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Spinal Decompression Therapy In our continuing effort to offer the best of care to our patients we are pleased to announce the arrival of new technology called Spinal Decompression Therapy. The spinal decompression is a revolutionary new technology used primarily to treat disc injuries in the neck and in the low back. This treatment option is very safe and utilizes FDA cleared equipment to apply distraction forces to spinal structures in a precise and graduated manner. Distraction is offset by cycles of partial relaxation. This technique of spinal decompression therapy has shown the ability to gently separate the vertebrae from each other, creating a vacuum inside the discs that we are targeting. This “vacuum effect” is also known as negative intra-discal pressure. The negative pressure may induce the retraction of the herniated or bulging disc into the inside of the disc, and off the nerve root, thecal sac, or both. It happens only microscopically each time, but cumulatively, over four to six weeks, the results are quite dramatic. The cycles of decompression and partial relaxation, over a series of visits, promote the diffusion of water, oxygen, and nutrient-rich fluids from the outside of the discs to the inside. These nutrients enable the torn and degenerated disc fibers to begin to heal. For the low back, the patient lies comfortably on his/her back or stomach on the decompression table, with a set of nicely padded straps snug around the waist and another set around the lower chest. For the neck, the patient lies comfortably on his/her back with a pair of soft rubber pads behind the neck. Many patients enjoy the treatment, as it is usually quite comfortable and well tolerated. Non-Surgical Decompression is very effective at treating bulging discs, herniated discs, pinched nerves, sciatica, radiating arm pain, degenerative disc disease, leg pain, and facet syndromes. Proper patient screening is imperative and only the best candidates are accepted for care. Talk with Dr. Buntrock or Dr. Slapinski about this safe and effective treatment option. Chart of the Nervous System The body is controlled by nerves, and these nerves connect directly or indirectly with the spine. Here we have outlined which vertebrae affect the specific areas of your body. Neck Region, Cervical Spine (C1 - C7) C1 - Blood supply to the head, pituitary gland, scalp, brain, inner and middle ear, sympathetic nervous system C2 - Eyes, optic nerves, auditory nerves, sinuses, tongue forehead C3 - Cheeks outer ear, face bones, teeth C4 - Nose, lips, mouth, eustachian tube C5 - Vocal cords, neck glands, pharynx C6 - Neck muscles, shoulders, tonsils C7 - Thyroid gland, bursae in ths shoulders, elbows Mid Back, Thoracic Spine (T1 - T12) T1 - Arms from the elbows down, including hands, wrists, and fingers; esophagus, trachea T2 - Heart, including its valves and covering; coronary arteries T3 - Lungs, bronchial tubes, pleura, chest, breast T4 - Gall bladder T5 - Liver, solar plexus, blood T6 - Stomach T7 - Pancreas, duodenum T8 - Spleen T9 - Adrenal and supra-renal glands T10 - Kidneys T11 - Kidneys, ureters T12 - Small intestines, lymph circulation Lower Back, Lumbar Spine (L1 - L5) L1 - Large intestines, inguinal rings L2 - Appendix, abdomen, upper legs L3 - Sex organs, uterus, bladder, knees L4 - Prostate gland, muscles of the lower back, sciatic nerve L5 - Lower legs, ankles, feet Pelvis, Sacrum and Coccyx SACRUM - Hip bones, buttock COCCYX - Rectum, anus A Brief History Of Chiropractic The first recorded chiropractic adjustment was performed on September 18, 1895, by Dr. Daniel David Palmer, a Canadian-born teacher and helter. Dr. Palmer was, at the time, studying the cause and effect of disease. His patient was Harvey Lillard, a janitor working in the same building as Dr. Palmer in Davenport, Iowa. Mr. Lillard, who had complained of hearing problems for over 17 years, allowed Dr. Palmer to examine his spine. Dr. Palmer discovered a "lump" on Mr. Lillard's back and suspected that a vertebra might be out of place, which he then repositioned the vertebra with a gentle thrust. After several such treatments, much of Mr. Lillard's hearing was restored. Since Dr. Palmer's first chiropractic adjustment, the art and science of chiropractic has progressed significantly. Today, advanced diagnostic procedures, sophisticated equipment, scientific research, and the growing acceptance among other health care professionals makes chiropractic a popular health care choice. Chiropractic Philosophy The chiropractic perspective on health and disease emphasizes two fundamental concepts: 1) the structure and condition of the body influences how the body functions and its ability to heal itself; and 2) the mind-body relationship is instrumental in maintaining health and in the healing processes. Although chiropractic shares much with other health professions, its emphasis and application of philosophy distinguishes it from modern medicine. Chiropractic philosophy gravitates toward a holistic ("total person") approach to healing which combines elements of the mind, body and spirit and maintains that health depends on obedience to natural laws, and that deviation from such laws can result in illness. The ABCs of Subluxations Vertebral subluxations are displacements of the spinal bones (vertebrae) that can cause stress to your spinal cord and nervous system. Subluxations may be caused by poor sleeping habits, poor posture, strenuous exercise, injuries, auto accidents, sports, slips or falls, and in some cases, the birthing process itself. Chiropractic adjustments are very helpful in correcting subluxations and restoring optimal health. Widespread Use of Chiropractic Care The increasing interest in alternative forms of care has caught the attention of several health associations and government agencies. A 1993 study in the New England Journal of Medicine reported that "The estimated number of visits made in 1990 to providers of unconventional therapy was greater than the number of visits to all primary care medical nationwide," and chiropractic was among the most frequently used non-medical therapies. A followup report published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 1998 found that the use of non-medical treatments had increased significantly since the 1990 survey, with "overall prevalence of use increased by 25%, total visits by an estimated 47%, and expenditures on services provided by practitioners of alternative therapies by an estimated 45%." Of the survey respondents, one in nine (11%) had used chiropractic care within the previous year. Healthy Tips for a Healthy Spine The following tips can help you take better care of your spine: 1) Make sure you have a firm mattress that keeps the spine aligned and supports the spine's natural curve. The best sleeping positions are on your back or side. 2) When standing for extended periods, rest one foot on a small stool to maintain spinal curvature and relieve pressure. The knees should be bent when bending forward. Low-heeled shoes may help by maintaining spinal curvatures and cushioning your weight. 3) Use chairs that promote good posture and support your back. Placing a lumbar support in the lower portion of your back may help support your spine's natural curve. Readjust the seat of your car so that your knees are level with your hips. 4) When bending forward, bend at the knees and hips, but keep your back straight. This will help to keep your spine's curvature in proper alignment. When lifting, keep your spine straight while using your legs to do most of the work. Hold the objects being lifted close to your body to keep the weight on your spine to a minimum.