Treatment of Degenerative Disc Disease

Using DRX9000 Spinal Decompression

Prior to the recent advances in Spinal Decompression technology NO curative treatment was available
for Degenerative Disc Disease. Treatments aimed at symptomatic relief only include physical therapy,
anti-inflammatory medication, chiropractic care, home exercises, bed rest, narcotic pain medication,
muscle relaxant medication, anti-depressant medication, epidural steroid injections and nerve blocks.
The main surgical intervention has been to eliminate the disc entirely and fuse the bones above and
below the disc together cervical fusion or lumbar fusion surgery. Unfortunately, the success rate of this
surgery is notoriously poor and repeat surgery rates approach 100% approximately 7 years following the
initial surgery. Disc Replacement Surgery is still several years away from general use and initial results
have been less-than-favorable.
Spinal Decompression is the ONLY treatment available that can reduce the symptoms of Degenerative
Disc Disease by treating the CAUSE of the degeneration chronic disc compression contributing to lose
of disc fluid.

How Does it Work?

DRX9000 Spinal Decompression reverses the ravages of Degenerative Disc Disease by slowly and
methodically separating the bones of the spine thereby reducing pressure within the spinal discs. During
treatment pressure within the disc is reduced from approximately 25 millimeters of mercury (25 mmHg)
to approximately 200 millimeters of mercury BELOW ZERO (-200 mmHg). This negative pressure
forces water, oxygen and nutrients to diffuse INTO the disc thereby rehydrating the degenerated disc.
Repeated spinal decompression treatments retract the gelatinous core (Nucleus Pulposus) back to the
center of the disc. Recentering the nucleus pulposus relieves direct pressure on the nerve caused by the
disc degeneration.
The Spinal Decompression treatment motion is computer controlled to provide gentle and painless
decompression of the injured spinal discs. The DRX9000 Spinal Decompression Unit incorporates an
advanced treatment technique that slowly separates the bones of the spine while preventing protective
muscle spasm from hindering the treatment. This decompression motion cycles between brief moments
of separation and relaxation, known as oscillation, creating the pumping action necessary to re-hydrate
the disc. The decompression is targeted to a specific disc level unlike outdated traction techniques that
merely pulled the entire spine. This is accomplished by changed the Angle of Distraction. The natural
curvature of the cervical spine and lumbar spine makes it possible to direct the decompressive
distraction exactly perpendicular to the targeted disc by changing this Distraction Angle. This DRX9000
innovation makes the treatment far more effective than other existing techniques AND more comfortable
at the same time. In fact, the DRX9000 Spinal Decompression treatment is so comfortable that patients
often fall asleep during the treatment!

Disc Desiccation DefinitionWhat Is Disc Desiccation?

Between every two vertebrae (the bones of your spinal column) there is a flat disc that protects your
spine by acting as a cushion and shock absorber. The disc is made of a tough annulus fibrosis
surrounding the jelly-like nucleus pulposus. Disc desiccation is the result of the loss of fluid in the discs,
and this is in fact the basis for the condition's name: The term "disc desiccation" comes from the Greek
word "diskos" (for disc) and the Latin word "desiccare" (to dry up).

Cause of Disc Desiccation

The main cause of disc desiccation is the natural aging process. As we get older, it is only normal that a
part of the fluid in our discs goes away. Most people experience some degree of disc desiccation during
their lifetime. Many suffering disc desiccation are 60 years of age and older.
Other causes of disc desiccation include trauma or repeated strain or injury to the back. These causes are
typically at fault when the condition occurs to younger people.

Symptoms of Disc Desiccation

The symptoms of disc desiccation can appear gradually, or they can appear suddenly after an injury.
They include:

Pain caused by movement

Tenderness
Numbness, tingling, or weakness
Changes in reflexes

Disc Desiccation TreatmentThese Practices Offer Pain Relief

You can do a number of things to alleviate the pain related to disc desiccation. Talk to your doctor about
treatment options, including those listed below. These methods, however, usually do not produce lasting
results.

Massage therapyRelaxing the muscles concerned can take pressure away from the affected
area.
PhysiotherapyRegularly doing targeted exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles
around your spine can help alleviate pain. Ice and heat therapies can also be beneficial.
MedicationPain killers and relaxants provide at least some temporary relief. However, it is
essential to take these medications only under the supervision of your physician.
Weight LossIf you are overweight there is a good chance that weight loss could relieve
pressure on the affected disc. Follow a healthy diet and daily exercise regimen, but take care to
stay away from high-impact activities that could further strain your back.
Chiropractic CareMany people claim that a visit to a chiropractor is an essential part of any
back pain treatment. Chiropractors help align your back through natural methods, releasing
muscles and evening pressure by fixing your posture.
SurgeryThis method should only be used if you experience severe pain and have already tried
all other treatments. Seek multiple medical opinions before choosing an operation. This
procedure involves a spinal fusion, in which the disc is removed (and sometimes an artificial disc
is inserted) and the adjacent vertebrae are joined with screws and rods. This can be highly
successful in eliminating pain, but, again, should only be used as a last resort.

Annular fissure
Dr Ayush Goel and Dr Frank Gaillard et al.
An annular fissure (or tear) is the deficiency of one or more layers that make up the annulus
fibrosus. They may be radial, transverse or concentric in orientation. Although very common, only a
minority are identified on MRI, and are characterised by a region of high T2 signal in the otherwise low
signal annulus.
Most are asymptomatic, however some are painful. The defect allows ingrowth of nerve endings and
granulation tissue. Fissures near the dorsal root ganglion are especially likely to be painful.
The fissure may involve all layers or only some. The distinction is difficult if no disc extrusion is seen.
Discography (introduction of contrast into the nucleus pulposus) can help distinguish partial thickeness
vs full thickness annular fissure, although the clinical relevance of this is disputed.
Many authors prefer the term fissure over tear as the latter seems to imply acute injury. In the setting of
severe trauma with disruption of the disc, then the term disc rupture should be used.