My Dad was big on lectures.  He actually parented my siblings and me through an endless series of lectures….most of which we ignored.  The lecture for which he had the most passion had to do with health.  “You know, Carol, when you’ve got your health…you’ve got just about everything.”

Turns out… Dad was right.  About a lot of things, actually.   But last year, his belief about the importance of good health really hit home.   Low back pain started affecting every part of my life.  Getting out of bed in the morning.  Doing light housework.   The worst?   I couldn’t even swim without pain.   I was counting on swimming to be the activity I’d take into my old age.  I couldn’t even imagine life without it.

The MRI showed a bulging disc and the early stages of degenerative joint disease.   I quit working out…. did some light stretching and had a few sessions with a physical therapist.  The pain persisted.  An athlete all my life…I couldn’t believe this was happenning to me.   Turns out, back pain is the number one medical complaint.  I certainly wasn’t alone.

Hoping to avoid surgery….I got a couple of cortisone shots in my back….and a ray of hope.   The sharp, electric pain subsided slightly.   But the aching, sriffness and occasional blasts of pain were still part of my life.    For months, my chiropractor had gently suggested I try something called spinal compression.   He has the state-of-the-art equipment in his UTC office.  But I was skeptical.   When I finally realized I might have to consider surgery….I gave  Dr. Keith Jeffers a call.   He showed me studies from the Mayor Clinic….how how 89% of patients with herniated discs and degenerative disc disease had significant reduction in pain…..with no negative side effects.

I decided to give it a try.   Treatment involved a significant time committment….twenty 30-minute treatments in less  than a month.     But I figured before doing something as invasive as surgery…it was worth a shot.    Dr. Jeffers uses a machine called the DRX9000…..the cadillac of spinal decompression equipment.  What sets it apart from some other traction machines is its computerized “servo motor,” which monitors the pull on the back.  So should the body begin to spasm…..the machine stops pulling. 

The treatments weree actually extremely relaxing.  The gentle pull (which got stronger as my treatments progressed) actually felt good.  It was a comfortable “release” of my tight back.   I didn’t notice any significant change until the 14th treatment.   Later that day…. I realized I had bent over to get something from the front seat in my car  without pain.   Stepping off a curb.  No pain.   Sitting at the news desk for an hour.  Only mild aching.   By the 20th treatment, the change was significant.   I slowly started swimming…gentle freestyle and backstroke.   A little “tweak” here and there….but I found I could rotate my lower body as I stroked….with very little discomfort!

I was elated…but wondered if the pain would return if I stopped the treatments.   In four months (including 3 maintenance treatments), things have only gotten better.   I can now stand at the kitchen sink or in front of the clothes dryer and work with out aching.   I’ve even added some butterfly and breast stroke back into my swim routine.  

I’m still careful.   Some days my back is tight and a little stiff.   I get a “zinger” from time to time.  But the pain no longer affects every part of my day.

Obviously, this technology isn’t for everyone.  As I rresearched spinal decompression, I also learned ome doctors aren’t convinced the technology works.   But for someone suffering from disc problems (and that includes the cervical spine.), sciatica or failed back surgery…the DRX900 might just be an option.   Dr. Jeffers admits not everyone is a candidate.  An honest, reputable doctor or health care provider will help determine that.   But for those who are good candidates,…Dr. Jeffers says he’s had 80% of his patients report significant reduction of pain and a return to normal activites.  (He’s especially proud of the guy who’s now back to 4-wheel driving…and the 55 year-old woman who’s returned to training for 10-K runs!)

Spinal decompression is FDA approved….but only a few insurance providers  cover the treatments.   However, if future studies show continued success…..it’s expected more insurance carriers will reimburse their customers.

I wouldn’t presume to tell anyone what to do when it comes to their health.   I just wanted to share my experience with anyone putting up with chronic back pain.   It’s no fun.  But if surgery isn’t for you….you might want to check out spinal decompression.    And shop around for the best!    Remember, when you’ve got your health…….life is good!!  Happy New Year!