ArizonaBackInstitute

By Randall Pruitt, DC, DACNB, DAAPM, MUAC
Chiropractic Neurologist

If you suffer from chronic back or neck pain and have been told you may require surgery there is a treatment we offer here at the Arizona Back Institute called manipulation under anesthesia. This treatment has been one of our most effective tools for helping patients with chronic back or neck pain.

The treatment is performed in a surgery center with the patient under light sedation. This allows us to go in and gently restore range of motion and break up scar tissue and adhesion’s that have formed in and around spinal joints. The process is repeated over 3 days and then a comprehensive rehabilitation process is started to help restore function and ensure that as scar tissue is reformed it will do so in a way that is appropriate for full motion.

We have treated patients from all over the country with this process and have been able to help the majority of them The selection process is very specific and for properly screened patients the success rate is very high. In fact here are a few studies that have been published on the subject.

-Robert Mensor MD an orthopedic surgeon, compared the outcomes of MUA and laminectomy in patients with lumbar intervertebral disc lesions and found 83% of MUA patients had good to excellent results while only 51% of the surgical patients reported the same outcome.

- Siehl reported on 723 MUA patients, the largest clinical trial conducted on MUA procedures. They found that 71% had good results, 25% had fair results, and 4% ultimately required surgery.

As you can see the results for MUA patients are very good and the fact that it is a non-invasive process makes it a very good choice for chronic back pain and neck pain patients.

by Dr. Randall Pruitt, DC, DACNB, DAAPM, MUAC, CES-NASM

Spinal Decompression has grown in popularity over the past several years, many orthopedists, chiropractors and even spinal surgeons are beginning to take a good hard look for themselves at this technology. Spinal decompression offers doctors an opportunity to make lasting changes to the discs to provide patients with long term results and not just temporary relief, unlike the vast majority of traditional treatments for back and neck pain that focus on symptom relief only.

The concept of Spinal Decompression is one that most people with lower back or neck pain can relate to. Most of my patients have always said they feel like they just need to be stretched or pulled apart. Spinal Decompression is a non-surgical therapy which demonstrates very good long term results for conditions like herniated, bulging and degenerative discs.

There are many decompression systems available vying for market share. The most popular form of modern decompression and the one I personally use is the DRX9000 unit, manufactured by Axiom Worldwide. Many system manufacturers are tout that there system does the same thing, but in my 10 years of experience the DRX9000 is consistently superior. Many of the other devices in the market are nothing more then traction tables, a very different and inferior form of treatment.

I always instruct patients to first try other more conservative forms of treatment first and if those fail, Spinal Decompression can then be prescribed. Spinal decompression should definitely be a first alternative to those facing invasive procedures like laminectomy and fusion surgeries. Spinal surgery is a risky proposition and does not enjoy a very good reputation, based on usually poor curative results. Remember, surgery is always still an option if decompression does not relieve your pain…Spinal Decompression on the other hand is not if a spinal fusion is performed.

Spinal decompression is spreading in popularity and is truly a revolutionary approach to chronic unrelenting back and neck pain. The risks are low and the relief is lasting. Best of all, there is no painful recovery time, as there is after surgery. To learn more about Spinal Decompression you can go to our web site at www.ArizonaBackInstitute.com.

Randall Pruitt, DC,DACNB, DAAPM is a board certified chiropractic neurologist and an authority on spinal decompression for back pain. Click here to learn more about Spinal Decompression In Phoenix Arizona. You can also Order a copy of his Herniated Disc Guide.

Sciatica From A Herniated Disc
by Randall Pruitt, DC, DACNB, DAAPM, MUAC

The pain from a herniated disc can be quite excruciating. Not only can you have back pain but you can also experience sciatica. This can be a doubly painful situation.

When the center of a disc called the nucleus pulposis breaks through the outer fibers of the disc referred to as the annulus fibrosis a herniated disc is the result.

The disc has actually been shown to only be painful in it’s outer 1/3. So the migration of the central portion can go on for some time before pain is experienced.

The start of a disc injury is usually repetitive activities like bending or twisting, a traumatic indecent or bad sitting posture. These activities create a weakening of the outer fibers making them susceptible to migration of the inner nucleus.

Local back pain is usually the first sign of a disc problem. As the nucleus moves it’s way out it begins to contact the outer fibers irritating their pain sensitive nerve fibers.

After the initial bout of back pain from a disc problem occurs a short period of relief or lessened pain may come about. This is usually due to the fact that the activities that caused the problem have been modified or stopped.

Once a bout of disc related pain begins however, the research shows it is almost always likely to come back without proper treatment. This is often dangerous for unsuspecting people who think they are out of the woods.

Once the pain returns it is usually worse and as the pain returns over and over again it usually starts with move it’s way down the leg or arm as the nerves become affected.

Once pain begins to move into the leg it is often called sciatica. This condition is associated with involvement of the sciatic nerve.

Sciatica can be caused by direct compression on the nerve from the herniated disc or from irritation caused by inflammation around the injured disc.

In either case proper treatment is a must. This means actually working to fix the disc problem through proactive means. The best treatment I have come across is for this is spinal decompression.

The negative pressures created inside the disc during spinal decompression help to draw in the herniated material so the disc can mend.

Spinal decompression is the best treatment to actually heal a herniated disc relieving sciatica pain.

Dr. Randall Pruitt is a chiropractic neurologist in Phoenix Arizona. His practice focuses on chronic back and neck pain. If you have a herniated disc you can learn more by going to www.arizonabackinstitute.com. They also have a lot of experience dealing with chronic sciatica. So if you are suffering from back or neck pain call the Arizona Back Institute today at 480-503-3344.

Many patients who visit the Arizona Back Institute are given a diagnosis of degenerative disc disease prior to them ever coming to our facility. Many are told it is a natural byproduct of aging, others are told it is not the cause of their pain. The truth is it may very well be the cause of their pain and even though it is associated with older patients it by no means is normal.

There has always been a problem in identifying the exact pain generator in back or neck pain. Many doctors have their own theories and many treat and categorize patients accordingly. The research shows a very strong probability that the disc is the primary generator of pain and discomfort.

That being said, a degenerative disc can and usually is a source of pain, it may not hurt all the time, but when inflamed or irritated it can in fact cause quite a bit of discomfort not only in the lower back or neck but also in the arm or leg. According to many doctors there is nothing that can be done about a degenerative disc, but a recent study done on the DRX9000 spinal decompression system showed significant improvement in disc height after treatment.

To put that into perspective as a disc loses hydration it begins to lose height and collapse, as it does so it narrows the opening where the nerves exit and can cause symptoms like sciatica, arm or leg pain. The disc loses water content due to micro trauma, or leaks in the disc that decrease the discs ability to maintain adequate hydration.

Spinal decompression is the only treatment that can naturally help discs heal, and the treatment is associated with a long term benefit. If you would like to learn more about spinal decompression call the Arizona Back Institute today and get scheduled for a free consultation. Call 480-503-3344 or log on to www.ArizonaBackInstitute.com for more information.

This recent interview was posted on Spine Universe:

W. Robert Hudgins, MD
Neurosurgeon
Neurological Surgeons of Dallas
Dallas, TX

In this interview, W. Robert Hudgins, MD, explains what motivated him to choose the DRX9000 for his practice, his experience using the equipment, as well as patient outcomes.

Dr. Hudgins, why did you opt to try the DRX9000 in your practice?
I’d have to say, it had a lot to do with the failure of general traction, and sometimes physical therapy, in the treatment of back pain.  General traction has been used for many years as a conservative back pain therapy.  The drawback to general traction is it cannot exert adequate pull on the lumbar spine to really do much good.  When the DRX9000 was introduced to me, I was intrigued by the science and technical aspects of its controlled spinal decompression therapy. 

Unlike conventional traction, the DRX9000 exerts adequate forces to distract vertebrae to create negative pressure within disc spaces to decompress the spine.  It simply makes sense and the DRX9000 was the equipment I found to have worked out a complete system out to accomplish spinal decompression.

Why do you say ‘sometimes physical therapy’ fails?
I’m not discrediting physical therapy by any means, but some back pain patients are not compliant with the demands of a PT program.  Unfortunately, for some, physical therapy is not successful.  There are many reasons besides issues related to pain that prevent patients from doing well in PT.  Some back pain patients need rest to help alleviate symptoms, which the DRX9000 provides.  The DRX9000 does not replace physical therapy, but is an adjunctive treatment.  Patients learn how to exercise to build strength and flexibility, as well as biomechanics for injury prevention.

What is involved in DRX9000 treatment?
In treating a low back problem, such as a bulging disc, the patient is positioned on the table, secured into place by means of a vest with under arm support to prevent the body from sliding downward.  A belt is affixed about the waist.  The treatment duration, amount of pull (in pounds), and decompression angle are entered into the computer.  The computer uses the data to calculate a slow progression to maximum pull while alternating pulling and relaxing.  A typical treatment lasts 20- to 30-minutes.  Varying the angle of decompression (pull) adjusts the force through the target disc level.  Angle variation cannot be effectively accomplished by means of conventional traction.

The amount of pull, or pounds; how is that calculated?
It depends on the patient’s condition.  Generally, I start with one-half of the patient’s weight minus 20-pounds.  For example, a 200-pound patient would start therapy at a maximum of 80-pounds of pull.  As treatment is tolerated, the amount of pull may be gradually increased to half the body weight plus 10-pounds.  As a rule, I start with the lower amount of pull and gradually increase. 

Do patient’s experience immediate or gradual pain relief?
It is variable.  A few patients have reported after 3 or 4 treatments they already feel much better.  However, for the treatment to be most effective, a full 3 to 4 weeks is recommended. 

Are other treatments combined with DRX9000 therapy?
Yes.  Patients receive electrical stimulation and mechanical massage after each treatment to prevent or reduce stiffness and muscle spasm.  Depending on the patient’s spinal disorder, they are instructed to wear a brace, which is discontinued after the program.

What spinal disorders do you treat using the DRX9000?
It is interesting and perhaps self-defeating that many of the patients referred to me for spine surgery, are successfully treated with spinal decompression.  These patients include those with bulging and herniated discs and degenerated discs.  Certain spinal problems such as spondylolisthesis, stenosis, and arthritis are not appropriate for decompression.  The key is careful patient evaluation and selection. 

I’m a strong believer in nonsurgical therapy before approaching surgery.  Of course, some patients, such as someone with drop foot, may require immediate surgery.      

Is the patient’s age a factor?
Generally, no.  Two cases come to mind.  The first is an active male in his early 30s who enjoys golf and tennis.  He presented as a surgical referral with a herniated disc.  However, he didn’t want surgery.  The second case is an older female, a hospital tech who suffered back pain for 3 years.  Both patients wanted to try the DRX9000 instead of surgery.  Both continue to do well years after decompression treatment and without surgery.   

Does this mean results are permanent?
I’ve used the DRX9000 since 2000 and have followed my patients.  In general, 2 out of 3 low back pain and 3 out of 4 neck pain patients obtain excellent relief.  About 75-80% of my patients continue to do well.  I estimate 20-25% return with pain and ask to be treated again; a few may require surgery.  In my experience, the majority of patients are pleased with their outcome.

What is the learning curve to use the DRX9000?
About 3 days of training is necessary.  When my practice obtained its first DRX9000, my PA and I administered therapy to all patients.  Once we were familiar with the equipment, and the number of patients grew, we hired a dedicated tech to administer DRX9000 therapy.  Belt placement to prevent slippage during treatment is an art, but not difficult to learn.

We’d like to know how many patients your practice has treated using the DRX9000?
To date, nearly 800.  Patient evaluation and selection is important to treatment success using the DRX9000.  Just as every patient is not a surgical candidate, not all patients with a back or neck problem are candidates for spinal decompression.

Thank you Dr. Hudgins.
You are welcome.

For more information on Spinal Decompression go to www.arizonabackinstitute.com