Patient Discusses Experience With Non-Surgical Decompression In Our Clinic

I’ve written quite a bit about decompression and spinal problems for my professional point of view.  I thought it might be prudent to let you hear from patient’s who once suffered serious problems… maybe just like those of you reading:

“I have been a chronic pain sufferer for well over eighteen years and although over the years I learned to cope with the pain and a reduced quality of life, within recent years my condition had become progressively worse.  Due to limitations to my activities and an increased pain level, coupled with my reluctance to explore a surgical solution, I began a search for a non-surgical procedure with the hope of relieving my now very severe condition.  My search led me to Dr. Podell at the Waterfront Institute for Spine and Joint Rehabilitation.  I had an initial consultation early in 2009 and although I was very impressed with what I learned about spinal decompression from Dr. Podell, I still procrastinated and did not begin treatment until 6 months later.”

“MRI imaging technology confirmed that I had three herniated discs in the lumbar region of my back, with one of the disc being dehydrated.  At the time the pain was excruciating.  It was difficult to walk and it was especially painful to sit.  Recreational activities and common chores around the house were out of the question.  My pain level at the time was at 10 on a scale of 1-10.  After the second week of decompression and other therapy procedures, the results were remarkable.  My pain level was down to about a 3-4 and I was now able to move in ways hitherto too painful to accomplish.  My response to the decompression was phenomenal.”

“I am now in the third phase of my treatment, the strengthening phase, and my pain level is down to about a 2.  I started off the strengthening phase managing about 40 pounds on the machine and now I am up to 280 pounds. WOW!  The progress I have made is nothing short of a miracle when I look back at my condition a few months ago.  The procedure is revolutionary and its results extraordinary!”

“The staff at the Institute is remarkable.  They are welcoming, caring and really concerned about their patients.  Each member of the staff is devoted to the care of the patients and makes resolute efforts to ensure each patient’s comfort.  Without reservation, I will recommend the Waterfront Institute of Spine and Joint Rehabilitation to anyone suffering from lower back pain.”

Hayden Lyons, School Principal

Thank you so much for visiting my site. I encourage you to leave your questions and comments below. And for more information on Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression please fill out the form to the right or give us a call at 201-840-1980

Want to find out if you’re a candidate. Give us a call at  Waterfront Spine Institute for a no charge consultation or our Decompression Info Kit call  201-840-1980 or go to  www.waterfrontspinerehab.com for more info.

About Dr. Podell: Dr. Dave Podell, DC has been in active practice for over 25 years and has seen countless numbers of the most difficult and previously failed cases.   As the clinic director of the Watefront Spine Institute in Edgewater, New Jersey, just minutes from the GW Bridge, Lincoln Tunnel and midtown Manhattan, Dr. Podell runs one of the Northeast’s most advanced and evolutionary multi-disciplinary clinics for the treatment of disc herniation and associated ailments.   Dr. Podell, DC sits on the advisory board of Spinal Aid Centers Of America and trains other health care providers in the science and art of non surgical spinal decompression in his Edgewater facility.  He continues to train and advance his clinic’s state of the art spinal rehabilitation programs and is known nationwide in his field.  He is additionally certified in neurodiagnostic evaluations, Spinal Manipulation Under Anasthesia and Disability Impairment rating.  In addition to NSSD, he had received advanced training in Spinal Chiropractic Biophysics, Active Therapeutic Techniques, MedX and Spine Force Spinal Rehabilitation, Extremity manipulation, orthopedics and neurology.

A Few Words From More Doctors Who Choose VAX-D Decompression Therapy For Their Own Severe Herniated Disc Problems

More and more doc’s continue to treat their own problems.  Take a read:

“I am an 80-year-old practicing internist in Tampa, Florida and believe the following summary of my personal history and medical report might be of interest to others suffering from similar problems.

Because of left leg pains and bilateral symptoms pf pseudo-claudication, it was necessary to have spinal surgery in December, 1985.  Severe spinal stenosis and herniated disc were noted at the L3-L4 level at the time.  Good results were obtained and I remained essentially symptom free until January 1996.  At that time, left back and leg pain were noted abruptly.  Symptoms were relieved somewhat after bed rest and steroids.  An MRI  taken at the time revealed a diffuse area of stenosis of the canal from the L2-L3 to the L5-S1 levels.  These were most severe at the L2-L3 level where there was a component of a herniated disc.  Other that persistent left lateral foot numbness and moderate back discomfort on standing, I was able to continue all medical activities and also engage in doubles tennis which is one sport I particularly enjoy even with some discomfort.

In June 1999, after a brief trip requiring heavy baggage handling, extremely severe right – sided pain developed.  This was aggravated by weight bearing.

All studies were again repeated and the following findings noted.

At L1-L2 there was a mild disc bulge.  At l2-L3 there was a left ventral defect with compression of the nerve roots.  At L3-L4 there was a slight ventral subluxations of the L3 on L4 and 5 with ventral flattening of the thecal sac and right postero-lateral extrinsic compression of the thecal sac noted.

This appeared to be due to large marginal osteophytes and perhaps disc protrusion in the right foramina.  At L4-L5 there was ventral and right, more than left, ventrolateral compression by the disc disease and osteophytic  spurs.  At L5-S1 there was ventral indentation associated with a narrowed disc space.

Because of the findings of these multi-level disc herniations and bony stenosis, and because of the persistence of right sciatic pain, it was felt that a combined procedure was necessary.  A wide decompressive laminectomy followed by spinal fusion at multiple levels was scheduled to be done by a neurosurgeon/spinal surgeon.

In the interim period while awaiting surgery, routine physical therapy was carried out with no change in symptoms.  I donated blood in anticipation of the surgery.

One evening in a state of frustration and depression, I turned on my computer.  I searched out “lumbar stenosis” and the first article that struck my attention was “an alternative to back surgery.”  This was an article describing “Vertebral Axial Decompression.” (VAX-D)

By what must be considered divine intervention, I dialed the 800 number listed with the article.  I spoke at the time to Dr. Frank Tilaro, the medical director of VAX-D Medical Technologies.  We spoke of my problems and although we agreed I was faced with serious complications that could effect the level of response he suggested in my case it would be certainly worth considering VAX-D before resorting to surgery.  Although the by-line on the article was Utah, I found that Dr. Tilaro was speaking to me from the VAX-D head office in Palm Harbor, Florida only 28 miles from my home.  I made arrangements to see him the next day at which time arrangements were made for me to receive VAX-D treatments in Palm Harbor.

I made 28 daily trips, each day five days a week, to the office where I received the VAX-D treatment.  Each treatment session lasted about 30 to 45 minutes.  By the fifteenth session, my progress was sufficient that I cancelled surgery.  After 28 treatments, that is within six weeks, I was pain free.

I am most happy to say that now for the past 18 months, since completing my course of therapy, I have remained in remission, the numbness in my left foot was cleared and I am able to continue my medical duties as well as play golf and tennis several times a week.  I have had no recurrence of problems with my back to date, in spite of active participation in frequent sport activities.

I am the most grateful person on the face of the earth for having been directed to this nonsurgical alternative to back pain treatment.  It will be my legacy in life to bring this treatment to my hometown.  It is inconceivable that this new and different manner of decompression of intervertebral discs and facet joints is not better known.  It is most difficult to understand, as a physician and patient, why this proven non-surgical treatment is not covered by all insurance carriers and Medicare but also is not routinely recommended prior to surgical intervention.

For my extremely severe multilevel lumbosacral pathology VAX-D was truly a lifesaver.”

EARNEST A. REINER, M.D.
5104 Poe Avenue
Tampa, FL 33629-7257

Thank you so much for visiting my site. I encourage you to leave your questions and comments below. And for more information on Vax-D Spinal Decompression please fill out the form to the right or give us a call at 201-840-1980

Want to find out if you’re a candidate. Give us a call at  Waterfront Spine Institute for a no charge consultation or our Decompression Info Kit call  201-840-1980 or go to  www.waterfrontspinerehab.com for more info.

About Dr. Podell, DC: Dr. Dave Podell, DC has been in active practice for over 25 years and has seen countless numbers of the most difficult and previously failed cases. As the clinic director of the Watefront Spine Institute in Edgewater, New Jersey, just minutes from the GW Bridge, Lincoln Tunnel and midtown Manhattan, Dr. Podell, DC runs one of the Northeast’s most advanced and evolutionary multi-disciplinary clinics for the treatment of disc herniation and associated ailments. Dr. Podell, DC sits on the advisory board of Spinal Aid Centers Of America and trains other health care providers in the science and art of non surgical spinal decompression in his Edgewater facility. He continues to train and advance his clinic’s state of the art spinal rehabilitation programs and is known nationwide in his field. He is additionally certified in neurodiagnostic evaluations, Spinal Manipulation Under Anesthesia and Disability Impairment rating. In addition to NSSD, he had received advanced training in Spinal Chiropractic Biophysics, Active Therapeutic Techniques, MedX and Spine Force Spinal Rehabilitation, Extremity manipulation, orthopedics and neurology.

Shoveling Snow Can Be Hazardous To Your Health

The colder weather is upon us.  And that can only mean one thing coming down the road… S N O W.

Snow is fun for some… but not when you have to dig out of it.   Your car.  Your  driveway.  Your home, sidewalk, etc…

YUK!

To add insult to this issue, many will end up sustaining injuries to their back, lumber discs, shoulders and arms as they are either way out of shape or use improper lifting and shoveling technique.

So, if you insist on shoveling yourself –the old fashioned way-use some of the following tips:

1. Warm-up your body’s joints and lower back first.   Five or Ten minutes of light stretching and range of motion exercise should be helpful.
2. Take your time and lift or push smaller loads.  It’ll take a little more time but the stress on your body will be greatly reduced.
3. Lift with your legs… not your back.  In other words, bend at the knees, not at the waist. Rise up by straightening your legs not by extending your back.
4. Switch “sides” frequently to keep the loads more equal right to left
5. Don’t take on a huge project solo… get some help.

These should help ease the physical stress of this rather unpleasant task.

Better yet… Hire a bunch of kids and sip hot chocolate in your cozy, warm home.

Want to find out if you’re a candidate. Give us a call at  Waterfront Spine Institute for a no charge consultation  877-BAD-BACK or go to  www.watefrontspinerehab.com for more info.

Thank you so much for visiting my site. I encourage you to leave your questions and comments below. And for more information on Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression please fill out the form to the right or give us a call at 201-840-1980

About Dr. Podell, DC: Dr. Dave Podell, DC has been in active practice for over 25 years and has seen countless numbers of the most difficult and previously failed cases. As the clinic director of the Watefront Spine Institute in Edgewater, New Jersey, just minutes from the GW Bridge, Lincoln Tunnel and midtown Manhattan, Dr. Podell, DC runs one of the Northeast’s most advanced and evolutionary multi-disciplinary clinics for the treatment of disc herniation and associated ailments. Dr. Podell, DC sits on the advisory board of Spinal Aid Centers Of America and trains other health care providers in the science and art of non surgical spinal decompression in his Edgewater facility. He continues to train and advance his clinic’s state of the art spinal rehabilitation programs and is known nationwide in his field. He is additionally certified in neurodiagnostic evaluations, Spinal Manipulation Under Anesthesia and Disability Impairment rating. In addition to NSSD, he had received advanced training in Spinal Chiropractic Biophysics, Active Therapeutic Techniques, MedX and Spine Force Spinal Rehabilitation, Extremity manipulation, orthopedics and neurology.

MRI Studies And Non Surgical Decompression: Are These Tests Necessary?

In a word – Yes.

While MRI is not quite the “Gold” standard everyone thinks it is (a test called a “discogram” is probably better  but more invasive) , it is a highly valuable diagnostic test when a patient presents to my office for decompression care.  Keep in mind, in order to be a qualified candidate for a program of Non-Surgical Decompression, there must be, logically, some tissue or anatomical structure “compressed” and  damage must be found.  That might include disc hernia, bulge, extrusion, degeneration or damage to the intervertebral joints.    If there are not any findings of a compressive injury or condition on an MRI, that patient is not going to be accepted for care and further investigation and studies must be done to determine the source of that patients pain.

Additionally, if there are compressive issues found on the MRI, they may vary from minimal levels of damage to multiple levels of degenerative decay, multiple herniations at one disc level, etc….. Thus, these findings would seriously affect the patients planned protocol of care and general plan of attack by your treating doctor.

Personally, I will not take on a decompression case without a relatively fresh MRI.   And a patient should be very wary and questioning of any so-called decompression doctor that would.

Also, it mandatory for a patient to have digital motion x-ray evaluation (done right in my office) to determine and areas of instability that may either affect a patient’s treatment regimen and outcome or even cause me to reject the case and refer for surgery as the instability found contra-indicated non-surgical decompression methods.

Thorough evaluation and diagnostic work-ups usually lead to much more effective …. and safer outcomes.

If a patient is interested finding out if her or she is a candidate for our decompression methods, we will be glad to refer them to a qualified and local MRI facility and take them through this process.

Want to find out if you’re a candidate. Give us a call at  Waterfront Spine Institute for a no charge consultation  201-840-1980 or go to  www.backpainreliefcare.com for more info.

Thank you so much for visiting my site. I encourage you to leave your questions and comments below. And for more information on Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression please fill out the form to the right or give us a call at 201-840-1980

About Dr. Podell, DC: Dr. Dave Podell, DC has been in active practice for over 25 years and has seen countless numbers of the most difficult and previously failed cases.   As the clinic director of the Watefront Spine Institute in Edgewater, New Jersey, just minutes from the GW Bridge, Lincoln Tunnel and midtown Manhattan, Dr. Podell, DC runs one of the Northeast’s most advanced and evolutionary multi-disciplinary clinics for the treatment of disc herniation and associated ailments.   Dr. Podell, DC sits on the advisory board of Spinal Aid Centers Of America and trains other health care providers in the science and art of non surgical spinal decompression in his Edgewater facility.  He continues to train and advance his clinic’s state of the art spinal rehabilitation programs and is known nationwide in his field.  He is additionally certified in neurodiagnostic evaluations, Spinal Manipulation Under Anesthesia and Disability Impairment rating.  In addition to NSSD, he had received advanced training in Spinal Chiropractic Biophysics, Active Therapeutic Techniques, MedX and Spine Force Spinal Rehabilitation, Extremity manipulation, orthopedics and neurology.