Is inversion therapy a replacement to spinal decompression?

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

DRX 9000-Chiropractor NYC

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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
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Spinal decompression Regis Philin

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

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

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

Exercises for Herniated Disc Patients-
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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

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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.



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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

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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 .

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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
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