What causes low back pain?

Low back pain can be caused by a number of factors from injuries to the effects of aging. The spinal cord is protected by the vertebrae, which are made of bone. Between each vertebra are soft discs with a ligamentous outer layer. These discs function as shock absorbers to protect the vertebra and the spinal cord. Many of the problems that cause back pain are the result of herniation and degeneration of the intervertebral disc. Degeneration is a process where wear and tear causes deterioration of the disc. Herniations, or bulging of the disc are protrusions from the disc that press on surrounding nerves, causing pain or numbness.

What is Physical Medicine?

Physical Medicine is a form of medical care that specializes in the treatment, prevention, and diagnosis of pain utilizing a multi-disciplinary team. The combination of medical providers, chiropractors and therapy assistants help decrease pain and restore proper biomechanics and function.

Physical Medicine aids in restoring proper movement to the joints, muscles and spine for a healthier, more pain-free life. Our integrated medical team gives you the best of all healthcare worlds, all under one roof.

Does insurance cover your services?

We accept most insurances and are preferred providers for many carriers. For your convenience, we can provide a complimentary insurance benefits check to see what services are covered at our office. You can always fax us a copy of your insurance card (front and back), along with your date of birth and contact number to 805-520-2948. We'll be happy to check your insurance before you even come in for an appointment and let you know what your coverage includes.

How does your office differ from other medical, physical therapy or chiropractic offices?

We are a very unique facility because we provide medical services, chiropractic, therapy and rehabilitation in one facility. You can receive all physical medicine treatments without having to go to another provider or rehab clinic.

We are also offer a very state-of-the-art physical medicine approach. This means we provide the most modern technology, including computerized chiropractic adjusting instruments, digital x-ray and digital motion x-ray (VF-videofluoroscopy). In addition, we offer cutting edge medical services such as trigger point injections and joint injections without the use of steroids or cortisone. We also have a progressive knee osteoarthritis program where we combine physical medicine and hyaluronic acid injections for pain relief and functional restoration.

Our medical directed team approach allows us to customize a treatment plan that is best for your condition, utilizing all aspects of physical medicine.

What does your "free consultation" include?

We offer free consultations so that we can speak with you briefly about your condition and see if we may be able to help you. If we think we can help you, then we will proceed with our examination and evaluation from all our providers. If we do not think you will benefit from our services, we will let you know that during the consultation and refer you to the appropriate healthcare provider.

You can schedule your no obligation, free consultation by calling our office at 805-520-2929.

If I undergo Spinal Decompression treatment, how long does it take to see results?

Most patients report a reduction in pain after the first few sessions. Typically, significant improvement is obtained by the second week of treatment.

How long does it take to complete Spinal Decompression treatment?

Sessions times are between 30-45 minutes, daily for 5 weeks. Though, the number of sessions may vary depending upon the severity of the condition.

Do I qualify for Spinal Decompression treatment?

Since I began using Spinal Decompression spinal disc decompression unit, I have been inundated with questions from both doctors and patients as to which cases it will best help. Obviously proper patient selection is essential to favorable outcomes, so let me explain to you of the Inclusion and Exclusion criteria so you may make the right decision since not everyone qualifies for Spinal Decompression treatment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• • Pain due to herniated and bulging lumbar discs that is more than four weeks old
• • Recurrent pain from a failed back surgery that is more than six months old.
• • Persistent pain from degenerated disc not responding to four weeks of therapy.
• • Patients available for four weeks of treatment protocol.
• • Patient at least 18 years of age.

Exclusion Criteria:

• • Appliances such as pedicle screws and rods
• • Pregnancy
• • Prior lumbar fusion less than six months old
• • Metastatic cancer
• • Severe osteoporosis
• • Spondylolisthesis (unstable)
• • Compression fracture of lumbar spine below L-1 (recent).
• • Pars defect
• • Pathologic aortic aneurysm.
• • Pelvic or abdominal cancer
• • Disc space infections
• • Severe peripheral neuropathy
• • Hemiplegia, paraplegia, or cognitive dysfunction.

Are there any side effects to the treatment?

Most patients do not experience any side effects. Though, there have been some mild cases of muscle spasm for a short period of time.

What is Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)?

LLLT is the term commonly used to describe the bio-stimulating effects of laser light. LLLT stimulates the body's natural immune and pain controlling responses. Laser light has the ability to penetrate the skin surface and increase cellular activity without damaging any tissue.

How do I get started?

Contact our office at (805) 520-2929 to schedule an initial consultation with the Doctor to determine your individual situation. Medical Evaluation and Diagnostic testing procedures should be performed prior to beginning any treatment in order to determine the most effective process. After carefully studying your case history and exam findings, the Doctor will sit down and explain his recommended plan of action for you. After answering any questions you may have about the recommended plan, you may begin your care.

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