The Back Surgeon in San Francisco took one look at my MRI and said "You Need Surgery". How can he be so sure, so quick
Posted Jun 02 2009 4:35pm
Recently, I met with a lady to discuss Nonsurgical Spinal Decompression with the DRX 9000 at our San Francisco Disc Repair Center. What she described was somewhat disturbing. She went to see a neurosurgeon to discuss her back and leg pain. The neurosurgeon ordered an MRI so he could see what was going on. When she returned a week later to review the findings, the doctor (who had not looked at the films yet) put the MRI films up and said; "Well, it looks like you need back surgery, you have 2 herniated discs." My patient was a little surprised to say the least. There was no physical exam. There was not much of a discussion at all as far as a consultation or case history. The doctor just looked at the MRI and said you need back surgery, what's your schedule like next week ? I calmed her down and told her that up until recently (2 years ago), I might have looked at her MRI and thought the same thing right off the bat. Before Spinal Decompression was made available there just were not many choices for cases like yours. Actually, this is why they make these machines, to treat serious spinal (degenerative) conditions such as disc herniations, stenosis, and facet syndromes. Hey, you still may need surgery. Nonsurgical Spinal Decompression does not fix everyone. But the success rate is very high for a favorable outcome as long as we manage expectations properly. It's worth a shot because it is very safe. As far as I know there have been no incidents of serious bodily harm (paralysis or nerve damage) from treatment with the DRX 9000. Most patients do get a little sore in the beginning because we are pulling on an injured area. But, we start off very gently, then increase the pressure based a formula that is based on your age, weight, level of fitness, spinal conditioning, and our common sense. You barely feel anything in the very beginning. In fact, most patients fall asleep. Then, we apply muscle stimulation to reeducate the muscles and teach them to work with the spine in this new position. Then, we apply ice to restrict blood flow to the injured area, reduce inflammation, and pain. You ice frequently at home also as well as wear a back support to hold things in place. The process is very efficient. However, it is not magic. It takes time to heal. You need to be diligent about keeping your appointments and following your home care instructions. In the end, an overwhelming majority of our patients are happy campers. This makes my job something to look forward to every day.
Recently, I met with a lady to discuss Nonsurgical Spinal Decompression with the DRX 9000 at our San Francisco Disc Repair Center. What she described was somewhat disturbing. She went to see a neurosurgeon to discuss her back and leg pain. The neurosurgeon ordered an MRI so he could see what was going on. When she returned a week later to review the findings, the doctor (who had not looked at the films yet) put the MRI films up and said; "Well, it looks like you need back surgery, you have 2 herniated discs." My patient was a little surprised to say the least. There was no physical exam. There was not much of a discussion at all as far as a consultation or case history. The doctor just looked at the MRI and said you need back surgery, what's your schedule like next week ? I calmed her down and told her that up until recently (2 years ago), I might have looked at her MRI and thought the same thing right off the bat. Before Spinal Decompression was made available there just were not many choices for cases like yours. Actually, this is why they make these machines, to treat serious spinal (degenerative) conditions such as disc herniations, stenosis, and facet syndromes. Hey, you still may need surgery. Nonsurgical Spinal Decompression does not fix everyone. But the success rate is very high for a favorable outcome as long as we manage expectations properly. It's worth a shot because it is very safe. As far as I know there have been no incidents of serious bodily harm (paralysis or nerve damage) from treatment with the DRX 9000. Most patients do get a little sore in the beginning because we are pulling on an injured area. But, we start off very gently, then increase the pressure based a formula that is based on your age, weight, level of fitness, spinal conditioning, and our common sense. You barely feel anything in the very beginning. In fact, most patients fall asleep. Then, we apply muscle stimulation to reeducate the muscles and teach them to work with the spine in this new position. Then, we apply ice to restrict blood flow to the injured area, reduce inflammation, and pain. You ice frequently at home also as well as wear a back support to hold things in place. The process is very efficient. However, it is not magic. It takes time to heal. You need to be diligent about keeping your appointments and following your home care instructions. In the end, an overwhelming majority of our patients are happy campers. This makes my job something to look forward to every day.