At Centerline Chiropractic Life Center, we take great pride in providing the finest  care to each and every patient. 3 of the most common types of back pain; ruptured disc, acute facet syndrome and spinal stenosis are discussed in this webpage. We have included information below about the different chiropractic services offered in our Centerline chiropractic office to treat these problems; "Cox" flexion distraction, automated decompression, physio therapeutic modalities, "Repex" range of motion therapy, "Med-X" back strengthening and nutrition. Please call us at 586-756-7670 if you have any questions!

Ruptured Disc

Our office has provided help to thousands of people who suffer from spinal disc ruptures. A spinal discs can be compared to an onion slice. The onion slice contains several rings that continue to the core. Spinal discs feature wound rings of cartilage that are similar to these rings of an onion slice. These cartilage rings, called annular rings, hold a ball of jelly like material, called the nucleus, in the center of the disc. As long as these rings hold the jelly ball in the middle of the disc,  function remains normal. 

Movements such as twisting, bending and lifting can cause excessive torque on the annular rings, causing them to crack and tear. This will cause the nucleus to move and shift, usually backward toward the spinal cord and nerve roots. If this should happen to the disc in the lower back, patients may experience lower back pain, leg pain, numbness or weakness in the legs. Pain can intensify with sitting, coughing, sneezing or bowel movements. 

Once diagnosed, a treatment plan including Cox flexion distraction, spinal decompression, galvanic current, nutritional supplementation as well as Med-X back strengthening may be recommended.

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 Acute Facet Syndrome

 This type of back pain is the most common condition that is treated in our office. Sharp, stabbing or knifing are the key words used to describe the type of pain this condition creates. Sudden onset is typical and the cause is usually benign. Patients often say "Doc...I just bent over the sink to brush my teeth and I felt a twinge in my lower back".

The spinal joints, called facet joints, can jam against each other triggering an irritation and subsequent inflammation. This is a rapid, progressing process that can lead to disabling back pain within minutes to hours.

What happens during the next 12 hours is critical!

Many patients make the mistake of applying heat and resorting to bed rest. The reality is, this condition requires immediate ice therapy and mobilization of the affected vertebra. At our office,  "Pro-Adjuster"...a form of rapid mobilization, "Repex"...a form of slow mobilization, electric muscle stimulus with ice therapy to reduce inflammation, stretching exercises and  back bracing are the most common therapies used to treat this condition. Once the patient is 80% improved, the Med-X system of back strengthening may be recommended.

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 Spinal Stenosis

A condition caused by advanced degenerative changes of the spine. Pressures to the spinal cord and spinal nerve roots result in debilitating neck or lower back pain and usually involves the extremities.

The compartment spaces on the inside of the spine become narrow as the spinal discs become thinner. Combine this with ligament thickening and osteoarthritis of the spine, and you get a condition known as spinal stenosis. The structures that occupy these compartment spaces, namely the spinal cord and the spinal nerve roots, become compressed, and this leads to the symptoms that have been discussed.

Creating space in the spinal compartments is the primary challenge the doctor is confronted with. "Pro-Adjuster" rapid mobilization, Cox flexion distraction, automated decompression, "Repex" flexion therapy, muscle stimulus with heat therapy and Med-X back strengthening are the most common techniques recommended for this condition.

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 Our Techniques

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Cox Flexion Distraction

It is hard to argue that Cox flexion distraction is the most effective conservative treatment for spinal disc rupture and spinal stenosis. This technique was invented by Dr. James Cox of Fort Wayne, Indiana. This technique utilizes level specific, manually delivered spinal decompression.

Unlike most of the advertized decompression therapies you see today, this technique utilizes a hands on approach that allows for spine level specific treatment of the affected disc rupture.

The treatment hand of the doctor is placed on the vertebra above the disc rupture and the operating hand is used to move the table downward, creating flexion of the spine coupled with a joint specific decompression. Unlike automated decompression tables that provide a generalized decompression to the entire lumbar spine, the manually applied Cox flexion distraction technique affords the doctor pin point precision to treat a specific level disc ruptures and spinal stenosis.

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 Automated Decompression

After our patients are treated with the Cox method of decompression, we may recommend 1 to 2 units (10 or 20 minutes) of additional decompression in our extended therapy department. This additional treatment allows for general spinal disc pressure reductions and may reduce the healing time associated with spinal disc ruptures. Each spinal disc case is unique to the individual and a treatment plan will be recommended based on the subjective complaints of the patient and the objective findings of the doctor.

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Pro-Adjuster

 The Pro-Adjuster is the most up to date, technologically advanced equipment available in the chiropractic profession today. This effective technique is painless and utilizes computer analysis to test and treat painful and debilitating spinal misalignments using a gentle repetitive mechanical force to help mobilize fixated spinal joints known as facet syndrome.

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Physio Therapy

Therapeutic Ultrasound:

This treatment utilizes low frequency sound waves to provide a form of deep penetrating heat. Heating pads that are applied to the surface of the body provide only minimal penetration as opposed to the effects of therapeutic ultrasound. This technique is used to treat pain associated with inflammation such as bursitis, tendonitis and muscle spasm.

Electric Muscle Stimulus:

Galvanic Current:

Galvanism is a continuous one directional current of low voltage that is used in acute conditions of sciatica or leg pain. Sciatica is usually the symptomatic result of a spinal disc rupture. Positive galvanism has a sedative effect in that it reduces pain, decreases hemorrhage (bleeding) and reduces inflammation. Negative galvanism increases circulation and reduces pain in chronic conditions.

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 Med-X Back Strengthening:

This program is designed to strengthen the core musculature that supports the spinal column. It usually begins when the patient has realized approximately eighty percent improvement of their lower back problem. To achieve long lasting control, especially for recurring back problems, it is important to implement the following 3 step program. First is spinal mobilization. Second is spinal decompression. Third is spinal strengthening!

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