Low Back Pain (…or is it?)

Have you ever had leg pain and immediately blamed your low back? Me too! Many patients (and unfortunately, many doctors) conclude this to be “sciatica” or a “pinched nerve.” When this diagnosis is wrong, it can lead to an inappropriate type of treatment, delaying appropriate care, or worse, it may result in death due to a missed diagnosis of a blood clot. There is currently a government campaign seeking to warn the public about this hard-to-diagnose 'silent killer.'



Here’s the news flash that was recently released (updated 8:28 a.m. CT, Mon., Sept. 15, 2008): “WASHINGTON - Far too many Americans are dying of dangerous blood clots that can masquerade as simple leg pain, says a major new government effort to get both patients and their doctors to recognize the emergency in time.”

"It's a silent killer. It's hard to diagnose," said acting Surgeon General Dr. Steven Galson, who announced the new campaign Monday. "I don't think most people understand that this is a serious medical problem or what can be done to prevent it."


Blood clots make headlines when seemingly healthy people collapse after prolonged sitting, such as long airplane flights or being in similarly cramped quarters. Vice President Cheney suffered one after a long trip last year. NBC correspondent David Bloom died of one in 2003 after spending days inside a tank while covering the Iraq invasion.

According to the Surgeon General’s new campaign, there are about 100,000 deaths associated with blood clots each year. Risk factors include increasing age (especially over 65), recent surgery or fracture, falls, car crashes, prolonged bed rest, smokers, obesity, pregnancy, and hormone replacement drugs including birth control pills. Other less controllable causes can include genetic conditions so it is important to tell your doctor if a relative has ever suffered a blood clot.

People with these factors should have "a very low threshold" for calling a doctor or even going to the emergency room if they have symptoms of a clot, said Galson, who issued a "call to action" for better education of both consumers and doctors, plus more research.

Symptoms include swelling; pain, especially in the calf; or a warm spot or red or discolored skin on the leg; shortness of breath or pain when breathing deeply. Unfortunately, studies suggest only a third of patients who need protective blood thinners for major surgery get them. And patients can even be turned away despite telltale symptoms, like what happened to Le Keisha Ruffin just weeks after the birth of her daughter, Caitlyn. In her case, after being turned down by several visits to the doctor and ER, only after a very hot bath did her leg swell to 3-4 times its normal size, tipping off the doctors to make the right diagnosis.

Don’t wait for your medical doctor or our office to make the diagnosis if you’re suspicious of a blood clot. Ask us if it’s a possibility. Rest assured that we have been properly trained to diagnose this condition and we work with other health care providers when needed.

YOU MAY BE A CANDIDATE FOR DRUG FREE RELIEF!
FOR A FREE NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION CALL 633-8756

Eating Right For Optimum Health

If you read the last blog post you learned there are 5 things you must do to achieve your best health and also maintain it: 1) Eat right 2) Exercise 3) manage their stress level 4) Get proper rest 5) maximize their nervous system potential by getting their spine checked.


Today we are going to expand on Eating Right...

Let’s clear up something right now, I’m not a big fan of any serious diet plans out there. Especially one’s that starve you and one’s that advertise still eating a dessert after every meal or a chocolate shake for breakfast. First, everything in moderation. It’s fine to drink a glass of soda once in a while, just not every night. Same goes for other sweets – make them a treat. Also, if you want a glass of wine with dinner at night that’s ok too, just don’t drink till you are hammered night after night. If you drink a cup of coffee every morning ok, just hold back when going for that 2nd, 3rd, and 4th or more cups; I know who you are. I also see some awfully big cups out there. There is actually some benefits of some of these things, in moderation of course. Second, if you actually believe a no-fat or low fat diet is good, get with the times. Use common sense with what you are eating. They chemically alter these foods to remove the fat or remove something else. And think about it, ever since this low fat diet fad started, people have only gotten fatter. The same goes for unnatural soy, that stuff is chemically engineered from the get go, just so humans can eat it.

Let’s go back to the basics. When we were put on this earth, what did we eat? Did we eat hostess snack cakes, or pilsberry rolls, or in other words all of these complex carbs and sugars – No. We ate fruits and vegetables and meats and all the other good stuff that comes from these plants and trees and animals - natural, unaltered foods, with normal ingredients.

There really is so much to go over on this one subject alone of eating right we will come back to it again soon. I want to stay on track and cover all 5 bases of how to achieve and maintain optimum health 1st.

So keep your eyes open for the next blog on how exercise is another component and why so many out there are just lost when it comes to what to do, when to do it, and how to get started!

...And remember we must do all of these things to stay healthy. Most importantly we have to keep our nervous system healthy because it runs the show! For the body to even absorb all the nutrients it needs, and for each body reaction that takes place, the nervous system needs to be at its best. Chiropractic treatment keeps that nervous system doing it's job. And now with DRX9000 spinal decompression we take natural treatments for the spine and chiropractic to the next level.

The 5 Things You Must Do To Stay Healthy!

There are 5 things one must do to achieve their best health. 1) Eat right 2) Exercise 3) manage their stress level 4) Get proper rest 5) maximize their nervous system potential by getting their spine checked.

With just one of these 5 things missing our health will not reach 100%. For example we can eat great, getting all the important nutrients but constantly live with severe emotional stress and be well below your maximum potential. Or one can have misalignments in his or her spine putting stress on our nervous system thereby not allowing all the parts of the body to use those nutrients in the 1st place.

Before We Can Achieve Anything (Being Healthy!), We Need To Know What That Something Is?.

The definition of health is mental, physical, social or spiritual well being, or normal function, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. In other words - Health is normal function of the body. Just like a plant cannot live without water (nutrients), sunlight, air, and the proper temperature. We cannot live without the proper environment – food (nutrients), water (nutrients), air (exercise replenishes and recycles oxygen), proper rest, and nerve supply.

So what can we do to maintain and improve these 5 things? Keep reading this blog, and next time that is what I will be going over.


If you can't wait and need help with your health NOW!, Call our office at 860-633-8756 or visit us on the web at www.ctbackdr.com.

The Common Answers To Solving Back Pain From a Herniated Or Bulging Disc...And Why They Almost Never Really Work!

Until recently, the only advice for many of you suffering with back pain was to try the following:

-Try Exercises
-Try Physical Therapy
-Try These Pain Medications
-Try Muscle Relaxers
-Try Pain Shots Or An Epidural
-Try Risky/Dangerous Back Surgery
-Try To Live With The Pain

If you're like most, none of these have actually worked for you or you are afraid of what could happen if you do try some of these.

Exercising or exercises at PT makes your pain worse. The muscle relaxers or pain meds just cover the problem up, give you side effects, and only give short term relief.

Pain shots are scary, made things worse, didn't work, didn't last, had side effects as well, and really did nothing to fix the cause of the problem.

Back surgery, if you had it, gave you one of the following outcomes: it made you worse, it din't work, or it actually did help but now your pain has returned worse than ever.

Now there's finally an answer to your low back pain that Does Work!

Whatever your situation, you owe it to yourself to check into this new breakthrough treatment, right here in the Hartford area of Connecticut.

My Doctor Told Me To Lose Weight...Then Come Back And See Him!

Definitely more weight added on to an already unstable or degenerated spine and discs doesn't help but it's rarely the actual cause of your back pain.

Most often, the patient's that are really hurting from back pain or leg pain can't exercise!

Since They Cannot Exercise It's Extremely Hard To Lose Weight!!

The DRX9000 Spinal Decompression machine is designed to handle someone who weighs up to 400lbs, and can treat anyone up to 6'10" tall. At CT Spine And Disc Center we have helped many of those patients that have gained a good deal of weight simply because they were in so much pain they couldn't be active anymore.

Once we got their backs better they were then able to work out, be more active, and therefore take off the pounds!

If your back or leg pain has caused you to stop being active and even gain weight,call the Chiropractors at CT Spine & Disc Center today. For pain relief - Call 633-8756 now!

I Have Osteoporosis Or Osteopenia Bone Deterioration...Can The DRX Or Chiropractic Treatment Still Help Me??

Most often the answer is YES!, it can still help. Most people at some point in their lives get bone and disc deterioration or breakdown. This is the same thing as arthritis or degeneration which will happen somewhat with age.


Some get more of a weakening of the bones called osteopenia. If that steadily gets worse and becomes what we call severe osteoporosis where the patient presents with stress fractures and collapsed vertebrae unfortunately they will not be a drx9000 candidate.

They may still be a candidate for another therapy in our office. Things like heat or ice therapy, gentle muscle work, Electric muscle stimulation therapy, or a specific chiropractic technique such as activator.
This is a very gentle type of chiropractic done with the "activator tool" vs the usual hand on approach.

However, to put things in perspective - out of the hundreds of patients we've had come in for drx9000 treatment , or the hundreds we've had for chiropractic treatments - only a few had severe osteoporosis where they could not get drx9000 spinal decompression, or hands on chiropractic. They did receive other therapies that helped as well as our special gentle chiropractic techniques that gave them relief.

Do not let your spine break down completely before you get into our office. The sooner we address your aches, pains, and health issues, the faster and easier they are to take care of.

The best thing to do if you are suffering back pain, neck pain, or extremity pain is call our office for an absolutely free consultation at 860-633-8756. There is no obligation to pursue any treatment if you are accepted by us as a patient.

The Many Causes of Low Back Pain!

Low back pain can be caused from an injury – a fall at work, a sports injury, a car accident. It can also come from sleeping in an awkward position too long, lifting something with poor form, years of wear and tear on your body…I could go on and on. But what it comes down to is pressure on the nerves in the lower spine.

This is most often due to disc degeneration, bulging of the discs, ruptured spinal discs, misalignments in the spine or pelvis, and muscle strain. Any of the previously listed or any combination puts direct pressure on the nerves or creates internal inflammation that causes the nerve pressure.

Not to mention any of the above can contribute to other problems as well. A degenerative disc usually flattens and bulges. A misalignment of the spine creates instability, and the discs between each spinal segment will not be held there as securely. This can lead to a disc rupture, herniation or bulge. Continuous pressure on nerves can cause faster breakdown and degeneration.

The doctors at CT Spine And Disc Center will perform a complete examination, consider other contributing causes, and will treat the problem(s) causing the LBP condition. If needed, working with other allied health care providers will be arranged. Exercise, dietary recommendations, ergonomic or work modifications, spinal manipulation, and modalities will all be considered to help eliminate or control of the LBP.

YOU MAYBE A CANDIDATE FOR DRUG FREE RELIEF! FOR A FREE NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION CALL 633-8756

Back Surgery Costs Us 16 Billion A Year And A lot Of The Time Doesn’t Even Work!

Back Surgery Costs Us 16 Billion A Year And A lot Of The Time Doesn’t Even Work!

Today I was reading an article in a well known magazine about the exorbitant cost of our health care system. I was shocked to hear a big chunk of it – billions of dollars, in fact, a year goes toward unnecessary surgeries.

One of the major unnecessary surgery’s was back fusion surgery. The reason it’s often unnnescessary is there is actually no evidence back surgery is any more successful conventional treatments like physical therapy, chiropractic, medication and others.

Being a chiropractor and seeing patients for over 5 years I already know that back surgery is very unsuccessful and that the results of other back treatment and therapies were much cheaper to do, easier to do, and even worked better. I was glad to hear someone spoke up and wrote about this in a major magazine.

Not only is back surgery very unsuccessful its very risky. People often forget that people get infections in the hospital, people have to take all sorts of medications and even knocked out with anesthesia, and mistakes happen. And lastly, even if everything goes well – the pain often returns a few years later. Not to mention a lot of the time you are still left with some pain or restrictions in certain activiesl you can and cannot do.

In some cases surgery is required and necessary, but most times it can be avoided. I urge every person that asks me about it to try every kind of non surgical treatment first before electing for surgery.

At Ct Spine and Disc Center we now have new treatment with over 80% success rate for eliminating back pain and sciatica. To learn more, visit www.CTBackDr.com.

Your Back Pain May Not Only Be Hurting You!

At our office in Glastonbury we’ve seen hundreds of patients who were suffering some form of back pain. Nearly every one of them has told us how their back pain has stopped them from doing the things they used too do and enjoy doing.

Some have put their golf clubs away indefinitely because their back hurts to much to play or maybe even just walk on the course. Others have given up exercising, going to the gym, skiing, horseback riding, playing ball with their kids, traveling to family members houses for the holidays; the list is never ending.

But back pain from a herniated disc doesn’t just hurt YOU, and prevent YOU from the fun hobbies you enjoy, and YOUR daily chores and activities. It also affects everyone around you – your spouse, kids, co-workers.

I’ve had patients tell me they can’t even go grocery shopping because of the pain, or go to work without popping pills all day long. But that’s not all; they’ve also expressed how it’s hurt their family life – leaving them dependent on their spouse, feeling sick from all the medications they’re taking, not being able to play with the kids, and so on.

Finally there is now a technologically advanced treatment for getting rid of severe back pain called DRX9000 Spinal Decompression.

So don’t wait! With the help of the doctors at CT Spine & Disc Center, you can finally end the pain you are suffering with. And again enjoy the favorite things you like to do but haven’t been able to because of your back. And even more important, end the pain your family, kids, and friends are having seeing you in pain.

Contact our office now to see if the DRX may be for you!!

Herniated Or Bulging Disc? Get Help Before It's Too Late!

At CT Spine And Disc Center we take Disc Herniations and Bulging Discs very seriously. These conditions usually do not get better on their own and typically get Worse!



To help understand your spine and discs think of your discs as jely donuts. Between each bone of the spine you have one. The discs allow us to move, run, jump, and ack as a shock absorber.

When the disc gets injured (the donut), the jelly breaks free from the crust. So in other words when we have a herniation or protrusion of the disc, the inner gel like material breaks through the outer fibers.

Now, if you squish a donut and all the jelly pushes to one side, the donut will bulge there. So a bulged disc is when the inner material pushes on the outer fibers bulging them outward but not breaking all the way through like a herniation.

Why are these conditions serious?
When you have a disc herniation or bulge your disc space is now smaller; and this decreasses the space your nerve root has as it branches off the spinal cord. Also, the bulge or herniated disc can literally put direct pressure on a nerve.

Remember, different nerve fibers detect and relay pain differently, so you can have a disc problem and not necessarily have that much pain.......Yet, Anyway!

The problem is - If pressure is left on the nerve, the nerve will start to break down or degenerate. The disc will also degenerate as well. Eventually because of this we will now get pain, more pain, or even worse...

The nerves of your lower back also travel to your legs, important body parts like your bladder, intestines, your sexual organs. So if left alone and nothing is done to heal a herniated disc or bulged disc, the pain...and other health problems can and will occur.

If the disc and nerve degeneration get too far along we may not be able to help!

Now, with our DRX9000 Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Protocol, we are able to heal herniated and bulging discs, relieving pain and improving one's health.

Do not put off doing something about your back pain because it's "not that bad" or it "only acts up when...". It can get alot worse very quickly, and if left alone too long the breakdown and degeneration of the spine, discs, and nerves, can reach a point where they are too far gone to repair.

At CT Spine And Disc Center we will perform a detailed examination and history, and review all x-rays, MRI's and other imaging studies to determine if we can help!

Medical Advisory Board Doing More Research And Testing With The DRX9000!!

Axion Worldwide, the maker of the DRX9000, now has a medical advisory board continually doing research with the DRX9000. The DRX9000 has had a superb success record for back pain and sciatica sufferers. Because of the success of this non-surgical, natural treatment it has sparked the interest of the "traditional (drugs and surgery)" medical fields, and opened new insight into treating severe back pain and herniated discs.

Dr Joseph Pergolizzi MD of Johns Hopkins is one of the commitee members of this independent medical research advisory board. Listen to top medical school doctors and top name researchers speak on non-surgical Spinal Decompression by clicking here!



The Chiropractors at CT Spine And Disc Center use DRX9000 Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression for severe back pain, sciatica and herniated disc. For more information or to see if you might qualify for treatment call 633-8756.

Brooke Burke Gets Chiropractic For Her Foot Injury

Dancing With The Star's Brooke Burke gets adjusted and therapies to help heal her foot so she can dance. 'Click Here For The Video Link From Last Night's Show'

You can see her getiing a foot adjustment and some therapy for her foot at a little after the one minute mark.

Chiropractic adjustments are not only to help the spine heal but can help many other ailments as well. At CT Spine & Disc Center the doctors are trained in extremity adjusting also.

There are many patients who come in with foot and leg problems that have had great results with chiropractic adjustments and therapies.

In addition, some patients are even fitted for special shoe insoles called Orthotics to help foot bone alignment such as flat feet or loss of an arch.

The Chiropractors at CT Spine & Disc Center utilize many Chiropractic techniques and therapies to help their patient's get rid of pain and maintain a healthy life.

What You might Have in Common With Gold Medalist Nastia Liukin

Nastia Liukin, all around gold medalist at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and her family do many things to maintain a healthy lifestyle and be at the top of their game. According to Anna Liukin, her mother, she wants health and happiness most of all for her daughter, now 18. Anna Liukin discusses the 5 things that she does to maintain optimum health and fitness for her family:

1. Maintain a healthy diet and eat healthy food Nastia’s mom says,"We eat lots of vegetables and fruits and drink a lot of water. We love fresh juice, and we squeeze it ourselves at home. I always tell Nastia: 'Your body is like a car. The fuel you put in is the performance you will get.' "
   
2. Exercise The entire Liukin family is very active. "When she was small, we used to Rollerblade at the park a few times a week as a family. We also try to set a good example by doing our own individual exercises. My husband, he loves fly fishing. I enjoy jogging and Pilates and yoga.”
   
3. Rest "We're all pretty good sleepers. And we never cut sleep time for anything. Even now when Nastia is on the road for the 2008 Tour of Gymnastics Superstars tour, she takes little naps in between shows."
   
4. Listen to your body "If something hurts, you need to take care of it right away. But we try to avoid medications unless necessary. First we try alternative methods like acupuncture or going to a chiropractor."
   
5. Enjoy your life "Even if you eat well and exercise and rest, if you are not happy, a big piece will be missing. Enjoy the moment. Don't forget to stop and smell the roses. If you want to have a cookie, have a cookie. Just don't have five and sit on the couch without exercising!"
   

Most top athletes whether Olympians of pro football players regularly go to the chiropractor. When competing against the best of the best anything that gives you the slightest edge over the competition becomes huge.

Chiropractic not only helps athletes recover from injury quicker but also helps them to prevent injury. Not only that but for your body to function at its best, the spine needs to be in normal alignment with no pressure on your nerves. At this day in age the majority of all professional teams and college teams have a team chiropractor on staff or one they regularly use.

Source: The Hartford Courant October 2008
Picture Courtesy of: Jodfevic on Flickr.com

Dr Bellinger and his team at CT Spine and Disc Center in Glastonbury CT will keep you at optimum health. He treats patients with neck pain, headaches, lower back pain and other symptoms. His office is located near Hartford, CT. Call his office at 860-633-8756 for a complimentary consultation to see if you are you are a candidate for treatment at CT Spine and Disc Center.

A Good Lumbar Support Belt Can Prevent Your Back Pain From Getting Worse

Throghout the years many patients have asked me about wearing a lumbar belt to help or prevent back pain. With so many products on the market, and so many different patients with different lifestyles and back conditions, it's hard to know what might be best for you!

I've used many different types of suppot belts and have alot of experience with all different types. The Corfit Lumbosacral Low Back Support Belt is the one we recommend the vast majority of the time.

It's not too hard or restricting, is very thin so you can wear it under clothes and no one will notice, is easy to put on and take off, and is easily cleaned. Often times patient's who have come to our office for Chiropractic Care or Spinal Decompression will use a lumbar support belt during the early stages of their care.

It helps them heal quicker, and helps prevent any additional injuries and strains while their back is healing.

For more information and information on how to wear your lumbosacral support belt click HERE!

If You Ignore Your Pain…It Can Soon Be A Disaster Just Waiting To Happen!

Pain is a symptom or in other words your body trying to tell you something. Some people ignore their pain thinking “It’ll go away on it’s own” or “I’ll deal with it later, it’s not that bad”; this is often a big mistake.

It’s sort of like, if your oil or engine light is going off- just covering part of the dash so you can’t see the light. Then one day what might happen? You’ll be on the road and your car dies; or worse, it starts smoking and the engine starts on fire. The car engine is completely destroyed and unsalvageable.

Good news is, you can buy another car. Bad news is…you can’t buy another spine. Some of us out there I think actually take care of our cars better than our bodies!

Don’t ignore your pain…99% of the time it won’t cure itself…and if left alone most times it gets worse.

Visit the doctors at CT Spine & Disc Center in Glastonbury Connecticut to find out if they can help you get rid of your pain before it gets any worse.

Getting Rid Of The Trigger Points In Your Lower Back Can Help Relieve Lower Back Pain.

Trigger points are knots in the muscle that can often be sore or painful. When they are present the muscles of the low back become more rigid and tight, causing more pressure and inflammation to accumulate on the nerves. This in turn can make your back or leg pain worse.

Most consistently the trigger points we find in people’s backs are in the lower back on each side of the spine just above the pelvis.

The reason we get these trigger points in the back, to begin with, can be from a lower back strain, past injury, or disc herniation, that puts pressure on the nerves.
If there is pressure on nerves going to the muscles of your low back, these muscles don’t get 100% of the information being sent to them. This causes muscle imbalances, tightness or trigger points.

If it’s a strain or misalignment of the spine creating the nerve pressure, chiropractic care can help relieve the pressure and therefore the trigger points in your back. Whether the cause of the nerve pressure is from a herniated disc or degenerative disc, the best option is Drx9000 spinal decompression.

In the mean time to help relieve some pressure temporarily there are ways of decreasing those trigger points. I can show you a quick way to help. With a little practice you can reach around to your low back and feel the trigger points. I say “a little practice” because it may take a couple times to realize what and where those trigger points are.

It will feel like a hard ball of muscle and it will move slightly when you press on it.

Once you find the, the best way to help loosen the muscular trigger points is to press on them and hold for 5-10 seconds. Repeat this action 1-3 times. You will notice that the trigger point gets smaller and harder to stay on. You may notice it breaking up under your fingers as well. If you are having trouble locating the trigger points it sometimes helps to bend slightly forward. This pushes the muscle more to the surface.

The muscle fibers should be smooth when they are knotted up it not only causes muscle tension, but it will create more pressure on nerves and more pain. Breaking up those trigger points will help relieve your pain.

Does Your Back Pain Control Your Life?

For many, their back pain has taken over their lives. It’s the first thing they think about when they wake up, it’s the last thing they are thinking about when they go to bed and it also might be what they’re thinking about at 3am when they wake up from pain.

The pain prevents them from enjoying themselves, seeing friends and family, exercising, and even becoming more successful in their career.

I’ve treated hundreds of patients with the DRX 9000 and I can tell you with absolute certainty that back pain can not only control one’s life but it can destroy it as well.



Now, because of the advanced technology we have available, back pain sufferers can get their life back! It’s easy to do, 100% natural, non-surgical, and there are no documented side effects.

Dr Matthew Bellinger and his staff at CT Spine & Disc Center have helped hundreds of patients with severe back pain in Connecticut. If your livelihood has suffered because of back pain call our office immediately…Don’t suffer anymore!

The Two Best Stretches For Sciatica Relief

Stretching helps relax the muscles giving some relief to sciatic pain. Relaxing the muscles of the low back, buttocks and hamstrings relieves pressure on the lower nerves, relieving pain.

Stretch#1: The Knee To Chest Stretch


To perform this stretch lay on your back. Bring one knee up toward your chest, and with both hands pull that knee toward your chest. Hold the stretch for 10-20 seconds, relax, and repeat one or two more times again holding 10-20 seconds.

Pull your knee toward your chest by grabbing your leg underneath your knee. Grasping on top of the knee is ok also but if you suffer from knee pain, arthritis or other knee problems, grasping underneath the knee may be more comfortable.

You can do this particular strecth on the floor, in the bed, even standing if you prefer. Stretch one leg at a time and then also pull both legs up simultaneously while laying flat. This stretch you will feel in your low back, gluteus (buttocks), and hamstring muscles.

Stretch #2: The Piriformis Stretch


Perform stretch #1 with one leg crossed over the other. For example, cross your Left leg over your Right leg and pull your Right knee toward your chest.

This will stretch your Left piriformis muscle. Keep in mind that this stretch is significantly harder to do than stretch #1. Some may not even be able to perform this stretch, and if trying it causes you pain I would stop immediately.

If you can perform this stretch, it is often a huge benefit. You'll feel this stretch in the gluts (butt muscles - the piriformis is located at the lower buttocks), where the sciatic nerve starts out.

For more information on low back and sciatica stretches and or sciatica relief treatment visit www.ctbackdr.com. You can also call the office at 633-8756 and one of the doctors can help you with a customized stetching routine for your back.

Finally...A Successful Treatment For Low Back Pain - The DRX9000!

If you have severe back pain, leg pain, or sciatica, don't make a quick decision to opt for surgery!

A good surgeon will tell you: "I'm not going to perform your surgery until you've tried every else that may possibly help your pain."

Because the DRX9000 Spinal Decompression treatment is still relatively new, most pain sufferer's have tried alot of other treatments before they make it into our office for a consultaion.

The great news is that it is one more option to try before opting to do surgery that we now have.

What we have seen with our years in the world of medicine is that spinal surgery is very dangerous and not very successful at relieving back pain. I just saw the news a couple nights ago and they talked exactly about this. Here's the link: NBC Back Pain Series

They explain how when it comes to back surgey we are really just scratching the surface.

I cannot stress enough that you should exhaust all your options before electing to go ahead with surgery.

With back surgery your chances of getting better are less than 50/50; with the DRX9000your chances are closer to 80%. I almost forgot to mention...there's no chance of getting worse...unlike surgery, which can even be life threatening!!

To email our office with any questions you may have about the back or leg pain you or a loved one may be suffering contact us at info[at]ctbackdr[dot]com(change [at} to @, change dot to .)

More Proof That DRX9000 Spinal Decompression Is The Best Treatment For Severe Low Back Pain From Herniated Or Degenerative Discs!

Clinical Data Utilizing the DRX9000™ will be presented at the 27th Annual ESRA Conference in Genoa, Italy!

Tampa, FL, September 16, 2008: Clinical data utilizing the DRX9000 True Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression System™ will be presented at the 27th Annual ESRA (European Society of Regional Anesthesia) Conference in Genoa, Italy September 24-27, 2008. The first study, is an IRB-approved, prospective multi-center phase II, non-randomized pilot study authored by Dr. John Leslie of the Mayo Clinic and others. This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the DRX9000 in treating chronic LBP [lower back pain]. A greater than 50% reduction in pain score was observed after two weeks of treatment and upon completion of the entire six week protocol an amazing success rate of 88.9% was documented. Improvement of Oswestry scores and a decreased consumption of adjunctive pain medication was also noted. The second study, is retrospective data which included lumbar spine CT scans before and after patients were treated on the DRX9000 that demonstrates possible morphological changes associated with treatment. The authors conclude, “A significant reduction in chronic LBP after non-invasive spinal decompression correlated with an increase in disc height.” Three authors from the studies will be presenting the data at the 2008 ESRA Conference and abstracts of both studies will be available. These presentations represent an effort to further educate the International Community on the effectiveness of our products.

The DRX9000 Spinal Decompression keeps proving itself over and over. We have seen numerous patients in our office with severe low back and/or leg pain, numbness and tingling, even patient's who already had surgery, and our success rates are amazing like the above studies. To receive our special free report on the DRX9000 goto www.ctdiscpainreport.com

Alternative to Back Surgery?

A recent large-scale study from Great Britain has results that’ll make you wonder whether back surgery is always necessary (Bhattacharyya M. Does the risks and benefits of spinal manipulation in patients with low back pain as a nonsurgical approach translate into better outcomes in routine clinical care: a prospective observational cohort study. J Bone Joint Surg 2008;90B:Suppl.492.). One hundred two patients were followed while they waited to see a spinal surgeon. The patients had disk herniations confirmed by MRI and had sciatic/leg pain. They had also previously tried 4 weeks of medications (non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), which had provided no benefit.

While they waited to see the spinal surgeon, they were referred for manipulations provided by experienced chiropractors. The adjustments were given five days per week.

A few patients had some transient increase in pain and there were three treatment failures (out of 102). Overall the results were very encouraging with patients moved off of the surgery wait-list.

But how is this possible? The disks are the hard cartilage separating each vertebra in your lower back. When this ligament sprains it can bulge onto a nearby nerve, causing back pain or pain down your leg. Precise adjustments use the bones as levers to affect the alignment of these vertebrae and the movement of the joints in the lumbar spine. If alignment is improved, then there is better posture and distribution of loads. When the mobility is more symmetrical, this also may prevent unequal loading of the soft tissues. Helping these mechanical aspects to heal can be enough to lessen your pain and help you to regain your quality of life. In some cases, it seems it may even keep you from a potentially unnecessary back operation.

Based on the results of the study, anyone without need of emergency surgery should try chiropractic care before having an elective operation for a disk or sciatica/leg pain disorder. Emergency problems would be symptoms like bowel and bladder dysfunction and numbness over the tailbone or hips. Most patients do not fit into the emergency-surgery camp.

If you would like to schedule a complimentary consultation to discuss your complex back problem, or you want a second opinion before trying surgery, just call. We're always available at 860-633-8756 to make an appointment so that you and the doctor can discuss your individual health concerns.

To learn more about your lower back spine and natural, safe remedies for lower back pain or leg pain visit www.ctbackdr.com.

An effective treatment for Serious Excruciating Back Pain

SIMPLE, SAFE AND HIGHLY EFFECTIVE TREATMENT FOR SEVERE LOWER BACK OR LEG PAIN FROM HERNIATED DISC, BULGING DISC, OR DEGENERATED DISC
Many treatments, therapies, medications and surgeries have been used to combat serious back and leg pain. When the pain results from bulged, herniated or degenerated disc, the majority of the time the “usual” treatments failed. Sometimes they’ve even made people worse.

It wasn’t until fairly recently a newer treatment evolved called Non surgical spinal decompression. Decompression is performed by a machine called the Drx9000.
The Drx9000 non surgical spinal decompression treatment has helped thousands get out of pain, return to work and get their life back. The treatment is easy to do, gives fast results and has no documented side effects.
The typical treatment takes about 30 minutes followed by ice and interferential muscle stimulation. The average number of treatments will vary depending on someone’s condition but on average will last 16-30 treatments, over the course of 4-8weeks.
Another great benefit of the treatment is that most people are completely relaxed hardly even feeling anything. Some actually nap while on the Drx.
In addition, a lot of time pain sufferers start experiencing relief very quickly, so you know its working….And here’s the big one- In a large amount of the cases the pain goes away and stays away for good. So now with the Drx9000 non surgical spinal decompression individuals who are dealing with excruciating back pain or leg pain have new home. Many successes even have multiple disc problems or have even already had back surgery.

by Dr. M Bellinger

Matthew Bellinger DC is Director of CT Spine and Disc Center LLC. His office is located in Glastonbury, CT. Dr. Bellinger treats patients for severe lower back pain due to sciatica, Disc Bulge and disc herniation in the lumbar spine, and disc degeneration. He specializes in non surgical spinal decompression at his central connecticut office, utilizing the Drx9000. Call 860-633-8756 to see if you are a candidate for this low back treatment.

Axiom Worldwide’s DRX9000™ is placed in the A.C. Milan Soccer Club, the number one Sport Center in the World!

Tampa, FL, Axiom Worldwide (Manufacturer of the DRX9000) is proud to announce that the DRX9000 Non Surgical Spinal Decompression is offered at True Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression System™ was recently placed at Minallo Sporting Center. Milanello is home to one of the most famous and successful soccer teams in the world. International Sports Managers consider Milanello as the number one sport center in the world. Milan Lab was developed in 2002 to serve as a high tech Scientific Research Center using a combination of science, technology, IT, cybernetics and psychology, with the purpose of optimizing the physiological management of the athletes. Dr. Jean Pierre Meersseman, Director of Milan Lab, headed the decision to place the DRX9000 into the lab as an addition to the most advanced technical sports facility in the world. Dr. Meersseman and Milan Lab are constantly taking advantage of the worlds latest and sophisticated software technologies and the DRX9000 will be a perfect fit. The Non Surgical Spinal Decompression Unit is being used by the sports facility to aid in achieving AC Milan’s goal of potentially reducing the risk of injury to players, achieving the most optimum performance possible and continuing to be one of the most successful teams in the world.

To learn more about the DRX9000 Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression treatment visit CT Spine and Disc Center. This office is located Glastonbury and serves Hartford county and surrounding areas. The doctors utilize Chiropractic care as well as Spinal Decompression to help their patients achieve maximum pain relief and maintain their health.

I was diagnosed with 5 or 6 bulging/herniated discs...

My name is Peter Ward and I have had back problems for years and years. I am 20 years old now and they have been progressively been getting worse for 5 or 6 years until it got to the point where I couldn't walk anymore. I was diagnosed with 6 bulging/herniated discs. I saw the Drx9000 on the internet and thought I had no other options anymore. I previously tried everything- cortizone shots, steroids, pain managment, physical therapy et... So I came to CT Spine and Disc Center and the people were very nice plus after the first week of treatment I was 80% pain free and it fixed my worst nightmare. Thank you guys so much for everything and giving me my life back”
- Peter Ward, August 21, 2008, Meriden, CT

If You Have Back Pain... Do You Really Need An X-ray?

Most chiropractic patients have x-rays taken of their lumbar spine. Since x-rays do carry a very small risk of tissue damage, this risk needs to be outweighed by benefits. So, how are x-rays used in our clinic?

First, x-rays can tell us about medical conditions that may require referral to another health care provider such as a spine tumor or an infection. Fortunately, these diseases are very rare, but they do need to be considered in every patient, especially those who may have certain "red flags" such as back pain at night or rest, or if there is also a fever. In addition, certain severe traumas (like a fall) can produce fractures. In an older adult with osteoporosis, or someone taking steroid medications over years, even a minor trauma event can be enough to cause a break, because the bone is in a weakened condition.

After these very rare conditions are ruled out, your x-rays can provide important information about your anatomy and physical posture. For example, curvatures of the lumbar spine, such as scoliosis, are virtually undetectable without an x-ray. If we know how your spine is deviated, this information can help direct the adjustment more specifically. Sometimes leg lengths are uneven and a person may require an orthotic (arch support) or heel lift to level the foundation for your spine. About one in ten patients will have an unequal leg length of a centimeter or more.

In terms of the bone anatomy, x-rays can show the planes and angles of the disks between bones and whether any degeneration is present. If the degeneration is advanced, then a natural bone fusion may be present. It should be obvious that if the spinal anatomy does not allow movement or if the joints are literally fused movement is impossible, then adjustments are not appropriate.

X-rays can also show us how one area of the spine mechanically compensates for a deviated area below. Sometimes, pain may be present at compensatory areas but without knowledge of the cause of this deviation, care may be less optimum. Just as the lumbar spine may compensate for a pelvic problem, so to can a neck condition be caused by abnormal postural lower down the spine. The x-rays can show us how case management needs to be altered to reflect your individual needs.

In any case, x-rays are important to reach an accurate diagnosis, which is the first step on the road to recovery and regaining your vitality and quality of life.

If you'd like to schedule a complimentary consultation to discuss your health concerns just call us at 860-633-8756 to make an appointment.

YOU MAYBE A CANDIDATE FOR DRUG FREE RELIEF!
FOR A FREE NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION CALL 633-8756

"I Have Stenosis And Arthritis in My Lumbar Spine. Is It Too Late To Rlieve My Back Pain?"

"I Have Stenosis And Arthritis in My Lumbar Spine...Is It Too Late To Rlieve My Back Pain?"


It is advised to get to our office or a doctor close to you before you pain reaches a severe level and before the degeneration becomes extreme. However we have been able to help many patients who thought they were going to somehow just live with their pain. Patient's who were told by another doctor they would have to live with it; or told because of their stenosis "there's nothing we can do."

Sometimes people have tried so many treatments - medication, low back pain injections, accupuncture, physical therapy; that they have just about given up.

Arthritis and back degeneration are the same thing. And stenosis occurs when that breakdown narrows the holes where either your nerves come of your spinal cord or the hole in the back of the spine the spinal cord travels down.

You see, for you to remain pain free and for your body to work like it should, without muscle problems and problems walking or standing for example, all of your nerves must be free from pressure or interference.

When your disc start to deteriorate, they bulge and flatten. Both the bulging and flattening of your discs shrink the hole or space your nerves have to flow out of off of you spinal cord. This is called stenosis.



This is definitely bad news! But the good news is: The DRX 9000 Spinal Decompression may be able to help!!
Read what some of our patients with severe pain and degeneration and even stenosis had to say.

For ten years I have suffered chronic Lower back pain....

At CT Spine and Disc Center , we help patients everyday who are suffering from chronic low back pain due to sciatica, disc bulges or disc hernations in the low back. Often times these patients have tried Pain medications, physical therapy, chiropractic, cortisone injections, epidural injections as well as pain management to name a few. Below is a patient testimonial we recently received from a patient who had been suffering from lower back pain for 10years:

"For ten years I had suffered chronic lower back pain due to disc compression. I had received conventional chiropractic treatment for years and got limited relief. So I had begun to accept the frustrations of my condition which included limited motion, discomfort when sitting for long periods, or the occasional incident of ‘throwing out my lower back’ which landed me in the bed for several days. I heard about the DRX 9000 decompression treatment, was skeptical but decided to seek treatment when I had a particularly painful episode. I found Dr. Bellinger after much searching online and discovered that he is only one of four chiropractors in CT offering DRX 9000 treatment. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Since receiving treatment, I have been pain free and feel ten years younger. Dr. Bellinger and Dr. Gill are friendly, professional, and a joy to work with.” - Tom.G Bloomfield, Connecticut

To find out if you are a candidate for non surgical spinal decompression, call our Glastonbury Office at 860-633-8756. Visit our website at CTbackdr.com.

FDA E-News Recognizes Axiom Case Study - The FDA news item was headlined, “Axiom Case Study Yields Favorable Findings with Back Pain Device.”

June 5, 2008 — A case study concerning the Axiom Worldwide’s DRX9000, published in the 2008 issue of the European Musculoskeletal Review, was mentioned in an online newsletter from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The FDA news item was headlined, “Axiom Case Study Yields Favorable Findings with Back Pain Device.”

It read, in part, “A study evaluating Axiom Worldwide’s DRX9000 true

nonsurgical spinal decompression system has produced positive results. … The study chronicled a patient who underwent 22 treatments with the device over a seven-week period and reported significant pain relief at the end of the study.”

The study can be downloaded at axiomworldwide.com/research

For more information or to receive a free report on the DRX9000 call 860-633-8756.
Visit us online at CT Spine And Disc Center.

CASE STUDY REVEALS AN INCREASE IN DISC HEIGHT AND A DECREASE IN SIZE OF A DISC HERNIATION AFTER TREATMENT WITH THE DRX9000.

The DRX9000 True Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression System was developed to provide a non-invasive option for discogenic low back pain. Researchers in a case report published in volume 2 issue 1 of the European Musculoskeletal Review state, "Evidence-based data that show the promising effects of the DRX 9000 on the safe and effective treatment of low back pain continue to accumulate." The report titled, "Management of Low-Back Pain with a Non-Surgical Decompression System (DRX9000) - Case Report" reveals the pre and post treatment MRI findings of a 69-year old male with low back pain.

Prior to treatment with the DRX9000, the patient reported experiencing lower back pain radiating in to both legs. When asked to describe his pain intensity on a scale of 0-10 (with 0 being no pain and 10 being extreme pain), the patient rated his pain level as a 10. The patient underwent 22 treatments over a seven week period. Utilizing the same pain intensity scale the patient reported a pain level of 1 post treatment. Four months after the initial visit a follow up MRI revealed decreased herniation size and increased disc height at multiple lumbar levels.

The authors conclude, "This case report further builds on previous findings that have demonstrated improvements in disc morphology after treatment with the DRX9000.

Do You Or Someone You Know Suffer From Severe Lower Back or Leg Pain?

If you are suffering from chronic low back pain and/or leg pain you could have a disc issue. Disc herniation, disc bulge, and degenerative disc are said to be responsible the majority of cases of severe chronic lower back pain, sciatica, and extremity numbness and muscle cramping and spasm.

It is also known that most people who have a disc herniation or bulge know they have it; they just don't know what to do about it!

If you're not sure, an MRI of your lower spine will confirm this diagnosis.

Until now, not much has helped. Medications and pain shots (also drugs or medications) are temporary and can have nasty side affects. Surgery is an absolute last resort and success rates for lower back surgery are very poor.

Luckily now we have another option! Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression with the DRX9000!!! The results are extremely successful and there are no known side effects. You can call CT Spine And Disc Center and Dr Bellinger for a consultation to find out if you may be a candidate at 860-633-8756.

"Why Does Every Dr I See Tell me There's Nothing Wrong When I Have Major Back & Leg Pain "

"I've been through multiple tests - XRays, MRI's of my entire spine, blood work, nerve tests and more".

"Every doctor says there's nothing wrong but I have severe back pain and leg pain too. What could it be and what do I do? I can't deal with this pain any longer!"

Sound familiar?...Many times there can be a low back disc issue creating the pain or problem that doesn't get properly diagnosed and caught!

I see many patients who come in with degeneration in the spine and alot of lower back pain or leg symptoms.

Degeneration is sometimes enough to create major presssure on the nerves which gives you back pain, leg pain, tingling and numbness, or something worse.


When the disc degenerates it will flatten and bulge. This flattening will leave less room for the nerve to exit off of the spinal cord and communicate to the low back, hips, legs, and the muscles in these region.

Degeneration may not always be taken seriously because over time most people will get some degeneration or arthritis as they get older!...When, in fact, depending where that degeneration is exactly, and what nerves it puts pressure on, can determine what symptoms may occur - back pain, muscle stiffness or spasm, leg or foot pain, etc...

So remember, if you have pain then it's not normal and most likely may get worse! You may be a candidate for non-surgical spinal decompression.Call CT Spine and Disc Center to see if you will be a candidate for our treatment at 860-633-8756

"Medication For Back Pain: The Temporary Short Term Fix...And Long Term Danger!"

Pain medications, pain shots, nerve blocks, muscle relaxers...They help in the short run but do they last? No! When the pain is extreme you may need to take something to take the edge off but don't think it's gunna be the cure.

Most meds work by tricking the brain into not feeling the pain. Pain shots may dull the nerves for a short time or help reduce internal inflammation in the short term. Unfortunately, the cause of the problem is still there and could even be getting worse.

Your body is experiencing pain, or maybe numbness, or weakness because there is a problem and your body is telling you that. It's common sense to know that just covering up the pain with some kind of drug can eventually create more problems.

What is the real cause of the pain?? The answer: pressure on the nerves from a misaligned spine or pelvis, a disc problem (degeneration/bulging disc or herniated disc), and inflammation; or all of the above!

DRX 9000 Spinal Decompression may be the answer for any disc problem causing back or leg pain. Chiropractic care can correct the misalignments and help low back muscle tension. Don't hesitate to call or email our office for more information.

The Epidural Injection treatment for low back pain

Many patients come into our office with extreme low back pain caused by a herniated or bulging disc. This pain is often rated as a 10/10 (where 0=no pain, 10= worst possible pain). Before they come into our office, they have often tried other types of treatment. Often they have tried pain medications prescribed by their Dr, physical therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic, and epidural injections. Today I want to discuss what an epidural injection is, how it is performed and the risks involved with this treatment. It is called an epidural injection because because pain medication is injected into the epidural space of the spine. It is often used to treat such conditions as sciatica or pain caused by a pinched nerve in the lumbar spine. The injection is composed of a anesthetic medicine that caused a numbing sensation as well as long lasting corticosteroid. The purpose of these medications is to reduce inflammation around the irritated nerve and flush out those chemicals causing the pain.

Possible Risks of Epidurals

There are some possible risks of having an epidural treatment. These risks include:

• Infection
  
• Bleeding
  
• Damage to the nerve- this can occur from direct contact from the needle
  
• Dural Puncture
  
• Paralysis
  

Possible Side Effects of Epidurals

There are possible short term side effects that can occur with epidural treatment. They include: numbness in your low back, buttocks or legs for several hours after the procedure, and pain at the injection site.

Contraindications to having an Epidural

Contraindications include patients who have a local or systemic bacterial infection, are pregnant, or have bleeding problems. It is also important to make sure check are completed for heart disease, diabetes and blood pressure as these medical conditions can be a contraindication.

What is the difference between disc herniation and disc bulge in the lumbar spine ?

There is a difference between a disc herniation and a disc bulge. Both can be diagnosed by looking at a lumbar MRI. A disc is made up of two parts

• Nucleus- the inside part of the disc that is soft and compressible
  
• Annulus- the outer portion or ring that contains the nucleus
  

With a disc bulge the material within a disc will remain within the annulus.
The inner nucleus pushes out against the annulus causing the disc to bulge out of the confines of the disc space and project to some extent into the spinal canal which is behind the disc.



With the disc herniation, the disc material breaks through the annulus of the disc. If this disc material then puts pressure on the nerves it can cause leg pain, pain into the buttocks, or numbness and tingling into the legs. A disc that is herniated is sometimes also known as a "slipped" or "ruptured" disc.

Non surgical spinal decompression using the DRX 9000 can provide pain relief from a disc bulge or disc herniation. Spinal Decompression creates a negative pressure or a vacuum inside the disc. This effect causes the disc to pull in the herniation and the increase in negative pressure also causes the flow of blood and nutrients back into the disc allowing the body's natural fibroblastic response to heal the injury and re-hydrate the disc.

Visit us at CT Spine and Disc Center- Our Chiropractic office is located in Central CT. Got Questions? Call us
860-633-8756 anytime or email us at info@ctbackdr.com

Happy New Year फ्रॉम कट स्पिन ऎंड डिस्क सेंटर !

Hello everyone, Happy New Year! May 2008 be a year that is filled with good health and happiness. CT Spine and Disc Center is committed to helping you with optimal health throughout the year.


Visit us at CT Spine and Disc Center- Our Chiropractic office is located in Central CT. Got Questions? Call us
860-633-8756 anytime or email us at info@ctbackdr.com