Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Research Update

New research published in BioMed Central on the effects of Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression utilizing the DRX9000 are listed below.

30 patients with a lumbar disc herniation, average age of 65 years and average duration of lower back pain for 12.5 weeks underwent the study.  CT scans were performed before and after the 6 week treatment protocol.

Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression utilizing the DRX9000 resulted in a pain reduction from a 6.2/10 on the pain scale to a 1.6/10 on the pain scale.  Disc height increased from 7.5 mm to 8.8 mm. 

An increase in disc height and reduction in pain are significantly correlated. 

Successful treatment of discogenic pain (disc herniation, disc bulging and degenerative disc disease) utilizing Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression continues to be supported by a growing body of peer reviewed research.

Texas Spine and Sports Therapy Center located in Austin Texas is a non-surgical disc treatment center utilizing the DRX9000

L arginine supplementation and cardiovascular disease

L-arginine is the most studied amino acid and is or major interest to scientists and medical researchers.  It has been shown to enhance blood flow, reverse premature cardiovascular aging, support healthy sexual performance and aid in achieving less body fat.

89,000 per-reviewed studies points to L-arginine supplementation as a viable solution to the growing epidemic of cardio vascular disease (CVD).  L-arginine is the precursor to nitric oxide (NO)-the key molecule used by the body for arterial relaxation, elasticity and health.

In 1998 the Nobel Prize in Medicine was awarded for uncovering the science behind the essential role of nitric oxide in the health and recovery of the cardiovascular system.

The body’s natural production of L-arginine begins to decrease in our 20s making supplementation essential in restoring and maintaining healthy cardiovascular balance.

Clinical studies on L arginine show the following:

1. Lower Blood Pressure

2. Lower Cholesterol and Triglycerides

3. Improvement of Diabetes symptoms

4. Reduce Blood Clots and Strokes

5. Reduce Heart Failure

6. Support Wound Healing

7. Improved Kidney Function

8. Increased memory and cognitive function

9. Human Growth Hormone

10 Improves Muscle Growth and Performance

Stanford, Harvard, Duke, University South Carolina, National Cancer Institute and the National Institute of Health have all reported major reversing of atherosclerosis and hardening throughtout the entire vascular system utlizing L arginine. 

In addition to lifestyle choices including diet and exercise the best way to extend the life of your heart and prevent premature aging of the vascular system is to give the body the right raw materials such as L-arginine to sustain and rebuild a healthy heart and cardiovascular system. 

The best results of correction and prevention are shown when taking a specific ratio of pharmaceutical grade elemental L-arginine with additional heart healthy nutrients including amino acid L-citrulline.   For more information contact Dr. Atencio at 512-219-8999.

Pulse Wave Analysis and Heart Disease Measuring and Monitoring Cardiovascular Health

Heart disease is the number one killer of people in North America.  1 in 4 people suffer from heart disease and another 60 million are at risk.  In many cases, the first sign or symptom of a problem is a sudden cardiac event or even death.  Over 300,000 people in the US, including athletes, die of sudden cardiac death every year.  These individuals sometimes reported feeling find before suffering a heart attack and often after having been given the thumbs up by their doctor.    Standard medical care often misses the evicence that disease is present and has been lax in prescribing natural preventative measures. 

Heart disease can be related to family history but is often a lifestyle disease which means it is both preventable and often reversible.  Until recently there was no way to inexpensively and non-invasively measure the health of an individuals cardiovascular system.  Futhermore, most individuals with mild or major cardiovascular issues do not understand how reversible some of these conditions are.

Pulse wave analysis is a quick, non-invasive and affordable method for early detection and prevention of cardiovascular disease.  With an evidence based approach to monitoring and management of hypertension and related illnesses, this revolutionary technology is expected to change the way early CVD conditions are identified and diagnosed.  Pulse Wave Analysis, an advanced monitoring device and innovative technology has the potential to reduce the risk of sudden heart attack or stroke if copled with the appropriate response.

When the heart beats, it radiates a pulse wave down the lining of the arteries.  This pulse wave is met with a certain amount of resistance based on plaque accumulation, irregularities and elasticity of your vascular system which causes a rebound wave to travel back toward the heart.   The elasticity and health of the arterial walls determines the size and shape of these outgoing and rebound waves. 

The pulse wave measures the velocity or how fast and efficiently the blood travels through the vascular system.  Slow moving or obstructed flow means a slow delivery of essential nutrients and materials to a from cells.  this condition can result in high blood pressure lack of energy and slow metabolism, memory loss and can negatively affect the immune system.   Within a few minutes the Pulse Wave screening can measure the overall health of your cardiovascular system and determine if the heart and arteries are in the normal, borderline or abnormal range.

Evaluating the characteristics of the individual wave pattern a Pulse Wave Screening will help identify  Premature aging and stress levels of your vascular system, efficiency of the heart, arterial elasticity and levels of obstruction and early signs of cardiac distress. 

Proven to be 99.8% accurate a screen can motivate an individual to make appropriate changes in their lifestyle to help lower their potential risk of CVD.

Screenings are performed at Texas Spine and Sports Therapy Center for $40.00

Cardiovascular/autonomic nervous system screenings

Cardiovascular disease is the nation’s number one cause of death and exceeds the next four causes of death combined.   A huge percentage of the population suffers from high blood pressure or hypertension.   At Texas Spine and Sports Therapy Center we are offering breakthrough cardiovascular/autonomic nervous system testing utilizing the Max Pulse.  The Max Pulse testing device will give four very important readings including:  heart rate, blood pressure, pulse wave and heart rate variability.  Heart rate varibility pertains to how well your nervous system is controlling your heart function.   We want all of out patients to be tested and have a base line score.    This test will provide patients a screening of their arterial health and can be a life changing event.   Call Texas Spine and Sports Therapy Center to schedule the test.  512-219-8999

Shoulder Injury Prevention…Weight Training Don’ts from Sports Chiropractor Austin, Texas

Every week I see multiple injuries involving the shoulder from a training error or not training at all.   Below are some simple rules to follow when weight training to avoid shoulder injury.   If you continue to lift incorrectly or beyond your weak link it’s not “if you get hurt but when”.  Do it right or don’t do it. 

Rule #1 in shoulder injury prevention.  No Straight Bar Bench Press.    The straight bar bench press weakens the rotator cuff and damages the shoulder and acromioclavicular joint.    Straight bar bench pressing causes the shoulder joint to become a weight bearing joint leading to premature degeneration.    The straight bar makes it easier to lift more weight.   Therefore you are exercising outside your weak link.  If your 1 max rep. is 200 lbs on the straight bar can you lift (2) 100 lb dumbbells?   If you cannot, you are working outside your weak link.    Use dumbbells to replace the straight bar.    Flat and incline exercises are OK.

Rule #2 in shoulder injury prevention.  DO NOT perform “lat” pull downs behind the head.   This places the shoulder in the “at risk” position.  Performing lat pulls behind the neck may result in the following injuries: anterior shoulder instability, neck pain or impingement of the shoulder.    REPLACE with front lat pulls.  Do not lean back and reverse your grips with your palms facing you. 

Rule #3 in shoulder injury prevention.  Up-right rows produce abduction/internal rotation mechanism and can breakdown the rotator cuff and AC joint resulting in impingement.    REPLACE Up-right rows with the standing three-way, dumbbell shoulder shrugs (shrugs with palms in and palms out), seated rows and bent over one-arm rows. 

Rule #4 in shoulder injury prevention.  Eliminate behind the neck presses.  This places the shoulder in the at risk position of 90/90.  Anterior shoulder instability will result from exercising in this position and shoulder impingement may result as well. (especially internal glenoid impingement)  AC joint degeneration will occur prematurely as compensation for instability.

Rule #5 in shoulder injury prevention.  The “empty-can” or “thumbs-down” exercise has been eliminated form the majority of shoulder rehabilitation programs around the US.  There are still a few clinics using this exercise.  Beware of these clinics.  The empty can exercise uses internal rotation with abduction.  This causes subacromial Impingement and progressive breakdown of the shoulder and rotator cuff.   It should be replaced with the Side Lying Abduction exercise to start.   The side lying exercise strengthens the supraspinatus muscle with less risk of impingement. 

Other general errors in weight training…  One arm rows: Letting the weight traction the shoulder during this exercise will lead to anterior shoulder instability. 

Knee extensions… Open chain knee extension results in shear of the tibia placing increased stress on the ACL and patello-femoral mechanism.

Squats:  Squatting with weight before you can competently squat with body weight is a major error in training.  Poor squatting technique commonly occurs because the ankle lacks appropriate dorsiflexion.  Stretching exercises for the Achillies tendon and gastroc-soleus complex can help improve technique.  You should be able to perform 4 sets of 100 reps correctly with body weight before you can begin to squat with a weighted bar.

Back extensions:  Don’t swing.  Start with cervical extension, thoracic extension, lumbar extension, then hip extension and reverse the motion segmentally as well.

Seated Rows: Do Not flex the back.  Maintain an active lumbar lordosis and neutral thoracic spine.  Be sure to retract the scapulae. (pinch the shoulder blades together)  Use ropes or chains whenever possible.

Full credit should be give to Dr. Buchberger D.C.  P.T. for the above information and his help in my development of a top notch shoulder rehabilitation center.

Chronic Low Back Pain/Herniated Disc Treatment Austin Texas…What Doctors Are Saying About Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression on the DRX9000

Conservative care for patients suffering with Herniated or Bulging Discs, Degenerative Disc Disease or Sciatica have a relatively new advanced Non-Surgical Option.  A procedure called Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression performed on a device called the DRX9000 is showing consistent results.  

As with any new procedure both providers and patients should be skeptical and any claims should be backed up by research.    Treatment on the DRX9000 is FDA cleared to treat chronic spinal pain from disc related problems in the lower back or neck and clinical outcomes seem to be very positive.    A future blog will outline the extensive research and need for further research on the treatment.    This blog is comments from leading medical doctors and chiropractors about the outcome they are experiencing with their patients.

Dr. Michael Kellis M.D Medical Director Sports Medicine, Cleveland OH comments…” By proper positioning of the body…by proper distraction of an intervetebral disc you can actually drop intradiscal pressure.   The nucleus pulposis which is the inner part of the disc gets no circulation and works on diffusion.  When a disc is injured the pressure rises in the disc.  The point of what the DRX9000 does is that we can now drop intradiscal pressure.   By doing this you allow fluids to enter the disc and allow the healing process to begin…and this is what we have found to be extremely effective.   All I can tell you is that the results have been phenomenal.  The theory behind the technology is sound.  The medical response is sound and the acceptance among other physicians is wonderful.”   “This is an option patients should have performed before surgery.  It is non-surgical, non-invasive, it doesn’t hurt and the vast majority of patients are getting better.  If you do respond to the treatment it will keep you out of surgery, epidurals, long spinal needles.  I can tell you…this is what I would try first before I ever did anything surgical.”

Dr. Jeffery Shall M.D. Orthopedic Surgery comments “I have patients that after looking at their M.R.I…I would bet would go to surgery.   They come back after a couple treatments on the DRX and tell me that their pain is starting to go away, and then after the full protocol is completely resolved… You can’t argue with that kind of success.”

Dr. Robert Hodgins Orthopedic Surgery Presbyterian Hospital Dallas comments… “With time or stress the disc may bulge or crack creating back or neck pain.  If it bulges far enough it may hit a spinal nerve causing nerve pain.  We can now non-surgically drop pressure in the disc, help the height of the disc and repair the structure without the risks of invasive surgery.  In the great majority of cases we are able to get rid of the patients pain in cases that typically would have gone to surgery.  In my experience the results are holding up quite well.” 

Dr. Atencio D.C. with Texas Spine and Sports Therapy Center comments “Initial evaluation of the DRX9000 looks like glorified traction.   But clinically the difference is the ability of the machine to significantly drop intradiscal pressure in the damaged disc.   Before decompression on the DRX9000 traction was utilized on disc patients.  Traction was very inconsistent in the outcome and often seemed to cause pain due to muscle splinting.    The DRX9000 uses feed back loops to overcome the typical muscle splinting associated with traction.   The pull to the damaged disc can now be precise and intradiscal pressure can be dropped enough to create a strong vacuum.   This effect pulls the protrusion away from the nerve root and helps the disc to heal.   The much greater drop in intradiscal pressure makes all the clinical difference for a positive outcome and changes on MRI scans.  Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression on the DRX9000 should be the first line of treatment for herniated discs and degenerative disc disease in the lumbar and cervical spine.  The clinical results have been very impressive.

Tips on Choosing a Science Based Chiropractor in Austin Texas

Here are some tips to help choose a scientifically based chiropractor in Austin, Texas.   Most people seeking out a chiropractor do so for what they believe is a non-surgical scientific form of treatment for musculoskeletal pain.   “It must be scientifically based because my insurance covers the therapy”.   The reality is that there are some chiropractors involved in unscientific practices and are not providing an appropriate diagnosis and  medically mainstream care.    When a person with musculoskeletal or neurological pain receives medically appropriate manual therapy by a chiropractor there is usually significant relief and often more invasive procedures can be avoided.   When that same patient winds up in an unscientifically based alternative practice there is a risk of a questionable diagnosis and unappropriate treatment. 

I am sure that this blog will cause a stir among chiropractors using questionable techniques, but I feel that it is important that we police ourselves and that the public is  aware of what is scientific and appropriate in the chiropractic office.

A science based chiropractor will limit their practice to conservative treatment of back pain, spine pain (disc problems), and other musculoskeletal problems.   These conditions have significant research and appropriate manual therapies are medically mainstream and proven to help.   

Unscientific chiropractors may claim to treat everything from bedwetting to cancer with manipulation and believe that everyone should receive mainpulation.   They believe that the spine is the cause of all disease.   The research is minimal at best to support any of these claims and should be considered an unscientific practice.  

Scientifically based chiropractors will use manual mainpulation for joint related problems in the area of pain.  This usually works extremely well if the diagnosis is correct.  If you have lower back pain and the chiropractor is adjusting your neck you should seek out another opinion for the reason.   Scientifically based chiropractors will use manual muscle techniques for muscle pain.   Stretching, home exercises, rehabilitation and myofascial release are science and researched based practices.  Use of ultrasound, ice, heat, electrical muscle stimulation and Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression are appropriate and scientifically based.   Use of appropriate imaging (X-ray or MRI) to the injured or painful area may also be appropriate.   Be careful of chiropractors that X-ray to find subluxations or when pain is not present. 

Unscientifically based and questionable practices include:  claims about curing diseases, lengthy contracts for corrective care, promoting of regular preventive adjustments.   (Some patient’s have a true musculoskeletal medical need that requires management).     Also be aware of use of inappropriate scare tatics or chiropractors that discourage use of immunizations.

Avoid chiropractors that diagnose or treat subluzations or promote nerve interference as the main cause of disease.   A subluxation has never been found on an MRI, X-ray or CT scan and treatment of this “condition”  is not scientifically based. 

Avoid chiropractors that use full spine x-rays.   This has questionable diagnostic value and high radiation exposure.  If the chiropractor prescribes dietary supplements make sure he is qualified and understands the reaction with medications.

Questionable practices include contour analysis, nutrient deficiency testing, leg length testing, testing with a Nervo-Scope or heat detecting device, reflexology, saliva testing, thermography or a Spinal Analysis Machine.

 Additional unscientific and questionable practives include:  acupuncture, allergy testing, applied kinesiology, chelation therapy, colonic irritation, cranial therapy orNeuro Emotional Technique.  A red flag should also be raised if your pracitioner is constantly bashing medical therapy.   A scientifically based chiropractor should work well with and have no problems co-managing patients with medical providers.

My comments in this blog are not to point the finger at any practitioner.  Some of the mentioned techniques may have some non-evidenced based positive outcomes.   As providers in this day and age we need to be providing the best,most scientifically based appropriate procedure for the patient.    When appropriate scientifically based therapy are provided by the chiropractor for musculoskeletal problems the patient has the best chance for a positive quick outcome of their problem.

Bart Atencio D.C.  Texas Spine and Sports Therapy Center.

Low Back Pain Treatment Austin/Chiropractic Standard of Care.

When it comes to treatment of lower back pain there has been significant research performed in the field of Manual Medicine.  Chiropractors are specifically trained in manual therapies for mechanical lower back pain and neurological pain.   I have found that many chiropractors limit their treatment of all disorders of the spine to manipulation. 

When Treating Lower Back Pain with a joint disorder causing loss of range of motion or pain, manipulation and or mobilization is an appropriate and very effective procedure for quickly addressing this condition.  If the joint is not severely arthritic and is mechanically involved manipulation should eliminate the pain and restore ROM in approximately 12 visits or less.    There should be a red flag raised to the provider if the patient is not improving in this time frame.   The diagnosis may not have truely been discovered and the most appropriate therapy is likely not being utilized.  There may be pain from the disc, neurological pain or pain from the musculature.    Long term “corrective” therapy is questionable and the reasons for this care should be discussed in detail with the recommending provider.  Sometimes a second opinion should be sought when a chiropractor recommends extensive amounts of therapy.

When treating lower back pain there is often a myofascial (muscle) component.  Patients that have joint problems or disc problems usually also have issues in the supporting musculature.   If the issues in the muscles are not addressed correctly it can require more extended treatment programs.   Injured muscles can become fibrotic (this will be discussed in later blogs) and be the source of lingering pain if not addressed.  Many chiropractors apply a manipulative procedure and then put electrical muscle stimulation on the muscle.  If the muscle has not become fibrotic this should quickly help.  In cases where the muscle pain is not responding to simple stretches or electrical muscle simulation I have found a therapy called Active Release Technique to be very beneficial.  (More in future blogs)

When treating lower back pain that is caused by disc problems Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression seems to be the most effective non-surgical therapy.  Joint, muscle and disc problems causing lower back pain should always be combined with an appropriate exercise based program.   In simple cases the exercise can be performed at home.  In more severe cases the provider should implement in office therapy.   I have found a high tech device called the Spine Force to be very effective in providing deep spinal stability needed in more severe back pain cases. (More on this in future blogs)

My point to this blog is that the your chiropractic provider should utilized appropriate therapies and visits for the diagnosis and if the patient is not progressing there is likely an undiscovered issue or the provider is not utilizing the appropriate therapy  I hopes this helps Austin lower back pain patients understand appropriate therapies that should be utilized by a main stream chiropractor.   In future blogs I will discuss appropriate conditions that can be treated with manual therapy/chiropractic therapy and questionable conditions according to research.

Herniated Disc Treatment Without Surgery for People in Austin

There is a lot of confusion when it comes to appropriate Non-Surgical Herniated Disc Treatment  for People in Austin.   My name is Doctor Atencio with Texas Spine and Sports Therapy Center.   I have developed this blog to discuss non-surgical treatment options for a variety of neuro-musculoskeletal conditions and provide people with updated information.   I hope to create discussion on new advancements in this field and on what seems to work the best in my experience.   I have been involved in the Non-Surgical  treatment of chronic spinal pain and Herniated Discs for over 10 years.    

With the advancement of technology, Non-Surgical Treatment of Herniated Discs has significantly improved over what we could do with our hands and with exercises in the past.  I have found that technology has provided us with much better results than we could have ever expected with manual therapies.  Exercise therapies and manual therapies still play a significant role, but I have been using an advanced piece of equipment called Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression, specifically the DRX9000 that has completely changed the clinical outcome.

Successful treatment of Herniated Discs with Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression seems to be the norm rather than the exception and the pain relief seems to last in most people.  Patients who you were sure would be headed to surgery are avoiding surgery with use of this device.  Treatment on the DRX9000 focuses on dropping intradiscal pressure to create a strong vacuum at the level of the herniated disc.  Most patients seem to experience relief quickly and I have not seen any side effects.  When combined with solid rehabilitation and strengthening appropriate candidates for the procedure are doing really well and avoiding surgery.  

When treating Herniated Discs before the DRX9000 I have tried multiple different types of traction devices and have utilized manipulation and exercises with limited and unpredictable results.   Manipulation seems to be quite temporary and with basic traction there is a problem with muscle splinting.  As you pull on the spine trying to achieve decompression the muscles start to contract and can go into spasm.  With basic traction there does not seem to be enough of a drop in pressure to create any lasting change.

I am concerned that the public and some doctors may be confused about about Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression in the treatment of Herniated Discs.   All devices are not the same and the ultimate outcome is significantly different.  I have successfully treated many patients after they completed a series of treatments on a device they thought was decompression but did not get the desired outcome.

Using the right piece of equipment is critical in treating Herniated Discs and accepting  the right candidate for the procedure is also critical.  The device does not cure all back pain by any means and is reserved for patient’s with herniated discs, bulging discs or degenerative disc disease.

I have performed thousands of decompression treatments over the years and in future bolgs will make further comments on the expected outcome for different catagories of patients using this technology.