of support. What is SpineForce ? Spine Force is a groundbreaking technology developed in France by LPG that works on the Spine from the inside-out (CORE), analyzing, treating, and helping to prevent musculoskeletal diseases while promoting overall health and well-being. SpineForce is the only machine in the world capable of stimulating the deep muscles of the spine. How Does SpineForce work? Spine Force is the only machine in the world to strengthen the core spinal muscles. The oscillating platform identifies weaknesses and/or imbalances in the spine, creating personalized exercise protocols for patients’ specific needs. The protocols work in conjunction with most physician recommendations to strengthen core spinal muscles. This helps the CORE spinal muscles hold the vertebrae in the proper alignment relieving disc and nerve pressure. This can provide immediate, lasting and measurable results. SpineForce works up to 180 muscles at once, strengthening the muscle chains, optimizing coordination and stimulating balance and improving posture. It can be applied to almost anyone, regardless of age or physical shape; empowering them to reclaim and maintain their complete bodily homeostasis and achieve optimum health. Spine Force is the perfect partner for spinal manipulation and decompression therapy. What are the Core Spinal Muscles? The spine is held together by ligaments and muscles. The core spinal muscles are sometimes referred to as intrinsic stabilizer muscles; they protect the degree and angle of all spinal movements, acting as holders, receptors, and monitoring position. Up until now these muscles were almost impossible to analyze and strengthen.

DRX9000 Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression: Treatment of Herniated Disc in Manhattan, New York, NYC 10012

2009-04-28T14:30:00.003-04:00

DRX9000 Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression- Treatment of Herniated Disc in Manhattan, New York, NYC 10012

Spinal Decompression Therapy Using the DRX 9000 NYC
Spinal Decompression is a nonsurgical, noninvasive, drug-free treatment method for disc-related syndromes of the lumbar and cervical spine. At Living Well Medical, many people have found relief from the pain associated with

Herniated discs
Bulging discs
Posterior facet syndrome
Degenerative disc disease
Spinal stenosis
Pinched nerves
and many other spinal disorders.

Spinal Disc Decompression uses computer-aided technology to apply gentle, nonsurgical decompression to your spine. The resulting increased blood flow into the spinal discs and joints helps to relieve pain, remove inflammatory and toxic biochemicals from the area, and restore function and mobility.

At Living Well Medical we use the exclusive DRX 9000 machine, the best nonsurgical Spinal Decompression table on the market.

How Spinal Disc Decompression Works
Spinal Disc Decompression – an FDA-cleared technology – relieves pain by enlarging the space between spinal discs. Spinal Disc Decompression exerts negative pressure which relieves compression on discs and nerves, allowing the herniated and bulging discs to eventually return to their normal positions.

Spinal Disc Decompression is the only treatment that is most effective for severe cases of disc herniation, disc degeneration, arthritis, spinal stenosis, and pressure on the nerve root. A clinical study performed by the Orthopedic Technology Review in 2004 demonstrated spinal pain relief in many cases of disc compression.

The Spinal Disc
The spinal disc – composed of soft cartilaginous material – separates the spinal vertebras and acts as a shock absorber. Each disc contains a gel-like center called the nucleus and has a fibrous outer covering called the annulus. The blood supply to spinal discs is normally sparse, so if a disc is injured it may continue to degenerate and not heal properly. Spinal Disc Decompression provides the important therapeutic benefit of increasing the height of the disc space, providing more room for the disc and allowing it to return to normal size and function.

Spinal Disc Decompression also causes the disc to heal by stimulating regeneration of the disc cartilage. Spinal Disc Decompression increases blood supply to the disc, providing important nutrients which facilitate the healing response.

Spinal Disc Decompression at Living Well Medical
To prequalify a patient and ensure that Spinal Disc Decompression will be beneficial, Dr. Steven Shoshany – a New York Chiropractor – will take a complete history, perform a physical examination, and review all data, including MRIs.

Dr. Shoshany is an expert in the delivery of Spinal Disc Decompression therapy. He has dedicated a large portion of his practice to the relief of severe and chronic low back pain and cervical pain, assisting thousands of patients to return to a normal, pain-free life.

Dr. Shoshany holds a U.S. patent on his Spinal Disc Decompression methodology.

In addition to Spinal Disc Decompression on the DRX 9000, Dr. Steven Shoshany's unique approach utilizes a wide range of state-of-the-art evaluation and therapeutic procedures. Living Well Medical patients receive the best and most complete treatment available.

Evaluation and Treatment at Living Well Medical may include

Digital Imaging
Three-Dimensional Computerized Gait Assessment and Gait Correction
Spine Force Three-Dimensional Rehabilitation
Cox Flexion–Distraction
Cold Laser Therapy
Physical Therapy
Oxygen Therapy
Nutritional Support
Custom Orthotics Built with Three-Dimensional Schematics
About the DRX 9000
The DRX 9000 is the only system that has earned FDA 510K clearance to be called true spinal decompression. The DRX 9000 is the only system with a documented significant success rate. The DRX 9000 offers precise treatment using a closed-loop feedback system. The unit targets the specific disc level based on videofluoroscopy studies.

The DRX 9000 uses state-of-the-art technology to gradually relieve compression of spinal nerves associated with lower back pain or cervical pain. The process has been proven to relieve pain by

Enlarging the disc space
Reducing herniation
Strengthening supporting spinal ligaments to help move herniated disc material back into place
Reversing high intradiscal pressure through the application of negative pressure
What To Expect with Your Treatment on the DRX 9000
Your DRX 9000 treatment begins with a series of daily sessions for two weeks, followed by treatments three times per week as needed. Each session consists of 30–45 minutes on the DRX 9000. Following each therapy session, a cold pack with electrical muscle stimulation is applied to assist in the stabilization of the paravertebral muscles.

An upper chest harness / shoulder support is used to help distribute the applied forces evenly. Then you are slowly reclined to a horizontal position. Following the physician’s orders, the therapist localizes the pain, makes any needed adjustments, and directs treatment to the proper area. The DRX 9000 helps to mobilize the affected disc segment and begin the process of pain relief and recovery.

Pain associated with herniated discs, protruding discs, degenerative disc disease, posterior facet syndrome, spinal stenosis, sciatica, and failed back surgery will respond to treatment using Spinal Disc Decompression. The DRX 9000 achieves these effects through decompression of intervertebral discs.

What Results Can I Expect from the DRX 9000
After only three weeks of treatment, clinical studies have shown outstanding results in relieving debilitating pain caused by bulging, herniated, degenerative, or ruptured discs; sciatica; posterior facet syndrome; spinal stenosis; and many failed back surgery cases.

Pre- and post-treatment MRIs have shown greater-than-50% reductions in the size and extent of disc herniations after four weeks of treatment with the DRX 9000.

During the initial clinical study many patients reported relief of back pain following treatment with the DRX 9000.
www.drshoshany.com

ny chiropractor, nyc chiropractor new york, manhattan chiropractor, ny chiropractic, lumbar pain, spinal decompression, back pain new york nyc, hernia

2009-04-23T20:41:00.001-04:00

ny chiropractor, nyc chiropractor new york, manhattan chiropractor, ny chiropractic, lumbar pain, spinal decompression, back pain new york nyc, herniated disc new york nyc, neck pain manhattan nyc new york.
Contact the experts in Manhattan for Spinal decompression therapy
at 212 645 8151
or visit our website www.drshoshany.com

Mckenzie table for treatment of Low back pain in NYC

2009-04-01T09:50:00.003-04:00

Mckenzie technique in NYC.Physical therapy and Chiropractic care in NYC
We utulize the most advanced treatments for Chronic Low back pain. Physical therapy using the Mckenzie technique, spinal decompression, cold laser therapy, prolotherapy

New addition to out Manhattan practice

The Evolution RMT Repetitive Motion Table

Rehab following a full decompression therapy treatment series is extremely important if the patient is to ensure themselves against reoccurrence and further injury. The Evolution DT has two computerized rehab programs incorporated within its 8 total programs available. These two programs are available for strengthening of the lumbar soft tissue. However, for more rehab we offer the Evolution RMT known for its outstanding results.

The Evolution RMT “Repetitive Motion Therapy” Table addresses mechanical disorders of the lower back using clinically proven techniques. The Evolution RMT Table is used in the clinical setting to enhance the effectiveness of repeated end range movement therapy for the low back. The RMT table enables the lumbar spine to be moved to the full degree of end-range movement in flexion and or extension a greater number of times than is physically possible by the patient alone. In the beginning stage of rehab, the patient often times has a hard time getting to full end-range position due to pain and because of poor physical endurance levels of the patient they cannot do movements long enough for a good enough response. The evolution RMT allows the patient to start rehab earlier and maintain the success of their prescribed home exercise program.

Evolution RMT Philosophy and Centralization Principles
The treatment protocols of the RMT Table are based on the patient’s directional movement preference and provides measurable and positive outcomes particularly in the management of acute & chronic, severe low back and leg pain (without a neurological deficit). Directional movement preference theory uses the rule of “Centralization” to evaluate and proceed into rehab using activities that “Centralize” the patient’s pain. Recently published scientific research articles have established that the presence of “Centralization” can be a strong indicator of discogenic pathology and is a highly accurate and reliable predictor of treatment outcome. Movement, activities and postures that cause the symptoms to “centralize” indicates the “preferred direction(s)” for the Doctor/Therapist to use in developing both an in office and self-treatment strategy for each patient. Simultaneously, the Doctor/Therapist must teach the patient how to avoid those positions, activities, and movements that cause the symptoms to move “Peripherally”. Many patients suffering from low back or neck pain, with or without referred pain, will unmistakably exhibit a “direction preference” when repeated movement and/or static positioning are applied to the spine. This means there will be a particular movement or position which will cause the symptoms to shift to a more central (proximal) location. Frequently there will be other movements or positions which will cause the symptoms to shift to a more peripheral (distal) location. An example of this is the patient who when asked to go into an extension movement (restoring normal lordosis) which in turn reduces the pain. This is the directional movement we want to begin exercise movements that will start their rehab. The Evolution RMT takes the patient through end-range passive range of motion repetitive movements and reduces the patient’s pain while increasing the patient’s range of motion.

Indications for use of the Evolution RMT
Patients who are assessed to benefit from the repeated movements on pain centralization, intensity, and location in flexion or extension.
These may include Disc patients, Stenosis patients, Facet Syndromes, or Sacroiliac syndromes where a limitation of movement occurs in the direction of “Centralization”.

Contraindications
Grade 3 and 4 Spondylolisthesis patients
Tumor or infection of the spine: Paget’s Disease etc.
Active Inflammatory diseases: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Osteoporosis, or severe Osteomalacia (-2.0 or higher on T Scale)
Advanced diabetes
Fractures, dislocations, ligament tears or ruptures.
Instability of lumbar segments or has peripheral signs on both flexion and extension.
Patients with Neurological signs: Cauda Equina Lesions, Neurological Deficits, Loss of Bladder control, etc.
Patients that have surgical fusions.
Pregnancy

Evolution RMT Advantages
Variable Speed 1 – 8 Cycles per minute
Touch screen Digital Readout
Exact, Measurable Movement
Pause Button to Change Function During Treatment
Sliding Face and Lower Back Sections for Added Comfort During Motion
Automatic Return to Horizontal Neutral Position at the End of Treatment
Slide out Foot Section.
Programmable Timed Automatic Hold at end of Extension or Flexion.

Safety in Using the Evolution RMT
Table must never be used by untrained people.
Never have patients get on or off the table while it is in motion.
Instruct the patient to never reach underneath the table while it is in motion.
Instruct patients to keep their arms on the arm rests ensuring they do not allow their arms to go below the bed level.
Make sure patient’s clothing does not drape below the table top while in motion.
Always dismount table when in the Horizontal Neutral Position

Treatment Protocols
The Physician’s diagnosis and treatment of back and neck problems involves the use of repetitive end range movements that can influence the location and intensity of pain that arises from the spine. A skilled physical examination will reveal the direction of therapeutic motion that is used to resolve the condition. This is referred to as the “directional preference.” While restoring function can be an overwhelming task, the focus can be narrowed down to the primary goal of increasing the patient's functional range (FR). Initially, this consists of the painless or pain-centralizing activities revealed in the patient's history or range-of-motion examination. Therefore, the limits of the patient's FR consist of the aggravating movements and positions, and the key functional pathology related to those symptoms. So logically, before exercise can be prescribed, a thorough history and examination of the patient's mechanical sensitivities should be carried out.

Both history, examination, and imaging tests (X-Ray, MRI, CAT Scan) are involved in this analysis. For instance, the history should identify what positions or movements aggravate, relieve or are neutral to the patient's symptoms, in particular, peripheral symptoms. An example of this would be; the patient’s sitting and forward-bending intolerances strongly suggest a disc problem, and initial setting for the RMT and self-treatment would be "biased" toward extension. Another example of the importance of a thorough history is that many patients explain that they are worse after sitting or standing for a prolonged period of time. Such postural findings are often the only clues when the examination cannot reproduce time-dependent mechanical sensitivities.

Clinical examination should include orthopedic tests that seek out the movements or positions that provoke the patient's characteristic symptoms. Examples of these would be Kemp’s, Ganslens etc. Adding the use of repetitive tests of movements, such as those in the active and passive full range ROM tests, with the intention of better simulating normal activities that are typically repetitious is very important in establishing treatment parameters. In addition, the patient's own historical report of functional activities that aggravate symptoms can be confirmed by the examination of functional activities.

The movements and positions found to aggravate symptoms are used as an audit for pre and post-testing to assess the patient's progress. In contrast, the pain-centralizing or relieving positions and movement ranges are utilized for exercise training.

Patient Treatment General Safety Precautions
The Evolution RMT provides repetitive end-range of movement for the mitigation of pain with recovery of function for mechanical spinal disorders. It is a very effective tool but it should be used with some caution. Use the following guidelines in your treatment protocols.
Start your treatment in the mid-range of movement until familiarity has provided finer conclusions to be made in selecting starting and treatment angles.
We had said before that a Grade 3 or 4 Spondylolisthesis should not be treated with the RMT but if treating a Grade 1 or 2 the fixation belt should not be used.
In the presence of significant fixation of joint movement, joint and soft tissue scarring can be overstretched if the end range of movement is too excessive or if too many cycles are performed. Always be conservative in choosing end range points and cycle repetitions.
Posterior Disc Derangements will respond very well to the RMT. It is possible to reverse the derangement but once they appear to be stable it is to the patient’s advantage to place to transfer the patient to a more active therapy of self improvement procedures.
It is especially important to watchfully scrutinize the patient’s pain and or neurological status before, during, and after treatment. Communication of treatment results will ensure modifications that will improve results.
Patients should always be reminded to use the control “Stop” treatment button when treatment is uncomfortable or increasing symptoms.
Belt fixation with the patient prone creates the opportunity to cause injury. Before applying belt fixation it is important to manually test for appropriateness. Provided the “more pressure, less pain” test is answered in the confirmatory, belt fixation may be applied. Always apply belt fixation with the patient in their maximum tolerated extended position.

Treating the Chronic Low Back Pain Patient
The patient with “Chronic Low Back Pain” is our most difficult low back case. These patients typically enter the office complaining of constant pain and have been told they will have to “Live with their pain”. In actuality they do not have continuous pain. They actually suffer from recurring episodes that create the notion that their pain is continuous. The use of the RMT will increase the mobility of soft tissue, increase joint flexibility, and increase muscle strength. When these goals are accomplished the pain often has periods of days, months, and even years of discontinued pain and healthy function. In the beginning of treatment the clinician must be aware that the chronic patient may experience a pain of a different quality. His mobility may be restored but some persisting aching, probably of chemical origin may be present for 48-72 hours after the initial treatment. The patient should be made aware of this possibility. If pain persists proper modifications to treatment should be made.
To learn more about Spinal decompression or the Evolution Mckenzie protocols visit my website at www.drshoshany.com

Is inversion therapy a replacement to spinal decompression?

2009-03-16T15:26:00.002-04:00

Recent question emailed to me

I get this question emailed to me at least 3 times a day, Especially with the economy as bad as it is people want to save money.
I truly believe your health is the last area you want to go cheap on.
I answered her question below and to protect her privacy left her name out.
Visit my website at www.drshoshany.com

I was researching on the Internet regarding decompression with the DRX 9000 versus inversion therapy and your name came up. I am hoping you would have a moment to please help me and answer a few questions. I don’t know who else to turn to.

I have mild disc herniation at my L5-S1 joint and L3-4 but have significant pain and limited ROM. I went to see a chiropractor in my area (as I live in Canada) that offers the DRX 9000 as a treatment. However, the treatment plan was quite expensive $4500 – I understand why though it costs this much as the equipment is expensive to purchase I am sure.

I just recently purchased an inversion table from Ketler so I have this already in my home.

Please, can you tell me if the inversion table will get me results of decompressing my spinal and can it complete reverse my disc herniation? I was told the DRX 9000 can reverse the damage. Is that true? I understand about muscle spasms while using inversion and how it may not allow decompression of the spine.. I will try oscillation/rocking from standing to inversion to try and prevent spasms, but know this is not full proof. Will this help?

As $4500 is a lot of money to my family and I, can you please tell me if it is worth the expense, or should I try the inversion table for a while to see if I get pain relief. I am, though, concerned about long term – I really want to cure the disc herniation, but is that possible?

Sorry for so many questions, but I am frustrated as I don’t know what to do.

To answer your question simply NO.

A inversion therapy will not and cannot achieve the same thing as a DRX 9000 spinal decompression table.
I have the teeter inversion table in my office and I personally use it to stretch and elongate my spine and do my stomach exercises on.

The reason being is that a high end table like the DRX 9000 is computerized and has a feedback system that monitors your movements, the weight that it pulls with is precise and controlled and the cycling of the pull and relaxation is what creates this negative pressure, this simply cannot be achieved with the inversion table.

I do not see harm in trying it but when you are ready to fix this problem the spinal decompression protocol when done properly is simply the best treatment for herniated discs. The Doctor is charging you $4,500 which is a good price and defintley worth the price.I charge $6,650 for my protocol, I have patients that once they complete the protocol tell me they would of paid double if they new how good they would feel.
visit my website www.drshoshany.com
I hope this answers your questions Good luck.

DRX 9000-Chiropractor NYC

2009-02-26T17:09:00.002-05:00

DRX 9000-Chiropractor NYC

www.drshoshany.com

The Latest DRX9000™ Study Data Published in Peer-Reviewed Journal!

A study titled, “Prospective Evaluation of the Efficacy of Spinal Decompression via the DRX9000 for Chronic Low Back Pain” was published in the December issue of The Journal of Medicine. The study authored by Dr. John Leslie, Mayo Clinic, et al, was designed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the DRX9000 in the treatment of chronic lower back pain. Patients enrolled in the study had suffered an overall average of 266 weeks of low back pain. At the conclusion of the study, 16 of the 18 patients reported improvement in low back pain greater than 50%. The authors state, “Patients also reported having better daily activity function as measured by the Oswestry Disability Index.” Reprints are available through Axiom Worldwide. To view this article please visit: http://www.sequencemed.com/site_media/sequencemed-sample.pdf

Chiropractic care in NYC-chiropractor NYC
visit the website of Dr. Steven Shoshany at www.drshoshany.com

Spinal decompression Regis Philin

2009-02-09T21:43:00.004-05:00

I found this little piece about Regis Philbin the TV host and I wanted to add to this discussion and comment on this persons advice.

Why Regis Philbin Can't Get Lasting Back Pain Relief

Back Pain Expert Has Some Healing Advice for Regis

Who wants to be pain-free? Well, Regis for one. Free of back pain. Is that your final answer?

Yes, Regis Philbin, broadcast TV icon and co-host of the morning talk show “Live with Regis and Kelly,” has complained about recurring back pain at his show from time to time.

A few months ago on the show, Philbin, who is in his mid-70s, talked with Kelly Ripa about his back pain, which his doctor attributed to degenerative discs.

“He gave me a shot, and - I swear to God - the next day I felt good,” Philbin told Ripa on the show. “I had these shots - corizone, maybe a little steroids."

Philbin was teased about being “ 'roided up,” by the show's producer Michael Gelman. “For a few days, I was hopped up, according to Gelman,” said Philbin, who admitted, “I am tired of feeling hurt.”

“I feel Regis Philbin's pain, but the long-term solution to his back pain is not through the use of drugs, and let me tell you why,” says back pain specialist Jesse Cannone, co-founder of The Healthy Back Institute. “His degenerative disc disease is not actually a disease at all. It's a term that describes the natural changes the spinal discs undergo as a person ages. As a disc degenerates, it may put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, which often leads to pain and may affect nerve function.”

“Spinal discs break down with age, resulting in a loss of fluid that can prevent discs from acting as natural shock absorbers,” Cannone goes to explain. “This fluid loss makes discs thinner and shrinks the gap between the vertebrae. Muscle imbalances -- essentially, one set of muscles overpowering another -- create 'postural dysfunctions' that put abnormal pressure on the vertebrae and discs, and this causes accelerated breakdown of the discs. Eventually, the weak spot gives way and makes contact with the nerve, bringing pain to someone like Regis Philbin.”

“Common treatments include cortisone injections, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), hot packs, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, therapeutic exercises - as well as surgery. And most of these traditional treatments fail because they do not address the underlying cause of the condition,” Cannone contends.

“Degenerative discs are caused by a combination of factors . . . excessive compression and torsion placed on the discs as a result of the muscle imbalances, dehydration, poor nutrition and negative emotions,” he says. “The people who see the best results are the ones who address the three core areas: body, mind and diet.”

“Degenerative disc disease is a loss of height of the disc and combining multiple treatment approaches together in order to decompress and generate balance and stability in the spine is very important for long-term results,” Cannone says. “Inversion therapy can be very effective, but it works even better when you also perform muscle balance therapy and address the negative emotions as well as the dietary factors.”

COMMENT- I have used inversion therapy for years personally, but I do not feel that is safe for everyone. I have treated patients that have hurt themselves using the Teeter products.
I do recommend them from time to time.
Inversion therapy is a method of treating back pain by diminishing the influence of gravity, reducing the compression of the vertebrae and discs and allowing the muscles and ligaments that encase the spine to relax.

This is typically performed on an inversion table. The table allows you to lie on your back relaxed in an inverted position. This position eliminates some or all of the gravitational compression, depending upon how far back you position your body.

Inversion therapy is the safest, quickest and most effective way to increase the space between your vertebrae, according to Cannone.COMMENT .
COMMENT Spinal decompression is the safest and most effective way to decompress and increase the space between the disc.Numerous published studies point to this visit my site for more information www.drshoshany.com
I have seen numerous pre and post MRI's and digital imaging that shows a reduction in disc herniation and increase in disc height.

Over the years I have had patients email me questions about the difference between Spinal decompression on the DRX 9000 and buying a Teeter inversion table for $500.
In this economy people are thrifty and want to save money.
Your health is one area that you want to splurge.
You cannot even compare or contrast these tables.

Hmm, sounds like Gelman just might want to book another future guest on “Live with Regis and Kelly.”

I believe that there is allot of value in strengthening the core, that is why in my practice as soon as a patient is out of pain we focus on strengthening the core muscle with the spineforce 3D rehabilitation machine.
I posted the video so patients can learn more about this advanced rehab method.
or visit www.spineforce.com

Right leg weakness due to a herniated disc

2009-02-03T22:21:00.002-05:00

Spinal Decompression question and answer.
I have been posting some recent questions emailed to me.
If you have a question please feel free to email me or visit my website at www.drshoshany.com

Subject: right leg weakness

Question: I'm a 60 year old male runner/triathlete and, until two years ago never experienced any back pain or injury. In one bending motion I was incapacitated and had to be taken to the emergency room b/c my right side was nearly paralyzed. MRI revealed nothing remarkable other than degenerative age related problems. Took prednazone, had epidural injections, increased core strength with pilates, and continue to exercise as best I can. However, my right leg continues to get numb and often is very weak. Had another MRI which reveals:
L 1-2: Unremarkable
L 2-3: Disc Bulge with moderate central canal stenosis and mile bilateral neural foraminal narrowing.
L 3-4: Disc Bulge along with bilater facet and ligamentum flavum hypertrophy. Resulting in mild central canal stenosis and moderate bilateral neural foraminal narrowing. A small annular tear is noted in the right foraminal region.
L 4-5: Disc bulge along with bilateral facet and ligamentum flavum hypertrophy. This results in moderate central canal stenosis and moderate bilateral neural foraminal narrowing, right greater than left.
L 5-S1: no significant stenosis
Impression: Multilevel lumbar spondylosis.

In english I'm assuming the space available for the nerves is compressed. What options are available to me to get strength back in my right leg? Thank you

I specialize in a Non surgical treatment called Spinal Decompression.
In my practice I see patients every day that have exhausted most traditional methods and find out about spinal decompression.
I would take your MRI findings and seek out a Chiropractor that specializes in Spinal decompression and offers a physical therapy program designed to rehab the core muscles. Getting the strength back in your leg requires getting the pressure of your nerve.
Be patient with the progress because the longer the pressure is on a nerve the longer it will take to heal.
Feel free to visit my website and learn about spinal decompression,
visit www.drshoshany.com
There are Doctors worldwide that offer this service visit www.axiomworldwide.com to locate a Doctor.
Good luck.

Difference between DRX 9000 vs. and other Traction

2009-01-19T17:06:00.006-05:00

One of the first questions prospective patients and other Doctors ask is - What is
the difference between the DRX-9000 "True Spinal Decompression" and traction?

The machine on the left is not the same as the machine on the right.

There are actually many differences despite the fact that the general purpose of taking
pressure off of the spine is the same. Basically, standard traction has never been proven with
research to be as effective as the DRX9000 because it has no specific control mechanisms
and generally just applies a very simple force to the spine. On the other hand, in one study,
the DRX-9000 Spinal Decompression system showed a 68-100% success rate with an
average of 86% success.

A more recent study showed the DRX to be over 88% successful in relieving chronic back
pain. For details of this study, click here.

(It is actually quite a compliment to the DRX9000 that most standard traction table treatment
providers quote research done on the DRX9000 to show that spinal decompression is an
effective treatment. This is because there is only limited research available utilizing standard
traction tables.)

The main difference between the two tables above is that the treatment is carefully controlled
by a computer to ensure both safety and highly specialized treatment. Traction applies a
basic force to the entire lumbar spine without any specificity whereas the DRX-9000 has been
proven to reduce intra-discal pressure at a single disc level. This makes it much more
effective than standard traction. Standard traction is unable to effectively target a single disc
level.

The most significant difference between standard traction tables and the DRX-9000 is that
standard traction has no continual feedback mechanism which can adjust the weight being
applied to the spine during treatment to ensure safety and to prevent the lumbar paraspinal
muscles from tightening. The DRX-9000 reads the amount of pressure being applied to the
spine 13 times per second and adjusts if it detects a change in pressure. This is done using
special servo motors. These servo motors alone cost as much as entire non-DRX standard
traction tables.

The DRX-9000 also uses a slow logorythmic ramp up mechanism to slowly increase the
weight to the pressure recommended by the patients' Doctor. Studies have shown that
pulling on the spine even a few milliseconds too fast with standard traction devices can
cause a stretch reflex to be set off in the back muscles which sends a signal to the brain and
back to the paraspinal muscles to tighten up resulting in pain and an actual increase in
intra-discal pressure. This is virtually eliminated with the DRX-9000 ensuring that every time
the DRX goes through a cycle it achieves a repeatable drop in intra-discal pressure.

During each cycle, the DRX-9000 computerized Spinal Decompression system slowly raises
the pressure from zero to the therapeutic amount of force prescribed by the Doctor and then
holds this pressure for one minute and slowly releases for another 30 seconds. The outcome
is a measurable drop in intradiscal pressure of negative 100 - 200mmHg which is responsible
for the vacuum like effect that retracts the herniated disc material back in, away from the pain
producing nerve roots, relieving leg pain as well as local low back pain without producing
muscle tightness or spasms. Research has shown that most traction tables are only able to
produce a negative pressure of (-30 to -50mmHg).

The cycling effect of the DRX-9000 decompressing the disc and holding for 1 minute followed
by 30 seconds of rest also creates a pump-like effect within the disc causing nutrients, blood
flow and oxygen to be introduced into the disc area which speeds healing of the disc and
surrounding soft tissue.

Before and after MRI studies show retraction of the disc bulge or herniation as well as actual
healing and repair of the disc.

Another significant difference is that Spinal Decompression using the DRX-9000 is very
comfortable for most patients and many patients undergoing standard traction report pain
and muscle spasms. Most patients rest comfortably during treatment and many even fall
asleep. While undergoing spinal disc decompression treatment, the patient can listen to soft
music or watch a relaxing DVD.

Many patients that have been treated with both DRX and standard traction
have reported improved results and more comfort with DRX treatment.
www.drshoshany.com

Herniated disc nyc, Sciatica, Chronic back pain treatment

2009-01-06T11:22:00.002-05:00

Exercises for Herniated Disc Patients-
www.drshoshany.com
I find that patients that suffer with Low back pain that have herniated disc do fantastic with spinal decompression.
Although adding a exercise routine is a crucial part of their long term follow up.
If you just to the spinal decompression without spinal strengthening exercise it is like wearing braces for a year and nor wearing the retainer!
In my Manhattan NYC herniated disc practice we utilize the SpineForce to strengthen core muscles and teach patients about core stability once they are out of pain.
The addition of our Physical therapist and certified athletic trainer allow us to educate patients on proper excercises to do after they have completed care to prevent relapse.

Exercises for the back muscles and spine can help in all cases and stages of herniated disc disease. As the herniated disc heals, back exercises can be used to help manage pain when combined with other treatments and physical therapy. These exercises are also helpful in regaining mobility and extending your level of activity after a back injury. Finally, back exercises can help you prevent further or additional injury, and avoid recurrences of a herniated disc disease.

There are two exercises that are exceptional for easing back pain while recovering from a herniated disc. The first exercise requires you to lay flat on your back on a bed or the floor. You then raise your knees with your feet on the bed. Wrap your ivy tech online courses or hands around your thighs and lift your knees as close to your chest as possible. It is recommended by most physical therapists that you repeat this exercise for five repetitions several times per day.

Another exercise that you can do to relieve back pain caused by a herniated disc requires you to stand flat footed, away from a wall. You simply place your hands on your lower back, lean back as far as you ivy tech online courses and hold for a few seconds. Physical therapists suggest that you repeat this exorcise as needed when your herniated disc is causing you severe amounts of pain because it takes pressure off of the disc.

There are many great exercises that are great for strengthening your back to prevent further injuries or herniated discs as well. In fact, there are so many that they cannot all online course management here. Most of the exercises that will strengthen your back make use of an exercise ball, available at most department stores or work out supply shops.

One such exorcises requires you to simply lie back on the ball with your feet flat on the floor, and your arms crossed on your chest. Crunch up slowly from your waist and lie back. This exercise will my credit score you to stabilize your spine and take pressure off of any painful areas or the herniated disc. It will also help strengthen the muscles in your back to help prevent any other injury or another case of a herniated disc.

Hip rolls are also great for strengthening the back for the prevention of a herniated disc. Simply lie flat on your back on the floor with your online course management bent and your feet flat. You allow your knees to fall toward the floor first right, then left. It is recommended that you turn your head in each direction while doing this, and repeat the exercise about ten times.
Visit us on the we at www.nycdisc.com

2008-12-18T11:57:00.002-05:00

www.drshoshany.com

Pain may be defined as either an acute or chronic condition that can interfere with an individual’s overall mental state and daily activities such as work, recreation, and relaxation.

Acute Back Pain

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke defines acute or short-term low back pain as generally lasting from a few days to a few weeks. Most acute back pain is the result of trauma to the lower back or from a disorder such as arthritis. Pain from trauma may be caused by a sports injury, work around the house, or a sudden jolt such as a car accident or other stress on spinal bones and tissues. Symptoms may range from muscle ache to shooting or stabbing pain, limited flexibility and range of motion, or an inability to stand straight.1

Chronic Back Pain

The Mayo Clinic defines chronic back pain as “nonspecific” long lasting, recurrent pain usually present for three months or more. Chronic back pain is nonspecific because in most cases the cause is unknown or difficult to pin down.2 The constant presence of chronic pain can not only affect a person’s physical well being, but may also affect a person’s emotional state. Chronic pain does not normally respond to the same treatments used for acute pain. Physical causes of chronic pain and symptoms such as sciatica can often be attributed to degenerative disc disease, herniated/bulging discs, and posterior facet syndrome.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. “NINDS Back Pain Information.” National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Last Updated: April 24, 2007. Date Retrieved: May 11, 2007. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/backpain/backpain.htm

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. “Back Pain Guide.” Mayo Clinic.com -Tools for healthier lives. Date Created: May 12, 2006. Date Retrieved: May 11, 2007. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/back-pain-treatment/BA99999

The DRX9000 True Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression System™ provides relief of pain and symptoms associated with herniated discs, bulging or protruding intervertebral discs, degenerative disc disease, posterior facet syndrome, and sciatica. It is a non-surgical and non-invasive therapy. The DRX9000™ works by applying forces to elongate the spine without causing the muscles guarding the spine to contract. This force is referred to as Spinal Decompression. The spinal elongation is maximized when paraspinal muscles, the muscles that guard the spine from injury, are relaxed. When paraspinal muscles relax, the DRX9000 Spinal Decompression forces spread apart the bony vertebra of the spine .

www.drshoshany.com

This relieves pressure on nerves and intervertebral discs. Where this spinal elongation occurs, pressure drops within the disc which facilitates movement of fluid, carrying nutrients and oxygen inside the disc.

Furthermore, the reduction in pressure can help draw in herniated disc fluids, reducing the size of the herniation. The technology required to apply spinal decompression therapy is extremely advanced.

The DRX9000 True Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression System™ utilizes high-speed treatment computers to calculate the logarithmic spinal decompression treatment curve for each patient. A servo-motor / servo amplifier takes the logarithmic curve and applies the forces to the patient. The servo-amplifier constantly checks (several thousand times per second) and corrects the servo-motor’s movement. With measurement devices inside the DRX9000™, changes in decompression forces experienced by each patient is monitored.

All of this data is constantly fed back into the treatment computers. The treatment computers continually calculate corrections and ensure the therapy is true to each patient’s logarithmic curve. This constant monitoring, measuring, and correcting process is called a Nested Closed-Loop Feedback System. This methodology is one of the hallmarks of the DRX9000™ technology.

Chiropractor NYC- Manhattan Physical therapy
www.drshoshany.com

Spinal Decompression NYC

2008-12-10T00:23:00.004-05:00

Spinal decompresion-DRX 9000 NYC-

I read this great article today, It has an interesting point about MRI's and patient care. I want you to comment below.
I find that a MRI can provide important diagnostic information for patients that do not want to have back surgery but wants to get more information about his or her problem.
The more information you have about a specific condition the easier it is to treat.
Before I was a Chiropractor I worked as a MRI lab technician and worked with a Neuro Radiologist.

It is basically like looking into someones body and understanding what is mechanically wrong, Why should a Clinician or a patient get treatment without insight into their condition?
I also feel Digital Radiographs provide valuable information in deciding the appropriate course of treatment.

Pain relievers are helpful for the short term but ignoring your bodys signals is paramount to driving your car with the "check engine light" on and covering the light with black tape.
I work with a MD that is a Pain Management Specialist and often times patient need pain relief from pain relievers like Vicodin, Percoset and other Medicine.
This is not a solution and many patient cannot tolerate the side effects that go along with these medications.
Chiropractor NYC

The Pain May Be Real, but the Scan Is Deceiving
GINA KOLATA
Published: Tuesday, December 9, 2008 at 5:08 a.m.
Last Modified: Tuesday, December 9, 2008 at 5:08 a.m.
Cheryl Weinstein’s left knee bothered her for years, but when it started clicking and hurting when she straightened it, she told her internist that something was definitely wrong.

Click to enlarge
SEEKING ANSWERS Cheryl Weinstein at the M.R.I. laboratory at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H.
Stephanie Kuykendal for The New York Times

It was the start of her medical odyssey, a journey that led her to specialists, physical therapy, Internet searches and, finally, an M.R.I. scan that showed a torn cartilage and convinced her that her only hope for relief was to have surgery to repair it. But in fact, fixing the torn cartilage that was picked up on the scan was not going to solve her problem, which, eventually, she found was caused by arthritis.

Scans — more sensitive and easily available than ever — are increasingly finding abnormalities that may not be the cause of the problem for which they are blamed. It’s an issue particularly for the millions of people who go to doctors’ offices in pain.

The scans are expensive — Medicare and its beneficiaries pay about $750 to $950 for an M.R.I. scan of a knee or back, for example. Many doctors own their own scanners, which can provide an incentive to offer scans to their patients.

And so, in what is often an irresistible feedback loop, patients who are in pain often demand scans hoping to find out what is wrong, doctors are tempted to offer scans to those patients, and then, once a scan is done, it is common for doctors and patients to assume that any abnormalities found are the reason for the pain.

But in many cases it is just not known whether what is seen on a scan is the cause of the pain. The problem is that all too often, no one knows what is normal.

“A patient comes in because he’s in pain,” said Dr. Nelda Wray, a senior research scientist at the Methodist Institute for Technology in Houston. “We see something in a scan, and we assume causation. But we have no idea of the prevalence of the abnormality in routine populations.”

Now, as more and more people have scans for everything from headaches to foot aches, more are left in a medical lurch, or with unnecessary or sometimes even harmful treatments, including surgery.

“Every time we get a new technology that provides insights into structures we didn’t encounter before, we end up saying, ‘Oh, my God, look at all those abnormalities.’ They might be dangerous,” said Dr. David Felson, a professor of medicine and epidemiology at Boston University Medical School. “Some are, some aren’t, but it ends up leading to a lot of care that’s unnecessary.”

That was what almost happened with Mrs. Weinstein, an active, athletic 64-year-old who lives in London, N.H. And it was her great fortune to finally visit a surgeon who told her so. He told her bluntly that her pain was caused by arthritis, not the torn cartilage.

No one had told her that before, Mrs. Weinstein said, and looking back on her quest to get a scan and get the ligament fixed, she shook her head in dismay. There’s no surgical procedure short of a knee replacement that will help, and she’s not ready for a knee replacement.

“I feel that I have come full circle,” she said. “I will cope on my own with this knee.”

In fact, Mrs. Weinstein was also lucky because her problem was with her knee. It’s one of only two body parts — the other is the back — where there are good data on abnormalities that turn up in people who feel just fine, indicating that the abnormalities may not be so abnormal after all.

But even the data on knees comes from just one study, and researchers say the problem is far from fixed. It is difficult to conduct scans on people who feel fine — most do not want to spend time in an M.R.I. machine, and CT scans require that people be exposed to radiation. But that leaves patients and doctors in an untenable situation.

“It’s a concern, isn’t it?” Dr. Jarvik said. “We are trying to fix things that shouldn’t be fixed.”

As a rheumatologist, Dr. Felson saw patient after patient with knee pain, many of whom had already had scans. And he was becoming concerned about their findings.

Often, a scan would show that a person with arthritis had a torn meniscus, a ligament that stabilizes the knee. And often the result was surgery — orthopedic surgeons do more meniscus surgery than any other operation. But, Dr. Felson wondered, was the torn ligament an injury causing pain or was the arthritis causing pain and the tear a consequence of arthritis?

That led Dr. Felson and his colleagues to do the first and so far the only large study of knees, asking what is normal. It involved M.R.I. scans on 991 people ages 50 to 90. Some had knee pain, others did not.

On Sept. 11, Dr. Felson and his colleagues published their results in The New England Journal of Medicine: meniscal tears were just as common in people with knee arthritis who did not complain of pain as they were in people with knee arthritis who did have pain. They tended to occur along with arthritis and were a part of the disease process itself. And so repairing the tears would not eliminate the pain.

“The rule is, as you get older, you will get a meniscal tear,” Dr. Felson said. “It’s a function of aging and disease. If you are a 60-year-old guy, the chance that you have a meniscal tear is 40 percent.”

It is a result that paralleled what spine researchers found over the past decade in what is perhaps the best evidence on what shows up on scans of healthy people. “If you’re going to look at a spine, you need to know what that spine might look like in a normal patient,” said Dr. Michael Modic, chairman of the Neurological Institute at the Cleveland Clinic.

After Dr. Modic and others scanned hundreds of asymptomatic people, they learned abnormalities were common.

“Somewhere between 20 and 25 percent of people who climb into a scanner will have a herniated disk,” Dr. Modic said. As many as 60 percent of healthy adults with no back pain, he said, have degenerative changes in their spines.

Those findings made Dr. Modic ask: Why do a scan in the first place? There are some who may benefit from surgery, but does it make sense to routinely do scans for nearly everyone with back pain? After all, one-third of herniated disks disappear on their own in six weeks, and two-thirds in six months.

And surgeons use symptoms and a physical examination to identify patients who would be helped by operations. What extra medical help does a scan provide? So Dr. Modic did another study, this time with 250 patients. All had M.R.I. scans when they first arrived complaining of back pain or shooting pains down their leg, which can be caused by a herniated disc pressing on a nerve in the spine. And all had scans again six weeks later. Sixty percent had herniated disks, the scans showed.

Dr. Modic gave the results to only half of the patients and their doctors — the others had no idea what the M.R.I.’s revealed. Dr. Modic knew, though.

In 13 percent of the patients, the second scan showed that the herniated disk had become bigger or a new herniated disk had appeared. In 15 percent, the herniated disk had disappeared. But there was no relationship between the scan findings at six weeks and patients’ symptoms. Some continued to complain of pain even though their herniated disk had disappeared; others said they felt better even though their herniation had grown bigger.

The question, though, was whether it helped the patients and their doctors to know what the M.R.I.’s had found. And the answer, Dr. Modic reported, is that it did not. The patients who knew recovered no faster than those who did not know. However, Dr. Modic said, there was one effect of being told — patients felt worse about themselves when they knew they had a bulging disk.

“If I tell you that you have a degenerated disk, basically I’m telling you you’re ugly,” Dr. Modic said.

Scans, he said, are presurgical tools, not screening tools. A scan can help a surgeon before he or she operates, but it does not help with a diagnosis.

“If a patient has back or leg pain, they should be treated conservatively for at least eight weeks,” Dr. Modic said, meaning that they take pain relievers and go about their normal lives. “Then you should do imaging only if you are going to do surgery.”

That message can be a hard sell, he acknowledged. “A lot of people are driven by wanting to have imaging,” Dr. Modic said. “They are miserable as hell, they can’t work, they can’t sit. We look at you and say, ‘We think you have a herniated disk. We say the natural history is that you will get better. You should go through six to eight weeks of conservative management.’ ”

At the Partners Healthcare System in Boston, spine experts have the same struggle to convince patients that an M.R.I. scan is not necessarily desirable, said Dr. Scott Gazelle, director of radiology there.

“The consensus is that you are a surgical candidate or not based on your history and physical findings, not on imaging findings,” he said.

Dr. Gazelle had a chance last year to test his own convictions. He had the classic symptoms of a herniated disk — shooting pains down his left leg, a numb foot and difficulty walking.

Dr. Gazelle went to see his primary-care doctor but, he said, “I didn’t get an M.R.I.” That decision, he added, “was the right thing to do.”

About three months later, he had recovered on his own.

In 1998, two medical scientists, writing in The Lancet, proposed what sounded like a radical idea. Instead of simply providing patients and their doctors with the results of an X-ray or an M.R.I. scan, he said, radiologists should put the findings in context. For example, they wrote, if a scan showed advanced disk deterioration, the report should say, “Roughly 40 percent of patients with this finding do not have back pain so the finding may be unrelated.”

It is an idea that only would work for back pain, because that is the one area where radiologists have enough data. But it made eminent sense to Dr. Jarvik. “It gives referring physicians some sort of context,” he said.

So, a few years ago, with some trepidation, his radiology group starting including epidemiological data in their reports. “We thought, ‘What’s going to be the reaction among referring physicians?’ ” Dr. Jarvik said. Their fear was that doctors would start choosing other places for M.R.I.’s and that Dr. Jarvik’s group would lose business.

Because of the way the university’s records are kept, it’s hard to know whether the new reporting system had that effect, Dr. Jarvik said. But he was heartened by the responses of some doctors, like Dr. Sohail Mirza, who recently moved to Dartmouth Medical School.

“We often see patients who have already had M.R.I. scans,” Dr. Mirza said. “They are fixated on the abnormality and come to a surgeon to try to get the abnormality fixed. They’ll come in with the report in hand.”

The new sort of report, Dr. Mirza said, was “very helpful information to have when talking to patients and very helpful for patients to help them understand that the abnormalities were not catastrophic findings.”

Others, like Dr. Modic, are hesitant about reporting epidemiology along with a patient’s scan findings.

“It’s an interesting idea,” he said. But, he added: “The problem isn’t what happens after they get their imaging. It’s that they get the imaging in the first place.”

That was what happened with Mrs. Weinstein.

When she started looking up her symptoms on the Internet, she decided she probably had a meniscus tear. “I was very forceful in asking for an M.R.I.,” she said.

And when the scan showed that her meniscus was torn, she went to a surgeon expecting an operation.

He X-rayed her knee and told her she had arthritis. Then, Mrs. Weinstein said, the surgeon looked at her and said, “Let me get this straight. Are you here for a knee replacement?”

She said no, of course not. She skis, she does aerobics, she was nowhere near ready for something so drastic.

Then the surgeon told her that there was no point in repairing her meniscus because that was not her problem. And if he repaired the cartilage, her arthritic bones would just grind it down again.

For now, Mrs. Weinstein says she is finished with her medical odyssey.

“I continue to live with this, whatever they call it, this arthritic knee,” she said.

www.drshoshany.com

What is Spinal Decompression?

2008-12-03T14:08:00.002-05:00

What is Spinal Decompression?
By Thomas A. Gionis, MD, JD, MBA, MHA, FICS, FRCS, and Eric Groteke, DC, CCIC

The outcome of a clinical study evaluating the effect of nonsurgical intervention on symptoms of spine patients with herniated and degenerative disc disease is presented.

This clinical outcomes study was performed to evaluate the effect of spinal decompression on symptoms and physical findings of patients with herniated and degenerative disc disease. Results showed that 86% of the 219 patients who completed the therapy reported immediate resolution of symptoms, while 84% remained pain-free 90 days post-treatment. Physical examination findings showed improvement in 92% of the 219 patients, and remained intact in 89% of these patients 90 days after treatment. This study shows that disc disease—the most common cause of back pain, which costs the American health care system more than $50 billion annually—can be cost-effectively treated using spinal decompression. The cost for successful non-surgical therapy is less than a tenth of that for surgery. These results show that biotechnological advances of spinal decompression reveal promising results for the future of effective management of patients with disc herniation and degenerative disc diseases. Long-term outcome studies are needed to determine if non-surgical treatment prevents later surgery, or merely delays it.

INTRODUCTION: ADVANCES IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
With the recent advances in biotechnology, spinal decompression has evolved into a cost-effective nonsurgical treatment for herniated and degenerative spinal disc disease, one of the major causes of back pain. This nonsurgical treatment for herniated and degenerative spinal disc disease works on the affected spinal segment by significantly reducing intradiscal pressures.1 Chronic low back pain disability is the most expensive benign condition that is medically treated in industrial countries. It is also the number one cause of disability in persons under age 45. After 45, it is the third leading cause of disability.2 Disc disease costs the health care system more than $50 billion a year.

The intervertebral disc is made up of sheets of fibers that form a fibrocartilaginous structure, which encapsulates the inner mucopolysaccharide gel nucleus. The outer wall and gel act hydrodynamically. The intrinsic pressure of the fluid within the semirigid enclosed outer wall allows hydrodynamic activity, making the intervertebral disc a mechanical structure.3 As a person utilizes various normal ranges of motion, spinal discs deform as a result of pressure changes within the disc.4 The disc deforms, causing nuclear migration and elongation of annular fibers. Osteophytes develop along the junction of vertebral bodies and discs, causing a disease known as spondylosis. This disc narrows from the alteration of the nucleus pulposus, which changes from a gelatinous consistency to a more fibrous nature as the aging process continues. The disc space thins with sclerosis of the cartilaginous end plates and new bone formation around the periphery of the contiguous vertebral surfaces. The altered mechanics place stress on the posterior diarthrodial joints, causing them to lose their normal nuclear fulcrum for movement. With the loss of disc space, the plane of articulation of the facet surface is no longer congruous. This stress results in degenerative arthritis of the articular surfaces.

This is especially important in occupational repetitive injuries, which make up a majority of work-related injuries. When disc degeneration occurs, the layers of the annulus can separate in places and form circumferential tears. Several of these circumferential tears may unite and result in a radial tear where the material may herniate to produce disc herniation or prolapse. Even though a disc herniation may not occur, the annulus produces weakening, circumferential bulging, and loss of intervertebral disc height. As a result, discograms at this stage usually reveal reduced interdiscal pressure.

The early changes that have been identified in the nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosis are probably biomechanical and relate to aging. Any additional trauma on these changes can speed up the process of degeneration. When there is a discogenic injury, physical displacement occurs, as well as tissue edema and muscle spasm, which increase the intradiscal pressures and restrict fluid migration.6 Additionally, compression injuries causing an endplate fracture can predispose the disc to degeneration in the future.

The alteration of normal kinetics is the most prevalent cause of lower back pain and disc disruption and thus it is vital to maintain homeostasis in and around the spinal disc; Yong-Hing and Kirkaldy-Willis7 have correlated this degeneration to clinical symptoms. The three clinical stages of spinal degeneration include:

Stage of Dysfunction. There is little pathology and symptoms are subtle or absent. The diagnosis of Lumbalgia and rotatory strain are commonly used.

Stage of Instability. Abnormal movement of the motion segment of instability exists and the patient complains of moderate symptoms with objective findings. Conservative care is used and sometimes surgery is indicated.

Stage of Stabilization. The third phase where there are severe degenerative changes of the disc and facets reduce motion with likely stenosis.

Spinal decompression has been shown to decompress the disc space, and in the clinical picture of low back pain is distinguishable from conventional spinal traction.8,9 According to the literature, traditional traction has proven to be less effective and biomechanically inadequate to produce optimal therapeutic results.8-11 In fact, one study by Mangion et al concluded that any benefit derived from continuous traction devices was due to enforced immobilization rather than actual traction.10 In another study, Weber compared patients treated with traction to a control group that had simulated traction and demonstrated no significant differences.11 Research confirms that traditional traction does not produce spinal decompression. Instead, decompression, that is, unloading due to distraction and positioning of the intervertebral discs and facet joints of the lumbar spine, has been proven an effective treatment for herniated and degenerative disc disease, by producing and sustaining negative intradiscal pressure in the disc space. In agreement with Nachemon’s findings and Yong-Hing and Kirkaldy-Willis,1 spinal decompression treatment for low back pain intervenes in the natural history of spinal degeneration.7,12 Matthews13 used epidurography to study patients thought to have lumbar disc protrusion. With applied forces of 120 pounds x 20 minutes, he was able to demonstrate that the contrast material was drawn into the disc spaces by osmotic changes. Goldfish14 speculates that the degenerated disc may benefit by lowering intradiscal pressure, affecting the nutritional state of the nucleus pulposus. Ramos and Martin8 showed by precisely directed distraction forces, intradiscal pressure could dramatically drop into a negative range. A study by Onel et al15 reported the positive effects of distraction on the disc with contour changes by computed tomography imaging. High intradiscal pressures associated with both herniated and degenerated discs interfere with the restoration of homeostasis and repair of injured tissue.

Biotechnological advances have fostered the design of Food and Drug Administration-approved ergonomic devices that decompress the intervertebral discs. The biomechanics of these decompression/reduction machines work by decompression at the specific disc level that is diagnosed from finding on a comprehensive physical examination and the appropriate diagnostic imaging studies. The angle of decompression to the affected level causes a negative pressure intradiscally that creates an osmotic pressure gradient for nutrients, water, and blood to flow into the degenerated and/or herniated disc thereby allowing the phases of healing to take place.

This clinical outcomes study, which was performed to evaluate the effect of spinal decompression on symptoms of patients with herniated and degenerative disc disease, showed that 86% of the 219 patients who completed therapy reported immediate resolution of symptoms, and 84% of those remained pain-free 90 days post-treatment. Physical examination findings revealed improvement in 92% of the 219 patients who completed the therapy.

METHODS
The study group included 229 people, randomly chosen from 500 patients who had symptoms associated with herniated and degenerative disc disease that had been ongoing for at least 4 weeks. Inclusion criteria included pain due to herniated and bulging lumbar discs that is more than 4 weeks old, or persistent pain from degenerated discs not responding to 4 weeks of conservative therapy. All patients had to be available for 4 weeks of treatment protocol, be at least 18 years of age, and have an MRI within 6 months. Those patients who had previous back surgery were excluded. Of note, 73 of the patients had experienced one to three epidural injections prior to this episode of back pain and 22 of those patients had epidurals for their current condition. Measurements were taken before the treatments began and again at week two, four, six, and 90 days post treatment. At each testing point a questionnaire and physical examination were performed without prior documentation present in order to avoid bias. Testing included the Oswetry questionnaire, which was utilized to quantify information related to measurement of symptoms and functional status. Ten categories of questions about everyday activities were asked prior to the first session and again after treatment and 30 days following the last treatment.

Testing also consisted of a modified physical examination, including evaluation of reflexes (normal, sluggish, or absent), gait evaluation, the presence of kyphosis, and a straight leg raising test (radiating pain into the lower back and leg was categorized when raising the leg over 30 degrees or less is considered positive, but if pain remained isolated in the lower back, it was considered negative). Lumbar range of motion was measured with an ergonometer. Limitations ranging from normal to over 15 degrees in flexion and over 10 degrees in rotation and extension were positive findings. The investigator used pinprick and soft touch to determine the presence of gross sensory deficit in the lower extremities.

Of the 229 patients selected, only 10 patients did not complete the treatment protocol. Reasons for noncompletion included transportation issues, family emergencies, scheduling conflicts, lack of motivation, and transient discomfort. The patient protocol provided for 20 treatments of spinal decompression over a 6-week course of therapy. Each session consisted of a 45-minute treatment on the equipment followed by 15 minutes of ice and interferential frequency therapy to consolidate the lumbar paravertebral muscles. The patient regimen included 2 weeks of daily spinal decompression treatment (5 days per week), followed by three sessions per week for 2 weeks, concluding with two sessions per week for the remaining 2 weeks of therapy

On the first day of treatment, the applied pressure was measured as one half of the person’s body weight minus 10 pounds, followed on the second day with one half of the person’s body weight. The pressure placed for the remainder of the 18 sessions was equivalent to one half of the patient’s body weight plus an additional 10 pounds. The angle of treatment was set according to manufacturer’s protocol after identifying a specific lumbar disc correlated with MRI findings. A session would begin with the patient being fitted with a customized lower and upper harness to fit their specific body frame. The patient would step onto a platform located at the base of the equipment, which simultaneously calculated body weight and determined proper treatment pressure. The patient was then lowered into the supine position, where the investigator would align the split of table with the top of the patient’s iliac crest. A pneumatic air pump was used to automatically increase lordosis of the lumbar spine for patient comfort. The patient’s chest harness was attached and tightened to the table. An automatic shoulder support system tightened and affixed the patient’s upper body. A knee pillow was placed to maintain slight flexion of the knees. With use of the previously calculated treatment pressures, spinal decompression was then applied. After treatment, the patient received 15 minutes of interferential frequency (80 to 120 Hz) therapy and cold packs to consolidate paravertebral muscles.

During the initial 2 weeks of treatment, the patients were instructed to wear lumbar support belts and limit activities, and were placed on light duty at work. In addition, they were prescribed a nonsteroidal, to be taken 1 hour before therapy and at bedtime during the first 2 weeks of treatment. After the second week of treatment, medication was decreased and moderate activity was permitted.

Data was collected from 219 patients treated during this clinical study. Study demographics consisted of 79 female and 140 male patients. The patients treated ranged from 24 to 74 years of age (see Table 1). The average weight of the females was 146 pounds and the average weight of the men was 195 pounds. According to the Oswestry Pain Scale, patients reported their symptoms ranging from no pain (0) to severe pain (5).

PATIENT GROUPS
The patients were further subdivided into six groups:

single lateral herniation 67 cases
single central herniation 22 cases
single lateral herniation
with disc degeneration 32 cases
single central herniation
with disc degeneration. 24 cases
more than 1 herniation
with disc degeneration 17 cases
more than 1 herniation
without disc degeneration 57 cases

RESULTS
According to the self-rated Oswestry Pain Scale, treatment was successful in 86% of the 219 patients included in this study (Table 2, page 39). Treatment success was defined by a reduction in pain to 0 or 1 on the pain scale. The perception of pain was none 0 to occasional 1 without any further need for medication or treatment in 188 patients. These patients reported complete resolution of pain, lumbar range of motion was normalized, and there was recovery of any sensory or motor loss. The remaining 31 patients reported significant pain and disability, despite some improvement in their overall pain and disability score.

Diagnosis MRI
Results on self-rated Oswestry Pain Scale after treatment.
In this study, only patients diagnosed with herniated and degenerative discs with at least a 4-week onset were eligible. Each patient’s diagnosis was confirmed by MRI findings. All selected patients reported 3 to 5 on the pain scale with radiating neuritis into the lower extremities. By the second week of treatment, 77% of patients had a greater than 50% resolution of low back pain. Subsequent orthopedic examinations demonstrated that an increase in spinal range of motion directly correlated with an improvement in straight leg raises and reflex response. Table 2 shows a summary of the subjective findings obtained during this study by category and total results post treatment. After 90 days, only five patients (2%) were found to have relapsed from the initial treatment program.

Percentage of patients that had improved physical exam findings post treatment.
Ninety-two percent of patients with abnormal physical findings improved post-treatment. Ninety days later only 3% of these patients had abnormal findings. Table 3 summarizes the percentage of patients that showed improvement in physician examination findings testing both motor and sensory system function after treatment. Gait improved in 96% of the individuals who started with an abnormal gait, while 96% of those with sluggish reflexes normalized. Sensory perception improved in 93% of the patients, motor limitation diminished in 86%, 89% had a normal straight leg raise test who initially tested abnormal, and 90% showed improvement in their spinal range of motion.

SUMMARY
In conclusion, nonsurgical spinal decompression provides a method for physicians to properly apply and direct the decompressive force necessary to effectively treat discogenic disease. With the biotechnological advances of spinal decompression, symptoms were restored by subjective report in 86% of patients previously thought to be surgical candidates and mechanical function was restored in 92% using objective data. Ninety days after treatment only 2% reported pain and 3% relapsed, by physical examination exhibiting motor limitations and decreased spinal range of motion. Our results indicate that in treating 219 patients with MRI-documented disc herniation and degenerative disc diseases, treatment was successful as defined by: pain reduction; reduction in use of pain medications; normalization of range of motion, reflex, and gait; and recovery of sensory or motor loss. Biotechnological advances of spinal decompression indeed reveal promising results for the future of effective management of patients with disc herniation and degenerative disc diseases. The cost for successful nonsurgical therapy is less than a tenth of that for surgery. Long-term outcome studies are needed to determine if nonsurgical treatment prevents later surgery or merely delays it.

Thomas A. Gionis, MD, JD, MBA, MHA, FICS, FRCS, is chairman of the American Board of Healthcare Law and Medicine, Chicago; a diplomate professor of surgery, American Academy of Neurological and Orthopaedic Surgeons; and a fellow of the International College of Surgeons and the Royal College of Surgeons.

Eric Groteke, DC, CCIC, is a chiropractor and is certified in manipulation under anesthesia. He is also a chiropractic insurance consultant, a certified independent chiropractic examiner, and a certified chiropractic insurance consultant. Groteke maintains chiropractic centers in northeastern Pennsylvania, in Stroudsburg, Scranton, and Wilkes-Barre.

REFERENCES

Eyerman E. MRI evidence of mechanical reduction and repair of the torn annulus disc. International Society of Neuroradiologists; October 1998; Orlando.
Narayan P, Morris IM. A preliminary audit of the management of acute low back pain in the Kettering District. Br J Rheumatol. 1995;34:693-694.
McDevitt C. Proteoglycans of the intervertebral disc. In: Gosh, P, ed. The Biology of the Intervertebral Disc. Boca Raton, Fla: CRC Press; 1988:151-170.
Bogduk N, Twomey L. Clinical Anatomy of the Lumbar Spine. New York: Churchill Livingstone; 1991. Cox JM. Low Back Pain: Mechanism, Diagnosis, and Treatment. 5th ed. Baltimore: Williams & Wilkins; 1990:69-70, 144. Cyriax JH. Textbook of Orthopaedic Medicine: Diagnosis of Soft Tissue Lesions. Vol 1. 8th ed. London: Balliere Tindall; 1982. Nachemson AL. The lumbar spine, an orthopaedic challenge. Spine. 1976;1(1):59-69. Ramos G, Martin W. Effects of vertebral axial decompression on intradiscal pressure. J Neurosurgery. 1994;81:350-353. Shealy CN, Leroy P. New concepts in back pain management: decompression, reduction, and stabilization. In: Weiner R, ed. Pain Management: A Practical Guide for Clinicians. Boca Raton, Fla: St Lucie Press; 1998:239-257.
Pal B, Mangion P, Hossain MA, et al. A controlled trial of continuous lumbar traction in back pain and sciatica. Br J Rheumatol. 1986;25:181-183.
Weber H. Traction therapy in sciatica due to disc prolapse. J Oslo City Hosp. 1973;23(10):167-176. Yong-Hing K, Kirkaldy-Willis WH. The pathophysiology of degenerative disease of the lumbar spine. Orthop Clin North Am. 1983;14:501-503. Matthews J. The effects of spinal traction. Physiotherapy. 1972;58:64-66.
Goldfish G. Lumbar traction. In: Tollison CD, Kriegel M, eds. Inter- disciplinary Rehabilitation of Low Back Pain. Baltimore: Williams & Wilkins; 1989.
Onel D, Tuzlaci M, Sari H, Demir K. Computed tomographic investigation of the effect of traction on lumbar disc herniations. Spine. 1989; 14(1):82-90.

Non surgical spinal decompression.
www.drshoshany.com

Spinal decompression therapy

2008-11-03T09:51:00.002-05:00

Spinal Decompression therapy.
Spinal Decompression

Below is from Dr. Eben Davis in SF, I couldn't say it any better so I posted his reply and added a link to his Blog.

I was communicating with a prospective spinal decompression patient yesterday. He had a couple of questions/concerns that are shared by many others...here they are:

1. Doctors that have a nonsurgical spinal decompression machine such as the DRX9000, all seem to say the machine helps just about everybody with a disc herniation. Is this information accurate?

2. Spine Doctors or Chiropractors that do not have a decompression machine have mixed opinions...some go as far as to say they do not work and that decompression treatment is just a waste of money. What am I supposed to think?

I understand, and this has been my experience also. Think about it though...most doctors that have gone as far as purchasing a spinal decompression system, have done a lot of homework before they purchased...at least I did. I spent a year researching spinal decompression before I bought my first machine.

Then, it sure doesn't take long to start getting some really good results...even with the toughest of cases. So sure...decompression doctors are excited about what they do...and they should be.

Medical doctors, chiropractors, and physical therapist, or anyone else that does not have first hand experience treating patients with non-surgical spinal decompression...in my opinion, have no idea about the real life changing results that lumbar and cervical spinal decompression is giving thousands of happy patients. They may have an opinion...but what's it really worth?

And...even the doctors that have a DRX9000, and have lots of experience, don't know for sure if it's going to help you...nobody does. You have to do the decompression treatment and adhere to the home care regimen to find out. Everyone knows decompression treatment is safe...unlike many other treatment choices for disc herniations...and that's a big plus.

Here's the deal...something must be going right, because most of the patients that decide to do spinal decompression therapy do so because of direct testimony from patients that have had successful outcomes...they don't have a gun to their heads either...they make educated decisions.

They read information like the stuff I write on this blog, and they talk to people. Enough people have now done treatment on the DRX9000 and DRX9000c, or some other machine that it's easy to find someone to talk to about it.

New Research on spinal decompression supports their decision also. There is a DRX9000 Special Report out that is based on studies done at the Mayo Clinic and John Hopkins Universities. The results are very, very favorable. If you are considering spinal decompression therapy, don't listen to the naysayers...decide for yourself.

OK, So I could not have said this any better.
I have been a Chiropractor for over 10 years, Not every patient that comes into my office needs Spinal decompression. Most patients do great with Chiropractic, Physical therapy and massage.
BUT when a patient tried EVERYTHING, and is considering a surgery that is when we will consider a Non-surgical protocol.
Most patients come in have their MRI's, Their Nerve tests and bottles of Vicodin.
In my NYC Chiropractic office I have a MD on site that evaluates the medication that patients are on.
Once someone starts a Spinal decompression protocol they are encouraged to be diligent about their schedule and home exercises.
Back pain is the second hardest to treat condition, Cancer is first.
This Spinal decompression is not 100% I let patients know this from the beginning. Their are no guarantees but most of the studies done on spinal decompression therapy point to over 80% success rate.
www.drshoshany.com

Tale of the Tape-Kinesio tape-NYC Certified Kinesio taper

2008-10-23T22:36:00.003-04:00

Tale of the Tape

Taping is all the rage on the pro tours. Can it help you too?

You see tape everywhere, on just about every body part, in professional tennis these days. And for good reason: It can prevent injury, support muscles, realign a joint, and relieve pressure on a blister. Tape can even help in the healing process after surgery. But different tapes serve different purposes. According to Kathleen Stroia, P.T., A.T.C., who oversees all medical and health services for the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour, players have always used tape, but today they have more options than ever before. “There have been a lot of technical advancements in our field in recent years,” she says. One of those advancements is Kinesio tape.

If you see a black stripe running along a shin, or a strip of pink on an abdomen, you’re seeing Kinesio in action. Created by Japanese chiropractor Kenzo Kase, this thin, flexible tape that comes in assorted colors has been used in tennis for a decade. It has become popular in all sports: Lance Armstrong’s team has worn Kinesio during the Tour de France, and beach volleyball player Kerri Walsh won gold wearing it on her shoulder in Beijing. The tape stays on for about three days and can withstand sweat and showers. The makers of Kinesio claim it promotes blood flow and healing when laid on stretched skin. “It’s actually a therapy,” Stroia says. “Whereas conventional tapes are used for support or prevention, Kinesio is woven in a way that when it’s applied, it can stimulate or inhibit muscles, decrease inflammation or scarring after surgery, [support strained muscles], and promote healing.” Though there have been few studies on Kinesio, players laud its powers. “I feel it more when I’m sleeping with it on,” says Robby Ginepri, who uses Kinesio to relieve occasional soreness or tendinitis. “The next morning I feel like my shoulder, or wherever I have [the tape], feels more rested.”

Kinesio isn’t the only tape or taping method the pros use. Physiotherapists also employ conventional and McConnell techniques, among others. Conventional tapings involve wrapping an area with a rigid white cotton tape to support a joint or take pressure off a muscle. Ankle wraps are the most common conventional tapings for the men, says ATP trainer Clay Sniteman, P.T., A.T.C. (He tapes eight to 12 players’ ankles in an average 32-player draw, and more at hard-court events.) The McConnell method, named after Australian physiotherapist Jenny McConnell, uses stiff brown and white tapes to realign joints, usually knees and shoulders.

On the women’s tour, physiotherapists have developed taping methods for injuries specific to tennis, such as a triangular fibrocartilage complex tear. This wrist ailment, which occurs in players with two-handed backhands, develops when the nondominant hand goes into a hyperextended position. To prevent further damage, trainers tape the wrist to limit its range of motion and redirect it so that proper positioning is restored.

Stroia and Sniteman say it’s OK for recreational players to tape an injury themselves, depending on its type, extent, and location. The McConnell method can be used for a knee injury. Kinesio can be applied in reachable areas of the body, like the knee, hip, or abdomen. But Sniteman says rec players should avoid taping their own ankles: “You could be putting your ankle in a bad position.”

Before doing anything with tape, consult a sports medicine professional, such as an orthopedic surgeon, sports physical therapist, or athletic trainer, who can assess the injury and teach proper application. If you want to forgo tape and try a brace instead, consult a professional to make sure you choose one that fits correctly.
Dr. Steven Shoshany is a Certified Kinesio taper in NYC

Spinal Decompression NYC for Herniated discs

2008-10-14T15:57:00.001-04:00

Dr. Shoshany is a chiropractic healthcare specialist with a diverse background. He holds a doctorate degree from Life Chiropractic University. Dr. Shoshany is currently the Clinic Director of Chiropractic New York, specializing in Spinal Disc Decompression. Dr. Shoshany is the only Chiropractor in NYC that holds a Patent for his spinal decompression protocol.Visit website www.nycdisc.com To learn more about Dr. Steven Shoshany and his practice, please click here.

In a recent interview, Dr. Shoshany talks about the benefits of non-surgical spinal decompression therapy for the treatment of chronic back pain. Listen to his interview and learn how Dr. Shoshany's patients have responded to the treatment protocol, why he chose to incorporate non-surgical spinal decompression therapy and more.
www.drshoshany.com

Spinal Decompression: New Hope or Big Hype? A Critical Review

2008-10-01T09:34:00.002-04:00

Spinal Decompression: New Hope or Big Hype? A Critical Review
Spinal Decompression in NYC
Back Pain Treatment

Spinal Decompression: Hope or Hype?

No doubt by now you’ve read the ads “New Hope for Disc Pain & Sciatica,” “Miracle Disc Treatment”, “How the Space Age Cracked the Back Pain Code” and the myriad others in the papers. You’ve seen the TV ads or heard spots on the radio all purporting to have the answer to the leading cause of disability in the U.S. – Back pain. The ads speak of back pain relief using space age technology without drugs or surgery for even the worst herniated discs. But is Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD) or Intervertbral Disc Distraction (IDD therapy) really a “space age” miracle or just hype? These ads appear everyday in the New York Post and the NYC version of the AM paper and New York Metro paper.

Back Pain Facts Derived from the American Chiropractic Association:

•One-half of all working Americans admit to having back pain symptoms each year.

•Back pain is one of the most common reasons for missed work. In fact, back pain is the second most common reason for visits to the doctor’s office, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections.

•Most cases of back pain are mechanical or non-organic—meaning they are not caused by serious conditions, such as inflammatory arthritis, infection, fracture or cancer.

•Americans spend at least $50 billion each year on back pain—and that’s just for the more easily identified costs.

•Experts estimate that as many as 80% of the population will experience a back problem at some time in our lives. While others report the number to be as high as 90%.

With that many people suffering from back pain and that much money and time being spent on it, its no wonder doctors are eager to find a cure.

Cure for Serious Back Pain is Elusive:

The claims made by spinal decompression physicians are incredible and seem too good to be true. It is well known that for serious back pain — back pain caused by intervertebral disc herniations or “slipped discs”, degenerative disc disease, stenosis, etc – most popular treatments are not effective.

Traditional medicine’s approach of medications, periods of rest, home exercises, steroid injections and eventual surgery fail more times than not. A Scandinavian study published in the December 2001 journal “Spine”, found that a dismal 1 in 6 patients undergoing spinal fusion had an “excellent” result 2 years after surgery. Overall, back surgery is clinically reported to be at best 50% effective and involves tremendous risk. Second or repeat surgeries are common and lead many into long-term pain management centers.

More conservative approaches such as physical therapy, yoga, chiropractic and acupuncture all claim to deal with back pain. Unfortunately, while they are much less risky than drugs or surgery and have been proven to help with common low back problems from strains, poor posture, etc, there are no long-term studies that point to any of them as being successful for curing or relieving pain from more serious conditions such as disc herniations or stenosis.

Dehydration and Breakdown of the Disc is at the Root of Serious Back Pain:
The difficulty seems to be in the nature of the problem itself. The disc is a fibrocartilagenous structure that provides space between the vertebrae or spinal bones to allow nerves to exit freely and communicate with the rest of the body. The discs also act as mini “shock absorbers” dissipating the energy and stress from standing, walking and bending against gravity. The disc must rely on water and nutrients it gets from the body at night while resting to replenish itself.

Injuries to the spine can cause the vertebrae or bones to get stuck not allowing the disc to open up and get replenished at night. Injuries to the disc itself can cause it to leak out much needed water. The result is dehydration and eventual breakdown of the disc, which causes it to bulge outward towards the nerves. If the condition is severe enough, the outer disc layers are actually torn or split open to allow the internal disc material or jelly to protrude outward and contact sensitive nerves.

Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression proponents claim to restore water to the disc and reduce disc herniations and/or bulges through the use of a specially made decompression machine, but do these machines really work?

Decompression vs Traction

A review of the many so-called decompression machines on the market reveals some interesting facts. First, most machines commercially available are nothing more than traction machines. Traction has been around along time, but unfortunately has not been proven to decompress the discs to any great degree. No peer-reviewed journal articles exist that conclusively show that the discs are opened up or re-hydrated by simple traction.

There are very few machines that can actually be classified as decompression machines. Spinal decompression therapy has been tested and shown favorable results. A clinical research project was conducted to determine the response of over 200 back pain subjects suffering with disc bulging, herniation and/or degeneration to non-surgical spinal decompression.

Global Proof of Spinal Decompression?
The results were shocking. Over 90% of the subjects reported significant pain relief. Fully 86% of the test subjects reported immediate resolution of their pain following treatment. Further, nearly 90% of the test subjects reported lasting pain relief beyond 90 days. Clinical evidence suggests that these were not isolated findings. Non-surgical spinal decompression therapy has been shown in several papers around the globe to provide relief of back pain and leg pain due to disc herniation, bulging disc, degenerative disc disease, stenosis and failed back surgery.

Readers must be cautioned however that the clinical trial and resulting journal article was based on the research done on a specific spinal decompression unit and not merely a traction machine. Traditional traction machines have not been able to show nearly the results that spinal decompression has. However, this has not stopped “traction machine” manufacturers from making claims of 86% success rate for their machines despite their lack of documentation.

Beware of Imposters

Many clinics are popping up claiming to provide spinal decompression therapy, while merely employing traction units using the advertising and marketing materials created by Axiom Worldwide, Inc. a leader in spinal decompression and manufacturer of the DRX9000. Many of these machines use simple electrical winches with a rope to pull on the spine, while others are actually roller massage tables that you lie on as rollers move up and down your back. These are hardly new technology and have been plied by chiropractors and physical therapists for 30 years and more.

Axiom Worldwide, Inc. claims their patented process of “True Spinal Decompression” is unique and has garnered a lions’ share of the decompression market since entering the field in 2001.

DRX9000 Spinal Decompression the Real Deal?

So it would appear that at least in the case of a DRX9000, non-surgical spinal decompression may be the real deal. The medical literature seems to support it and more and more clinical data is coming in anecdotally supporting this new medical procedure.

Questionable Practices
Some prospective patients report some spinal decompression practitioners to be all too eager to put just about anyone with back pain on their machines. A careful review of procedures for Axiom’s DRX9000 indicates several contraindications for treatment including previous back surgery where rods, screws, bolts or wires are used, severe osteoporosis, fracture, tumor and others. These are conditions or situations where spinal decompression is not recommended due to safety concerns. Barring this, the treatment appears safe. The FDA gives clearance to the DRX9000 as a medical device and there are no reported side effects. Obviously, a careful history and examination by a spinal decompression specialist would be in order prior to treatment.

Spinal decompression is gaining popularity making it too hard for some clinics to resist making a quick buck, by employing cheap traction machines operated by ill-trained employees. Worse yet, and making safety a chief concern, is that some clinics that were polled didn’t even bother to have a doctor of any sort perform an exam. Technicians were used to evaluate a patient’s suitability for this treatment that has many potential dangers for the wrong type of patient.

Any prospective patient should be aware of these facts and select the facility that adheres to safety and qualification standards set by the manufacturer have an actual licensed physician perform an examination and are staffed by certified technicians. If a clinic is ready to “sign you up” after only a cursory evaluation, beware. They may be putting their bottom line ahead of your safety.
In my NYC Spinal decompression I use the DRX 9000 which in my opinion combined with the Cox flexion distraction table is the best Spinal decompression treatment available today.

But is Spinal Decompression a “Cure All”?
As for a “cure all” as some of the ads hyping the process lead health care consumers to believe, the answer is an emphatic “no.” Many conditions cannot be treated by spinal decompression and it is not intended for minor back pain that responds quickly to therapy or chiropractic care. But for the millions of people suffering from serious back pain and leg pain associated with disc herniation, bulging discs, degenerative disc disease, facet syndrome, sciatica, spinal stenosis, chronic low back pain or failed back surgery, spinal disc decompression therapy using the DRX9000 has been medically proven to be 86% effective.

The Bottom Line: Costs

Costs of spinal decompression programs vary as do all medical procedures from location to location. An average cost for Manhattan and New York City area for spinal decompression range from $4,000 to $7,000. In our NYC Spinal Decompression clinic we utilize the Spine Force for advanced spinal rehab and have found that it helps to increase patient outcomes.
Important points to remember are that claims of “Medicare accepted” or “Work Comp Approved” or other claims of insurance acceptance are deceptive advertising claims. At the present time there are no insurance codes for spinal decompression. That means insurance will not pay specifically for spinal decompression. Some clinics have resorted to these claims to attract new business. Once the patient is in the door they are either notified Medicare will not cover the service or the clinic may be intentionally mis-coding their claims to get paid for something that is not covered. We have had certain insurance policies cover the treatment 100% and others cover for the Physical therapy portion. It is best to contact the office and schedule a no-cost consultation first to determine if you are a candidate for the procedure and we can verify insurance coverage at that point in time.

Some components of a spinal decompression program may be covered by insurance. It all depends on what type of insurance you have and if there are any limitations to certain procedures. Many patients with insurance are fortunate to have their insurance company pay the bulk of their care, but no insurance will pay for everything because of the lack of coding for spinal decompression and because insurance coverage seems to shrink year by year.

Much like Laser eye surgery or cosmetic surgery, spinal decompression although valid and helpful, is still considered an elective procedure and “too new” to be issued an insurance code. Cost is generally not the best criteria to make a medical decision on. A loaf of bread is pretty much the same no matter where you buy it.

But for a serious problem like a disc herniation, consumers should make their final decision based on:

Which doctor is best qualified to handle their problem
What is their educational background?
How many years of experience do they have?
How long have they performed spinal decompression
How many patients with similar conditions to yours have they successfully treated?
Are they a specialist dedicated to disc disorders and spinal decompression or are they merely jumping on a lucrative band wagon putting a traction device into an empty room in their clinic?
How’s your rapport with the doctor and staff?
Are they accessible and easy to ask questions?
You are more likely to be satisfied with the best possible service and the most qualified specialist rather than take a chance on a lesser clinic that may not have the requisite experience to handle your unique disc problem and therefore charge under the market rate for the service. Just like everything else in life, you get what you pay for.

Conclusion
In summary, claims of “New Hope for Disc Pain” or “Space Age Miracle Sciatica Treatment” may very well be true. With the advances in technology derived from computer medical technology at least one company, Axiom Worldwide, has put their money where their mouth is and proven their machine to work. With FDA clearance, an 86% success rate and no reported side-effects, DRX9000 Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression treatment provided by a qualified spinal decompression specialist is well worth a try for back pain and leg pain sufferers who haven’t been able to find relief anywhere else and wish to avoid surgery.

References:
Jensen M, Brant-Zawadzki M, Obuchowski N, et al. Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Lumbar Spine in People Without Back Pain. N Engl J Med 1994; 331: 69-116.

Vallfors B. Acute, Subacute and Chronic Low Back Pain: Clinical Symptoms, Absenteeism and Working Environment. Scan J Rehab Med Suppl 1985; 11: 1-98.

Project Briefs: Back Pain Patient Outcomes Assessment Team (BOAT). In MEDTEP Update, Vol. 1 Issue 1, Agency for Health Care Policy and Research, Rockville, MD, Summer 1994.

Thomas A. Gionis, MD, JD, MBA, MHA, FICS, FRCS, Eric Groteke, DC, CCIC, Spinal Decompression, Orthopedic Technology Review Nov/Dec 2003, Vol. 5, No. 6

www.drshoshany.com

Spinal decompression NYC, Herniated disc specialist

2008-09-26T20:18:00.002-04:00

Dr. Steven Shoshany- Spinal Decompression Specialist
visit www.drshoshany.com
When someone has a MRI that confirms the presence of multiple disc herniations, What are their options?
I am a big advocate of avoiding surgery unless it absolutely necessary.There is a time and place for back surgery but If you have a contained disc herniations (this means it is not extruded) Spinal decompression therapy is a fanastic treatment option.
Recent studies are listed below.
The first study, is an IRB-approved, prospective multi-center phase II, non-randomized pilot study authored by Dr. John Leslie of the Mayo Clinic and others. This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the DRX9000 in treating chronic LBP [lower back pain]. A greater than 50% reduction in pain score was observed after two weeks of treatment and upon completion of the entire six week protocol an amazing success rate of 88.9% was documented. Improvement of Oswestry scores and a decreased consumption of adjunctive pain medication was also noted. The second study, is retrospective data which included lumbar spine CT scans before and after patients were treated on the DRX9000 that demonstrates possible morphological changes associated with treatment. The authors conclude, “A significant reduction in chronic LBP after non-invasive spinal decompression correlated with an increase in disc height.”
Dr. Steven Shoshany
www.drshoshany.com

CHIROPRACTIC NYC

2008-09-20T23:58:00.001-04:00

This is a recent candid shot of NYC Chiropractor reviewing charts.

Kinesio taping for herniated discs

2008-09-15T11:55:00.003-04:00

This past weekend I completed Kinesio taping levels 1 and 2 seminars.
I have been using Kinesio tape in my Manhattan practice for 5 years on everything from ankle sprain/strains to knee pain. I learned about a new taping for herniated discs that I am going to to apply to my herniated disc protocol.
As part of the spinal decompression protocol patients are wearing a supportive brace for 3 hours after their visits to limit forward bending keep the abdomen close to the spine.
The Kinesio tape can be worn under the brace, and muscles like quadratas lumborum and the sacrospinalis or the (sacral Multifidi) that are facilitated can be taped.
The purpose of the taping is to:
Assist in education of weakened muscles, helps reduce muscle fatigue, reduces cramping,reduces pain inflammation and edema.
The four major functions and effects of Kinesio taping are to
Normalize muscle function
Improve lymphatic and blood flow
Reduce pain
Correct joint malalignment and improve propioception
www.drshoshany.com

Living Well Medical- A full service spinal decompression clinic

2008-09-04T16:34:00.002-04:00

Chronic back pain, Sciaitica, Herniated and bulging discs all respond well to spinal decompression treatment. I posted this recent video to highlight my new office in Manhattan NYC.
www.drshoshany.com

What is Spinal decompression therapy?

2008-08-24T23:53:00.002-04:00

Visit www.drshoshany.com

What Is Decompression Therapy?
Decompression Therapy, or otherwise known as spinal decompression therapy, is the non-surgical neck and lower back pain remedy. Generally, back pains are caused by degenerative disc disease, herniated disc, spinal stenosis or other disc deformities.

With spinal decompression therapy, the patient avoids surgery and only undergoes several therapy sessions. Most patients attest to instant back pain relief even after the first decompresion therapy session.

Common Back Pain Remedies
Almost everyone has experienced back pain at one time or another. It was said, that back pain comes in 2nd to headache as the most common neurological disorder in the U.S.

Because of its prevalence, people resorted to various back pain remedies. Some remedies are really effective, others just make their conditions much worse. Some of the most common remedies to alleviate back pain are:

Acupuncture - treatment is cheap but some people dread the idea of needles puncturing their skin.
Taking in vitamin D, B12 or magnesium - this remedy is more of preventive in nature. If the patient suffers severe lower back pain, this remedy may help in some ways but it will not completely remove the problematic back pain.
Yoga - this back pain remedy is excellent for those that are still flexible and have the time to attend regular sessions spanning at least 6 months. It is not for the sickly, weakly, elderly types.
Massage therapy - undergoing a massage therapy is very soothing and stress-releasing. But for severe back problems and under untrained therapists, it may aggravate the problem and it may worsen the condition.
Surgery - not everyone wants to go under the knife and it could also be very expensive and, at times, debilitating.
Spinal decompression therapy - a patient is firmly placed on a secured but padded spinal decompression table. The table then slowly adjusts the vertebrae causing the back pain problem. Immediate relief is often experienced by the patient. It is safe, effortless and painless way to remedy back pain problems.

Spinal Decompression Is Non-Surgical
Traditionally, people treat back disorders with oral medication, physical therapy, exercises and spinal surgery. With the latest development in technology and cutting-edge device, spinal decompression is the best option that allows you to say goodbye to your back pain and avoid the need for that debilitating surgery.

A spinal decompression table program provides a non-invasive treatment option for most chronic back pain problems and allows patients to become active & healthy individuals again.
DRX 9000
NYC Chiropractor,spinal decompression specialist,Herniated disc, slipped disc, pinched nerve

What is a Pinched nerve? Pinched nerve NYC

2008-08-24T18:16:00.002-04:00

www.drshoshany.com
What is a pinched nerve? In our NYC integrated medical center we utilize spinal decompression therapy, physical therapy and medical care to not only alleviate signs and symptoms but correct the problem without surgery.

A pinched nerve is a nerve with pressure applied to it. In the spine, a pinched nerve is usually caused by a herniated disk or herniated disc pressing on it.

Symptoms of a pinched nerve are:

weakness
tenderness
prickly sensation
stabbing sensation
burning sensation

Pinched nerves in the spine tend to happen in the neck and low back as these are the areas that do the most moving, and often refer pain down the leg or arm. Pinched nerves can be brought on by hard physical work and injury.

Sciatica is a symptom, characterized by pain down one leg, and brought about when the largest nerve in the body, the sciatic nerve, is irritated.
What is Sciatica and what are the symptoms?
Answer:

Pain, numbness and/or weakness down the leg are the main symptoms of sciatica.

Sciatic pain is generally most noticeable as pain that radiates from the buttock area down the leg. Pain is usually on one side of the body, not both. Initially, sciatic pain is mild and grows in intensity - sometimes to unbearable levels - over time. There is usually little or no pain in the low back (although sciatica originates in the low back).

Nerve pain, such as a mild ache, and/or sharp, burning, tingling or electrical sensations, is caused by irritation to the sciatic nerve.

Worsening of symptoms may be brought about by coughing, sneezing, laughing and similar reflexive actions. Sciatica symptoms also tend to become worse if you sit for long periods of time. This is due to the pressure sitting puts on the nerve, which irritates it. Symptoms of sciatica also may worsen after long periods of lying on the irritated area, and after long periods of walking.

Numbness or weakness of the leg or foot is another symptom of sciatica. Should weakness of the leg or foot get progressively worse, and/or if there is a loss of control or feeling of the bowels or bladder, you may have a serious condition called cauda equina syndrome. Seek medical attention immediately.

Sources:
Kendall, F., McCreary, E., & Provance, P. (1993). Muscles: Testing and Function with Posture and Pain. Baltimore: Williams & Wilkins.
Wheeless' Book of Orthopaedics. Retrieved January 10, 2007, from Duke Orthopaedics Web site: http://www.wheelessonline.com/ortho/sciatic_nerve

NYC spinal decompression NYC

2008-08-16T20:50:00.001-04:00

NYC Spinal decompression NYC

Solution for Herniated disc without surgery
as seen on http://solution-health-aleni.blogspot.com/2008/05/solution-for-herniated.html
Spinal decompression is proving to be a great last resort before surgery. The procedure may also help with failed back surgeries. According to two recent studies in the New England Journal of Medicine, back surgery is often not necessary for back pain, Spinal Decompression and non-surgical treatments can relieve some of the suffering. Neurosurgeon Wilco C. Peul, MD, head of the spine intervention study group at Leiden University Medical Center in the Netherlands, led a study of 283 patients with confirmed cases of severe sciatica. The study found that 95 percent reported recovery after one year, whether or not they had surgery. “Americans have back surgery Dr. Steven Shoshany, Spinal Decompression Specialist twice as much as people in other countries,” said Dr. Shoshany. “1.5 million disc operations are done worldwide each year, but surprisingly many of these operations do not need to happen. Non-surgical treatments have been proven to be just as effective.” Spinal decompression causes a decompression to the spine that sucks the disc material back into the disc and brings fresh blood flow to the area, while helping with the healing process. An exam and MRI will determine the level of treatment for each patient and Dr. Shoshany said patients are usually back to their daily activities within two to three weeks after treatment. "What's interesting is that more and more studies point to the fact that back surgery should be a last resort when all other methods have failed," said Dr. Shoshany. “For anyone considering surgery to get rid of back pain, this is a healthy alternative treatment they may want to consider.” Spinal Decompression is FDA cleared and a well-documented treatment; it is a safe and effective treatment for herniated discs.
www.drshoshany.com

Solution for herniated discs

2008-08-11T21:52:00.001-04:00

Solution for Herniated disc without surgery
as seen on http://solution-health-aleni.blogspot.com/2008/05/solution-for-herniated.html
Spinal decompression is proving to be a great last resort before surgery. The procedure may also help with failed back surgeries. According to two recent studies in the New England Journal of Medicine, back surgery is often not necessary for back pain, Spinal Decompression and non-surgical treatments can relieve some of the suffering. Neurosurgeon Wilco C. Peul, MD, head of the spine intervention study group at Leiden University Medical Center in the Netherlands, led a study of 283 patients with confirmed cases of severe sciatica. The study found that 95 percent reported recovery after one year, whether or not they had surgery. “Americans have back surgery Dr. Steven Shoshany, Spinal Decompression Specialist twice as much as people in other countries,” said Dr. Shoshany. “1.5 million disc operations are done worldwide each year, but surprisingly many of these operations do not need to happen. Non-surgical treatments have been proven to be just as effective.” Spinal decompression causes a decompression to the spine that sucks the disc material back into the disc and brings fresh blood flow to the area, while helping with the healing process. An exam and MRI will determine the level of treatment for each patient and Dr. Shoshany said patients are usually back to their daily activities within two to three weeks after treatment. "What's interesting is that more and more studies point to the fact that back surgery should be a last resort when all other methods have failed," said Dr. Shoshany. “For anyone considering surgery to get rid of back pain, this is a healthy alternative treatment they may want to consider.” Spinal Decompression is FDA cleared and a well-documented treatment; it is a safe and effective treatment for herniated discs.

Make Back Pain Disappear Without Drugs or Scalpel

2008-08-06T17:09:00.001-04:00

Make Back Pain Disappear Without Drugs or Scalpel
Spinal Decompression Is a Magical Cure for Some People

reprinted from Daily Health News, November 1, 2007
URL: http://www.bottomlinesecrets.com/blpnet/article.html?article_id=43340

Luckily I've never suffered a serious bout of back pain -- and staying strong in the hope I won't have problems like that is one reason I am so committed to fitness. Even so, though, the truth is that most of us (80% by some estimates) will have back pain at some time or another -- whether from over-exertion, injury or simply a result of the aging process. Chronic back pain is frustrating, not only because of how badly it hurts but also because it can be difficult to cure. It is the fifth most common reason for doctor visits.

A particularly common cause of such pain is a herniated disk, also referred to colloquially as a "slipped disk." For a long time, the usual mainstream medical solutions were surgery, physical therapy and/or pain medication, all of which take a long time and may not work for everyone. So I was very interested to learn about a non-surgical, non-invasive treatment for herniated disks called spinal decompression.

Visualize the disks in your back as being like hard donuts filled with a jelly-like material in the center. With age, the strong fibrous cartilage (the donut) can weaken, allowing the jelly-like material (nucleus pulposus) to bulge, which in and of itself is not painful. But more seriously, with a herniated disk the hard tissue has actually torn or ruptured, causing this material to ooze and press on spinal nerves. This causes pain that can range from mild to horrible.

SPINAL DECOMPRESSION 101: A PRIMER

One of the first devices used for spinal decompression was approved by the FDA in 1995. Because spinal decompression requires special expertise and pricey equipment, few chiropractors have offered this treatment -- but numbers are growing as training and better insurance reimbursement becomes more commonplace, I was told by Steven Shoshany, DC, a New York City-based chiropractor who specializes in spinal decompression.

Here's how it works: The patient lies on a comfortable table made specifically for this purpose, comfortably strapped down with a pelvis and torso harness that resembles a girdle. Calling it a "high-tech traction device," Dr. Shoshany explained how it works. "Slowly and comfortably, almost imperceptibly, the machine creates traction by pulling and holding for one minute. Then, intermittently, it releases. It is believed that this creates a negative pressure, or a vacuum within the disk, which then draws back the herniated-disk material which was displaced." With less pressure inside the disk, and thus less on the spinal nerves, pain often decreases or might even disappear -- sometimes instantaneously. To "fix the hold," however, numerous sessions may be required.

This technique also allows nutrient-rich fluid to go to the area where there is less pressure, stimulating the healing process. Most patients either sleep or watch a DVD during the treatment, Dr. Shoshany told me. Each session takes about 30 minutes and a typical treatment program may take between 20 to 30 sessions.

Critics contend that there are no long-range, well-designed studies looking at efficacy over time, but there has been some research on the treatment and the results are promising. In one study published in 2001 in Neurological Research, researchers reported that a spinal decompression therapy called VAX-D produced a success rate of 68.4%, compared with 0% for a placebo therapy in treatment of chronic low back pain. Another study from a team of researchers at the University of Illinois and Rome found a 71% success rate for treatment of herniated disk and other causes of low back pain, with "success" defined as a reduction in pain to 0 or 1 on a scale of 0 to 5.

NOT FOR EVERYONE

Dr. Shoshany noted that some people get much more benefit from spinal decompression than others, and it is not an option for everyone. "It's not a good choice for a person who has metal implants in the spine," he warned. It's better for people with a single-disk herniation than those who have herniation in several or all of them. Also, people who are morbidly obese and/or who smoke likely won't find much relief from spinal decompression either.

The procedure is thought to be safe, though there is no hard science supporting its efficacy. If you do decide to seek out this somewhat unconventional form of treatment, it's safest and best to do so with the oversight of your orthopedic surgeon, who can help you ascertain whether it might work in your case. For more information on spinal decompression, go to www.drshoshany.com

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Steven Shoshany, DC, a New York City-based chiropractor who specializes in spinal decompression. He can be reached through his Web site, www.drshoshany.com

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Spinal decompression therapy

2008-08-05T11:11:00.004-04:00

www.drshoshany.com More and more patients are learning the benefits of spinal decompression therapy. Just the other day I saw a commercial on cable on Channel 35 in Manhattan for Manhattan Spine. This was a nice infomercial educating patients about the benefits of this treatment. I believe the title of the program is "Back pain Breakthrough"courtesy of National Spine Centers. The spinal decompression protocols utilize the DRX 9000 and a Rehabilitative method.I offer this fantastic treatment in my Manhattan herniated disc treatment facility. The doctor in the video is Dr. Crespo, he is a MD that adopted the DRX 9000 spinal decompression protocol into his approach. Dr. Crespo even calls his program the Crespo method. If you are searching for a comprehensive herniated disc treatment in Manhattan consider treatment at Living well medical this is my newest and most comprehensive facility to date. We have a MD onsite his name is Dr. Arnold Blank he specializes in Pain Management for the past 20 years and is a expert in non-surgical pain relief methods and utilizes both traditional medical approaches and alternative pain relief methods. This recent addition to our practice allows us to more effectivelty deal with patients that are in pain. Our Physical therapy department utilizes the newest and most technologically advanced equipment. Like the Spine Force, Power Plate, Cold laser therapy. Of course we offer Chiropractic care, Medical massage and acupuncture.

Herniated disc nyc

2008-08-01T11:32:00.005-04:00

Spinal decompression NYC
Herniated disc treatment NYC
www.drshoshany.com

Herniated Disc -
What is a herniated disc?
The bones (vertebrae) that form the spine in your back are cushioned by small, spongy discs. When these discs are healthy, they act as shock absorbers for the spine and keep the spine flexible. But when a disc is damaged, it may bulge or break open. This is called a herniated disc. It may also be called a slipped or ruptured disc.

You can have a herniated disc in any part of your spine. But most herniated discs affect the lower back (lumbar spine). Some happen in the neck (cervical spine) and, more rarely, in the upper back (thoracic spine). This topic focuses mainly on the lower back.
What causes a herniated disc?
A herniated disc may be caused by:
• Wear and tear of the disc. As you age, your discs dry out and aren't as flexible.
• Injury to the spine. This may cause tiny tears or cracks in the hard outer layer of the disc. When this happens, the gel inside the disc can be forced out through the tears or cracks in the outer layer of the disc. This causes the disc to bulge, break open, or break into pieces.
What are the symptoms?
When a herniated disc presses on nerve roots, it can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the area of the body where the nerve travels. A herniated disc in the lower back can cause pain and numbness in the buttock and down the leg. This is called sciatica (say "sy-AT-ih-kuh"). Sciatica is the most common symptom of a herniated disc in the low back.
If a herniated disc is not pressing on a nerve, you may have a backache or no pain at all.
If you have weakness or numbness in both legs, along with loss of bladder or bowel control, seek medical care right away. This could be a sign of a rare but serious problem called cauda equina syndrome.
How is a herniated disc diagnosed?
Your doctor may diagnose a herniated disc by asking questions about your symptoms and examining you. If your symptoms clearly point to a herniated disc, you may not need tests.
Sometimes a doctor will do tests such as an MRI or a CT scan to confirm a herniated disc or rule out other health problems.
How is it treated?
Symptoms from a herniated disc usually get better in a few weeks or months. To help you recover:
• Rest if you have severe pain. Otherwise, stay active. Walking and other light activity may help.
• Use ice or a cold pack on the area for 10 to 15 minutes, 3 times a day. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin. Heat relieves pain for some people, but you should wait 2 or 3 days after an injury to use it.
• Do the exercises that your doctor or physical therapist suggests. These will help keep your back muscles strong and prevent another injury.
• Ask your doctor about medicine to treat your symptoms. Medicine won't cure a herniated disc, but it may help with pain and swelling.
Usually a herniated disc will heal on its own over time. About half of people with a herniated disc get better within 1 month, and most are better after 6 months.1 Only about 1 person in 10 still has enough pain after 6 weeks to think about surgery.2
Be patient, and stick with your treatment. If your symptoms don't get better in a few months, you may want to talk to your doctor about surgery.
Can a herniated disc be prevented?
After you have hurt your back, you are more likely to have back problems in the future. To help keep your back healthy:
• Protect your back when you lift. For example, lift with your legs, not your back. Don't bend forward at the waist when you lift. Bend your knees and squat.
• Use good posture. When you stand or walk, keep your shoulders back and down, your chin back, and your belly in. This will help support your lower back.
• Get regular exercise.
• Stay at a healthy weight. This may reduce the load on your lower back.
• Don't smoke. Smoking increases the risk of a disc injury
Herniated Disc - Cause
A herniated disc usually is caused by wear and tear of the disc (also called disc degeneration). As we age, our vertebral discs lose some of the fluid that helps them maintain flexibility. A herniated disc also may result from injuries to the spine, which may cause tiny tears or cracks in the outer layer (annulus or capsule) of the disc. The jellylike material inside the disc (nucleus) may be forced out through the tears or cracks in the capsule, which causes the disc to bulge, break open (rupture), or break into fragments. See an illustration of a herniated disc .
Injury to the disc can occur from:
• A sudden heavy strain or increased pressure to the lower back. Sometimes a sudden twisting movement or even a sneeze will force some of the nucleus (the material inside the disc) out through the disc's outer layer (annulus or capsule).
• Activities that are done over and over again that may stress the lower back, including poor lifting habits, prolonged exposure to vibration, or sports-related injuries

Spinal Decompression treatment has been proven to be an effective treatment for Herniated disc.
Visit www.drshoshany.com for Spinal decompression treatment in Manhattan.

Spinal decompression Manhattan NYC-Herniated disc Center

2008-07-29T21:13:00.002-04:00

Spinal decompression Manhattan NYC-Herniated disc Center
www.drshoshany.com
Many patients with back pain, leg pain, or weakness of the lower extremity muscles are diagnosed with a herniated disc. When a disc herniation occurs, the cushion that sits between the spinal vertebra is pushed outside its normal position. A herniated disc would not be a problem if it weren't for the spinal nerves that are very close to the edge of these spinal discs.
What is the spinal disc?
The spinal disc is a soft cushion that sits between each vertabrae of the spine. This spinal disc becomes more rigid with age. In a young individual, the disc is soft and elastic, but like so many other structures in the body, the disc gradually looses its elasticity and is more vulnerable to injury. In fact, even in individuals as young as 30, MRIs show evidence of disc deterioration in about 30% of people.

What happens with a 'herniated disc'?
As the spinal disc becomes less elastic, it can rupture. When the disc ruptures, a portion of the spinal disc pushes outside its normal boundary--this is called a herniated disc. When a herniated disc bulges out from between the vertebrae, the spinal nerves and spinal cord can become pinched. There is normally a little extra space around the spinal cord and spinal nerves, but if enough of the herniated disc is pushed out of place, then these structures may be compressed.

What causes symptoms of a herniated disc?
When the herniated disc ruptures and pushes out, the nerves may become pinched. A herniated disc may occur suddenly in an event such as a fall or an accident, or may occur gradually with repetitive straining of the spine. Often people who experience a herniated disc already have spinal stenosis, a problem that causes narrowing of the space around the spinal cord and spinal nerves. When a herniated disc occurs, the space for the nerves is further diminished, and irritation of the nerve results.

What are the symptoms of a herniated disc?
When the spinal cord or spinal nerves become compressed, they don't work properly. This means that abnormal signals may get passed from the compressed nerves, or signals may not get passed at all. Common symptoms of a herniated disc include:

Electric Shock Pain
Pressure on the nerve can cause abnormal sensations, commonly experienced as electric shock pains. When the compression occurs in the cervical (neck) region, the shocks go down your arms, when the compression is in the lumbar (low back) region, the shocks go down your legs.

Tingling & Numbness
Patients often have abnormal sensations such as tingling, numbness, or pins and needles. These symptoms may be experienced in the same region as painful electric shock sensations.

Muscle Weakness
Because of the nerve irritation, signals from the brain may be interrupted causing muscle weakness. Nerve irritation can also be tested by examining reflexes.

Bowel or Bladder Problems
These symptoms are important because it may be a sign of cauda equina syndrome, a possible condition resulting from a herniated disc. This is a medical emergency, and your should see your doctor immediately if you have problems urinating, having bowel movements, or if you have numbness around your genitals.
All of these symptoms are due to the irritation of the nerve from the herniated disc. By interfering with the pathway by which signals are sent from your brain out to your extremities and back to the brain, all of these symptoms can be caused by a herniated disc pressing against the nerves.

How is the diagnosis of a herniated disc made?
Most often, your physician can make the diagnosis of a herniated disc by physical examination. By testing sensation, muscle strength, and reflexes, your physician can often establish the diagnosis of a herniated disc.

An MRI is commonly used to aid in making the diagnosis of a herniated disc. It is very important that patients understand that the MRI is only useful when used in conjunction with examination findings. It is normal for a MRI of the lumbar spine to have abnormalities, especially as people age. Patients in their 20s may begin to have signs of disc wear, and this type of wear would be expected on MRIs of patients in their 40s and 50s. This is the reason that your physician may not be concerned with some MRI findings noted by the radiologist.

Making the diagnosis of a herniated disc, and coming up with a treatment plan depends on the symptoms experienced by the patient, the physical examination findings, and the x-ray and MRI results. Only once this information is put together can a reasonable treatment plan be considered.
I begin by reading a patients MRI to determine if a patient is a candidate for Non-surgical spinal decompression.
Spinal Decompression therapy has been proven to be an effective treatment for symptoms associated with herniated disc.
I include with my spinal decompression therapy protocol
Cold laser therapy, SpineForce 3D Rehab, Custom made orthotics and most recently Oxygen therapy.
Before you start a spinal decompression therapy program make sure that a comprehensive and intergrated approach is available.I currently work with a Medical doctor that specializes in Pain management and a doctor of Physical therapy.
This recent additions allow me to deliver a superior spinal decompression protocol.
www.drshoshany.com

Herniated disc treatment

2008-07-23T23:20:00.003-04:00

So you have been diagnosed with a herniated disc. What now? I always recommend that patients educate themselves and understand the anatomy and physiology (how things work) of the area. Spinal decompression specialist Dr. Steven Shoshany. Herniated disc treatment in NYC www.drshoshany.com
There are several different classifications of disc herniations. I have them posted on my website www.drshoshany.com
In layman's terms, a disc herniation occurs when the inside of the intervertebral disc (nucleus pulposus) tears its way through the posterior outer portion of the disc (annulus fibrosus) and invades the space where the delicate neural structures reside (i.e., the anterior epidural space). The presents of this nuclear material in the anterior epidural space may irritate these neural structures, which in turn may cause the patient to suffer severe back and/or leg pain. some of the more common classification of herniation.

The term 'Disc Herniation' (or 'disc prolapse' as they use in Europe) is a broad and general term that includes three specific types of disc lesions, which are classified based on the degree of disc disruption and posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL). The three main classifications of disc herniation are Protrusion (aka: contained herniation or sub-ligamentous herniation), Extrusion (aka: non-contained herniation, or trans-ligamentous herniation) and Sequestration (aka: free fragment). General Information and Confusion:

In 1934 the syndrome of "disc herniation" was born when Mixter and Barr first proclaimed that a posterior rupture of the intervertebral disc that allowed nuclear material to escape and compressed the adjacent spinal nerve root(s) was a common cause of back and leg pain - sciatica (125). For nearly 70 years this assertion has held true without much challenge(170).

However, modern research as demonstrated that the relationship between disc herniation and its often associated sciatica are a far more complex and bewildering phenomenon than once realized. For example, since the invent of MRI, we have learned that some patients have disc herniation on MRI, yet have no pain at. And, visa versa, some patients have terrible back and leg pain, yet have no disc herniation! Moreover, when post MRI is performed on some patients that once suffered disc herniation induced back and leg pain, the herniation is still there, yet the patient is gone. Conversely, some patients who fail to recover from back and leg pain, demonstrate a disappearance of the once prominent disc herniation.

Other ironies of disc herniation have been discovered as well. For example, we have learned from the work of Karppinen et al. that the size and severity of disc herniation do NOT correlate with the degree of patient pain, disability, or suffering (170). That is, small disc herniations and even disc bulges may causes just as much pain and disability as massive disc herniations and even extrusion.

Another strange irony is the fact that smaller, less complete, and innocent looking disc herniations (i.e., contained herniations, protrusions and/or disc bulges) are usually more difficult to treat and respond less favorably to decompressive surgery (discectomy) than do the larger and more advanced disc extrusions and sequestrations. (50) Moreover, symptomatic contained herniations have a poorer prognosis for recovery than do the larger more complete disc extrusions and sequestrations do. (50) And, to further cloud the water, we now know that sciatica (a horrible burning lower limb pain associated with disc herniation) is not always causes by the direct pressure from a herniated disc. That is, it can be caused from nuclear material "leaking" from the back of the disc onto the adjacent nerve roots, i.e., chemical radiculopathy(3,4) and/or from chemical and pressure irritation of the posterior intradiscal nerve fiber, i.e., the sinuvertebral nerves, which is called discogenic sciatica.
Spinal decompression has been proven to be a effective treatment for herniated discs.