Monday, March 31, 2014

How I Messed Up My Back

By Zane Durant * March 31, 2014 * Reno, Nevada

I think I just figured out what happened to my lower back. Two things. First I sit for long periods of time doing online stuff, and I also adapt tv shows from other countries into English, so for of all I think I sat way too long. I was working on a web site pulling major hours, then I would sit and edit Korean dramas for hour on end. That was part one of why I have been in horrible pain for the last three weeks.

The other part of my lower back pain originates in my posture while working out. I was just looking at a chart that shows how much pressure you put on your spine during a given moment. For instance standing up you are applying 100 percent of your bodies average load. If you are laying down, that's only 40 percent of what your back can take. Let's say you are sitting down with really nice posture. That is actually putting 150 percent of your average load on your lower spine. If you are like me, sitting there hour after hour, with your back all hunched over, you are most likely at 185 percent of what your lower back can handle.

So I was sitting there for hours, and doing that with poor posture, add weight lifting to the mix and you got a lumbar from hell.

I have been working out really hard, getting a little older so I want to look good for my young wife. I finally got up to the 45 pound weights, one in each arm, benching, moving around etc. I just found out that carrying 90 pounds incorrectly puts about 600 percent more pressure on your lower back that it should have. So sitting, and lifting like a fool, put 6 or 700 percent more pressure than I should have on it, all while I am trying to get in shape.

So now, I think it's 18 days I have been hurting. I see Dr Welch in Reno tomorrow. I will let you know what happens. -- ZD

Sunday, March 30, 2014

Would Someone Take The Knife Out Of My Butt?

March 30, 2014 * Reno Nevada

You know all your bones are connected, but did you know that there are nerves running though each bone? Take me for instance. Right now I am recovering from a lower back disc bulge. Somewhere down at the bottom of my spine near the L5 bone, there is a nerve passing in and out of my spine. It runs down the spine, into my butt and down into the leg.

This sharp pain I am feeling is caused by a "pinch" in my lower back. The remedy? A nice session of spinal manipulation. Tomorrow I will make an appointment for the chiropractor and see if he can get this thing to relax.

When you injure you back, swelling occurs. This swelling makes the bones less responsive to  chiropractic adjustment. Sometimes you can go to the chiropractors and get adjusted and feel perfect, other times it takes a few sessions to make the area relax and go back into place, so be patient. If you went in for an adjustment and it didn't move, don't blame the chiropractor, believe me, if they wanted to move your spine it would move, but usually a chiropractor just makes a minor adjustment.

Spinal decompression removes pressure on the spine by using a counter weight to relieve pressure. If your chiropractor is not using spinal decompression, it may be time to seek out a new doctor.

There are several qualified doctors of chiropractic in Reno, check out a chiropractic directory at Reno Spine Care DOT com.

One I am adjusted, the sharp pain I am experiencing right now will go away, or at least chill the heck out. To find out more about sciatica, check Web MD.

Saturday, March 29, 2014

Injury to Lower Back

March 29, 2014 * Reno Nevada -- by Zane Durant

I am 51 years old, and I have never been in so much pain as I have been this last two weeks. I must have done something to myself without knowing it, because I have literally been flat on my back for 15 days now. 

Where is the pain? On the right side of my sacrum just below L5. I also seen to have issues going to the bathroom now, so I am adding an injury to the coccyx (tailbone) too. 

Something in there is driving me crazy. My leg is numb, I have a knife like shooting pain in my butt on the left side, and if I sit more than 10 seconds I can't get up. I can't bend forward to wash my face so I have been avoiding shaving.

I have been in for spinal decompression 5 times (and I am much better) but I am still hurting.

My lower back has almost made me forget about my migraine, which is now over 115 days long. I'll talk more about migraines later.

What do you do when your back is out? Do you take anything? What do you recommend for your back ache, you know, what works for you?

Chiropractic Today is a blog that originates in Reno Nevada. Please check back daily for new posts on various topics. This page is about an "Injury to Low Back" Add your comments below.

I recommend chiropractic treatment by Dr Xavier Martinez at Integrated Spinal Solutions in Caughlin Ranch.

Friday, March 28, 2014

Overdid It Today - Hurting Again

March 28. 2014 * Reno, Nevada

I just spent the last couple a weeks trying to recover from a lower back issue. This morning I was feeling much better after several decompression treatments. I walked the dog, even took him an extra long way around and I did some shopping, went by my friends, and even made lunch.

Its about 8 o'clock and now my lower back is hurting again, I guess I over did it a little. Now, I gotta try and treat it before it gets bad again.

Ice. I am getting the ice pack right after this blog. I am going to stay off my feet for the rest of the night, my wonderful spouse will have to get the chips for the rest of the eve.

Electronic therapy - Starts tomorrow. I have a portable EMS machine that shocks the area to relax the muscles. I also will wear my back brace to morrow too.

What is your remedy? What should I do for my lower back pain? Any suggestions? Please leave them below.

If you are looking for a really good chiropractor. Please consider Integrated Spinal Solutions in Reno. My chiropractor is fantastic!

Thursday, March 27, 2014

Back Out: Day 2 through 14

March 27, 2014 * Reno Nevada

I can't believe I just spent the last two weeks completely flat on my back in bed. I thought this episode of "My Back's Out" would only last a few days. Alas, here I sit, in bed, day 14 blogging from my laptop because I can't sit upright in a chair while working.

(Sigh)

It has been a rough week for me. If you have back issues a lot, I now have a new respect for what you go though. I have back "issues" not "problems" usually. I did something to myself though. I know that for sure now.

If I was single, I would not have made it though the last two weeks. My wife has cooked and cared for me more in the last two weeks that in the previous 20 years. We live in a two story house so every water, every sandwich, and dinner had to be hauled upstairs to my "flat on my back" ass.

Thank God for Netflix. I am not doing a commercial here, but I have lived by my Netflix. I have enjoyed Capt Picard from the first episode, something I never had the chance to do back in the late 80's. If you are laid up, dude, babe.. get the Netflix. I recommend The Tudor's.

Now back to my back.

I think I pulled it working out, or maybe I sat too long again working. Something has caused my Lumbar-Sacrum area to compress. The spinal decompression and adjustments are relieving the pressure put on the spine. Hopefully I will feel better soon. I can't afford to miss anymore work. I wish I had Aflac.. but they fired Gilbert Godfrey, so the heck with them. I could still use the insurance though.

I recommend spinal decompression and chiropractic treatment because it works. If you are looking for a chiropractor in Reno, please consider Integrated Spinal Solutions. There are two offices in Washoe County. One in Caughlin Ranch, and the other in South Reno off Longley Lane.

For those in the Round Mountain, Nevada area and those in the surrounding community, ISS is open off Eureka Blvd.

Friday, March 14, 2014

Back Out:: Spinal Decompression Therapy: My Diary - Day One

March 14, 2014 * Reno, Nevada

You should have seen me crawling across the floor trying to get to the bathroom just now. I don't know if it was funny or sad. But let me back up a bit.

I woke up this morning and I noticed it hurt when I tried to bend over. I said to my wife half serious, oh maybe my back is going out again. She said, "you better call the chiropractor before its too late. You remember the last time that happened, you waited too long and you were out for a week.

I called Integrated Spinal Solutions on Longley Lane, and they said my regular chiropractor, Dr. Dan Welch was out of town and Dr Riley could help me. I went in at 4 and he set me up for a 30 minute spinal decompression therapy. As soon as the machine started pulling I felt a sharp pain for about a second, then, it was gone. I felt soooo much relief during therapy I almost fell asleep.

When the treatment was over he removed the belts from me, and I did a couple of stretches and then tried to get up. My back had other ideas.

It took me a couple of minutes to get up straight, my pain was back, the doctor told me, the muscles in my lower back had gotten tense, and I needed an EMS treatment as well. He hooked my up to the machine, and it sent little pulses of energy to my lower back for about 25 minutes.

I barely got out to the car, thank God my wife drove me, and by the way, thank God for my wife in general.. anyway, she got me home, got some ice for my back, made a yummy dinner, and actually just brought me some rice cakes to munch on while I work. Her awesomeness should be another blog.

So back to the bathroom episode. We watched the new star trek movie, and I needed to pause it and go to the bathroom. It took me nearly 5 minutes to go from sitting up on the bed, to face down on the bad completely trembling. I could, or would not accept help to the bathroom, I set my wife for more ice, and I crawled literally one tile at a time to the toilet. I grabbed the knob, and used that and the window sill to stand up straight. In the end I found it easier to go sitting down. Hope that wasn't TMI.

So here I am, in bed after day one of decompression. I have to ice by back over the weekend, use my belt Dr. Welch gave me, and two or three times a day use the EMS machine he also lent me. Monday I return for treatment #2. I will keep you posted.

If you have ever had an experience like this, please comment below. If you are looking for a great chiropractor, I recommend Dr Nicolas Riley, or any of the nice people at Integrated Spinal Solutions.

Thursday, March 13, 2014

My Chiropractor is Better Than Yours!







March 13, 2014 - 5:43 pm.

Remember when you were a kid and you knew your big brother was stronger than any big brother in your neighborhood.. well that's how I feel about my chiropractor. My chiropractor is WAY better than yours, for the following reasons.

MY CHIROPRACTOR:

1) actually cares about how I am doing, aside from ailments.
2) did not charge me for an x-ray when he found out I was out of work.
3)  will get me in whenever I call, and he doesn't charge me emergency fees.
4) has all the latest chiropractic training and machines
5) includes EMS and Ultrasound therapy in my treatment
6) has a really good massage therapist on staff who is very reasonable
7) in house personal trainers that can help you rebuild your core, and maintain your spine
8) reasonable rates
9) two offices in Reno

There are many more reasons, but then you might accuse me of bragging. Who is this chiropractic genius? Dr. Martinez, and Dr Welch at Integrated Spinal Solutions. Dr Martinez is celebrating his 20 anniversary! 



What's the point of this blog page? For you to tell me about YOUR chiropractor. Who are they, what do they offer. Do you like them, etc. Please comment below. 

If you don't have a chiropractor, please consider one from this free directory.

ZD-- Reno, Nv.


Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Can Spinal Decompression Make You Taller?





March 12, 2014. Reno, Nevada

We get a lot of comments and letters on the new Reno Spine Care web site, so we take this opportunity to post some of the stranger ones. This one has come up a number of times. The question is, "Can Spinal Decompression make you taller?

First of all, thank you. All of you who have asked this question. Let's take a look at the process and see if there is a possibility, or plausibility of it.

Spinal decompression is a process where you are slowly stretched out on a table. In the case of spinal decompression, your body is attached to the table at the hips, and the machine pulls you downward. During this 30 minute procedure all the years of pressure are relieved and you are for a moment taller. Each treatment will increase the space between your spinal column, and will eventually stay in that extended position.


So when you think of it that way, I guess spinal decompression can make you taller, it's at least worth a study, don't you think?

In any event, spinal decompression WILL help your lower back pain, that I know for sure. I injured my back, making, ahh.. whoopie, and ahh.. well, I needed decompression. Anyway, I am better now thanks to my chiropractor at Integrated Spinal Solutions.

If you have neck or back pain please consider chiropractic care. It doesn't matter which Reno chiropractor you choose, just get stop living in pain. See a chiropractor today, you'll feel better. I know I did! -- ZD. Reno, Nevada

Monday, March 10, 2014

Stem Cells Treat Spine Disease

March 10, 2014 -- Reno, Nevada 8:08 pm.

I just saw a fantastic medical story about stem cells so I wanted to share it with you and get your opinion on the whole thing. Before I go any further, I want to point out the fact that stem cells can now be made with pieces of skin, so the use of embryos is outdated. When you hear about how stem cells can repair spinal tissue keep in mind that no babies, or fetus were injured in any way in this procedure.

With that being said, you can see the entire article on News-Medical Net.

The article is titled: Stem cell transplant effective in halting degenerative disc disease of spine. In it, doctors examined the association between stem cell transplant and the change of disc height. They found that after treating patients with stem cells 23.6% showed an  increase in the disc height index in the transplant group compared with the placebo group.


What that means in layman's terms is, treating spinal injuries with stem cells seems to improve the space between the spinal discs. That will decrease pain and increase flexibility.

The article went on to say, "Stem cell transplant was viable and effective in halting or reversing degenerative disc disease of the spine" that according to the Mayo Clinic.

Reno Massage Therapist
"This landmark study draws the conclusion in pre-clinical animal studies that stem cell therapy for disc degenerative disease might be a potentially effective treatment for the very common condition that affects people's quality of life and productivity -- Wenchun Qu, MD, PhD Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.

A lot of back pain is caused by stress. That according to Reno massage therapist Angelique Calligari. "You'd be surprised what a 30 minute massage can do for your aching back." Highly recommended by hundreds of patents. -- Call now for an appointment.

If you are having problems with your back, and you haven't had a doctor look at it, what are you waiting for? You can schedule an appointment right now with a qualified chiropractor in Reno. I recommend Integrated Spinal Solutions on Longley Lane, or in Caughlin Ranch. 








Sunday, March 9, 2014

Regular Guy Talks Back Pain






March 9, 2014

Today I want to talk to those of you suffering with low back pain. It's been bothering you for some time now. Look at you, even looking up stuff about your low back pain. Well, I am glad you found this blog because through it, you will find relief.

I am just a regular guy like you, except I sit in front of a computer all day. Sitting here throws my back out pretty often. As a matter of fact I woke up one morning last November and I could not walk. I couldn't stand up straight. I made the mistake of trying to get downstairs to the kitchen, and then I had to crawl back up them.


I didn't know what to do about my situation, but I had gone to a chiropractor a year before so I called them, and asked if they could get me in right away.
Rachel, the receptionist got me in within the hour, and Dr. Welch said, "You are too messed up to adjust!" -- when was the last time your chiropractor said that to you?


Dr Welch did an x-ray on my lower back and found that I had a herniated disc. Thankfully he did not manually adjust me, because he said, "that would have made it worse". We did some EMS (Electronic Muscle Stimulation) therapy, and then he set me up on a spinal decompression table, also known as an ABS table. As soon as the machine began to pull, the pain stopped. It was amazing! 
Dr Daniel Welch

You see, my spine was out of position, and the nerves were being crushed by the spinal column. While I was in decompression, the pain was almost totally gone. The session lasted for about 30 minutes, and used gravity to relieve the pressure on my nerve endings.

When the session was over, the machine stopped pulling, and the pain returned, BUT, not as bad. Dr. Welch recommended that I come back again 3 times per week for the next two weeks, then one time per week for a month, then one time per month for 3 - 6 months to "keep me in line".


It worked. No joke. I recommend spinal decompression no matter who you get it from. I know that ISS (Integrated Spinal Solutions) took care of me, so I recommend them wholeheartedly.

Have you had spinal decompression before? Please comment on this page about your experience, and check back again to: Chiropractic Today.





Chiropractic Today is brought to you by 


Integrated Spinal Solutions
1000 Caughlin Crossing Suite #55 Reno, NV 
5301 Longley Lane Suite #43 Reno, NV

Thursday, March 6, 2014

Talk About Your Reno Chiropractor

Who is your Chiropractor? And how long have you been going there? That is the question of the day. Why and when did you first go to the chiropractor, and what kind of adjustment technique did they use?

There are many ways a chiropractor can adjust you, it all depends on where the chiropractor went to school. The practice of chiropractic was invented by D.D Palmer back in the 1890's. Rumor has it, chiropractic may have been invented sometime during the inquisition, by accident.


Chiropractic uses "Manual" manipulation of the spine. It can also be used for treatment of joints, and soft tissue areas. If your chiropractic is up to date with the latest treatment techniques, they will use a combination of manual adjustment, spinal decompression, ems therapy, massage therapy, ultrasound therapy, and physical therapy techniques to repair your injury. You just can't go in and get cracked. That is not in your best interest.


Dr. Danial Welch
Reno Chiropractor
So tell us about your chiropractor. My chiropractor is Dr. Dan Welch. He is the owner/partner of Integrated Spinal Solutions in Reno. They offer the latest in medical machines, and their treatment includes genuine kindness. Yep, he's a real nice guy. And he's an awesome chiropractor. I'd send my mom there.

Below you will find a location where you can add your comment about your chiropractor. Please leave as much information about the chiropractor as you can, including their address and phone if you can. Tell us about your injury, and how they chiropractor handled your case. Did it work? Was it a waste of time? That sort of thing.

If you aren't currently visiting a chiropractor, you can find one on this chiropractic directory.
Thanks for visiting Chiropractic Today. Check back again tomorrow! -- ZD Reno, Nevada.









What is chiropractic? Wikipedia says:


Chiropractic is a form of alternative medicine which attempts to diagnose and treat patients through manipulation of their muscle and skeletal system, especially the spine

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Massage Therapy For Migraines?


Some people have headaches. I have non-stop migraines that last for "months" at a time. They get a migraine for a few hours, maybe a day or two, but me? I get them so long I forget what its like not to have one. This cluster I am on now started on the morning on December 3, 2013. (That was last year!) Anyway, every moment, of every day for the last, let me count them, 28 days in December (that's minus the 3 days I didn't have a headache) January was 31, February was 28 this year, and now we are 5 days into March, that makes.. 87 days today.

If the thought of having a migraine headache for 87 days is bad, just consider the last cluster, that lasted 187 days. People as me how I can keep sane through all these headaches. I don't know, I really don't especially since my doctor is afraid to keep me stocked with pain medication. The last time we were talking about the subject, he said the DEA came into his office and said he should pee-pee test every patient he prescribes pain medication to, to make sure they, or we, weren't selling them. Well, with my pain levels, you couldn't get me to sell one of those. But I digress.

Today we are talking about how migraines can be helped with massage therapy. Is that bull&hit? Let's find out. What is your experience with having a migraine, and then getting a massage? Let us know on this page. Please comment.

Today, I took my 87 day old migraine down to the chiropractors office (ISS in Reno). I went in because my lower back was hurting again, and I wanted some spinal decompression on my lower back. Dr. Welch asked how my migraine was, and I told him the same, non-stop poking in my eye.

A few minutes later he returned with Massage Therapist, Angelique Calligari, and in-house medical massage therapist that works in the Integrated Spinal Solutions clinic on Longley Lane.
She asked me a few questions about my migraine, and then asked my to lay on my back for a few minutes while she checked out my neck.

She held my neck around the base of my skull and applied pressure with her fingertips.. She was only checking things out, I only got 10 minutes worth of massage, but she turned down my migraine from a 6 to a 2.

 I think there may be something there for me if she can do that. Pain meds can't even do that.

So thank you Angelique.. Ms. Calligari, for your help. You can be sure I will make an appointment with you for at least 30 minutes.

Tell us about your Reno Massage Therapist. Did you get a chiropractic adjustment before, or after your massage? 

Get a massage, adjustment, and physical fitness training, and sports rehab in Reno at Integrated Spinal Solutions. A Reno Chiropractic clinic.

Check out this new chiropractic blog site.

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Ultrasound for Pain Relief


If you are in pain, you may want to consider ultrasound therapy. How does "Ultrasound" help a patient with their pain? Find out on this addition of "Chiropractic Today."

Let's say you can't turn your neck to the left. You thought it would get better on it's own, but it hasn't. What can you do, take a pill? Yeah, maybe. But the truth is, you need to increase the blood circulation in that area. Sure, you can slap the area to get blood flowing there, but that would really suck, since you already have a sore neck. What you need is a session or two of ultrasound therapy.

It's hard to believe, but ultrasound generates heat. Yep, sound can be hot. At my chiropractors office, they use ultrasound to treat patients, like you, occasionally with ultrasound. The therapist, or doctor of chiropractic, will apply a little gel to a metal wand, and then attach the wand to your neck. 

The ultrasound pumps sound waves into your neck, which generates heat in that area, which in turn,  helps with overall blood flow circulation. 


Your neck is stiff, because the muscles in the neck are tense. Ultrasound let's the tissue "relax" and respond to adjustment. It also promotes faster healing.

Dr. Nicolas Riley
a Reno Chiropractor
If you have had ultrasound therapy before please tell us what it was like, and whether or not it worked for you. Please include your doctor's name, the clinic, or facility, and what the original reason for going in for ultrasound therapy.

I got my ultrasound therapy for a continuous migraine headache (at Integrated Spinal Solutions in Reno, Nevada). It took about 15 minutes. The doctor did it right there while I was face down on the table. My neck was "out of place", one quick adjustment, and a little therapy, and my headache improved! 

Would I recommend ultrasound therapy for pain relief? Yes! I would. If you would like more information about ultrasound therapy in Reno, contact this number:


Monday, March 3, 2014

Cervical Decompression for Migraine Headaches










People who have migraines know that the pain just won't go away. Migraine suffers will try anything to stop the pain, which leads many to over use of pain meds. Now, don't get me wrong. I am not saying you are not in pain and you shouldn't take pills for it, but you will have to admit, maybe sometimes you take a pill even if you aren't sure if you it's coming on. Now if you are one of the many who live day to day with pain, you may find yourself counting out your pills, and wondering if you are going to make it to the next refill before you run out. I know I do. The only thing that gets me through, is chiropractic adjustment, and cervical decompression.

On the left you will see an x-ray image of a patent with a disc penetration. This is a classic example of someone who needs cervical spinal decompression, not a standard chiropractic adjustment.

Migraines can be caused by a number of things. Food, smells, light can all trigger migraines. Doctors have not been able to track down my personal migraine cause, but I have found that the severity of my headaches is less when I get adjusted frequently. Of course I still have a headache (even right now) but it is manageable with chiropractic care.

This page asks the question: "What do you do for your migraines?" Do you have a special remedy or suggestion? What about pain medication. What works, and what does not. Have you tried the new extended release pain medication that replaced Vicodin? Please comment on this page.

My personal recommendation for migraines? I use an instant release pain medication, but that only works when I have them. My doctor is afraid to give me "too many" which I think is insanity in itself, but when I don't have any meds, I use lots of ice, jasmine tea, and a good chiropractor. 

In Reno - Integrated Spinal Solutions is my chiropractic clinic.

 I highly recommend Dr. Dan Welch, and his partner, Dr. Xavier Martinez. They are available in Reno at the Caughlin Ranch clinic and also in South Reno on Longley Lane, plus now you can see them in Round Mountain, Nevada just outside of Tonopah
.



Sunday, March 2, 2014

Chiropractic Adjustment vs Spinal Decompression.

 
 
 

Chiropractic Today looks at two different ways of treating back pain. Both are available in Reno, Nevada. The first one is traditional chiropractic care, where a chiropractic doctor manually moves your bones into the ideal position. The other treatment, is called "spinal decompression".  Both of these treatments are "tools" for a chiropractor to achieve results. Which one is right for you depends on your condition.

Let's say you wake up one morning and you feel needles tingling along your side. You can't remember doing anything in particular, but maybe you spent a lot of time sitting the day before. You are a good candidate for a quick chiropractic adjustment. This can be done in a lot of ways, the way your chiropractic adjusts you mostly depends on where they went to school. A Doctor from Palmer may adjust slightly different than one from another school.

But let's say you woke up and you could not stand up straight. You find yourself crawling up stairs like a snake. Chances are you have a serious problem involving your discs. I added a photo of a spine at the left, that shows normal disc placement, and what it looks like when your disc is bulging or herniated. In cases like this, you need spinal decompression, NOT an adjustment.

Not every chiropractic office has spinal decompression so you want to make sure they are practitioners or they may try to adjust you at the worst possible time.

Both spinal decompression, and traditional chiropractic care are effective, doctors are not bashing chiropractic care anymore, in fact doctors and chiropractors are working hand and hand to treat a number of illnesses.

I personally have had thousands of chiropractic adjustment in my lifetime. I started when I was about 5 or 6 for migraines. I have also gone through a series of spinal decompression treatments for a herniated disc. I highly recommend it. It took me from crawling to playing basketball in just a couple of weeks. I can't speak highly enough about it.

This blog page is for people like you to post their experiences with chiropractic adjustment, and also from those of you who have had spinal decompression. Let us know who your doctor was, when you saw them, and for what reason. Also include the length of time you went, and what you think of the treatment, and the chiropractic doctors skill. If you think they are less than qualified, say so. This blog is for adults, but, please do not F* bomb you comments of they will have to be deleted. All other posts on spinal decompression or chiropractic adjustment (including links) will be
posted indefinitely.


This blog is written and edited by Zane Durant, a long time patient of chiropractic care. There are several very qualified chiropractors in Reno. I recommend Integrated Spinal Solutions for adjustment, as well as decompression therapy. Tell them you heard about them on "Chiropractic Today" Blog.