Spine & Injury Center FAQ
What causes low back pain?
Low back pain can be caused by a number of factors from injuries to the effects of aging. The spinal cord is protected by the vertebrae, which are made of bone. Between each vertebra are soft discs with a ligamentous outer layer. These discs function as shock absorbers to protect the vertebra and the spinal cord. Many of the problems that cause back pain are the result of herniation and degeneration of the intervertebral disc. Degeneration is a process where wear and tear causes deterioration of the disc. Herniations, or bulging of the disc are protrusions from the disc that press on surrounding nerves, causing pain or numbness.
If I undergo Spinal Decompression treatment, how long does it take to see results?
Most patients report a reduction in pain after the first few sessions. Typically, significant improvement is obtained by the second week of treatment.
How long does it take to complete Spinal Decompression treatment?
Sessions times are between 30-45 minutes, daily for 5 weeks. Though, the number of sessions may vary depending upon the severity of the condition.
Do I qualify for Spinal Decompression treatment?
Since I began using Spinal Decompression spinal disc decompression unit, I have been inundated with questions from both doctors and patients as to which cases it will best help. Obviously proper patient selection is essential to favorable outcomes, so let me explain to you of the Inclusion and Exclusion criteria so you may make the right decision since not everyone qualifies for Spinal Decompression treatment.
Inclusion Criteria:
- • Pain due to herniated and bulging lumbar discs that is more than four weeks old
- • Recurrent pain from a failed back surgery that is more than six months old.
- • Persistent pain from degenerated disc not responding to four weeks of therapy.
- • Patients available for four weeks of treatment protocol.
- • Patient at least 18 years of age.
Exclusion Criteria:
- • Appliances such as pedicle screws and rods
- • Pregnancy
- • Prior lumbar fusion less than six months old
- • Metastatic cancer
- • Severe osteoporosis
- • Spondylolisthesis (unstable)
- • Compression fracture of lumbar spine below L-1 (recent).
- • Pars defect
- • Pathologic aortic aneurysm.
- • Pelvic or abdominal cancer
- • Disc space infections
- • Severe peripheral neuropathy
- • Hemiplegia, paraplegia, or cognitive dysfunction.
Are there any side effects to the treatment?
Most patients do not experience any side effects. Though, there have been some mild cases of muscle spasm for a short period of time.
What can laser therapy treat?
Therapeutic applications which have shown promising results based on studies include:
Acne • Allergic Purpura • Alopecia Areata • Arteriosclerosis / Atherosclerosis • Arthritis • Asthma • Back Pain • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome • Cerebral Palsy • Dental Applications • Diabetes • Fibromyalgia • Headaches/Migraine • Hearing Disorders • Herpes • Hypertension • Hyperlipidemia • Lymphedema • Maxillofacial Disorders • Meniere’ s Disease • Nerve Regeneration • Neuralgia Neuropathy • Pain (Musculoskeletal, Myofascial, Nerve) • Pancreatobiliary Disease • Peyronie’s Disease • Prostatitis • Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy • Respiratory Disorders (Asthma, Bronchitis, Pleurisy, Pneumonia, Sinusitis, Tuberculosis) • Scars • Skin Disorders • Sports Injuries • Tendonitis • Tinnitus • Wound Healing
What is the history of Laser Therapy?
The effects of red light on cellular function have been known since 1880 however the clinical benefits were only discovered by accident during laser safety tests in 1967. The first low-power lasers suitable for treating pain became available commercially in the late 1970′s and ever since then, laser therapy has been widely utilized in Europe by physical therapists, nurses and doctors. Now, after FDA approval in 2001, laser therapy is quickly gaining popularity in the USA.
Has effectiveness been demonstrated scientifically with Laser Therapy?
Yes. There are thousands of published studies demonstrating the clinical effectiveness of laser therapy. Among these, there are more than one hundred rigorously controlled, scientific studies that document the effectiveness of laser for many clinical conditions.
What does laser therapy do, anyway???
Read on…
Physiological effects of Laser Therapy:
Decreased pain levels
Reduced inflammation
Increased tissue proliferation & regeneration
Accelerated soft tissue and bone repair
Increased tissue tensile strength
Enhanced nerve regeneration & function
Increased cell metabolism
Increased enzymatic responses
Increased cell membrane potentials
Increased microcirculation & vasodilation
Increased lymphatic flow
Increased collagen production
Enhanced angiogenesis (creation of new blood vessels)
Numerous studies show that laser therapy can help with these conditions:
Arthritis
Back Pain
Carpal Tunnel
Fibromyalgia
Knee Pain
Shoulder Pain
Sports Injuries
Work or Auto Related Injuries
What is the power of most laser therapy devices on the market?
Low laser therapy devices are class III lasers or “cold” lasers. Their power ranges are in the range of 5 milliwatts to 500 milliwatts. The K-laser is a high-powered therapy device ranging upto 6000 milliwatts; however, the K-laser is power adjustable from 100 milliwatts to 12,000 milliwatts allowing for a wide range of treatment protocols. This power and penetration of the K-Laser system is not attainable with cold laser devices.
How many laser sessions are necessary?
Usually ten to fifteen sessions are sufficient to achieve a treatment goal. However, many patients note improvement in their condition in just one or two sessions. These sessions may be scheduled at two to three times per week for short duration treatment, or once or twice per week with longer treatment protocols.
Why is Laser Therapy better than some other forms of treatment?
It does not require the use of drugs or surgery, there are less side effects or risks, and it is quick and convenient. Studies have shown that it is equal to or more effective than other forms of physical therapy.
What does it feel like to get a laser therapy treatment?
You really don’t feel too much. There may be a slight warming sensation since the laser uses an infrared wavelength. Or you might feel a little tingly sensation – some people think this is due to the increase in cellular energy output, or the increase in cell membrane permeability.
What about side effects, or other risks?
Occasionally I have had a patient say there pain was slightly increased after a treatment. But remember – pain should be the ONLY judgment of your condition. Increased pain my be due to an increase in localized blood flow, increased vascular activity, increased cellular activity, or a number of other effects.
During more than twenty years of use of therapeutic lasers all over the world, very few side effects have ever been reported. Contrast that with the side effects of prescription drugs or surgery – laser therapy has an amazingly safe track record.
How long does each treatment take?
Thanks to the higher power output of a Class IV Therapeutic Laser such as the K-Laser, treatment times are shortened, so you can get on with your busy life. Most treatments take only a few minutes.
How many treatments will I need?
Obviously, all conditions are different. But as a guideline, most tendonitis cases require fewer than six treatments over two weeks, and the area has healed. Whereas chronic arthritic knee pain may require more treatments, along with an occasional ‘booster’ shot of laser therapy.
Don’t want to come back for more laser therapy? Consider the alternative!!!
When will I feel better?
Some patients feel improvement in their condition after the very first treatment. Sometimes you will not feel improvement for a number of treatments. This does not mean that nothing is happening. Each treatment is cumulative and results are often felt after 3 or 4 sessions.
Research on the Benefits of Laser Therapy
What health problems have shown benefits from Laser Therapy?
Soft Tissue Injuries
Tendinopathies
Back and Neck Pain
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Myofascical Trigger Points
Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)
Sprains, Strains
Repetitive Strain Injuries
Chondromalacia Patellae
Planter Fascitis
Degenerative Joint Conditions
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Osteoarthritis
Neurogenic Pain
Herpes Zoster (Shingles)
RSD/CRPS
Post-traumatic Injury
Trigeminal Neuralgia
Fibromyalgia
Diabetic Neuropathy
Chronic Non-Healing Wounds
Venous Ulcers
Amputee Stumps
Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Burns
What does research demonstrate:
Injuries treated with laser therapy heal faster
Laser Therapy has a strengthening effect on tissue repair
Laser Therapy improves blood flow & lymphatic drainage
It is an effective means of relief for many pain syndromes
It can improve immune response
How Can I Get Things Rolling?
Get in touch with our office at (970) 248-9833 to schedule a preliminary consultation with the Health professionals at the Spine & Injury Center of Grand Junction to identify your specific problem. Medical Assessment and Diagnostic testing processes may need to be conducted prior to commencing any treatment method as a way to establish the most beneficial course of action. After thoroughly examining your case history and exam results, the Doctors will sit down and explain his encouraged course of action for you personally. After giving answers to any questions you might have in regards to the encouraged program, you may perhaps get started with your treatment plan.