In February of 1998 I underwent back surgery for spinal stenosis and initially I experienced excellent results. By April of 2006 I began experiencing constant severe burning pain in the right buttock that radiated in to my groin and down my right leg a calf. On May 28,2006 I was examined by my family MD who felt that the pain I was experiencing was the result of an inflamed sacroiliac joint. I was prescribed Darvocet and told we would take a “wait and watch” approach. The Darvocet provided me with little relief and on August 9, 2006 I had an MRI of my low back. Upon review of the MRI with my MD I was advised to start attending back clinics at (RPH) my local hospital or to consult a chiropractor. So on August 25, 2006 I presented to Dr. Horn’s office with severe back pain that I rated as a 9/10. I was examined and x-rays were taken of my spine. With the findings of his exam Dr. Horn recommended Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy. I began Decompressoin Therapy on August 29, 2006 at a frequency of 2 times per week. The pain persisted but at a much lower 4-6 out of 10 intensity. September 15, 2006 there was a noticeable change in my discomfort level, the pain was occurring at less frequent intervals and was more “achy” than “burning”. By September 21, 2006 my discomfort level had decreased to a 3/10 and the pain that I did experience was now in the late afternoon or early evening rather than all day. October 1, 2006 was the first day since April that I was almost totally pain free. October 10, 2006 continued to improve each week the pain was now coming and going and at worst it was an achy 2-3/10. October 17, 2006 I had experienced a very good weekend. I had very little discomfort at this time in fact at this point I was virtually pain free. I would occasionally experience slight discomfort in the early evening that at worst would be a 2/10. At this point I had discontinued any prescription medications and overall was greatly improved.

                                                                                              --B. M.  73 year old female--

For the last 15 years I have been an avid runner and worked out on a daily basis. In the winter of 2005 I started to experience lower back pain that went down my leg. It progressively got worse and by later that same year I was unable to do normal, everyday chores. Even walking more than a few steps caused increased pain and I couldn’t sleep through the night.

In February 2006, a chiropractor told me after reading my MRI that the pain was caused by a herniated disc at L4-5 region. I received a second opinion from a neurologist and his prognosis was surgery. The medical doctor placed me on steroids, muscle relaxers and pain medication and told me to come back in a month. After researching about herniated discs and talking to many individuals that already had gone through with back surgery, I was able to find an alternative solution. That is when I was introduced to Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy at Horn Family Chiropractic.

I must say that I was skeptical at first, but after learning about the risks, I didn’t want to resort to surgery. I met with staff members at Horn Family Chiropractic and after going through the examination and compatibility test, I was placed on a treatment protocol. In only my second week of treatment I could decrease my pain medications, and by my third week I was able to go off all pain meds and was feeling like myself again.

It has now been 6 months since I have completed my treatments and I feel great. I am back to running and working out and basically doing everything I was accustomed to doing in the past prior to experiencing my lower back and leg pain.

The positive part of this treatment is that I did not have to take any sick time away from work, or go through with the risk of surgery and the potential for the formation of scar tissue. Since going through Decompression Therapy, I feel great.

The down side of this procedure is that I miss the staff at the center.  Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression worked for me and I would recommend it to anyone who is having low back and leg pain that won’t go away.

                                                                                                                           -- CH --

Failed Low Back Surgery

A 51 year old, 6’, 200lb, machine operator suffering from severe low back and leg pain for over 6 years presented to Horn Family Chiropractic for a low back compatibility test. His history reveals a previous lumbar laminectomy performed at the L4-L5 level in the year 2000. Since the surgery, he has complained LBP and weakness in his right foot which causes him to drag his toes and slap his foot down when walking. A post surgical MRI performed in July 2002 revealed disc bulging from L2-L4 accompanied with an L4-L5 disc protrusion. Patient states that his job requires him to stand on concrete for 8-10 hours a day, repetitively twisting, turning, bending, lifting, pushing and pulling. The low back and leg pain he has been suffering with since before the surgery in July of 2000 has limited his effectiveness in completing daily activity, both at work and at home. The patient stated he decided to try non-surgical spinal decompression because he was very frustrated with the constant pain and minimal/ temporary relief he experienced from the low back surgery, the medication his doctor recommended, chiropractic and physical therapy treatments, all of which failed to help alleviate his pain. On a pain scale of 0 to 10, with 10 being the worst, he described his pain as debilitating and rated it a 10. After completing the recommended treatment protocol, he no longer suffers from any low back and leg pain due to correction of his biomechanical dysfunction and strengthened musculature. His ability to bend, twist and turn is now performed pain free. He states that the quality of his life at home and work has improved 110 %.

Had to Use a Cane to Walk

A 79 year old, 5’10”, 218lb retired male with debilitating low back pain and bilateral leg pain presented to Horn Family Chiropractic. He described the pain as a severe ache in his low back which becomes sharp with twisting, turning, bending and lifting. He described the pain as burning sensation radiating down both legs. His low back and leg pain became progressively worse over the last 2 years. He could no longer golf which is his favorite activity, and forced him to periodically use a cane to help when walking. MRI’s of his lumbar spine revealed advanced degeneration, moderate spinal stenosis and disc protrusions at all lumbar levels. Due to the risks involved in surgery and the limited success with patients his age and with this severe a condition in his spine, surgery was no longer an option for him. After completing the non-invasive non-surgical spinal decompression treatment protocol, he now has minimal low back pain and is again at full function. More importantly, he now enjoys a much more active lifestyle and the ability to do what he loves to do. He is currently employed at a golf course as a starter and is again able to golf.

Had Disc Herniation due to Work Injury

A 46 year old, 6’1’’, 191lb male working as carpenter injured his low back while at work when he attempted to lift a heavy saw off the floor, which resulted in a sudden sharp pain in his lower back. His pain not only limited his productivity at work, but restricted his ability to sleep comfortably or engage in social activities. His MRI report revealed degenerative disc, disc bulging, and neural canal stenosis, visible at multiple levels. The neurologists told him that surgery was the only option left because he had already been taking pain medications and had went through a low back treatment protocol with a Physical Therapist, both of which only gave him mild and temporary relief. He decided that due to the risks and low success rates associated with low back surgery, he would search for other treatment options. He heard about non-surgical spinal decompresson at Horn Family Chiropractic and came in for a compatibility test. His pain scale was at 9 out of 10 when he was initially evaluated and his low back strength and flexibility was limited. After completing the  recommended treatments, his flexibility greatly improved and his pain decreased to a 1 out of 10. He has regained his strength and is now able to work virtually pain free. He was able to return to hunting on his days off and spending quality time with the family without being in constant pain. He wants everyone to know that he would highly recommend the non-surgical spinal decompression to anyone who has been suffering with low back pain.

Needed Assistance to Change Clothes or Move Around

A 43 year old, 5’11’, 190 lb male working as a construction worker has been suffering with debilitating low back and left leg pain which was the result of a work injury, and the pain progressively became worse. He had been suffering with severe low back and left leg pain and spasms which restricted him from moving without experiencing tremendous pain. He could not tie his shoes, get up out of a chair, or dress himself without the assistance of his wife. Coughing, bending, sitting or moving in bed became an extremely uncomfortable experience. He described the pain as a burning numbness sensation with weakness and a loss of muscle strength in his left leg. Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression was recommended by his chiropractor. On his initial consultation, he rated his pain as debilitating 10 out of 10. His MRI revealed a large L4-5 disc herniation causing encroachment and pinching on the L5 nerve root, accompanied with lumbar facet disease L4-S1. Orthopedic and neurological evaluation revealed weakness and sensory changes. He was elated with his ability to return to light duty at work in just 3 days, and was working normally after 2 weeks with his pain level decreased down to a 1-2. His low back pain was no longer in control of his life, and he was again able to enjoy the things he was used to doing. His employer was also very pleased with his results and how quickly it helped one of his experienced personnel.

Hard Laborer with Advanced Degeneration

An 84 year old retired foundry worker suffered from chronic low back and leg pain for over 32 years. His job required him to lift metal molds, bend over, carry, and push and pull heavy objects throughout the day. The repetitive strain and trauma from this labor intensive work eventually took a toll on his spine. He took pain medications which only provided temporary relief and irritated his stomach. He went through both chiropractic and physical therapy treatments for many years as they were able to help relieve some of his discomfort. Unfortunately, the damage that was done to his spine with hard labor had finally caught up with him. The X-rays of his low back showed advanced disc degeneration and stenosis at multiple levels. The pain gradually worsened, and it was having a negative impact on his ability to walk or perform simple activities at home such as dressing himself. Frustrated with the restrictions from the low back and leg pain, he researched different avenues to help. On his initial visit at Horn Family Chiropractic, he demonstrated a limited range of motion in his low back, tight hamstrings, and weak low back musculature. He stated his pain ranged from a constant ache to a sharp/stabbing feeling with movement that he rated at 9 out of 10. He began non-surgical spinal decompression and made large improvements within 3 weeks of care. Upon completion of the recommended protocol, he no longer had any pain and was stronger and more flexible. More importantly, he was able to walk, do household chores, and regain the independence that his pain had taken away from him.

Previous Auto Accidents and Low Back Surgery

A 59 year old female presented to Horn Family Chiropractic with low back and bilateral leg pain that had became severe and debilitating. She had a history of several auto accidents, chronic low back pain, and a laminectomy surgery for a herniated disc in her low back in 1983. She states that she was incapacitated and bed ridden for 6 months after the surgery, and since then her low back had a constant nagging low back pain with numbness and tingling in both legs. She worked as a secretary for the past 20 years living each day in pain. It had become very difficult to sit at work due to the spasms and low back and leg discomfort. The pain was not only affecting her productivity at work, but was limiting her ability to engage in any personal social activities or daily walks for exercise. She stated she was gaining weight due her inability to exercise and had become increasingly fatigued due to diminished quality of sleep from the pain she was suffering with. After a consultation with a neurosurgeon, his recommendation was to continue with the pain meds and to try another low back surgery. She heard about the non-surgical spinal decompression from one of her friends and decided to give it a try. On a 0-10 pain scale she was a 10. She was unable to sit or stand for any period of time with out experiencing severe pain. She states that any sudden movements while in bed increased her pain. After only 3 months of care with Horn Family Chiropractic, she now rates her pain at a 1-2. She states that this is the best she has felt since before she injured herself over 22 years ago. She states that her life has changed at work and especially at home where she is able to do house hold chores without that nagging low back and leg pain.

Previous Low Back Laminectomy Surgery

A 41 year old female systems analyst presented to the office with low back and right leg pain. She had severe low back spasm with a shooting pain radiating down her leg. She needed help to get up from seated position and was unable to walk without assistance. She suffered from severe muscle twitches and spasms in her lower leg that kept her awake at night. She also noticed leg weakness that made her feel as her legs were going to “give out” from under her. She had a history of back pain, and went through a laminectomy surgery in 2000. A recent MRI report from Oct. 2005 revealed severe degeneration throughout the lumbar spine and a disc bulge at L4-L5. Her initial evaluation revealed a pain scale rating of 10, and after 2 weeks of non-surgical spinal decompression, she was down to a 4 and was only working 2-4 hours per day. After 1 month of treatment her pain level has diminished to a 2, and she has returned to a full 8 hour day. Patient states that she is ecstatic and very pleased with her treatment outcome so far. Of all the past treatments she has received, which has included physical therapy, pain medication, chiropractic, and her previous surgery she states nothing has been as successful in returning her to an active lifestyle like non-surgical spinal decompression therapy.

Previous Physical Therapy, Pain Medications and Injections

A 51 year old male, 5’10’’, 215lb with the chief complaint of lower back, hip and leg pain. He described a constant dull, achy, burning sensation that got worse by the end of the day. He had a 10 year history of lower back problems, bilateral hip and leg pain. His back was irritated by sitting or standing for any extended period of time. He has taken pain medications, received spinal injections, and received physical therapy for pain management prior to coming to Horn Family Chiropractic. Imaging studies showed degeneration throughout the lumbar spine and sacroiliac joint, with a spondylolisthesis of L4. Patient had a previous history of cervical disc herniation and underwent anterior fusion of C7-T1. He completed a low back disability questionnaire and scored a 26/50, considered a severe disability. Lumbar range of motion was restricted and painful with movement. On his initial visit his pain was rated at 10, and after 25 non-surgical spinal decompressoin visits he rated his pain at 1.

Teenager with Family History of Low Back Pain

A 16 year old female basketball player experienced low back and right leg pain down to the knee since a fall at summer basketball camp. MRI report revealed a small central disc protrusion at L2-3 and L4-5 with small central canal stenosis at L4-5. Her family has a history of low back pain, and both her mother and aunt had both had disc problems in their neck and low back. The patient has undergone physical therapy and has taken pain and anti-inflammatory medications prescribed by her medical doctor, both of which resulted in minimal relief. The patient was then told she might not be able to play her junior year of basketball. Her initial evaluation she rated her pain at 6 on the 1-10 pain scale. After 20 treatments with non-surgical spinal decompression, she had reached full functional capability in her strength and range of motion in her low back, and rated her pain at 0-1. She has successfully completed her junior year and is now competing in her senior year without any pain or restrictions.

Experienced Female Runner

Patient presented with severe left sciatic pain radiating into her left gluteal region down her left leg to her foot causing a tingling sensation. A thorough evaluation revealed that she did not experience any low back pain. She is a fit, 50 year old female, 5’3” 130lbs and was an avid runner prior to this condition. Her pain had been constant for 6 months before she went for an MRI of her lumbar spine which revealed L4-5 central extruded disc herniation and discogenic disease with endplate osteitis, and facet arthrosis from L2-5. She could no longer exercise, and the pain down her leg prevented her from getting any sleep. She tried to limit her medications, but needed to take 2 Advil in the morning and before bed to help make the pain manageable. She completed a Low Back Disability Index Questionnaire revealing a severe disability. Her sciatic condition causes her to experience increased pain while washing or dressing, when walking more than a ½ mile, and when sitting or standing for more than 10 minutes. She also had a disturbed gait with her left leg taking a shorter stride when walking. She rated her sciatic discomfort level 4/10 when at its best, and many times was flared up to 7-8 out of 10. Straight leg raiser, Valsalva, Kemps, Faber Patrick and Heel/Toe walk tests were negative. Milgrams tests caused an increase in left gluteal and leg pain. After completing the compatibility test, she began non-surgical spinal decompression. Her pain decreased from the initial 7-8/10 and decreased to 3/10 after 6 treatments. After 20 treatments, she was no longer experiencing any discomfort and was able to get a full night’s sleep and sit at work all day without any problems. She chose to continue with supportive care to help further strengthen, stabilize, and prevent any exacerbations in her condition. She has yet to experience any sciatic discomfort with her continued Lordex treatments.

Previous Nerve Blocks and Pain Medication

A 73 year old female patient, 5’3”, 180 lbs, was suffering from chronic lower back and sciatic pain on and off for 15 years. One year prior to beginning treatment her discomfort was getting worse and was sporadic, ranging from moderate to severe. She stated that standing in one spot for extended periods of time or reaching upward into the kitchen cabinet caused increased low back pain. Her sciatic pain level ranges widely, from 3-9/10. Walking 200 yards to her mailbox could increase her low back and sciatic pain to an 8/10 pain level. The pain was primarily on the left side of her lower back radiating down her left leg. She stated that she had 2 nerve block injections which helped minimally only for a short period of time, and she continued to take Advil on a daily basis. She had MRI’s completed which revealed severe facet joint hypertrophic osteoarthropathy from L3-5, with the L4-5 level there is circumferential protrusion of the disc margins, with foraminal and central spinal canal stenosis from L4-S1, and foraminal nerve root impingement noted bilaterally. Prior to visiting Horn Family Chiropractic, she went to an orthopedic surgeon for a consult and did not want to go through such an invasive procedure. During the initial exam and compatibility test, she had positive Kemps and Valsalva orthopedic tests, with increased pain when transitioning from sitting to standing. She completed a Low Back Disability Index Questionnaire and scored a moderate/severe disability rating. Once starting non-surgical spinal deompression treatments, her low back strength and stability improved with the RX1 machine, and her low back pain decreased to a minimal 0-1 out of 10 rating after 8 treatments. Her low back pain remained mild to non-existent for the rest of her 25 treatments, and has continued with supportive care at 1 visit per month to help maintain the health of her discs.

Female Office Worker

Patient is a 51 year old female patient who has been under regular chiropractic care, 5’7” tall, 190lbs. She woke up on a Saturday morning with severe low back pain that was shooting down into her lateral thighs to the knee area, which became even worse the following day. She presented to the office stating that she feels something is “going to rip apart” in her low back. She stated that prescription pain meds have helped minimally. She rated the low back pain at a constant 5 of 10, and any time she tries to stand up from a sitting position the pain reached 8-9/10. During the compatibility test, her lumbar range of motion was decreased and painful in all directions. Orthopedic tests revealed positive Milgrams, Straight Leg Raiser, Braggards, and Valsalva tests, with pain becoming severe in her low back and down her legs bilaterally. She also exhibited a positive Minor’s sign. When she started her Lordex treatments, she could barely perform back extension exercises on the RX1 even at the lightest resistance. After 10 treatments she was no longer experiencing any low back or leg discomfort and she had made marked improvements in the strength and flexibility of her low back. She had full function and was able to move around, stand from a seated position, and bend over to pick up objects without pain or difficulty.

Heavy Machine Construction Worker

Patient is a 44 year old male, 5’10”, 205lbs who works as a contractor with construction presented with chronic low back pain that has been getting worse and has affected him on and off for many years. On the initial compatibility test his low back pain was at 5/10 that was bothering constantly throughout the work day, especially when he tries to complete bent over activities such as cutting wood or shoveling dirt when the pain can reach 8/10. When his low back is flared up after a hard day of work he cannot bend over to put on his shoes and socks without a great deal of pain. He has experienced episodes when his left thigh gets numb with the discomfort radiating down to his foot and he states it feels like it is going to sleep. He is an occasional smoker and drinks about 2 cups of tea or coffee daily. Lumbar orthopedic testing revealed positive Kemps on the left and positive Valsalva test. Lumbar range of motion was slightly decreased and painful on forward flexion. Other lumbar ranges of motion were normal, with pain at end range of left and right rotation and left lateral flexion. He began non-surgical spinal decompression and after 2 treatments he stated that his low back was the best it had felt in over a year. He continued treatments without slowing down on his daily activities and he was able to climb up and down poles, dig, cut wood with a chainsaw, and was generally very active throughout treatment. As he went through with the treatment protocol, the quality of his pain changed from a sharp to a dull ache, decreased in intensity level, and the frequency of flare ups was drastically reduced. By the end of the program his lower back and leg flexibility increased, along with increased strength and endurance. After completing the program he continued with monthly treatments to help prevent any aggravations and keep him fully functional with minimal discomfort.

Manager and EMT

Patient is a 46 year old male, 5’11” and 265 pounds. He presented with lower back pain that has become severe the previous 4 months after trying to start a weed eater. The pain radiated down into his right thigh towards his knee. Physical therapy didn’t help, and pain killers were beginning to lose there effectiveness. He states that he researched treatments on the internet and found that it seemed to be a logical treatment for his problem. He states he could not drive more than 30 to 45 minutes at a time and he was unable to participate in his children’s athletic activities. Simple daily activities such as climbing stairs became very painful. He worked as an EMT and at another job that required a lot of bending and lifting, and soon it become very difficult to get through the day. He went for an MRI which revealed extruded discs at the L3-4 and L4-5 levels, which caused encroachment on the L3-4 neural foramen on the right. Once he began non-surgical spinal decompression, it did not take long before he made marked improvements. He states he was soon able to run, climb stairs, drive much longer periods of time and get thru the work day with much less distress. When asked if he would recommend non-surgical spinal decompression to others, he answered a definitive YES. He then stated that from the first treatment to present, he has become pain free, regained mobility and agility to perform physical activities.

Retired Accountant

Patient is a 64 year old, 5’6” and 195 pound active female. She stated that she has always enjoyed being active and engaging in recreational activities, especially golf. She has been experiencing chronic lower back pain on and off for 15 years, however it started become much more severe in the 6 months prior to coming to Horn Family Chiropractic. She started to experience shooting pain down her legs, numbness in her thighs with extended periods of standing, and limited ability to drive in a vehicle. Most important to her was the impact it had on her ability to play golf. Her pain level ranged from 5-8 out of 10, depending on her activity. A previous MRI from over ten years ago revealed a left sided L5/S1 disc bulge. Examination revealed diminished patellar reflexes bilaterally, lumbar range of motion that was slightly restricted and caused her discomfort at end ranges. Orthopedic tests revealed increased discomfort with Milgrams tests and Straight Leg Raiser revealed tight hamstrings. Once she began treatments, she made steady progress with a couple occasions of increased discomfort in her left SI joint region. At completion of the program, she stated that her back felt excellent and it was the best it has felt in many years with a pain level of 0-1 out of 10. She was now able to complete outdoor household chores which included gardening, cutting the grass and using the week trimmer due to her increased strength and flexibility.

Mother running daycare

Patient is a 31 year old female that is kept busy running a daycare along with 3 of her own children. She presented to the office with severe right lower back and hip pain that radiated down her right leg with constant stabbing in her right ankle region. She rated the pain at 9 out of 10 and was considered to have a severe disability based on her Low Back Disability Index Questionnaire. She had previously tried physical therapy and was sent home with a TENS unit for over 1 month. She was finally contemplating having surgery as her neurosurgeon recommended it to her as the only viable option left. And MRI revealed a large right paracentral disc extrusion with compromise to the right neural foraminal opening. Once beginning non-surgical spinal decompression she slowly made improvements with multiple periods of exacerbation. She was initially frustrated, but continued with her treatments and made steady improvements in her strength and flexibility. After 18 visits, she was strong enough to complete her daily work and home chores without her previous difficulty. After further treatment, she was able to return to working full time with a mild pain rating 3 out of 10. She stated that 8 months prior to completing treatment she never thought she would be able to take care of small children again.

Work Injury

Patient is a 25 year old male, 6’ 230 pounds who initially presented with sharp, burning, and stinging pain in his lower back. The pain frequently radiated down his left leg which prevented him from engaging in his normal daily work activities. His problem began after a work related injury when he slipped and fell while carrying a ladder. His pain was severe which he rated 9 out of 10 and the pain would radiate down his left leg. He was unable to work due to limitations in bending, twisting, sitting or lifting. He completed a Low Back Disability Index Questionnaire and scored a severe disability. Lumbar ROM was restricted and painful on all ranges, and he showed a positive Minor’s sign. He started with Chiropractic adjustment and was experiencing limited pain relief. Once beginning non-surgical spinal decompression he started to make steady improvements. Within 10 treatments his lower back pain diminished to a 1-2 out of 10 and his left leg improved to a 5/10 which allowed him to return to work. With further treatment both his lower back and leg pain continued to improve and by completion of the recommended 25 visits he was at 1 out of 10. He states he was also very happy that he was able to race his ATV with more strength and flexibility than he had before his injury.

Contractor and business owner

Patient is a 6’, 205 pound male who is very busy running an electrical contracting company. He presented to Horn Family Chiropractic with moderate lower back pain that was starting to inhibit his ability to work his physical job. Repetitive bending, lifting, climbing telephone poles and other work related activities were becoming very difficult and the pain could reach 8/10. Bending over to put on his shoes and socks also became very uncomfortable. He states he does not like taking any medication and even though he only took his prescription strength ibuprofen when necessary, it was no longer doing much to relieve his pain. His pain occasionally radiated down to his left thigh causing a numbing and painful discomfort as if his leg was falling asleep. His MRI revealed moderate disc protrusion at L5-S1, broad based disc bulge at L4-5, and a small extruded disc herniation from L3-4. Due to the severity of degeneration in his spine, it was recommended to him that surgery was necessary. It was at this time he started to look for other avenues to help with his back. Once he began the non-surgical spinal decompression, his periods of increased lower back pain and stiffness diminished and he was able to complete some of his long 16 hour work days with minimal discomfort. He noticed large improvements in his flexibility and lumbar range of motion, and he was no longer experiencing the numbness in his thigh when standing on the telephone poles for extended periods of time. After completing his initial course of treatments, he was very satisfied with his response. However, due to the high degree of physical labor his job requires, he decided to continue to receive treatment on a reduced schedule in order to allow him to perform all the necessary tasks required of his business. He stated that non-surgical spinal decompression helped not only get his normal life back, but also helped save his business by allowing him to complete some “hands on” activity.

Laborer

Patient is a 5’3”, 165 pound female with chronic lower back pain that was radiating down her right leg to the top of her foot. MRI’s revealed a disc bulge at L4-L5 and a disc rupture at L5-S1. It was stated by her surgeon that the only chance for the nerve to recover is to decompress the nerve root and he recommended a L5-S1 discectomy. During the non-surgical spinal decompression examination and compatibility test, she stated her LBP was getting more severe over the past few weeks and was radiating down her right leg to the top of her right foot into her big toe region. She described her pain as both achy and sharp that becomes worse with mostly all daily home and work activities such as bending or lifting. She stated the pain had become so severe that she tried to sleep a night without pain medication and was up most of the night almost in tears. She rated her pain level at 8-9 out of 10 and it bothered her constantly (76 to 100% of the time). She completed a Low Back Disability Index Questionnaire and scored 32/50, considered a severe disability. Orthopedic testing revealed a positive Milgrams, Straight Leg Raiser, Braggards, and Valsalva with increased pain on the right lower back and leg. Most lumbar ranges of motion were restricted with increased pain at end range, and muscle testing revealed that she had weak right foot dorsiflexion which prevented her from being able to walk on her heels and caused by right foot drop. Strength on RX1 was limited to the minimal levels. She began treatment and her pain level steadily improved. By her 10^th treatment her pain level reduced to a 2-3 out of 10 with both improved strength. After her 20^th visit, her pain level was rated 0-1 out of 10 with markedly improved strength and flexibility. She continued to be careful when lifting or performing more intensive labor at work, but she states she could now complete a full work shift with minimal aggravation. She was very satisfied because she was not only much better, but she was able to avoid the surgery.

Retiree

Patient is a 78 year old male, 5’9” and 220 pounds. He presented to the office using crutches to help him walk due to his severe right lower back, hip and buttock pain radiating down to his ankle. He injured his back 4 weeks previous by using a snow blower during a winter storm and yanking the machine backward. He initially felt a sharp, knifelike pain which continued to bother him afterward during any normal activities and prevented him from getting any sleep. He was taking 4 extra strength Tylenol daily and it only allowed for minimal relief. He stated that he experienced lower back pain on and off for many years and previous adjustments from his Chiropractor normally helped, but since this recent episode started he has found no relief. He rated the pain at 8-9 out of 10 and it bothered him constantly. Orthopedic testing revealed a positive straight leg raiser and iliac compression on the right with a positive Minor’s sign. Muscle testing revealed his right leg was weaker when compared to the left on extension, flexion and dorsiflexion. Lower back strength was moderate when tested on RX1 machine. He began treatment and made steady improvement decreasing his pain level to a 3-4/10 in his lower back and 8/10 in his hip after 10 treatments. After 25 non-surgical spinal decompression treatments he had no lower back pain, no pain radiating down his right leg, and some mild right hip pain. His lower back strength became excellent and he was using close to maximal resistance on the RX1. He continued with further maintenance treatments and has been experiencing no pain to date. HE last stated this was the best he had felt and he was very happy with his results.

Retiree and Enthusiastic Golfer

Patient is a 64 year old, 5’3” 195 pound female. Patients LBP has been getting worse over the past 10 years, occasionally radiating down her left leg. Transitioning from sitting to standing and daily household chores could cause increased pain. Standing for extended periods causes her to experience numbness in her thigh bilaterally, with the left worse than the right. LBP rated at 4/10 most of the time, occasionally peaking at 8-9/10. She has been taking 1000mg of nabumetone (generic Relafen) daily to help keep her pain level more manageable. She stated that she used to be able to spend all day traveling in a vehicle, but her pain began to limit her to no more than one hour. She initially scored a 15/50 on the Low Back Index Questionnaire, considered a moderate disability. A previous MRI from 10+ years ago revealed a L5-S1 left sided disc bulge. Lumbar range of motion was good during her initial exam, with pain at end ranges of left and right lateral flexion. She stated that when exacerbated, all lumbar ROM are painful and limited. Patient completed a 25 visit protocol and was essentially pain free at 0-1/10 by her final few weeks of treatment. She stated that by the end of her treatment her strength and flexibility had improved and she was able to play many rounds of golf per week pain free.

Retired High School teacher and avid golfer

Patient is a 65 year old male, 5’6” 180lb male. He presents with central lower back pain that does not radiate down his leg, but can cause occasional left foot drop. He states this is noticeable when walking in the snow or on the golf green where he can see toe marks left behind from dragging his foot. He states he had a severe bout of lower back pain in 1997 that caused right thigh numbness and forced him to lie down on the floor for a few weeks. At this time he took strong prescription pain killers for 6 weeks to keep the pain manageable. Since that episode, his low back pain level fluctuated ranging from 4 to 9 out of 10 depending on activity level. He has been trying to complete some lower body stretches and walking about a mile daily to improve his health. His lower back disability score was 17/50, considered a moderate disability. Lumbar ROM was restricted to 70’ on forward flexion and decreased on right lateral flexion with pain at end ranges of motion. It was initially recommended for him to complete a 25 visit treatment protocol. During this time his pain level ranged from 4 to 2 out of 10 with marked improvement in hamstring flexibility and lower back strength. He continued for another 5 treatments which were all stable at a 2/10. He was satisfied with his functional improvements and ability to play golf more often with much less muscular fatigue and lower back pain at the end of his games.