You are here:
- Home
- Health/Fitness
- Back and Neck Injury/Chronic Pain
- Chiropractors
- Degenerative Disc
Chiropractors/Degenerative Disc
Advertisement
Question
What are you thoughts about the DRX 9000 for degenerative disc disease in the neck?
Dear Shannon,
The DRX 9000 is one of the better machines I have read about concerning decompression therapy. The other machine that I consider to be valid is the Accupsina. As a matter of fact I am in the process of figuring out which machine I will be purchasing for my office. They are both very expensive, over $100,000.00.
Both are highly effective for aiding in the rehydration of the disk which is dessicated (loss of fluid). This dessication leads to further degeneration of the disk. The machines work by tractioning the spine at a specific angle and using repetitive oscillations under tension to pump fluid and nutrients back into the disk. As you move along in therapy you progress to more tension and longer times. The process is called imbibition. Remember that you should also be involved in a rehab program in conjunction with decompression.
The research that is most often quoted found an 86% effectiveness in using decompression therapy for generalized low back pain, facet syndrome, and degernerated disks. The research I have read was for the low back, but should apply equally to the spinal structures of the neck.
I believe this therapy and the machine to be a valid tool for management of degeneration. I like the computer generated charts of patient progress and the fact that the machines can be set for tension, angle of pull, and time. I have been treated with both and they are comfortable and relaxing. Make sure that you have everything explained about the treatment protocols, costs associated and timeline before you start the treatment.
Respectfully,
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman
Related Articles
Answers by Expert:
- Scott F. Gillman, DC, DACBSP
- Dr. Paul Newhart
- Dr. Victor Dolan, DC, DACBSP
- Dr. Brendon J. O`Brien, D.C.
- Gerald Anzalone, D.C.
- David Kulla, DC
- Robert A. Arnone, DC
- Keith E. Biggs, DC
- John Quackenbush DC
- Dr. Timothy K. Durnin
- Dr. Man Tran, Ph.D., D.C., L.Ac.
- Timothy A. Peck, DC
- J.R. Strecker, B.S., D.C.
- Dr. Nekessa Remy
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman
Expertise
I can answer questions on general chiropractic care, sports injury, whiplash and auto crash, mild traumatic brain injury, structural and functional rehabilitation of the spine, nutrition for inflammation and repair, fitness training, nutrition for sports performance and other general health and nutrition related inquiries. I currently lecture on automobile trauma, occupant kinematics, and forensic risk analysis to local EMS, Fire and Police, as well as nutrition and sports injury to community groups. Rest assured all answers are generated from my clinical experience, and scientific research.
Experience
I have accumulated over 1100 hours of post-doctoral training to include; Certifications in Spinal Trauma and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury from the Spine Research Institute of San Diego, Certification in Chiropractic Spinal Trauma from the International Chiropractic Association, Certification in Low Speed Auto Crash Reconstruction and Certification in Forensic Risk Analysis from The Center for Research Into Automotive Safety and Health, Certified Proficiency in spinal and extremity diagnostic procedures from The Motion Palpation Institute, Certified in Sports Injury and Rehabilitation from the National University of Health Sciences and The American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians, Nationally Certified Fellow of Structural Rehabilitation from The Chiropractic Biophysics Organization, and I have advanced training in manipulation under anesthesia and nutrition. Feel free to check out my website for course listings: www.suncoasthealthcare.net
Organizations
International Chiropractic Association, Florida Chiropractic Association, American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians, American Academy of Pain Management, Chiropractic Biophysics, Spine Research Institute of San Diego, Center for Research Into Automotive Safety and Health, Motion Palpation Organization, American Academy of Manual and Physical Medicine, Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce
Education/Credentials
B.A. (Psychology)The University of Cincinnati
B.S. (Human Biology)Cleveland Chiropractic College
D.C. (Doctor of Chiropractic) Cleveland Chiropractic College
C.C.S.T. (Certification in Chiropractic Spinal Trauma)The International Chiropractic Association
C.C.S.P. (Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician)The American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians.
*CCST and CCSP 120 hour certification courses are not recognized by the Florida Chiropractic Board due to the fact that they are not 300 hour diplomate level courses*
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.