| Back Pain? Neck Pain? Get the FACTS |
The Pain Relief Center of Austin is proud to present to you this
information about Severe Back Pain, Neck Pain, Sciatica, Disk
Herniations, and Degenerative Discs.
Did you know…That many patients have told me that their doctors still believe that their
back or neck pain was not very serious, that it had little effect on their quality of life, and
generally should go away in about a month without any or little treatment at all.
Did you know…Some have even told me their doctors said they really had a psychological
problem.
Did you know…Most of the conventional wisdom about back or neck pain…is inaccurate?
Did you know...A 2005 article in the prestigious orthopedic journal “Spine” studied patients
who suffered with lower back pain and/or sciatica. 99% of the patients were told that they
would get either a moderate or great improvement in their quality of life after the surgery.
But the study found that in reality 39% did not even have minimally important improvement.
Did you know…One scientific study from 2004 showed that there was improvement in the
short term with injections, but when the patients were checked two years later, over two
thirds of these patients had undergone additional invasive procedures? So there was a 2/3
chance that you eventually end up with an invasive spinal surgery following injections.
Epidural Steroid Injections typically only last for about 2 weeks to 2 months and do nothing
to actually heal the discs.
Did you know…There's a term that is used a lot in orthopedic and medical circles-"Failed
Back Surgery Syndrome." The greatest risk factors for having a second back operation
is having one in the first place. And the greatest risk factor for having a third operation is
having two previous sessions under the knife. Approximately 40-50 percent of back
surgeries fail within the first 2 years and up to 80 percent fail within 5 years.
There are extreme cases that do require surgery....
There ARE cases where surgery will be your only and best option but these are called
emergencies, such as when a disk compresses the nerves so badly in your lower back that
you lose bowel or bladder function; or when there is numbness where you sit on your
backside-this is called saddle anesthesia or numbness and it's important to be aware of this
type of emergency problem. But 99% will never experience these symptoms but suffer in a
way that is not quite an emergency but feels like an emergency because the pain just never
goes away.
I would like to take a moment to explain your back, neck and arm or leg pain.
I want to show you the research, the facts that demonstrate what a severe problem back or
neck pain is for many of those who suffer from it. And possibly why after so many failed
treatments and months and years of suffering, you, like the thousands of fellow sufferers
who have requested more information are still suffering with debilitating pain.
I think this guide will be a breath of fresh air and hopefully guide to you to a potentially
better solution for your severe back or leg pain, one you may not have even considered or
even heard of - a treatment your doctor has probably never discussed or even known
about and one that is used in a small percentage of clinics in the United States. A small
fraction of the approximately 1,000,000 health care providers in the U.S. are using this
technology.
If You Dispute Any Of The Claims Made In This Guide, Then Just Look Up The
References At The End …Or Discuss This Information With A Competent Doctor.
Now Let’s Get Started…
The Back Pain Epidemic
Our government is looking for answers to this "epidemic" and starting "national strategies"
and "campaigns" to combat back pain.
About 40% of adults will have back pain in the past month and anywhere from 60 to 90%
will have back pain at some point in their lives.
These facts come from studies all over the world, The United States, Canada, Sweden and
other countries are working overtime studying this back pain “epidemic”.
There May Very Well Be A Solution For Your Neck, Back or Leg Pain…
Considering Back or Neck Surgery?
You might be thinking that severe chronic back pain can be fixed with surgery. It seems
logical at first thought. Why can't the surgeon just remove the painful thing in my lower back-
just get rid of it- like taking out a tumor?
Unfortunately even surgeons today recognize that back pain alone is generally not a good
indication for spinal surgery.
No surgeon worth his salt would recommend surgery for someone with back pain. Let's
explore this option more thoroughly, because you may be sitting on the fence with this or
may have already scheduled yourself for elective spinal surgery.
You probably have at least thought about spinal surgery, especially if you've had back pain
for a long time, or the leg pain is just unbearable-but I do not want you to give up hope.
Tackling back problems is difficult so you need to persevere-and give it time and effort.
You need to at least have hope for a conservative option. Your determination to try
everything possible, and give it a real chance before going under the knife, will mean
everything to your chances for success. Anything less can lead to a downward spiral of
pain and potentially lifetime disability.
At best, spinal surgery should only be used by those who have tried everything else, have
excruciating leg pain, or something called neurological deficits (like foot drop). Even in
cases like these, surgery is no panacea (no cure-all). But you probably already know that-
you've heard from friends about the results of their spinal surgery and you doubt that this is
the best choice for you. But there's something between the option of drastic, unproven, and
irreversible spinal surgery and just doing nothing at all-which is where you are probably
sitting.
But first, let’s discuss the 5 back pain myths…
Five Back Pain Myths…
1. Back pain goes away quickly
2. Back Pain is a trivial problem
3. Pills (NSAIDs and muscle relaxers) are safe and effective for your back pain
4. Bed rest is good for you
5. The pain is the problem
Myth #1:
Back pain goes away quickly
Medical doctors were thoroughly convinced of this myth. A patient would typically hurt his
back, go see the doctor, get a prescription for some pain pills, and then never return.
Physicians thought that if the patient never came back, then they must have been cured.
But no one ever thought to ask the patient and follow-up on how they were doing.
One study did just that, and found out that a whopping 75% of patients will still have back
pain a year later.
Many patients will also go to see other therapists and chiropractors, and never tell their
family medical doctor about what they are doing about it, and how the pain still affects their
life.
Myth #2:
Back Pain is a trivial problem
I mean it's just an aching back right? Take two pills and call me in the morning-right? It's
hard to get sympathy from your friends when you're not bleeding or bed-ridden. But there is
research that shows just how serious back pain affects your quality of life.
One study showed that physical functioning (how we live and move) in patients with back
pain is very bad. Much worse in fact than people who have heart disease, stomach ulcers,
and even emphysema.
So if you think your life has been completely turned upside down by your back pain-there is
a very good reason why you think this: IT HAS!
Myth #3:
Pills (NSAIDs and muscle relaxers) are safe and effective for your back pain…
I wish it were this easy. "Take two pills and call me in the morning," as the doctor would say.
There are a few reasons why this approach does not work and that in fact, taking this type
of approach could lead to serious complications with your health.
NSAIDs is an abbreviation for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They're not steroids
(like cortisone) and are thought to be less toxic to the body. They are for the most part, but
being less toxic doesn't mean something is safe especially if you take NSAIDs for a long
time. These drugs can be purchased "over the counter" and by "prescription." The ones
that are only available with a doctor's prescription are much more powerful in their effect
and can cause more complications.
People with back problems generally suffer over many years and even decades. NSAIDs
can cause bleeding in your stomach and intestines and lead to ulcers. Kidney injury is
another complication, which increases with the number of pills consumed. These
complications are seen in those who consume them for many years. Check the information
that comes with the prescription-you'll see it all there printed in black & white. If it's an "over
the counter" product like ibuprofen you can read it on the side of the bottle.
Important: If you like to have a few drinks during the week to relax- the two after dinner
martini's, then liver problems can also occur. And when I say liver problems, the problem
could be liver failure, which might mean a liver transplant for you.
You may have seen ads on TV for various drugs (cholesterol drugs for example) with
cautionary phrases such as "simple blood tests will be needed to see if you have liver
problems." It's very deceptive to the public. Yes the blood test is "simple," but liver failure is
not a simple problem.
So that's safety. The other problem with NSAIDs is they have not been shown to be
effective in good clinical trials. Given the amount of consumption of NSAIDs in society today
(truckloads), for everything from back pain, to headaches, to painful periods, we should be
in pain-free nirvana by now…but we aren't! I am sure you have already tried these pills and
found them not to be effective.
Myth #4:
Bed rest is good for you
I wish this were true, taking to bed for a week until the back pain heals up. It wasn't too long
ago that medical doctors would prescribe two weeks of bed rest for back pain. It certainly
seems logical at first glance. Maybe it hurts to move, to sit, stand, and
resting an injured area seems like the right thing to do to protect it. But logic can be
deceptive when it comes to back pain. What's more, logic doesn't stand a chance to
scientific studies and there are plenty when it comes to bed rest.
The jury is completely in on this question: inactivity will actually make back pain much, much
worse. It will de-condition your spinal muscles and make them weaker-which will mean more
pain and less function for you. You've heard of "placebo effects" right? - sugar pill (not the
real thing) that the patient "believes" will work. This belief is very powerful and can make
pain better. The mind has a powerful influence on the body. Bed rest is not considered a
"placebo" treatment. Instead it's called a nocebo-meaning that it's not just ineffective, but it
will actually make your pain much worse!
Myth #5:
The pain is the problem
Pain is a signal that there is something wrong with your body. It tells you to "be careful" to
"get attention." It's kind of like a fire alarm. It's not the fire. When a house is burning, do the
firefighters just show up to cut the fire alarm and expect the inferno will stop? Of course not!
But that's just how many people approach back pain-cut the fire alarm.
A U.S. government guideline from back in 1994 attempted to dispel this myth. The guideline
talks about low back problems not just low back pain. Problems can be how you function,
how your spine moves, and the actual structure(s) in your back that are injured. Pain is in
your head. The problem is the spine and it's important to have your problem(s) examined
objectively. Sitting in a chair and getting handed a prescription for some pain pills after you
tell your pain story is not a proper or thorough examination. Medical doctors have taken this
approach for many years, simply because it was all they knew to do. If you want to begin to
solve your back problem, you need to first have a comprehensive and thorough
examination to figure out the diagnosis. Only then can treatment be directed to the problem
vs. the pain.
So what do I have to offer in my clinic for the severe back, sciatica, disk and leg pain
sufferer?
I am using a fairly new treatment in my office called spinal decompression.
The device is called the DRX9000™ “True Spinal Decompression System” and is based on
the theory that decompressing your spine is one way that disk spaces can be increased
and disk protrusions may be reduced.
Spinal Decompression is much different than conventional traction...
Although traction has been around for thousands of years-the science has shown that it is
not very effective.
In fact, in some areas of the body, such as the neck, getting traction can be a risk factor for
more severe problems down the road. In the case of the lower back, it has not been shown
to reduce disk bulges, get you back to work, or lower your pain.
One of the theories as to why this is the case, is the effect of your back muscles in resisting
the pull when traction is applied. The distraction forces come on much differently with the
DRX9000™.
The machine has a continual feedback mechanism which is sensing your muscles'
resistance to the distraction forces. (at a rate of 13 times per second!)
When your muscles contract, the machine backs off a bit-when they "let go" it pulls more.
Also the forces are cycled, and ramped up and down in an attempt to "confuse" your
muscles so that maximal decompression is achieved. The machine uses very sophisticated
technology to achieve this.
The DRX9000™ it is not your grandfather's traction! Or the same as hanging upside down
or perhaps other devices you may have tried in the past.
The DRX9000™ is also different from other decompression technologies.
On the DRX9000™ the patient always lays face up with the knees bent with support rests
underneath the shoulders.
You do not grip onto anything with your hands during the treatments, which can be tiring for
some patients or can cause shoulder injuries.
With the DRX9000™ the angle of decompression can be adjusted to affect specific lumbar
levels in your lower spine.
What is the theory behind decompression? How does it work?
An experimental study has shown than in non-degenerated, but bulging disks (something
your MRI or CT scan would show), decompression can lower the pressure inside the disk.
This negative pressure may then draw or suck the displaced disk material more towards the
center of the disk and away from your nerves. For many patients this can mean pain relief
because a compressed nerve can produce a lot of pain.
If the pressure on the nerve is released, it can begin to heal.
The DRX9000 True Spinal Decompression system is designed to assist the body's natural
tendency to heal itself which is why it is completely different from back surgery which only
addresses the portion of the disc that is sticking out against the nerves but does not
improve the integrity or quality of the disc itself.
If the disk can be moved even a small amount away from the nerve, this can be enough to
decrease inflammation and irritation. We need more studies to fully understand why
patients can improve when they receive this type of treatment and which types of disk
problems respond the best. The research on spinal decompression dates back to the late
1990’s.
BEWARE of other technology claiming to be the same as the DRX-9000 !
There are some other NON-DRX9000 "Spinal Decompression" machines marketed to the
public today by other doctors that are far less technologically advanced. In fact, the motors
alone in the DRX9000 cost more to produce than the entire machine in some of these less
advanced systems.
What about the evidence or research behind Spinal Decompression?
One study with a decompression machine showed a marked reduction in disk herniations or
protrusions of patients. Not everyone was helped, but remember, these were patients with
chronic long-term problems. When a treatment may help even a fraction of the patients with
these types of back and leg pain-where nothing else has worked-you should take notice.
The protrusions were shown to change and were measured using MRI technology.
The study I have looked which specifically used the DRX9000™ was published in the
Orthopedic Technology Review. It is a study of 219 patients, which is a large number of
patients as far as studies go. The patients had a variety of different problems. Some had
single level disc herniations, and others had multiple levels that were bulging. Some had
more back than leg pain and others had mostly sciatica. The patients encompassed a large
spectrum of different kinds of problems, and levels of pain:
1. single lateral herniation.................67 cases
2. single central herniation................22 cases
3. single lateral herniation
with disc degeneration......................32 cases
4. single central herniation
with disc degeneration.......................24 cases
5. more than one herniation
with disc degeneration.......................17 cases
6. more than one herniation
without disc degeneration..................57 cases
None of the patients had previous back surgery and 73 of them had received epidural
injections for back problems. The study looked at how they responded to the DRX9000™ in
terms of pain, disability, and physical findings including range of motion, and neurological
function.
The results were that a very large percentage of the patients obtained substantial relief.
The study was blinded so that the researchers didn't have certain knowledge about some
aspects of the patient care. However, the study does not have a control group, so I cannot
make strong statements about how this treatment may affect you. There are currently
studies ongoing to more fully evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the DRX9000™. In
fact, at this time there is a large scale study being conducted in conjunction with John
Hopkins University.
As is usually the case in health care, evidence is somewhat limited, but I think the
DRX9000™ is worth considering for a couple of reasons:
First, there are virtually no treatments in back care today that are supported by large-scale,
controlled, double blinded, randomized clinical trials. That may come as a shock to you but
most doctors, medical or chiropractic, really cannot cite great evidence for the things they
do day in and day out. Unfortunately, it is impossible to perform a double blind DRX9000
study because there has to be a group that receives a sham treatment and a group that
receives the real DRX treatment. The patient that receives a sham treatment is going to
know that there are not any forces being directed to the spine thus it cannot be a
completely blind study.
Clinically speaking, there are thousands of doctors worldwide ( Medical Doctors,
Chiropractors, Neurosurgeons, and Orthopedic Surgeons) that have treated
hundreds of thousands of patients with a very high success rate using the
DRX9000. I have personally performed over 3,100 DRX9000 treatments on my
patients with dramatic results.
Update - There is a Brand New Pilot Study authored by John Leslie of the Mayo
Clinic that showed a 88.9% success rate. This will be presented to the American
Academy of Pain Management in late 2007.
Physical therapists, acupuncturists, massage therapists-all who treat back problems- are
pretty much in the same evidence boat, so to speak. Maybe that's why there are as many
different treatments available as there are doctors. Or why you sometimes feel like you're
going through a maze looking for a way to deal with this very common back problem.
The second reason you should carefully weigh the evidence for spinal decompression is
because of the well-established scientific facts on the risks of spinal surgery.
If there's one thing research has shown, is that surgery, except in extremely rare
emergency situations, simply does not work unless you have:
1. numbness where you sit down
2. bowel and bladder problems, or
3. severe neurological deficits (such as foot drop or loss of muscle control)
Without the symptoms listed above, your decision to have back surgery is considered an
elective procedure and may not be necessarily needed.
That is why it is important that you exhaust your conservative options first. There is a dismal
lack of evidence that surgery is effective, and surgery will create permanent changes in
your spine.
What's more, several studies have shown that doing nothing at all, works just as well, and
sometimes even better, than doing spinal surgery…and taking pain pills for the rest of your
life doesn't seem like a good option either-since there are major bleeding risks and kidney
problems associated with their long-term use.
Some of you who are reading this report have been in the office or have gone through a
consultation and others have simply called or emailed me for more information. If you have
not scheduled a consultation, it is in your best interest to do so and there is absolutely no
obligation or “sales pitch” to leave you feeling uncomfortable or unsure of your condition
and treatment options.
The Consultation is free and I will go over your MRI films with you frame by frame and
explain to you in detail exactly what is going on in your back and honestly let you know if I
think I can help you with the DRX9000. Because the DRX9000 treats predominantly disc
related problems -
There must be MRI evidence of disc related problems for the DRX9000™ treatment to be
indicated.
Even though I may have seen you in the past or talked to you on the phone, at this point in
time, I don't even know if you're a good candidate for the DRX9000.
If you have severe osteoporosis, this treatment should not be used.
Other patients may have rare problems, such as cancer, that is causing the back and leg
pain. These rare diseases have to be ruled out before undergoing the DRX- 9000™
treatment.
Pregnant women are also not good candidates for decompression because they will have
laxity of their ligaments in the third trimester.
The only way I can know if you're a good candidate is to have you come in for…
A Complimentary DRX9000™ Candidate Assessment
In my office I use all the tools necessary to thoroughly diagnose your problem.
I analyze your nervous system with conventional techniques, checking to see if you have
muscle problems (motor), changes in your reflexes, and whether your nerves are so
injured, you're losing sensations in your legs and feet.
I will check your range of motion because movement dysfunction is so common in patients
with back problems. This will help me determine just how much function has been lost and
give me important goals for your treatment.
I will also palpate your back to see where the tenderness and swelling is located.
It is important that I find the actual level in your spine that is causing the problems, because
if you are a candidate, the DRX9000™ will then be used at the affected disc(s).
I will review your MRI or CT scans and x-rays, or if necessary refer you to an imaging center
to get them, because the DRX9000™ is designed to treat disc bulges, disc herniations, and
disc degeneration.
Even if you decide that you do not want to start treatment you will have a much better
understanding of your condition and will have a thorough understanding of what is seen on
your MRI and how it can affect you in the future. I have been reading low back MRI’s for
many years and most patients tell me they have never had an MRI read to them in as much
detail. Here is a list of just some of the things I will go over with you on your MRI.
1. Evidence of disc herniation versus disc protrusion or disc bulge.
2. The hydration status of the disc ( how much of the jelly like material do you
still have in the center of the disc or how much has been lost due to herniation
and degeneration of the disc).
3. The height of your disc spaces in relation to other areas of your spine.
4. How much degeneration of the discs is evident?
5. How much arthritis of the joints of the spine is present?
6. Is there any evidence of bone spurs?
7. Do you have stenosis ?– This is a narrowing of the bony area where the
spinal cord travels through the vertebra.
8. Do you have bony degeneration of the vertebra or swelling of the bones due
to the inability of the discs to support the weight of your spine?
9. Is there visual evidence of direct compression of the nerve roots which
causes severe pain, numbness, or tingling of the legs?
10. Which area of the spine appears to be the spot that is causing your particular
symptoms?
It should be noted that just because you have some evidence of disc problems, it does not
mean that it is 100% clear that the disc is causing your pain. There are at least 7 different
things that can cause back pain or any combination of these 7 things- Disc, Muscle,
Tendon, Ligament, Joint , Nerve, and Bone. It is up to me to read your MRI, perform a
thorough examination and determine the likely source of your main pain generating area/s.
I use scientific instruments to assess how your life has changed-ones that are used in the
best scientific studies.
I will then use these measurements again to see if your treatment is working.
This is a much more objective (evidence-based) way of practicing, instead of working on
simple hunches.
Quality of life is very important to patients and cannot be measured with a simple pain scale
(1-10).
It has been found that many of these issues are affected by back problems even more so
than disease of the heart and respiratory systems.
This DRX9000™ CANDIDATE ASSESSMENT normally costs $125.00
Because it is very important that you make an informed decision about your back
or neck condition, we would like to extend to you a complimentary consultation so
you can learn about this amazing new technology. We will also explain all the
other available treatment options for back or neck pain so you can compare all of
your options before deciding to start treatment.
I just need some of your time-about 30-45 min, to do the consultation and MRI
review necessary to see if the DRX9000™ might work for you. What have you got
to lose, except your pain?
Sincerely,
Jonathan N. Group, R.D., D.C.
Doctor of Chiropractic
Registered Dietitian
P.S.- Give my office a call today at 512-330-0661 to see if the DRX9000™ is the
potential solution for your neck or back pain, sciatica, disc and leg pain.
It is also a good idea to bring someone else along such as a family member or
spouse so they may understand everything you are going through and
understand fully how the DRX-9000 can help you get out of pain and avoid risky
surgery.
Scientific References
1. Gionis TA, Groteke E. The outcome of a clinical study evaluating the effect of
nonsurgical intervention on symptoms of spine patients with herniated and
degenerative disk disease is presented. Spinal Decompression, Orthopedic
Technological Review. 2003; 5(6)[Nov/Dec]:36-39.
2. Ramos G, Martin W. Effects of vertebral axial decompression on intradiskal
pressure. J neurosurg 1994;81:350-353.
3. Sherry E, Kitchener P, Smart R. A prospective controlled study of VAX-D and
TENS for the treatment of chronic low back pain. Neurol Res 2001;23:780-784.
4. Guehring T, Unglaub F, Lorenz H, et. al. Intradiscal pressure measurements in
normal disks, compressed disks and compressed disks treated with axial
posterior distraction: an experimental study on the rabbit lumbar spine model. Eur
Spine J 2006;15:597-604.
5. Bigos S, et al. Acute Low Back Problems in Adults, Clinical Practice Guideline
No. 14. Rockville, MD: U.S. Public Health Service, U.S. Dept. of Health and Human
Services, AHCPR pub. No 95-0642, Dec.1994.
6. LeBlanc AD, Evans HJ, Schneider VS, Wendt RE, Hedrick TD. Changes in
intervertebral disc cross-sectional area with bed rest and space flight. Spine 1991;
19:812-817.
7. Naguszewaki WK, Naguszewaki RK, Gose EE. Dermatomal somatosensory
evoked potiential demonstration of nerve root decompression after VAX-D
therapy. Neurol Res 2001 Oct;23(7):706-14
8. Gose EE, Naguszewski WK, Naguszewski RK. Vertebral axial decompression
therapy for pain associated with herniated or degenerated discs or facet
syndrome: an outcome study. Neurol Res 1998;20:186-90
9. Gay RE, Bronfort G, Evans RL. Distraction manipulation of the lumbar spine: a
review of the literature. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2005;28:266-73.
10. Graz B, Wietlisbach V, Porchet F, Vader JP. Prognosis or "curabo effect?"
physician prediction and patient outcome of surgery for low back pain and sciatica.
Spine. 2005;15;30:1448-52.
11. Guyer RD,Patterson M, Ohnmeiss DD. Failed back surgery syndrome:
diagnostic evaluation. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2006;14(9):534-43.
12.. Buttermann GR. The effect of spinal steroid injections for degenerative disk
disease Spine J. 2004;4:495-505.
13. Hazard RG. Failed back surgery syndrome: surgical and nonsurgical
approaches. Clin Orthop 2006;443:228-32.
14. Croft PR, Macfarlane GJ, Papageorgiou AC, Thomas E, Silman AJ. Outc ome of
low back pain in general practice: a prospective study. BMJ 1998;316:1356-1359.
15. Reginster JY. The prevalence and burden of arthritis. Rheumatology [Oxford]
2002;41(suppl.]:3-6.
For additional clinical studies and published articles, please visit the website at
www.austindrx.com/Research.html
Austin DRX-9000 True Spinal Decompression HOME PAGE
information about Severe Back Pain, Neck Pain, Sciatica, Disk
Herniations, and Degenerative Discs.
Did you know…That many patients have told me that their doctors still believe that their
back or neck pain was not very serious, that it had little effect on their quality of life, and
generally should go away in about a month without any or little treatment at all.
Did you know…Some have even told me their doctors said they really had a psychological
problem.
Did you know…Most of the conventional wisdom about back or neck pain…is inaccurate?
Did you know...A 2005 article in the prestigious orthopedic journal “Spine” studied patients
who suffered with lower back pain and/or sciatica. 99% of the patients were told that they
would get either a moderate or great improvement in their quality of life after the surgery.
But the study found that in reality 39% did not even have minimally important improvement.
Did you know…One scientific study from 2004 showed that there was improvement in the
short term with injections, but when the patients were checked two years later, over two
thirds of these patients had undergone additional invasive procedures? So there was a 2/3
chance that you eventually end up with an invasive spinal surgery following injections.
Epidural Steroid Injections typically only last for about 2 weeks to 2 months and do nothing
to actually heal the discs.
Did you know…There's a term that is used a lot in orthopedic and medical circles-"Failed
Back Surgery Syndrome." The greatest risk factors for having a second back operation
is having one in the first place. And the greatest risk factor for having a third operation is
having two previous sessions under the knife. Approximately 40-50 percent of back
surgeries fail within the first 2 years and up to 80 percent fail within 5 years.
There are extreme cases that do require surgery....
There ARE cases where surgery will be your only and best option but these are called
emergencies, such as when a disk compresses the nerves so badly in your lower back that
you lose bowel or bladder function; or when there is numbness where you sit on your
backside-this is called saddle anesthesia or numbness and it's important to be aware of this
type of emergency problem. But 99% will never experience these symptoms but suffer in a
way that is not quite an emergency but feels like an emergency because the pain just never
goes away.
I would like to take a moment to explain your back, neck and arm or leg pain.
I want to show you the research, the facts that demonstrate what a severe problem back or
neck pain is for many of those who suffer from it. And possibly why after so many failed
treatments and months and years of suffering, you, like the thousands of fellow sufferers
who have requested more information are still suffering with debilitating pain.
I think this guide will be a breath of fresh air and hopefully guide to you to a potentially
better solution for your severe back or leg pain, one you may not have even considered or
even heard of - a treatment your doctor has probably never discussed or even known
about and one that is used in a small percentage of clinics in the United States. A small
fraction of the approximately 1,000,000 health care providers in the U.S. are using this
technology.
If You Dispute Any Of The Claims Made In This Guide, Then Just Look Up The
References At The End …Or Discuss This Information With A Competent Doctor.
Now Let’s Get Started…
The Back Pain Epidemic
Our government is looking for answers to this "epidemic" and starting "national strategies"
and "campaigns" to combat back pain.
About 40% of adults will have back pain in the past month and anywhere from 60 to 90%
will have back pain at some point in their lives.
These facts come from studies all over the world, The United States, Canada, Sweden and
other countries are working overtime studying this back pain “epidemic”.
There May Very Well Be A Solution For Your Neck, Back or Leg Pain…
Considering Back or Neck Surgery?
You might be thinking that severe chronic back pain can be fixed with surgery. It seems
logical at first thought. Why can't the surgeon just remove the painful thing in my lower back-
just get rid of it- like taking out a tumor?
Unfortunately even surgeons today recognize that back pain alone is generally not a good
indication for spinal surgery.
No surgeon worth his salt would recommend surgery for someone with back pain. Let's
explore this option more thoroughly, because you may be sitting on the fence with this or
may have already scheduled yourself for elective spinal surgery.
You probably have at least thought about spinal surgery, especially if you've had back pain
for a long time, or the leg pain is just unbearable-but I do not want you to give up hope.
Tackling back problems is difficult so you need to persevere-and give it time and effort.
You need to at least have hope for a conservative option. Your determination to try
everything possible, and give it a real chance before going under the knife, will mean
everything to your chances for success. Anything less can lead to a downward spiral of
pain and potentially lifetime disability.
At best, spinal surgery should only be used by those who have tried everything else, have
excruciating leg pain, or something called neurological deficits (like foot drop). Even in
cases like these, surgery is no panacea (no cure-all). But you probably already know that-
you've heard from friends about the results of their spinal surgery and you doubt that this is
the best choice for you. But there's something between the option of drastic, unproven, and
irreversible spinal surgery and just doing nothing at all-which is where you are probably
sitting.
But first, let’s discuss the 5 back pain myths…
Five Back Pain Myths…
1. Back pain goes away quickly
2. Back Pain is a trivial problem
3. Pills (NSAIDs and muscle relaxers) are safe and effective for your back pain
4. Bed rest is good for you
5. The pain is the problem
Myth #1:
Back pain goes away quickly
Medical doctors were thoroughly convinced of this myth. A patient would typically hurt his
back, go see the doctor, get a prescription for some pain pills, and then never return.
Physicians thought that if the patient never came back, then they must have been cured.
But no one ever thought to ask the patient and follow-up on how they were doing.
One study did just that, and found out that a whopping 75% of patients will still have back
pain a year later.
Many patients will also go to see other therapists and chiropractors, and never tell their
family medical doctor about what they are doing about it, and how the pain still affects their
life.
Myth #2:
Back Pain is a trivial problem
I mean it's just an aching back right? Take two pills and call me in the morning-right? It's
hard to get sympathy from your friends when you're not bleeding or bed-ridden. But there is
research that shows just how serious back pain affects your quality of life.
One study showed that physical functioning (how we live and move) in patients with back
pain is very bad. Much worse in fact than people who have heart disease, stomach ulcers,
and even emphysema.
So if you think your life has been completely turned upside down by your back pain-there is
a very good reason why you think this: IT HAS!
Myth #3:
Pills (NSAIDs and muscle relaxers) are safe and effective for your back pain…
I wish it were this easy. "Take two pills and call me in the morning," as the doctor would say.
There are a few reasons why this approach does not work and that in fact, taking this type
of approach could lead to serious complications with your health.
NSAIDs is an abbreviation for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They're not steroids
(like cortisone) and are thought to be less toxic to the body. They are for the most part, but
being less toxic doesn't mean something is safe especially if you take NSAIDs for a long
time. These drugs can be purchased "over the counter" and by "prescription." The ones
that are only available with a doctor's prescription are much more powerful in their effect
and can cause more complications.
People with back problems generally suffer over many years and even decades. NSAIDs
can cause bleeding in your stomach and intestines and lead to ulcers. Kidney injury is
another complication, which increases with the number of pills consumed. These
complications are seen in those who consume them for many years. Check the information
that comes with the prescription-you'll see it all there printed in black & white. If it's an "over
the counter" product like ibuprofen you can read it on the side of the bottle.
Important: If you like to have a few drinks during the week to relax- the two after dinner
martini's, then liver problems can also occur. And when I say liver problems, the problem
could be liver failure, which might mean a liver transplant for you.
You may have seen ads on TV for various drugs (cholesterol drugs for example) with
cautionary phrases such as "simple blood tests will be needed to see if you have liver
problems." It's very deceptive to the public. Yes the blood test is "simple," but liver failure is
not a simple problem.
So that's safety. The other problem with NSAIDs is they have not been shown to be
effective in good clinical trials. Given the amount of consumption of NSAIDs in society today
(truckloads), for everything from back pain, to headaches, to painful periods, we should be
in pain-free nirvana by now…but we aren't! I am sure you have already tried these pills and
found them not to be effective.
Myth #4:
Bed rest is good for you
I wish this were true, taking to bed for a week until the back pain heals up. It wasn't too long
ago that medical doctors would prescribe two weeks of bed rest for back pain. It certainly
seems logical at first glance. Maybe it hurts to move, to sit, stand, and
resting an injured area seems like the right thing to do to protect it. But logic can be
deceptive when it comes to back pain. What's more, logic doesn't stand a chance to
scientific studies and there are plenty when it comes to bed rest.
The jury is completely in on this question: inactivity will actually make back pain much, much
worse. It will de-condition your spinal muscles and make them weaker-which will mean more
pain and less function for you. You've heard of "placebo effects" right? - sugar pill (not the
real thing) that the patient "believes" will work. This belief is very powerful and can make
pain better. The mind has a powerful influence on the body. Bed rest is not considered a
"placebo" treatment. Instead it's called a nocebo-meaning that it's not just ineffective, but it
will actually make your pain much worse!
Myth #5:
The pain is the problem
Pain is a signal that there is something wrong with your body. It tells you to "be careful" to
"get attention." It's kind of like a fire alarm. It's not the fire. When a house is burning, do the
firefighters just show up to cut the fire alarm and expect the inferno will stop? Of course not!
But that's just how many people approach back pain-cut the fire alarm.
A U.S. government guideline from back in 1994 attempted to dispel this myth. The guideline
talks about low back problems not just low back pain. Problems can be how you function,
how your spine moves, and the actual structure(s) in your back that are injured. Pain is in
your head. The problem is the spine and it's important to have your problem(s) examined
objectively. Sitting in a chair and getting handed a prescription for some pain pills after you
tell your pain story is not a proper or thorough examination. Medical doctors have taken this
approach for many years, simply because it was all they knew to do. If you want to begin to
solve your back problem, you need to first have a comprehensive and thorough
examination to figure out the diagnosis. Only then can treatment be directed to the problem
vs. the pain.
So what do I have to offer in my clinic for the severe back, sciatica, disk and leg pain
sufferer?
I am using a fairly new treatment in my office called spinal decompression.
The device is called the DRX9000™ “True Spinal Decompression System” and is based on
the theory that decompressing your spine is one way that disk spaces can be increased
and disk protrusions may be reduced.
Spinal Decompression is much different than conventional traction...
Although traction has been around for thousands of years-the science has shown that it is
not very effective.
In fact, in some areas of the body, such as the neck, getting traction can be a risk factor for
more severe problems down the road. In the case of the lower back, it has not been shown
to reduce disk bulges, get you back to work, or lower your pain.
One of the theories as to why this is the case, is the effect of your back muscles in resisting
the pull when traction is applied. The distraction forces come on much differently with the
DRX9000™.
The machine has a continual feedback mechanism which is sensing your muscles'
resistance to the distraction forces. (at a rate of 13 times per second!)
When your muscles contract, the machine backs off a bit-when they "let go" it pulls more.
Also the forces are cycled, and ramped up and down in an attempt to "confuse" your
muscles so that maximal decompression is achieved. The machine uses very sophisticated
technology to achieve this.
The DRX9000™ it is not your grandfather's traction! Or the same as hanging upside down
or perhaps other devices you may have tried in the past.
The DRX9000™ is also different from other decompression technologies.
On the DRX9000™ the patient always lays face up with the knees bent with support rests
underneath the shoulders.
You do not grip onto anything with your hands during the treatments, which can be tiring for
some patients or can cause shoulder injuries.
With the DRX9000™ the angle of decompression can be adjusted to affect specific lumbar
levels in your lower spine.
What is the theory behind decompression? How does it work?
An experimental study has shown than in non-degenerated, but bulging disks (something
your MRI or CT scan would show), decompression can lower the pressure inside the disk.
This negative pressure may then draw or suck the displaced disk material more towards the
center of the disk and away from your nerves. For many patients this can mean pain relief
because a compressed nerve can produce a lot of pain.
If the pressure on the nerve is released, it can begin to heal.
The DRX9000 True Spinal Decompression system is designed to assist the body's natural
tendency to heal itself which is why it is completely different from back surgery which only
addresses the portion of the disc that is sticking out against the nerves but does not
improve the integrity or quality of the disc itself.
If the disk can be moved even a small amount away from the nerve, this can be enough to
decrease inflammation and irritation. We need more studies to fully understand why
patients can improve when they receive this type of treatment and which types of disk
problems respond the best. The research on spinal decompression dates back to the late
1990’s.
BEWARE of other technology claiming to be the same as the DRX-9000 !
There are some other NON-DRX9000 "Spinal Decompression" machines marketed to the
public today by other doctors that are far less technologically advanced. In fact, the motors
alone in the DRX9000 cost more to produce than the entire machine in some of these less
advanced systems.
What about the evidence or research behind Spinal Decompression?
One study with a decompression machine showed a marked reduction in disk herniations or
protrusions of patients. Not everyone was helped, but remember, these were patients with
chronic long-term problems. When a treatment may help even a fraction of the patients with
these types of back and leg pain-where nothing else has worked-you should take notice.
The protrusions were shown to change and were measured using MRI technology.
The study I have looked which specifically used the DRX9000™ was published in the
Orthopedic Technology Review. It is a study of 219 patients, which is a large number of
patients as far as studies go. The patients had a variety of different problems. Some had
single level disc herniations, and others had multiple levels that were bulging. Some had
more back than leg pain and others had mostly sciatica. The patients encompassed a large
spectrum of different kinds of problems, and levels of pain:
1. single lateral herniation.................67 cases
2. single central herniation................22 cases
3. single lateral herniation
with disc degeneration......................32 cases
4. single central herniation
with disc degeneration.......................24 cases
5. more than one herniation
with disc degeneration.......................17 cases
6. more than one herniation
without disc degeneration..................57 cases
None of the patients had previous back surgery and 73 of them had received epidural
injections for back problems. The study looked at how they responded to the DRX9000™ in
terms of pain, disability, and physical findings including range of motion, and neurological
function.
The results were that a very large percentage of the patients obtained substantial relief.
The study was blinded so that the researchers didn't have certain knowledge about some
aspects of the patient care. However, the study does not have a control group, so I cannot
make strong statements about how this treatment may affect you. There are currently
studies ongoing to more fully evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the DRX9000™. In
fact, at this time there is a large scale study being conducted in conjunction with John
Hopkins University.
As is usually the case in health care, evidence is somewhat limited, but I think the
DRX9000™ is worth considering for a couple of reasons:
First, there are virtually no treatments in back care today that are supported by large-scale,
controlled, double blinded, randomized clinical trials. That may come as a shock to you but
most doctors, medical or chiropractic, really cannot cite great evidence for the things they
do day in and day out. Unfortunately, it is impossible to perform a double blind DRX9000
study because there has to be a group that receives a sham treatment and a group that
receives the real DRX treatment. The patient that receives a sham treatment is going to
know that there are not any forces being directed to the spine thus it cannot be a
completely blind study.
Clinically speaking, there are thousands of doctors worldwide ( Medical Doctors,
Chiropractors, Neurosurgeons, and Orthopedic Surgeons) that have treated
hundreds of thousands of patients with a very high success rate using the
DRX9000. I have personally performed over 3,100 DRX9000 treatments on my
patients with dramatic results.
Update - There is a Brand New Pilot Study authored by John Leslie of the Mayo
Clinic that showed a 88.9% success rate. This will be presented to the American
Academy of Pain Management in late 2007.
Physical therapists, acupuncturists, massage therapists-all who treat back problems- are
pretty much in the same evidence boat, so to speak. Maybe that's why there are as many
different treatments available as there are doctors. Or why you sometimes feel like you're
going through a maze looking for a way to deal with this very common back problem.
The second reason you should carefully weigh the evidence for spinal decompression is
because of the well-established scientific facts on the risks of spinal surgery.
If there's one thing research has shown, is that surgery, except in extremely rare
emergency situations, simply does not work unless you have:
1. numbness where you sit down
2. bowel and bladder problems, or
3. severe neurological deficits (such as foot drop or loss of muscle control)
Without the symptoms listed above, your decision to have back surgery is considered an
elective procedure and may not be necessarily needed.
That is why it is important that you exhaust your conservative options first. There is a dismal
lack of evidence that surgery is effective, and surgery will create permanent changes in
your spine.
What's more, several studies have shown that doing nothing at all, works just as well, and
sometimes even better, than doing spinal surgery…and taking pain pills for the rest of your
life doesn't seem like a good option either-since there are major bleeding risks and kidney
problems associated with their long-term use.
Some of you who are reading this report have been in the office or have gone through a
consultation and others have simply called or emailed me for more information. If you have
not scheduled a consultation, it is in your best interest to do so and there is absolutely no
obligation or “sales pitch” to leave you feeling uncomfortable or unsure of your condition
and treatment options.
The Consultation is free and I will go over your MRI films with you frame by frame and
explain to you in detail exactly what is going on in your back and honestly let you know if I
think I can help you with the DRX9000. Because the DRX9000 treats predominantly disc
related problems -
There must be MRI evidence of disc related problems for the DRX9000™ treatment to be
indicated.
Even though I may have seen you in the past or talked to you on the phone, at this point in
time, I don't even know if you're a good candidate for the DRX9000.
If you have severe osteoporosis, this treatment should not be used.
Other patients may have rare problems, such as cancer, that is causing the back and leg
pain. These rare diseases have to be ruled out before undergoing the DRX- 9000™
treatment.
Pregnant women are also not good candidates for decompression because they will have
laxity of their ligaments in the third trimester.
The only way I can know if you're a good candidate is to have you come in for…
A Complimentary DRX9000™ Candidate Assessment
In my office I use all the tools necessary to thoroughly diagnose your problem.
I analyze your nervous system with conventional techniques, checking to see if you have
muscle problems (motor), changes in your reflexes, and whether your nerves are so
injured, you're losing sensations in your legs and feet.
I will check your range of motion because movement dysfunction is so common in patients
with back problems. This will help me determine just how much function has been lost and
give me important goals for your treatment.
I will also palpate your back to see where the tenderness and swelling is located.
It is important that I find the actual level in your spine that is causing the problems, because
if you are a candidate, the DRX9000™ will then be used at the affected disc(s).
I will review your MRI or CT scans and x-rays, or if necessary refer you to an imaging center
to get them, because the DRX9000™ is designed to treat disc bulges, disc herniations, and
disc degeneration.
Even if you decide that you do not want to start treatment you will have a much better
understanding of your condition and will have a thorough understanding of what is seen on
your MRI and how it can affect you in the future. I have been reading low back MRI’s for
many years and most patients tell me they have never had an MRI read to them in as much
detail. Here is a list of just some of the things I will go over with you on your MRI.
1. Evidence of disc herniation versus disc protrusion or disc bulge.
2. The hydration status of the disc ( how much of the jelly like material do you
still have in the center of the disc or how much has been lost due to herniation
and degeneration of the disc).
3. The height of your disc spaces in relation to other areas of your spine.
4. How much degeneration of the discs is evident?
5. How much arthritis of the joints of the spine is present?
6. Is there any evidence of bone spurs?
7. Do you have stenosis ?– This is a narrowing of the bony area where the
spinal cord travels through the vertebra.
8. Do you have bony degeneration of the vertebra or swelling of the bones due
to the inability of the discs to support the weight of your spine?
9. Is there visual evidence of direct compression of the nerve roots which
causes severe pain, numbness, or tingling of the legs?
10. Which area of the spine appears to be the spot that is causing your particular
symptoms?
It should be noted that just because you have some evidence of disc problems, it does not
mean that it is 100% clear that the disc is causing your pain. There are at least 7 different
things that can cause back pain or any combination of these 7 things- Disc, Muscle,
Tendon, Ligament, Joint , Nerve, and Bone. It is up to me to read your MRI, perform a
thorough examination and determine the likely source of your main pain generating area/s.
I use scientific instruments to assess how your life has changed-ones that are used in the
best scientific studies.
I will then use these measurements again to see if your treatment is working.
This is a much more objective (evidence-based) way of practicing, instead of working on
simple hunches.
Quality of life is very important to patients and cannot be measured with a simple pain scale
(1-10).
It has been found that many of these issues are affected by back problems even more so
than disease of the heart and respiratory systems.
This DRX9000™ CANDIDATE ASSESSMENT normally costs $125.00
Because it is very important that you make an informed decision about your back
or neck condition, we would like to extend to you a complimentary consultation so
you can learn about this amazing new technology. We will also explain all the
other available treatment options for back or neck pain so you can compare all of
your options before deciding to start treatment.
I just need some of your time-about 30-45 min, to do the consultation and MRI
review necessary to see if the DRX9000™ might work for you. What have you got
to lose, except your pain?
Sincerely,
Jonathan N. Group, R.D., D.C.
Doctor of Chiropractic
Registered Dietitian
P.S.- Give my office a call today at 512-330-0661 to see if the DRX9000™ is the
potential solution for your neck or back pain, sciatica, disc and leg pain.
It is also a good idea to bring someone else along such as a family member or
spouse so they may understand everything you are going through and
understand fully how the DRX-9000 can help you get out of pain and avoid risky
surgery.
Scientific References
1. Gionis TA, Groteke E. The outcome of a clinical study evaluating the effect of
nonsurgical intervention on symptoms of spine patients with herniated and
degenerative disk disease is presented. Spinal Decompression, Orthopedic
Technological Review. 2003; 5(6)[Nov/Dec]:36-39.
2. Ramos G, Martin W. Effects of vertebral axial decompression on intradiskal
pressure. J neurosurg 1994;81:350-353.
3. Sherry E, Kitchener P, Smart R. A prospective controlled study of VAX-D and
TENS for the treatment of chronic low back pain. Neurol Res 2001;23:780-784.
4. Guehring T, Unglaub F, Lorenz H, et. al. Intradiscal pressure measurements in
normal disks, compressed disks and compressed disks treated with axial
posterior distraction: an experimental study on the rabbit lumbar spine model. Eur
Spine J 2006;15:597-604.
5. Bigos S, et al. Acute Low Back Problems in Adults, Clinical Practice Guideline
No. 14. Rockville, MD: U.S. Public Health Service, U.S. Dept. of Health and Human
Services, AHCPR pub. No 95-0642, Dec.1994.
6. LeBlanc AD, Evans HJ, Schneider VS, Wendt RE, Hedrick TD. Changes in
intervertebral disc cross-sectional area with bed rest and space flight. Spine 1991;
19:812-817.
7. Naguszewaki WK, Naguszewaki RK, Gose EE. Dermatomal somatosensory
evoked potiential demonstration of nerve root decompression after VAX-D
therapy. Neurol Res 2001 Oct;23(7):706-14
8. Gose EE, Naguszewski WK, Naguszewski RK. Vertebral axial decompression
therapy for pain associated with herniated or degenerated discs or facet
syndrome: an outcome study. Neurol Res 1998;20:186-90
9. Gay RE, Bronfort G, Evans RL. Distraction manipulation of the lumbar spine: a
review of the literature. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2005;28:266-73.
10. Graz B, Wietlisbach V, Porchet F, Vader JP. Prognosis or "curabo effect?"
physician prediction and patient outcome of surgery for low back pain and sciatica.
Spine. 2005;15;30:1448-52.
11. Guyer RD,Patterson M, Ohnmeiss DD. Failed back surgery syndrome:
diagnostic evaluation. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2006;14(9):534-43.
12.. Buttermann GR. The effect of spinal steroid injections for degenerative disk
disease Spine J. 2004;4:495-505.
13. Hazard RG. Failed back surgery syndrome: surgical and nonsurgical
approaches. Clin Orthop 2006;443:228-32.
14. Croft PR, Macfarlane GJ, Papageorgiou AC, Thomas E, Silman AJ. Outc ome of
low back pain in general practice: a prospective study. BMJ 1998;316:1356-1359.
15. Reginster JY. The prevalence and burden of arthritis. Rheumatology [Oxford]
2002;41(suppl.]:3-6.
For additional clinical studies and published articles, please visit the website at
www.austindrx.com/Research.html
Austin DRX-9000 True Spinal Decompression HOME PAGE
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