Can Spinal Decompression help with a herniated disc?

Non Surgical Spinal Decompression, or NSSD is an effective and proven method of treating a range of symptoms, from back pain caused by sciatica associated with herniated, bulging or degenerative discs in the spine, to post surgical pain, and even narrowing of the spinal canal (stenosis). Significant improvements to pain and quality of life have been reported by patients treated with NSSD. This Procedure was developed by Allan Dyer, MD, PhD, after suffering from a herniated disc in his back.

Unlike linear traction, which uses force applied in a straight line to the spine, NSSD slowly lengthens and decompresses the spine. This decompression causes negative pressure to build within the discs, which creates a vacuum that pulls bulging and extruded discs back in to their proper positions. Pinched nerves also respond due to the pressure placed upon them being removed, and oxygen and fluids are also allowed in to the discs to promote greater, faster healing.

NSSD allows the body's natural recovery and regenerative mechanisms to get to work, without the use of drugs, injections or invasive surgeries, which can have many adverse side effects. So over the course of a few treatments the patient can feel remarkable pain relief, sometimes after just the first few treatments.


At Living Well NYC has an integrated medical center located in SOHO in NYC, where spinal decompression therapy, provided by Doctor Shoshany using the DRX9000, along with physical therapy, exercise and medical care and a vast array or non invasive technique such as Active Release Techniques and the Graston technique. This integrated approach centered around NSSD often not only alleviates signs and symptoms of herniated or ruptured discs but often corrects the problem without surgery.

Interview on Spine-Health

I was recently contacted for a brief interview by spine-health.com, a website dedicated to spreading knowledge about pain relief through chiropractic and other treatment methods. Here it is below.

Building a Multidisciplinary Practice

Featured Member: Dr. Steven Shoshany, Chiropractor, NYC Chiropractor and Spinal Decompression – New York, New York

Interviewer: What is the patient experience like in your practice?

Dr. Steven Shoshany: From the minute a patient walks in to our office, they are greeted and made to feel comfortable. We also respect a patient's time; NYC is a busy place and patients have other places to be so we are keenly aware of scheduling and patients hardly wait to be seen. Our practice is in a SoHo loft so it is spacious with high ceilings. It is a very tranquil setting that is conducive to healing. A patient can expect top-notch service and attention from our team of massage therapists, chiropractors and our physical therapist.

Interviewer: How does this differ from the competition?

Dr. Steven Shoshany: In my experience, most chiropractors practice solo, and they lose patients for various reasons. Maybe the patient is afraid of an adjustment or they are looking for a specific service. Our practice is multidisciplinary. The chiropractor works together with a physical therapist that can integrate strength, stretching and range of motion programs. We have a massage therapist that can work on tight muscles or aches. A medical doctor on staff can provide prescription medication or pain injections in the event they are needed. And we even have an acupuncturist. We try to cover all the bases to give patients everything they need in one place.

Interviewer: How does this benefit your patients?

Dr. Steven Shoshany: Patients benefit from a staff that works together every day and creates treatment programs for the individual. By offering all these services in one place, a person who is suffering with a condition like a herniated disc can get a combined approach or choose from a range of options. Having the ability to choose and having it all in one place is the key benefit we offer.

Dr. Steven Shoshany, Chiropractor, NYC Chiropractor and Spinal Decompression – New York, New York

Marathon Preparation, Active Release Technique, and Kinesio Taping

The New York Marathon is getting closer and closer; November is right around the corner for athletes coming from all over the world to compete and test their limits. That also means that this is near the peak training time, the moments when champions shine brightest and put their bodies through the most grueling weekly mileage. That also can mean injuries and it’s too crucial a time to be missing out on training time. Runners need to be able to continue to train while healing and preparing for the real test, the marathon itself.

At Living Well Medical in SoHo, we help runners every year as they prepare for the big race. If there is any way to keep them training and keep them in the race, we do our best to find it. We have a lot of different methods we can use, but there are two in particular that we recommend for endurance athletes because they are extremely effective with overuse injuries and can help athletes stay on the road.

The first technique is called Active Release Technique, or ART for short. ART is a technique that has been used for years at the Iron Man competition because of it’s effectiveness in assessing and treating repeat strains and other overuse issues.

Another common treatment method that promotes healing while keeping functional range of motion is Kinesio Tape. This therapeutic tape can support joints that are sore to keep them moving. For runners, issues like tendonitis and plantar fasciitis can be supported with this technique.

So be prepared to run the race of your life. If you need help with an injury, give Living Well Medical in SoHo NYC a call at 212-645-8151. We’re here to help.

- Dr. Shoshany, NYC Chiropractor

The Differences between a Herniated Disc and a Bulging Disc

If you’re familiar with back pain or even had any kind of back injury, you’ve likely heard the words “herniated disc” and “bulging disc” before. You may have also heard the term “slipped disc” before, which it seems is often used to describe either problem in everyday speech. It’s that part that makes me think that people see these two conditions as being equivalent, but it’s important that they are kept separate. So why not discuss the differences between the two conditions?

First, let’s start with the condition that is the most painful and problematic - disc herniation. Herniation specifically refers to a spinal disc that has experienced a tear or crack in the outer layer of the cartilaginous fibers that encase the center of the disc (called an annular tear). The material from the nucleus of the disc leaks out into the spinal canal and presses on spinal nerves causing irritation, inflammation and pain.

A bulging disc, on the other hand, is a much more common issue where the disc protrudes out some in a large portion of the disc. A good analogy would be that it sort of resembles a hamburger that is too big for its bun. A bulging disc is a much more common problem than a herniated disc but is, in most cases, not the direct cause of pain.

As to the differences, there are a few. A bulging disc is mainly caused by aging and is completely normal, whereas a herniated disc is an indication of an injury or the direct result of trauma. Herniated discs are also much more commonly painful. In fact, bulging discs seldom result in pain.

If you are experiencing severe back pain, Living Well Medical in NYC is here to help. Give our office a call today at 212-645-8151 today and find out if your pain is related to a disc problem

- Dr. Shoshany, NYC Chiropractor

Here are some of the chiropractors from around the country that Living Well Medical endorses:

Dr. Eben Davis, San Francisco Chiropractor
Dr. Nona Djavid, Newport Beach Chiropractor
Dr. Ron Spallone, Denver Chiropractor
Dr. Bruce Bell, Chula Vista Chiropractor
Dr. Cathy Hunter, Simi Valley Chiropractor
Dr. Andrea Mills, Lancaster, CA Chiropractor
Dr. Matthew Rivera, San Carlos, CA Chiropractor
Dr. David Livingston, Delray Beach, FL Chiropractor
Dr. Adam Jacobs, Best San Francisco Chiropractor
Dr. Scott Waddell, Laguna Niguel Chiropractor

Living Well Medical Welcomes Mila Mogilevsky, DO to Practice

Starting this week, we’re welcoming another member to our staff, our new osteopathic physician, Dr. Mila Mogilevsky, DO. It’s pretty exciting because we’re able to add another dimension to our practice, Living Well Medical in SoHo; of course that translates into more people we can help with pain. As a doctor of osteopathy, treatments like trigger point injections and traditional pain management are only a small part of how she will help us take care of the people we serve. She can also write prescriptions in cases of extreme need.

Dr. Mogilevsky is Board Certified in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation; she received her doctorate of osteopathy from the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine. Before she earned her DO, she also worked as a physical therapist, so her skills cover a wide range of conditions and treatments. If you’re in pain, call our NYC office at 212-645-8151.

- Dr. Shoshany, NYC Chiropractor

Welcome Dr. Rolland Nemirovsky to our practice-Certified ART ( Active release technique)- Certified Graston technique NYC

We are excited to announce that we have added a new Chiropractor to our NYC practice.
Dr. Rolland Nemirovsky is a Certified Active Release technique (ART) practitioner as well as a certified Graston technique practitioner.
Dr. Steven Shoshany DC will continue to provide Chiropractic care and spinal decompression
We are now able to provide care 6 days a week- Monday through Saturday.
If you a suffering with low back pain,neck pain, shooting arm pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, herniated discs or Sciatica be sure to visit our website to learn more about our practice or for an immediate appointment call (212)645-8151.

We combine Chiropractic care with Physical therapy and utilize cutting edge treatment like spinal decompression and cold laser therapy in conjunction with Kinesio taping and Medical massage and the graston technique.

We are conventienly located at 632 Broadway suite 303 NY,NY 10012
Most insurance are accepted as either full or partial payment
Partial list below:
Cigna Internationl
United healthcare
Aetna
Blue Cross Blue Shield

Neck pain caused by Roller Coaster in NYC

Too Much Fun: Whiplash Caused by Roller Coasters

Throughout this summer I have seen countless patients complaining of neck and low back pain brought on by riding a roller coaster. Locally here in NYC the biggest producer of neck and back injuries has to be the "Cyclone" in Coney Island, Brooklyn,New York. This roller coaster is one the oldest wood roller coaster around. I seriously think a Chiropractor should hand out their cards and the end of the ride.
Our NYC Physical therapy practice treats neck and back injuries with a combination of Chiropractic,Physical therapy and Massage. Did you hurt your neck on a roller coaster? Give us a call today at (212) 645-8151.


Riding Rollercoasters Can Cause Whiplash
Whiplash. We usually associate this word with car accidents, sports accidents or blows to the head. But whiplash caused by roller coasters? Though this information may seem to dampen the fun of taking crazy roller coaster rides in your favorite theme park, it doesn’t make it less real.

How to Avoid Whiplash
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure it out. All those loops, dives, crazy turns and up and down acceleration can cause serious damage to one neck and spinal chords. There have even been some reports of blood vessels rupturing and hematoma caused by roller coaster rides.

A friend of mine told me a story concerning her twelve-year-old son. After a day at a theme park, her son was complaining about an aching neck. Thinking that the boy had just strained a muscle or was simply tired, she ignored his complaints. The next day, the boy was unable to move his neck. Upon bringing him to the hospital, the doctor confirmed that the boy sustained a whiplash injury.

According to doctors, head and neck injuries while riding roller coasters can happen to anyone, regardless of age. You can be a young, healthy and at the peak of your strength and still get whiplash and other injuries. Of course, the older one gets, the greater the risk of slip disks and whiplash caused by sudden movement.

Does this mean we must all boycott roller coasters? The answer still lies with you. If you’re confident enough to ride a roller coaster knowing full well what the consequences might be, then go ahead and knock your socks off. But if you’d rather not, then don’t. An ounce of prevention saves you a bucket of cures.

One technique that I like is to be prepared for the coaster ride, be sure to be aware and ready when the Coaster takes off, all to ofen injuries occur when someone is suprised and their head is whipped back or side to side.
Also be sure to keep your head firmly planted back against the head rest, this prevents the whiplash movement.
Read the signs before getting on a coaster, they warn you about boarding a ride with previous neck and back injuries.

But for the adventurous, the important thing is to seek medical attention immediately after you start experiencing headaches, neck pain, neck swelling, muscle spasms or difficulty in neck movement. As with other sicknesses or injuries, the earlier whiplash is detected and treated, the faster you can get better.
Ice your neck right away if you suspect you suffered a whiplash type injury. Seek out a Chiropractor.
If you are in The NYC area and are looking for a Chiropractor visit my website at
www.drshoshany.com
or call (212)645-8151

Neck Strain: Causes and Remedies-NYC

Yesterday we had at least 5 patients come into our NYC physical therapy office office with neck pain caused my sleeping funny, so I felt todays blog post should be about neck pain and ways to prevent it.

There are many activities and triggers that can cause the sudden onset of neck pain due to muscle strain. By definition, a neck strain is not a serious injury. However, the pain and dysfunction that it causes can be significant. This article reviews both first aid approaches to alleviate the pain, as well as signs and symptoms that indicate when to see a doctor.

The anatomy of the cervical spine is a marvelous construct that houses and protects the delicate spinal cord, provides support for the head, and allows for a high degree of mobility and range of motion. But the same engineering that allows this area of the spine to be so flexible also leaves it vulnerable to injury.

Most episodes of neck muscle strain (or other soft tissue strain or sprain, such as ligaments or tendons) result in a stiff neck and/or pain in a shoulder muscle. Symptoms typically include difficulty moving or rotating the head or neck.

Causes of neck strain
Triggers for the onset of neck pain due to muscle strain can be traced to numerous activities, such as:

Too much time in an awkward position, such as hunched over a steering wheel while driving, hunched forward to view a computer monitor, or cradling a phone in the crook of the neck
Sleeping in a position that strains the neck, such as with a pillow that is too high or too firm
Carrying a heavy suitcase or other object on one side of the body
Any form of trauma that impacts the neck, such as from whiplash in a car accident, or from a fall in which one lands on the top of the head

Neck muscle strain remedies
Most minor strains of ligaments, tendons and muscles in the neck heal in a relatively short amount of time (one or two days). Until the symptoms subside, there are many self-care remedies that are effective in alleviating the pain and stiffness, such as:

Applying ice or cold packs. The cold helps reduce inflammation in the area, which in turn allows it to heal. The ice or cold pack should be applied in twenty-minute intervals during the initial 24 hours.

Applying heat. The heat helps bring nutrient-rich blood flow to the area to stimulate a healing response. Some people prefer moist heat, such as from a hot bath or shower. Others find more relief from applying continuous low level heat from a heat wrap (such as brand name Thermacare, or store brand heat wraps)

Over-the-counter medications. Taking anti-inflammatory medicines, such as ibuprofen (e.g. Advil) or naproxen (e.g. Aleve), will reduce the inflammation, which in turn will help reduce the pain. One can also take pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol), which reduces the perception of pain.

Massage. A gentle massage will to stimulate blood flow in the area, which helps it heal.
When to see a Doctor
For more severe pain and stiffness, if the symptoms last for more than a day or two, or if the pain is accompanied by arm pain, numbness or tingling, a visit to a health professional, such as a chiropractor or primary care physician, is generally advisable. Also if the symptoms started after any kind of trauma or accident it is a good idea to get a full examination from a health professional to diagnose or rule out any serious problems.

For most episodes of neck pain, self-care and avoiding any additional strain to the neck will usually suffice to manage the symptoms until the strain is healed.

For immediate relief of neck strain, muscle strain in New York City (NYC) see a Chiropractor
Chiropractor NYC
We utulize a combinations of treatments like Cold laser therapy, Ultrasound, Electric stimulation and the Graston technique to reduce your pain.
neck pain nyc,back pain nyc, sciatica nyc, slipped disc nyc,

Active Release technique for treatment of Pain, numbness and impaired movement-NYC soft tissue treatment

A recent great article about Active Release technique from Health Alert, If you don't already subscribe you should, Dr. Bruce West has some very informative information in the newsletters.
I have found ART to a tremendously effective treatment protocol for dealing with soft tissue injuries. I use it daily in my NYC Physical therapy office



SECRET TREATMENT OF THE MONTH from Health Alert.

PAIN, NUMBNESS, AND IMPAIRED MOVEMENT -

ACTIVE RELEASE TECHNIQUE (ART)


There are more misdiagnoses, more wrong treatments and over-treatments, more useless surgical interventions, more powerful prescribed painkillers, more missed work and school, more waste of health care funds, and more chronic disabilities due to soft tissue problems than most all other pain syndromes combined.

The soft tissues that cause all this pain and suffering are the non-bony tissues of the body, usually associated with joints - such as muscles, muscle sheaths, tendons, and ligaments. Soft tissues are frequently damaged through injuries and accidents, repetitive motion, and constant pressure or tension. If they do not heal properly, they form scars, fibrosis (tough, fibrous tissue), or adhesions that can entrap nerves, blood vessels, and other tissues. These adhesions cause severe pain, numbness, joint dysfunctions, muscle impairment to near paralysis, movement problems, and even complete disability.

When you develop a soft tissue problem with adhesions, the first symptom is pain. It can be head, hand, wrist, arm, jaw, neck, back, hip, leg, knee, ankle, foot, rib, or other pain. Examples are headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome, sciatica, tendonitis of any joint, backaches of all kinds, and other diagnostic pain syndromes.

The trip to the doctor will usually begin with some painkillers to see if the pain goes away. This is usually followed by x0rays or scans. The abnormalities found on x-rays and scans (including MRIs) are often diagnosed as the cause of the problem when they are not. Almost everyone has abnormalities that show up on these tests, including spinal disk disease, herniated disk, arthritis, and the like. These are rarely the underlying cause of the problem. Rather, they are most frequently inconsequential joint abnormalities that are best left alone.

If the pain continues, you may end up headed for some form of surgery to treat the “abnormality” on your scan. With soft tissue injury and adhesions, this is an expensive, dangerous, and useless procedure - with the disappointing surgery results proving that your diagnosis was completely incorrect. In fact, scans are almost completely incapable of locating soft tissue adhesions that cause most of these chronic, agonizing problems. As with all things in health, the underlying cause of the problem must be addressed. And that means removing the adhesions or fibrosis. Enter the active release technique.




ACTIVE RELEASE TECHNIQUE (ART)

I suffered an injury to my heel that really laid me up. I simply could not walk well, and athletics were out of the question. For 6 months I pursued all types of treatment to no avail. Then I went to a chiropractor who was an expert in the active release technique. He quickly discovered that I had probably stepped on a rock on the beach, developed a soft tissue injury in the arch of my foot that did not heal properly, and then formed a scar. The scar was interfering with the nerves and tendons in the bottom of my foot, referring the pain into my heel. The ART treatment used pressure on the adhesion while I forcefully moved my foot through its range of motion - breaking free the tissues from the adhesion. After four treatments my pain was gone.

Although I am no longer in any pain, I now see an ART expert (Dr. Jay Cook, Monterey, CA) three times a week to determine if I have old soft tissue injuries that are impairing my physical performance. We have already cleared out adhesions in my legs and calves, resulting in my ability to jump higher. We will together be checking for and clearing out any adhesions throughout my back, neck, shoulders, and arms.

The type of soft tissue injury and resultant adhesion I had is extremely common - not always in the arch of the foot, but in any joint. And this could have easily resulted in $50,000 or more in drugs, surgical expenses, and more - all of which would have been completely useless. It could have resulted in disability, limping (which would have eventually affected my other joints), arthritis, and most important for me, a forced retirement from physical activity and athletics. In other words, this kind of injury could have ruined my life.

That is how serious soft tissue injuries are. And literally millions suffer from them - getting wrong diagnoses, wrong treatments, and over-treatments. Still very few doctors talk about these injuries. And why would they? Not one in 10,000 physicians understands these injuries. There are no diagnostic scans, x-rays, or images that can detect these injuries. And almost no orthopedic surgeon or neurosurgeon understands them. So unless you are lucky enough to run across an article like this, if you suffer a soft tissue injury with scarring or adhesions, you are up a creek without a paddle. You would be wasting your time on standard medical care, drugs, or even surgery.


What to Do

If you develop chronic pain, especially in the joints - and if standard, conservative, treatment, including chiropractic therapy, fails - you must:

Consider that you have a soft tissue injury.
Get to an ART expert. If you are recommended for surgery, get to an ART expert first, no matter how long you have suffered.
Find one of these experts by going to www.activereleasetechniques.com (techniques with an “s”). Click on “Find a Provider” to find experts near you.
If you are in NYC visit our office at Active release NYC You will see that each doctor has the courses he/she has taken displayed in emblems (with initials inside the emblem) after his/her name. You can click on each of these to see if this doctor is an expert in the problem that you have. If you absolutely cannot use a computer, call 1-888-396-2727 and ask to find a doctor who specializes in your problem.
The first treatment or two can be a little uncomfortable or even painful, but it is not unbearable. Treatments usually take 15 to 30 minutes each. Many people experience some relief after the first treatment. You will generally know if you can be helped within six treatments. Most people who are cured with ART have already been unsuccessfully treated by other health care providers.
Chronic soft tissue injury with adhesion and fibrosis can eventually cause bony problems as well. It is not unusual for arthritis to develop subsequent to these types of injuries simply because the joint can no longer function properly. In all chronic cases, you can get better results in you also incorporate nutrition for joints.
If you have chronic injuries, use the following Standard Process nutrition products while getting ART treatments: Calcified Wafers (6-12 daily) and Glucosamine Synergy (3-4 daily). Also be sure to take Blue Ice Fermented Cod Liver Oil (3 capsules daily) to get adequate vitamin D. And if you have arthritis, take X-Factor Gold High Vitamin Butter Oil (3-12 capsules daily 0 to ensure you get an adequate quantities for the anti-stiffness factor, also known as Activator X (or the Wulzen Factor).
Do not give up. You can be helped. Most individuals do not need surgery. Fin an expert near you, start treatments, use the proper nutrition, and start planning on your new, pain-free life. Now that is a real miracle treatment of the month.




West, Bruce “Then All Other Treatments Fail” Health Alert 27.5 (2010): 2-3

Dr. Steven Shoshany utulizes The Graston technique,ART,Spinal decompression,Cox flexion distraction technique and many other cutting adge techniques in NYC
If you are suffering and would like to schedule an appointment give us a call
at (212)645-8151 today.

Herniated disc and Sciatica-NYC -Best non-surgical treatments

Herniated disc and Sciatica-NYC -Best non-surgical treatments
Call (212)-627-8149
Herniated disc and spinal decompression therapy offers a non-invasive therapy for people suffering from back pain. Traditional traction devices that were used in the past to treat back pain have been replaced by technologically advanced herniated disc and spinal decompression tables like the DRX 9000 that we utilize in our NYC Herniated disc/Sciatica treatment office.

What are the causes of a herniated disc?

In between the vertebrae in your spine can be found supple, spongy, spinal discs that are protected by a tougher outer layer. This layer surrounds the soft nucleus that allows for cushioning and the smooth movement of your spine, not unlike shock absorbers for your automobile. When one of the spinal discs becomes compressed between the bones in the spine it can make the spongy material of the disc become herniated. This bulging of the disc causes friction from direct contact with nerve endings. Herniated disc is also commonly called slipped or ruptured disc.

As the body grows older, especially if a person leads a sedentary lifestyle without much activity to keep the spine limber and flexible, the discs can degenerate and become flattened. The disc will eventually turn brittle if the degeneration is allowed to progress, which can make them more prone to injury.

A herniated disc can be caused by a strain from twisting the back rigorously. This injury can occur anywhere on the spine, but it most commonly happens in the lower spine or the neck. The patient will feel pain in the location where the disc has been ruptured or the corresponding nerve roots.

Symptoms of herniated disc

There are several tell-tale signs of a herniated disc. The patient begins to feel shooting pains from the back down into the legs. There may also be tingling and numb sensations in the legs and feet from the nerves being pressed down. The pain can vary from mild to intense depending on the location of the injured disc and degree of injury.Often referred to as "SCIATICA"-visit Sciatica treatment NYC
A MRI also can confirm the presence of a Herniated disc,if you do not have a MRI already contact us consultation and we can recommend several NYC MRI facilities that can preform the test. This requires a referral and may require authorization from you insurance company.

Spinal Decompression: a safe, non-surgical therapy

Non-surgical Spinal Decompression is a revolutionary new technology used primarily to treat herniated discs in the neck and low back. Spinal Decompression Therapy is designed to take the pressure off the herniated disc and compressed nerves by slowly and gently stretching the spine at a certain angle followed by cycles of partial relaxation. This pattern of distraction and relaxation creates a "vacuum effect" or negative intra-discal pressure.

The negative pressure may induce the retraction of the herniated or bulging disc back into the inside of the disc taking pressure off of the nerve. The cycle of decompression and partial relaxation, over a series of visits, promotes diffusion of water, oxygen, and nutrient-rich fluids into the disc. The nutrients enable the torn and degenerated disc fibers to begin to heal.

Spinal decompression therapy is a non-surgical treatment for specific back pain conditions, including:

• Degenerative disc disease
• Facet syndrome
• Herniated disc
• Lower back pain
• Neck pain
• Neuralgia
• Pinched nerve
• Sciatica
• Spinal stenosis

Is decompression a painful procedure?
Spinal decompression is a painless, non-invasive therapy that relieves back pain. The patient will be strapped in to the machine and the straps are connected to the computer, which gently separates the vertebrae with a precise stretching force. The treatment is so comfortable that many patients actually fall asleep. Spinal decompression machines are sensitive and can adjust the decompression rate in response to any pain the patient might experience during treatment.
To learn more about this treatment in NYC visit the herniated disc specialists at www.nycdisc.com
or visit www.livingwellnewyork.com

Extremity Pain (buttock,leg calf) pain treatment in NYC-Back pain NYC-Herniated disc NYC

Back pain NYC?
Herniated disc NYC-Sciatica NYC



Treatment for shooting pain down the leg like SCIATICA in Manhattan,NYC call(212)645-8151
www.sciaticanyc.com


Lower extremity (buttock,leg, calf) pain, which radiates from the low back, is usually the result of pressure on a nerve.

The disc
The discs of the spine receive nourishment through blood vessels until approximately the age of 20. At this point,the disc has been filled with a lifetime supply of nourishment. However,the disc has to make that supply of nourishment last a lifetime, Through aging and with normal wear and tear, we use the nourishment and all experience a slow degeneration of the discs of the spine. This is normal aging.

The more "Stress" you put on the disc, the more you use up the nourishment, weaking and deteriorating the disc, creating a problem. One of the amazing benefits of spinal decompression is that it heightens the disc space, and is seen to return it to a more normal size and functional state.

The disc is the shock absorber that sits between two vertebras. It consists of a soft jelly-like material in the center, called the nucleus pulposis, and a firm outer band called the annulus fibrosis, like a rubber band surrounding the disc, holds it together. As we age and use the disc, the nourishment gets used and dries up, which causes it to shrink- or degenerate.
When the disc height collapses, the nearby spinal nerves can become compressed, leading to lower extremity (buttocks, leg and calf) pain.

Herniated disc treatment in Manhattan NYC
Herniated disc
Herniated discs (also referred to as ruptured discs), often create confusion between herniated discs, so lets make it clear.
A disc can bulge without herniating. When the jelly-like nucleus pulposis is under pressure, it can bulge.
But, when the pressure is excessive, it ca herniate (rupture) through the outer band called the annulus fibrosis.
As the "herniated" disc materials spills out, a portion can press on a nerve, causing pain and accompanying radiation and weakness of the muscle involved.
The nerve can get "pinched" resulting in the condition of Sciatica, radiating pain to the buttocks and/or lower extremity (leg and calf).
Over 90% or herniated discs occur in the lowest two levels of the lumbar spine, between L4/L5 and L5/S1.
Spinal decompression-
The effect of decompression-
Spinal decompression takes pressure of the disc.
During treatment on the decompression therapy table, the disc heightens, the space opens up, pressure comes off the nerve, and jelly material that has herniated gets slowly drawn back into the disc. The other amazing feature is that the disc can once again receive nourishment when the jelly material (containing the nourishment) gets drawn back into the disc.

Manhattan herniated disc treatment

Dr. Steven Shoshany,Manhattan's non-surgical,non-invasive herniated disc treatment specialist, visit website to learn more www.drshoshany.com
A fantastic 3D tutorial on Herniated discs

Back pain NYC, Herniated disc and back pain. Now what?

NYC Disc spinal decompression specialists-
New York City’s premiere facility dedicated to non-surgical, non-invasive treatment of Back pain, Sciatica and herniated discs.

Question: I have a herniated disc in my lower back, is surgery the only option to fix it?
Question: I have a herniated disc in my lower back, what are my options to fix it?

A herniated disc can be a scary diagnosis for anyone especially if you are active. The disc is the jelly like substance between your back bones “vertebrae”. The disc helps to provide space for the exiting nerve roots and helps to cushion weight carried throughout the spine. The disc is a structure that has a poor blood supply, so once it is injured it generally it does not heal properly and degenerates with time. This middle of the disc is called the nucleous and it moves or herniates and it can put pressure on very delicate nerves and cause pain or weakness.

The most common symptoms when the disc that is involved in the lower spine is Sciatica, Sciatica refers to pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling in the leg.
It is caused by injury to or compression of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body and is comprised of nerve structures from the lumbar nerve roots L4, L5, and Sacral nerve roots 1-3.
The traditional medical model involves medication to reduce inflammation and analgesics to reduce pain as well as physical therapy to strengthen core muscles.

Chiropractic care has been proven to be a successful treatment for management of the herniated disc and effective in reducing low back pain.
A fairly new treatment has been used that is non-surgical and not only decreases pain but helps to restore the discs height and reduce the disc herniation.
It is called spinal decompression; this non-invasive treatment has been utilized worldwide with an impressive success rate close to 90%. When this method is combined with a physical therapy program designed to strengthen Core muscles the results are impressive. Spinal decompression involves specialized equipment that gently lengthens the spine which helps create a vacuum and the injured disc level. This vacuum allows the disc material to return its normal position. If you are diagnosed with a herniated disc it is in your best interest to learn more about this treatment.


Dr. Steven Shoshany DC,CCEP, CKTP
Dr Steven Shoshany is a NYC Chiropractor that specializes in treatment of the Herniated disc utilizing the most advanced non-surgical methods.
Methods include Spinal decompression, Cold laser therapy, Oxygen therapy and SpineForce 3D rehabilitation and soft tissue methods like the Graston technique and deep tissue massage.
Dr. Shoshany is a Chiropractor and practices in Manhattan at Living Well Medical a Comprehensive Rehab center the offers Physical therapy, Spinal decompression, Cold laser therapy, Chiropractic, Medical massage and Pain management.
www.livingwellnewyork.com
www.drshoshany.com
www.nycdisc.com
www.backpainnyc.com
www.herniateddiscnyc.com

Chiropractic and Neck Pain: Conservative Care of Cervical Pain, Injury

Chiropractic and Neck Pain: Conservative Care of Cervical Pain, Injury


Your neck, also called the cervical spine, begins at the base of the skull and contains seven small vertebrae. Incredibly, the cervical spine supports the full weight of your head, which is on average about 12 pounds. While the cervical spine can move your head in nearly every direction, this flexibility makes the neck very susceptible to pain and injury.

The neck’s susceptibility to injury is due in part to biomechanics. Activities and events that affect cervical biomechanics include extended sitting, repetitive movement, accidents, falls and blows to the body or head, normal aging, and everyday wear and tear. Neck pain can be very bothersome, and it can have a variety of causes.

Here are some of the most typical causes of neck pain:

Injury and Accidents: A sudden forced movement of the head or neck in any direction and the resulting “rebound” in the opposite direction is known as whiplash. The sudden “whipping” motion injures the surrounding and supporting tissues of the neck and head. Muscles react by tightening and contracting, creating muscle fatigue, which can result in pain and stiffness. Severe whiplash can also be associated with injury to the intervertebral joints, discs, ligaments, muscles, and nerve roots. Car accidents are the most common cause of whiplash.

Growing Older: Degenerative disorders such as osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease directly affect the spine.

Osteoarthritis, a common joint disorder, causes progressive deterioration of cartilage. The body reacts by forming bone spurs that affect joint motion.
Spinal stenosis causes the small nerve passageways in the vertebrae to narrow, compressing and trapping nerve roots. Stenosis may cause neck, shoulder, and arm pain, as well as numbness, when these nerves are unable to function normally.
Degenerative disc disease can cause reduction in the elasticity and height of intervertebral discs. Over time, a disc may bulge or herniate, causing tingling, numbness, and pain that runs into the arm.

Daily Life: Poor posture, obesity, and weak abdominal muscles often disrupt spinal balance, causing the neck to bend forward to compensate. Stress and emotional tension can cause muscles to tighten and contract, resulting in pain and stiffness. Postural stress can contribute to chronic neck pain with symptoms extending into the upper back and the arms.

Chiropractic Care of Neck Pain
During your visit, your doctor of chiropractic will perform exams to locate the source of your pain and will ask you questions about your current symptoms and remedies you may have already tried. For example:


When did the pain start?
What have you done for your neck pain?
Does the pain radiate or travel to other parts of your body?
Does anything reduce the pain or make it worse?
Your doctor of chiropractic will also do physical and neurological exams. In the physical exam, your doctor will observe your posture, range of motion, and physical condition, noting movement that causes pain. Your doctor will feel your spine, note its curvature and alignment, and feel for muscle spasm. A check of your shoulder area is also in order. During the neurological exam, your doctor will test your reflexes, muscle strength, other nerve changes, and pain spread.

In some instances, your chiropractor might order tests to help diagnose your condition. An x-ray can show narrowed disc space, fractures, bone spurs, or arthritis. A computerized axial tomography scan (a CT or CAT scan) or a magnetic resonance imaging test (an MRI) can show bulging discs and herniations. If nerve damage is suspected, your doctor may order a special test called electromyography (an EMG) to measure how quickly your nerves respond.

Chiropractors are conservative care doctors; their scope of practice does not include the use of drugs or surgery. If your chiropractor diagnoses a condition outside of this conservative scope, such as a neck fracture or an indication of an organic disease, he or she will refer you to the appropriate medical physician or specialist. He or she may also ask for permission to inform your family physician of the care you are receiving to ensure that your chiropractic care and medical care are properly coordinated.

Neck Adjustments

A neck adjustment (also known as a cervical manipulation) is a precise procedure applied to the joints of the neck, usually by hand. A neck adjustment works to improve the mobility of the spine and to restore range of motion; it can also increase movement of the adjoining muscles. Patients typically notice an improved ability to turn and tilt the head, and a reduction of pain, soreness, and stiffness.

Of course, your chiropractor will develop a program of care that may combine more than one type of treatment, depending on your personal needs. In addition to manipulation, the treatment plan may include mobilization, massage or rehabilitative exercises, or something else.

Research Supporting Chiropractic Care
One of the most recent reviews of scientific literature found evidence that patients with chronic neck pain enrolled in clinical trials reported significant improvement following chiropractic spinal manipulation.

As part of the literature review, published in the March/April 2007 issue of the Journal of
Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, the researchers reviewed nine previously published trials and found “high-quality evidence” that patients with chronic neck pain showed significant pain-level improvements following spinal manipulation. No trial group was reported as having remained unchanged, and all groups showed positive changes up to 12 weeks post-treatment.

Your NYC Chiropractor www.drshoshany.com
Conservative care for your cervical spine.
We utulize Chiropractic care, Cervical spinal decompression and cold laser therapy

Neck pain prevention tips

Dealing With A Pain In The Neck
By: Dr. Jasper Sidhu

HAVE YOU TRIED TRAINING YOUR DEEP NECK MUSCLES?
If you’re suffering from chronic neck pain you definitely know it: Chronic neck pain is consistent pain in the neck lasting for more than six months, and an estimated 7 in 10 adults develop it at some point in their lives. The big question, of course, is what can you do about it? Fortunately, neck pain is usually treated effectively by chiropractors. In fact, recent guidelines on neck pain point to spinal manipulation as a recommended treatment option. It’s also important to recognize that another recommendation is exercises, many of which can be performed at home. Let’s take a look at how the neck muscles relate to neck pain and what you can do about it.

What do you think of when I tell you i’m going to give you exercises for your neck pain? Do you expect advice on general stretches or instruction sheets with simple exercises Perhaps you have a vision of weights attached to your head like the weight-lifters you may have seen in an old movies. the reality is that neck exercises can be gentle and easy to do, and don’t usually require a lot of equipment or time. It begins by understanding why exercises are important for relieving neck pain in the first place.
In general, there is no one cause of neck pain that applies to every patient. If you have chronic neck pain, you may have received a diagnosis of disc herniation, whiplash, strain, sprain, or something else. Regardless, most of these conditions have one thin in common: Certain muscles are affected, and these are the muscles we need to target before progressing to more challenging exercises or activities.

There are certain muscles in the neck that are designed to help us maintain our normal and healthy curve of the spine. In addition, these muscles are designed to hold our head up all day. The technical names of these muscles are the longus capitus and longus colli, more commonly known as the deep neck flexors. They are the muscles that attach to the front of your spine. Because they’re located deep in the front of the neck, we often ignore them. As they say, “Out of sight, our of mind,” but they’re important muscles to consider whenever you’re suffering from neck pain.

In people with chronic neck pain, these muscles are often fatigued a lot quicker than in people without neck pain. That means other muscles pick up the slack and begin working harder. the muscles that begin working harder are the ones we generally end up stretching. Have you ever noticed that when you stretch stiff muscles, they feel good for a short period of time, only to get tight again? The thing is, if you don’t address the other muscles, the ones that get fatigued and gradually stop working, then your stretching program will not work as well. All these muscles need to be in “balance”.

the best way to see if your deep neck flexors fatigue is to try and lift your head off the ground when you are lying down. The technique is simple: Just tuck your chin in to your chest and lift your head off the ground, and then attempt to hold it there for 10 seconds. If the neck begins shaking, or your chin is unable to stay tucked in, then your deep flexors are fatigued and need to be addressed.
For most people with chronic neck pain, this can be a difficult exercise. That’s why you can begin your exercise program by doing simple chin tucks while sitting or standing. Simply tucking your chin in and holding in until you fatigue will help reactivate these muscles. You can start with 12 repetitions of this exercise, working your way up to three sets of 12 repetitions each. Ensure you get adequate rest (several minutes) in between each set.

Once you get comfortable with basic sitting/standing chin tucks, you can try doing the exercise lying down. The goal is to be able to do it 12 times, holding each one until you fatigue. The next goal is to work your way up to three sets of 12 repetitions, with rest in between each set. then work your way to three sets of 15 repetitions and then three sets of 20 repetitions. Remember, this is a marathon, not a race. The goal is to increase the endurance of your muscles rather than their strength. Your neck is designed to carry the weight of your head all day, not to lift trains or buses! that why building up endurance should be your first priority.

Remember, the neck muscles are like any other muscle in our body. With long-term pain or injury, the muscles get weak and get tired quicker. By first “balancing” the weak muscles and increasing their endurance, you will be prepared to progress to more challenging strengthening exercises. As a research and guidelines conclude, combining this with your chiropractic care will lead to the best outcomes and improvement in your chronic neck pain.




DO YOU HAVE CHRONIC NECK PAIN?
TEST YOUR NECK MUSCLES

The following exercises are a great way to test if your deep neck muscles are easily fatigued and thus contributing to your neck pain. they’re also a great way to train the muscles so they don’t fatigues as quickly, which can help relieve your chronic pain.

LYING CHIN TUCK :
Gently lift your head off the flow with your chin tucked in. You should be able to hold this position for 10 seconds. If your chin goes up, head tilts back, or your head begins to shake and you are unable to hold the position, this indicated fatigue of the deep neck muscles, which may be contributing to your pain.

SITTING CHIN TUCK :
Simply tuck the chin in. Make sure you don’t tilt your head forward. Keep chin tucked in and head back. This is a good exercise to start with if you’re suffering from chronic neck pain and are unable to perform lying chin tucks for a sustained period of time.



TAKE-HOME POINTS

In most cases, don’t expect anyone to find a single “cause” for your neck pain.
Stay as active as you can; simple exercises and reducing mental stress can help.
A combination of therapies, including chiropractic care, may be needed.

Source: The Bone and Joint Decade
2001-2010 Task Force on Neck Pain
and Its Associated Disorders

Neck pain treatment in NYC contact www.livingwellnewyork.com
We utilize Chiropractic care, Physical therapy and Medical massage
Neck pain treatment in Manhattan-Chiropractic care,Physical therapy.

Ice or Heat?: What's Good for my Injury?

Have you ever had a sports injury but you weren't sure whether to use heat or cold for pain relief? You'd be surprised how often I hear this question at Living Well Medical in NYC, and with the big game coming up this weekend, it seemed like a good idea to talk about something geared more towards sports medicine and injuries.

So first let's start with the essentials for discussing heat or ice: the different types of pain/injuries. In medical lingo, we have two main categories for pain, acute and chronic. Acute pain is anything that comes on suddenly and lasts for shorter amounts of time. Chronic pain takes longer to develop and can tends to have a much longer duration. Although the amount of time ascribed to each term is sort of arbitrary, 3 or 6 months from the onset of pain are pretty normal markers for the term "chronic."

Anyway, in general, cold or ice are best used for acute injuries because they reduce swelling and pain. Cold temperatures are vaso-constrictive, reducing the amount of blood that can enter a give area of the body. This can help stop muscle spasms by reducing nerve sensitivity.

Heat, on the other hand, is more suited to chronic injuries, for the most part, provided there is no swelling or inflammation. By heating a muscle before an exercise, the muscles become more elastic and have increased blood flow. In general, heat tends to relax muscles. It can also be effective in treating muscle spasms. Moist heat like in a hot towel often seems to do the most good.

There are, of course, some exceptions to these rules. For instance, if you have a chronic knee injury that gets worse after you run and becomes inflamed, cold temperatures are what you need to lower the temperature and swelling.

More importantly, if you have an injury that isn't responding to home treatment like ice or heat, be sure to consult a doctor. At Living Well Medical in NYC, we have years of experience helping athletes and sports enthusiasts get back to the things they love to do. Give us a call at 212-645-8151 if you need help.

- Dr. Shoshany