A Pain in the Neck

Chances are that at some point, you've had a stiff neck when you woke up in the morning. We say things like, "I think I just slept wrong," and for a little stiffness that might be true. But when it persists, something more serious is at work. Long-term pain or joint stiffness of any sort isn't something that should be ignored; if for no other reason, we shouldn't ignore it just so it doesn't get worse.

There are a ton of causes for a stiff neck or neck pain (in the event that the problem escalates) that we regularly encounter at Living Well Medical in NYC.

One of the most common injuries that can lead to chronic neck stiffness is a whiplash injury. We've all heard of it - you get into an accident, your head gets jerked back and forth brusquely and you feel it right away. It's a recipe for neck pain and stiffness that's all too familiar to people in New York. We regularly treat whiplash patients using the latest in non-surgical technologies.

Another common cause is arthritis; this broad group of degenerative disorders has a way of making us feel "creaky" in our joints, stiff and achy, particularly during shifts in the weather. As structures within the joints break down, a neck that was just stiff can become chronically painful. Although there is no cure for arthritis, it can be effectively managed with physical therapy and exercise, among other treatments.

Of course, disc problems are also something we encounter with neck pain in NYC. A herniated disc can press against spinal nerves leading to serious pain.

One of the factors that often gets overlooked as a contributor to neck stiffness is sleep posture. Just like the way you sit at your desk can cause problems if not balanced, if you sleep in a mechanically incorrect position, the strain on joints begins to add up and pain and loss of range of motion can result. It can have a big effect on daily living.

At Living Well Medical in NYC, we use a variety of non-surgical therapies to stop neck problems - chiropractic, Active Release Technique and Spinal Disc Decompression just to name a few. If a stiff or painful neck won't go away, give us a call at 212-645-8151, and let us help you feel like yourself again.

-Dr. Steven Shoshany, NYC Chiropractor

Can you guarantee spinal decompression works?

I often have patients ask me if I can guarantee that Spinal decompression works,and the response is that I cannot- because although this treatment is highly effective for 86% of patient population some do not respond favorably.
On a side note there are no guarantees with surgery, especially that you will even wake up,Just look what happened to Charlie Wilson.


I posted below several misconceptions about spinal decompression below:

Every year millions of Americans suffer from back pain. For many, back pain leads to non-surgical spinal decompression treatments. Even though this treatment has been around for years, there are still misconceptions about what it is and how it is used. Here we will go over some of those common misconceptions and set the record straight.
Misconception #1: Spinal Decompression is Painful - Besides being untrue, this is actually the exact opposite of the truth. Most patients find the procedure relaxing. Some even fall asleep during treatments. Patients lie down on a table and watch TV or listen to their Ipod as the machine works.

Misconception #2: Spinal Decompression is Expensive - This all depends on how you look at it. Sometimes it is covered by insurance, making it very affordable. Even when it is not covered by your insurance, if you compare it to the cost of surgery, spinal decompression is cheaper. This does not even include the money you would lose from time lost recovering from surgery. There is no down time from spinal decompression.

Misconception #3: Spinal Decompression Works for Everyone - Another big misconception is that if you have a slipped disc or herniated disc then spinal decompression will work for you. As much as chiropractors would like this to be true, it is not. There is no guarantee that any treatment will work. Not everyone qualifies for spinal decompression. You will have to be evaluated to see if your condition meets the requirements.

Misconception #4: Inversion Tables do the Same Thing - Frankly, I am not sure how this rumor got started. Inversion tables are not the same thing. Spinal decompression requires special FDA approved equipment run by a licensed chiropractor. There is no way you can get the same results and the same treatment at home. Inversion tables are completely different and will not give you the same results.

Misconception #5: Spinal Decompression and Spinal Surgery Have the Same Results - Thankfully, this is not true either. Spinal surgery has a shockingly low rate of success. In fact, the majority of patients will experience pain even after having surgery. Spinal decompression, on the other hand, has an exceedingly high success rate. In addition, patients do not lose time from missing work and there is no pain experienced with the procedure.

Misconception #6: All Chiropractors Give the Same Spinal Decompression Treatment - Again, this is a myth that needs to be stopped. Not all chiropractors are the same. Different chiropractors will offer different services. When choosing a chiropractor for your spinal decompression treatments, you will want to base the decision on a variety of factors. First, does the chiropractor work with a team? You will want to make sure you can get physical therapy, massage therapy and chiropractic services all in the same office. Second, does the chiropractor work well with you? No sense going to a chiropractor that doesn't listen to you. You want to find a chiropractor that will work with you to develop a plan of recovery that may or may not include spinal decompression. Finally, you need a chiropractor and staff you can trust. Do they greet you with a friendly smile? Do they guarantee you will get the same day appointment? You need someone who is willing to see you when you need to be seen. You need someone you can trust to be there for you.
Also not all spinal decompression are the same, be sure to insist on the highest possible quality medical equipment like the DRX 9000 spinal decompression machine.
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Spinal decompression in NYC with Herniated disc specialist-Dr.Steven Shoshany

Is "Decompression" therapy appropriate for my "moderately large L5-S1 central herniation which is "significantly distorting the Thecal Sac"?

Recent herniated disc Question:

herniated disc treatment in Manhattan-www.drshoshany.com
L5-S1 MRI T1 Axial view

Is "Decompression" therapy appropriate for my "moderately large L5-S1 central herniation which is "significantly distorting the Thecal Sac"?

My herniation is actually central and just slightly para-central to my left, with about 90% low-back pain and about 10% left upper-thigh/leg pain... and it likely happened (or was grossly exacerbated) about 8 months ago when I also fractured my left Pelvis in a bicycle accident where I got thrown over the handlebars by a pot-hole. I am 50 years old, female with mild osteoporosis, and also have a "broad-based concentric bulge" at L4-L5 and a few bulging discs in my neck with some mild foraminal encroachment. I have had some bad low-back pain on and off for about 20 years, but since I have seven children I have always dismissed it as back-strain, but the point is that my herniation may have been extant for years, but I do know that it got magnitudes of intensity worse after I fractured my Pelvis. My pelvis was fractured with several networks of "comminuted" (crushed or shattered) fractures but was not 'displaced' so I didnt get pelvic surgery, and then it just took a long time to realize that my ongoing severe low back pain is probably not all from the pelvic fracture.

Since I just got diagnosed by MRI a few weeks ago by my primary care doctor, I am now waiting for an appointment with a Neurologist, so I am researching options to prepare questions. I promise that I will get proper personal guidance from an MD before actually doing anything based on your response, I just want to ask the right questions and best use the time I will have in my upcoming appointments. Thank you very much for your time and consideration!

Answer from Herniated disc doctor NYC

If I had to pick my favorite type of disc herniation to treat it would be the central disc herniation.
I primarily use the DRX 9000 spinal decompression system in my Manhattan Herniated disc treatment facility.
We see excellent results with most disc herniations when all other methods have produced little to no results.
The reason is that the disc is a avascular structure (poor blood supply) and once injured it rapidly degenerates.
The decompression allows pressure to come off the affected spinal nerve and allows disc to reabsorb vital fluid and increase in disc height.
I would also find a facility that offers cold laser therapy,(look into a class four laser) this help with tissue healing.
Good luck,
Look into spinal decompression on the DRX 9000
Spinal decompression for herniated disc in Manhattan visit www.livingwellnewyork.com

Spinal Decompression In New York City, DRX 9000

Spinal Decompression question

Spinal decompression in Manhattan,New York City,NYC for herniated discs, Sciatica, Chronic back pain call (212) 645-8151 or visit www.drshoshany.com

I wanted to posted a couple of questions that I received below and answers.


Is Spinal decompression safe on someone that already had a back surgery?

There defintley is a time and place for back surgeries, when it comes to treating Chronic back pain, Sciatica, and herniated discs.

BUT I believe that all Non-surgical treatment options should be tried first before rushing to get a surgery.

Subject: spinal decompression treatment

Question:

I had a discectomy in Feb/09 as I had herniated my L5-S1 disc and it was pushing on the S1 nerve. I had been pain free for two months post recovery period but I have reinjured myself as I am feeling the same pain again radiating down my leg and in my ankle.
As I am not able to persue surgery, I was hoping this may be an effective treatment but is it advisable so soon after surgery?
Spinal decompression treatment should be considered a safe alternative to a second discetomy.

4-5 months after a microdisectomy you should of healed tissues in that area. In our NYC spinal decompression practice we have successfully treated patients that have had failed back surgeries.

I would be sure to seek out a experienced spinal decompression specialist that has at least several years of experience on top notch equipment. I favor the DRX 9000 and I feel it offers the patient the most comfort and safety with a proven track record.

As you go through treatment be sure to gradually increase pull and avoid bending lifting and twisting during the treatment protocol.
I would also consider looking in Cold laser therapy, this has been helpful in reducing swelling and decreasing pain.
Soreness is normal throughout treatment,the pain radiating down the leg should get better when pressure is removed from the nerve root.

Only you and your doctor can decide if this treatment is right for you, but consider spinal decompression treatment if far less invasive then a surgery.
Physical therapy should definitely be integrated into your treatments during and after spinal decompression treatments.

Spinal decompression treatment Pros and Cons, Manhattan Back pain treatment

I found this interesting article posted by a Chiropractor from Texas. I am glad Doctors are being truthful about their success and failures. Our New York City Spinal decompression office recently completed our 1000th. spinal decompression session. Over the past 7 years I have personally seen amazing results with patients that have been told surgery is their only option. I can count on my hands patients that did not respond to treatment and patient compliance is one of the primary reasons.
If you are suffering with chronic back pain or have a herniated disc call the Manhattan, NYC herniated disc specialists at (212) 645-8151 or visit us online at www.nycdisc.com or www.drshoshany.com

Pros And Cons Of Spinal Decompression Treatment

Posted by Back Pain - 30/05/09 at 10:05 pm

Spinal decompression is a high-tech form of traction used to treat disc bulging and degeneration and their associated pain and disability. Spinal decompression differs from regular traction in that it uses computer-controlled motors to trick the spinal muscles into remaining relaxed and uncontracted during the treatment session. This results in much greater reduction in disc pressure than regular traction, which usually must work against the resistance of contracted muscles. Most people get excellent results from spinal decompression treatment, but some do not get any improvement, and a few may actually get worse. The following is an explanation of the reasons for the failures in spinal decompression treatment and ways you can know whether or not spinal decompression is likely to help in your particular circumstances.

I have been using spinal decompression in San Antonio for a few years now, and while it is a highly effective treatment for many people, it is not for everyone. Unfortunately, the costs of providing spinal decompression services sometimes influences doctors to recommend it in cases where it may not be entirely appropriate. Even with proper patient selection, spinal decompression is not 100% effective - no treatment is. But when doctors are not as discriminating as they need to be in what patients they accept, the results can be far from ideal and some patients may even get worse with this form of treatment when doctors prescribe it inappropriately for financial reasons.

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

Although complete disc ruptures (disc extrusions) may sometimes be helped with spinal decompression, my experience has been that people with true disc ruptures (the term “rupture” is often used incorrectly even by doctors to describe disc bulges and herniations - actual disc ruptures are relatively rare) do not tend to get good results.

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

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

A full spinal decompression treatment program that includes spinal decompression and other adjunctive treatments can seem somewhat expensive. In actuality, it is a much lower-cost treatment option than surgery for most people and has a statistically much higher success rate, so it can be a very good value, but nonetheless, some people try to cut down their costs by trying to cut down the amount of treatment. This can be a big mistake. In my San Antonio office, most people who complete the recommended treatment plan get lasting relief and can safely return to their normal activities. Those who discontinue care prematurely will often relapse, and may suffer worse pain and worse damage to the disc because they resume excessively exertive activities before the disc has stabilized.

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

In summary, spinal decompression is a very effective means of treating the pain and disability associated with herniated and degenerated spinal discs, but there are some important factors in getting maximum results. Doctors and patients alike are responsible for making sure the treatment is done properly to get maximum results.

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

Great article, to read more research on the benefits of spinal decompression visit
www.drshoshany.com

Disc Herniation? Before Surgery Consider Non surgical spinal decompression in Manhattan, NYC

www.drshoshany.com

Disc herniation? Before committing surgery consider Non-surgical spinal decompression in Manhattan,NYC.
Why?
Non-surgical spinal decompression is not invasive and provides excellent results.
I found this recently while doing a Medline search on herniated discs.

Recurrent disc herniation and long-term back pain after primary lumbar
discectomy: review of outcomes reported for limited versus aggressive
disc removal

OBJECTIVE: It remains unknown whether aggressive disc removal with
curettage or limited removal of disc fragment alone with little disc
invasion provides a better outcome for the treatment of lumbar disc
herniation with radiculopathy. We reviewed the literature to determine
whether outcomes reported after limited discectomy (LD) differed from
those reported after aggressive discectomy (AD) with regard to long-term
back pain or recurrent disc herniation.

METHODS: A systematic MEDLINE search was performed to identify all
studies published between 1980 and 2007 reporting outcomes after AD or
LD for a herniated lumbar disc with radiculopathy. The incidence of
short- and long-term recurrent back or leg pain and recurrent disc
herniation was assessed from each reported LD or AD cohort and the
cumulative incidence compared. RESULTS: Fifty-four studies (60
discectomy cohorts) met the inclusion criteria, reporting the outcomes
of 13 359 patients after lumbar discectomy (LD, 6135 patients; AD, 7224
patients). The reported incidence of short-term recurrent back or leg
pain was similar after LD (mean, 14.5%; range, 7-16%) and AD (mean,
14.1%; range, 6-43%) (P < 0.01). However, more than 2 years after
surgery, the reported incidence of recurrent back or leg pain was
2.5-fold less after LD (mean, 11.6%; range, 7-16%) compared with AD
(mean, 27.8%; range, 19-37%) (P < 0.0001). The reported incidence of
recurrent disc herniation after LD (mean, 7%; range, 2-18%) was greater
than that reported after AD (mean, 3.5%; range, 0-9.5%) (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION: Review of the literature demonstrates a greater reported
incidence of long-term recurrent back and leg pain after AD but a
greater reported incidence of recurrent disc herniation after LD.
Prospective, randomized trials are needed to firmly assess this possible
difference.


Japanese study reports 76% of patients were satisfied after treatment on the DRX-9000!

A study titled, “The treatment of lumbar disc disease using DRX-9000” is published in the December issue of the Nigata University Journal of Health and Welfare. After treating fifty patients on the DRX-9000, Dr. Noriaki Yamamoto and others reported that 76% of patients were satisfied with the treatment. The patients received 30-minute sessions every week or 2 weeks, for 3 months and revealed a decrease in pain of 4.91 ± 0.93 to 2.69 ± 1.02 (p<0.01). Although the treatment program used by Dr. Yamamoto did not follow Axiom’s published protocol, positive results were still demonstrated. A previous study following Axiom’s protocol which was published in the December 2008 issue of the Journal of Medicine revealed a mean patient rating of 7.61 (0-10 scale) at the mid point of treatment and 8.1 after the final week of treatment. To review additional clinical studies please go to www.axiomworldwide.com/research.aspx.

If you suffer with chronic back pain or have a herniated disc and live in Manhattan contact the NYC spinal decompression specialist

DRX 9000 NYC,Manhattan New study

Japanese study reports 76% of patients were satisfied after treatment on the DRX-9000! Are you suffering with a herniated disc? Have been told you need back surgery? Did you know that Non-surgical spinal decompression is available in Manhattan NYC? Visit our NYC herniated disc center If you live or work in New York City we are hosting a 45 minute presentation on how non surgical spinal decompression can help with chronic back pain and herniated discs. This workshop is a fantastic way to learn more about spinal decompression using the DRX 9000 and the SpineForce 3D rehabilitation system. Bring your MRI's and once the presentation is complete we will review MRI findings and help determine if you are a candidate for this procedure. There is no charge for this workshop and refreshments will be served. May 6th. at 7:30 please email drstevenshoshany@yahoo.com to register or visit NYC Disc herniation specialists Herniated disc doctor: A study titled, “The treatment of lumbar disc disease using DRX-9000” is published in the December issue of the Nigata University Journal of Health and Welfare. After treating fifty patients on the DRX-9000, Dr. Noriaki Yamamoto and others reported that 76% of patients were satisfied with the treatment. The patients received 30-minute sessions every week or 2 weeks, for 3 months and revealed a decrease in pain of 4.91 ± 0.93 to 2.69 ± 1.02 (p<0.01). Although the treatment program used by Dr. Yamamoto did not follow Axiom’s published protocol, positive results were still demonstrated. A previous study following Axiom’s protocol which was published in the December 2008 issue of the Journal of Medicine revealed a mean patient rating of 7.61 (0-10 scale) at the mid point of treatment and 8.1 after the final week of treatment. To review additional clinical studies please go to www.axiomworldwide.com/research.aspx

DRX 9000 NYC, Manhattan-Question regarding DRX 9000

www.drshoshany.com
I wanted to post a recent question I had a reader email me, In my usual fashion I will answer below. If you are suffering with a Herniated disc or Sciatica Non surgical spinal decompression is an effective treatment.Visit our Manhattan NYC practice where we specialize in non surgical spinal decompression.


Hi Dr. Shoshany,

Just a quick question. A DC with both the DRX and the DTS told me that studies show the DRX can achieve up to (unsure of the measurement scale) minus 200 negative pressure on the disc while the DTS only reaches a plus 70. Just want to hear any comments you may have regarding this specific issue... For example, have you heard of the study, can it be accessed on the internet...

I have read your comments regarding the differences in the different tables on the market, including the following summary:


"So in conclusion you get what you pay for, A Mercedes cost more than a Ford and they both get you from point A to B but the amenities on the Mercedes makes it more comfortable and a better experience."


For me the heart of the matter is this: can the DRX and the DTS both get you from point A to B? Could the end result of treatment with the DTS be just as effective without being able to achieve negative pressure on the disk (according to the DC mentioned above)? Thanks in advance for any response you might send me, no matter how brief!

I have had this question asked more then any other, I have several decompression tables in my NYC spinal decompression office. I was one of the first to bring spinal decompression to NYC.
Hands down you will get a more consistent and concise pull with the DRX 9000.
I often recommend patients to try and see the difference in my office, once they get on the DRX 9000 they don't want to go back on the DTS.
Now I am sure you will read conflicting information on the web by doctors that only own the DTS saying it does the same thing.
If that is all I had access to then I would use it, but if I had a choice? I would always go with the better equipment.

I do recommend that you incorporate a core strengthening protocol with you spinal decompression program. One mistake I hear about is patient that where just put on the machine and then only had ice and stim. If a patient does not educate the core muscles or learn proper bending and lifting they are prone to re-injury.
I find that the treatment lasts when you strengthen the core and teach the patient how to keep the core strong.
I utilize the SpineForce machine, I believe this is the finest piece of equipment to strengthen all of the postural muscles. Check out the website at www.spineforce.com
I posted some of the information about the benefits of the SpineForce below:

Prior to SpineForce, there was no KNOWN technology in the world able to precisely target and strengthen the most important muscle chains in the body, the 180 core spinal muscles. SpineForce fills this void.


SpineForce (the device/treatment) can be used for all athletes and sports/fitness enthusiasts, regardless of age or physical condition. It is a gentle, strengthening and rehab device to complement traditional training and strengthening exercises, building a foundation of core strength, aiding in proprioception, balance and equilibrium, while preventing debilitating structural disorders. SpineForce (the treatment) is affordable for all, as the benefits of improved core strength and back health, (preventing career-ending injuries, etc.). Many insurance providers will cover treatments & offset the cost.

Key Benefits of SpineForce (Treatments):

Precisely targets core strength irregularity
Strengthens core spinal muscles that are responsible for fluidity & bodily movement
Improves proprioception, balance, range of motion, coordination, fluidity, equilibrium and posture
Relieves back pain to prevent sports injuries and other debilitating spinal conditions
Supports sports trainer/therapist strengthening exercises/routines
Stimulates spinal fluids for improved neural responses
Provides whole-body cardio workout
Description: As one knowingly applies pressure to the handles with the upper body, a push/pull action, a moving platform works synergistically to keep the torso in highly targeted positions, forcing specific core spinal muscle chains to work in coordinated effort.

The effect? The core spinal muscles are strong and the spine is flexible, healthy and pain-free.
So to sum it up, Spinal decompression for treatment of herniated disc is excellent and I highly recommend the DRX 9000 table but I do urge you to take a more active role and request a core strengthening protocol. If you can make it up to Manhattan NYC I would be happy to see you! I am sure there is a a Chiropractor in your town that utilizes the protocols that I follow. Please email me a update.
www.drshoshany.com