Question
QUESTION: Hi Tim....I have been experiencing excruciating pain when I move my head in any direction, bend over (slightly) and come back up. There is a sharp, shooting, stabbing pain that radiates to my buttocks, hips, legs, and groin. It is all about movement with this situation. If I stand, walk, sit, lie down, turn my head side to side, up or down.....it is ALL painful and it is a 24/7 situation which I have become intolerable to. I have been to a spine specialist and a rheumatologist. I had an MRI last week (don't know the results) on the cervical and lumbar. The rheumatologist wanted to do a blood work up, so I had that done. I think there is a nerve pinching, as I had a similar situation about 12 years ago and the pain was SO intense, and it was 24/7 that I truly thought about ending my life. I went to my Chiropractor who does the B.E.S.T. method (Bio Energetic Synchronization Technique) and although it took several treatments, he finally did correct the problem  which was a pinched nerve in my left shoulder blade. I went back to him a couple of months ago thinking he can *fix* me again, but to no avail. I would like some input from you on this matter. I can't go on much longer living in this kind of pain and not being able to get out and work in my yard amongst other things that needs to be done. I also have degenerative disc disease, and osteoarthritis in my hands which is also very painful.
Any info or opinion will be very much appreciated.
Thanks for taking the time to voluteer your services :-)
Lynda

ANSWER: Hi Lynda,

Herniated discs and arthritis are commonly successfully treated with flexion/distraction and towel traction with supplementation that includes glucasomine sulfate and MSM. These treatments have been around for decades and are proven and researched to work. A simple thin mesh towel is used to traction the neck to decompress the disc in your neck offering immediate relief. Same goes for the low back.
All other fringe treatments such as BEST, ART and AK are suspect with no established proof. My practice consists of only treatments that are scientifically proven, so you should expect long term results in weeks.

Flexion-Distraction Therapy - What is it?


Flexion-Distraction, (F/D) is a gentle, chiropractic treatment procedure utilized for back and neck pain. Flexion-Distraction is a safe alternative to back surgery for those 95% of patients whose conditions do not demand surgical intervention. The doctor is in control of the treatment movements at all times.

Flexion-Distraction is utilized for many conditions such as:

Failed Back surgical Syndromes
Disc Herniation/Ruptured Disc / Bulging Disc / Herniated Disc
Sciatica / Leg pain
"Whiplash" injuries
Stenosis
Arm Pain
Neck Pain
Failed course of Steroid Injections
Chemical Radiculitis
Spondylolisthesis
Headache
Transitional segment
Many more conditions?
How does Flexion-Distraction Work?

For Disc related conditions:

Increases the intervertebral disc height to remove annular tension on the annular fibers and nerve by making more room and improving circulation.
Allows the nucleus pulposus, the center of the disc, to assume its central position within the annular fibers and relieves irritation of the spinal nerve.
Restores vertebral joints to their physiological relationships of motion.
Improves posture and locomotion while relieving pain, improving body functions, and creating a state of well-being.
For Non-Disc related conditions:

Patients with other conditions causing back pain (facet syndrome, spondylolisthesis, sprain/strain, scoliosis, transitional vertebra, sacroiliac restrictions and misalignment, certain types of spinal stenosis), Flexion/Distraction provides all of the above benefits plus the ability to place the spinal joints into normal, painless movements so as to restore spinal motion without pain:

The posterior disc space increases in height.
F/D decreases disc protrusion and reduces stenosis.
Flexion stretches the ligamentum flavum to reduce stenosis.
Flexion opens the vertebral canal by 2 mm (16%) or 3.5 to 6mm more than extension.
Flexion increases metabolite transport into the disc.
Flexion opens the apophyseal joints and reduces posterior disc stress
The nucleus pulposus does not move on flexion. Intradiscal pressure drops under distraction to below 100mm Hg. On extension the nucleus or annulus is seen to protrude posterior into the vertebral canal.
Intervertebral foraminal openings enlarge giving patency to the nerve.

Reference: Cox JM, Feller JA, Cox-Cid JA: Topics in clinical Chiropractic 1996; 3(3):45-

Here is a site that explains the procedure in more detail and can aid in finding a local certified physician.


http://www.coxtechnic.com/homepage.asp

Most physicians that treat herniated discs encorporate both towel traction and F/D, if you have trouble finding one let me know and I will be happy to accomadate you.

If you have any trouble locating someone in your area, please don't hesitate ask!

Dr. Timothy Durnin
drs.chiroweb.com



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Tim~What about Decompression Therapy?
I forgot to mention that when I sneeze, cough, blow my nose, take a really deep breath, pass gas and/or strain the slightest when having a bowel movement, the pain shoots through every fiber of my body. Also the slightest amount of pressure applied to my tailbone results in excruciating pain, as well as in both hip joints and inner/outer thighs above the knees. I also have masses of Lipomas which are raised above my skin in many places. I know that Lipomas are a mystery, and no one knows why some people have them, and some don't. So, you see I have numerous pain issues going on.
I would appreciate if you could refer me to a chiropractor that can help me in my area.
I live in Kirkland, Washington and either Kirkland or Bellevue would be the most convenient for me as I don't like to drive too far.
So, again THANK YOU for being here and providing this service.
Sincerely,
Lynda L. Johnson

Answer
Hi Lynda,

I just got off the phone with Dr. David Boyree and discussed your case. He will definitely be able to help you, he went to a top school and has all the state of the art equipment necessary to decompress the disc.

His number is 425-726-0334
433 State St in Kirkland

He is waiting for your call.


Please don't forget to rate the volunteers!:)

Dr. Timothy Durnin
drs.chiroweb.com

PS-Go ahead and copy our correspondence to help the doctor understand the symptoms, this may help speed things up, especially with the GS with MSM suggestion.