Avoid Back Surgery

 

By Dr. Michael L. McPherson

Doctor of Chiropractic

“There will be a lot of people doing the wrong thing for back pain for a long time until we get it figured out. I just hope we don’t hurt too many people in the process.”

-Dr. Seth Waldman, MD (Neurosurgeon)Source: 2002 issue of Spine (Peer-reviewed Medical Journal)

 

Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1     ARE MY SYMPTOMS OR MY CONDITIONS MY PROBLEM?

CHAPTER 2     WHAT IS THE PROBLEM IN MY SPINE?

CHAPTER 3     3 SIGNS ON X-RAY AND MRI TO DETERMINE YOUR PROBLEM 

CHAPTER 4     THE FOUR TRAPS KEEPING YOU IN PAIN 

CHAPTER 5     PHENOMENON#1 VS PHENOMENON#2 

CHAPTER 6     DETAILS OF NON-SURGICAL DECOMPRESS/ON 

CHAPTER 7     WHAT IS INCLUDED WITH THE NON-SURGICAL SPINAL DECOMPRESSION (NSSD) PROGRAM? 

APPENDIX

FINAL THOUGHTS

Dedication 

I would like to dedicate this book to my parents, and teachers, who taught us to always stand firm for what we believe in; the benefits of hard work; and the importance of family. It’s due to these values that I am the Doctor I am today. 

Should you join our family of patients, you are going to have a doctor who stands firm in his beliefs of what he does;  A Doctor who will always work hard to help you, and one who will always treat you with respect and dignity … because that’s the example set for me. 

Dr. Michael McPherson knew at young age that he wanted to be a chiropractor. While a student, Dr. McPherson excelled at handling patients. Dr. McPherson was recognized often for his achievements. 

Dr. Michael McPherson is doing exactly what he is supposed to do. He feels as if he was ‘called’ to this profession and even today he continues to be in awe of the body’s ability to heal, and that passion that struck him so many years ago has never waned. 

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 1     ARE MY SYMPTOMS OR MY CONDITIONS MY PROBLEM?

You must understand the #1 factor that we have in our office before we will accept you as a patient for our program for NSSD program. 

Please pay close attention to this distinction: 

The symptoms you are experiencing are not your problem! 

You have symptoms, right? They may include neck or low back pain, arm or leg pain, sciatica, numbness or tingling, burning, limited range of motion, and the list goes on. 

The symptoms you are experiencing are not your problem! 

Read that last line again … you must understand it. 

Webster’s Definition of symptom: “Something that indicates the existence of something else.” 

A symptom; here’s a good example the lights on your dashboard of your car. When they go on they are telling you that something is wrong; break lights out, engine needs to be checked, overheating, etc. 

Those lights are a symptom indicating that something is wrong. The light itself is not the problem. You can remove the light, cover it with a piece of tape, spray paint your dash black, so you can’t see it, you could cut the wire to the light bulb, but the problem will not be fixed. The problem is still present. 

In our office the symptoms have the lowest value during an evaluation because they can be varied. All we would be doing is chasing your symptoms and never find out where the real problem is located. 

If someone asked you right now, “What is your problem?”, you would most likely tell them that you have a bulging disc, herniated disc, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease or a ‘bad back’ or whatever your case may be. 

Listen closely … Those are not your problem. You may have been to a medical provider and have been diagnosed with one of those, but that  is NOT, let us repeat, that is NOT your problem. Now you are probably reading this thinking “This doctor is crazy.” 

Stay with us, I’ll explain. Those are what we call ‘conditions’. Conditions are indications that something else is going on. 

YOUR PROBLEM is causing your conditions. 

Let’s look at a plant for example. If the leaves on a plant begin to brown, would you say that the brown leaves are the plants problem?

PROBLEM –> CONDITIONS —>SYMPTOMS

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 2     WHAT IS THE PROBLEM IN MY SPINE? 

In the first chapter, we explained the #1 distinction that we have in our office … every patient must understand it. Can you recall that distinction? If you do not remember please STOP reading this chapter and go re-read the last chapter, especially line 4 under the Chapter 1 title. 

Ok, so at this point you anxiously want to know the answer to the question 

“What is causing my problem that is causing the condition which are causing my symptoms?” right? 

Let us start off by giving you a quick anatomy lesson. The spinal DISC is the cushion between the bones in your spine. There is a bone called a vertebra above the DISC and below the DISC. At each level there is a pair of spinal nerves that exit between the bones at the level of the DISC.· The spinal DISC is what allows for flexibility and range of motion in your spine. Another important role of the spinal DISC is shock absorption. 
 
The spinal DISCs are avascular. What does that mean? This means that the DISCs do not have a blood supply with circulation. The only way the DISC can receive the water, oxygen and nutrients is by an inherent mechanism within each one of the DISCs. The mechanism is called: “The Pump Mechanism of DISC Nutrition” As you walk and bend throughout the day, the spinal DISCs are constantly pumping water, oxygen and nutrients in and out of the DISCs at each level of the spine. 
 
When this pump mechanism fails, what happens? What happens when you decrease circulation in any type of tissue … whether it’s animal tissue, plant tissue or human tissue? It begins to die and becomes weak, right? Going back to our plant analogy from the last chapter, if the plant is not receiving the circulation (water) that it needs to survive, the plant will begin to show brown leaves and then begin to droop. This is a sign that the plant is becoming weak in your spine, when the pump mechanism fails (let’s say at the L4/ L5 DISC), the DISC will begin to degenerate and become weak. 
 
The weakness causes the DISC to begin to bulge and then will eventually herniate. The herniation can cause even more severe conditions and symptoms such as spinal stenosis, facet arthropathy, sciatica, numbness, tingling in the legs and feet, etc. 
 
When that specific level does not heal and repair the DISC above and below the herniated DISC level will begin 
to fail as well. This is because those DISCs now have to take on the weight and shock from the failed DISC. It is doing the job of two DISCsThis is when it comes classified as Degenerative Disc Disease.
 
Remember … 
Check your MRI report to see which conditions you have been diagnosed with! 
That’s all for this chapter. In the next chapter, we will cover the three (3) MRI signs of a failed Pump Mechanism of DISC Nutrition. You will also be able to see an example of these three signs on a real MRI. A normal MRI will be shown as well as an MRI with the three signs showing the result of a failed pump mechanism.

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 3     3 SIGNS ON X-RAY AND MRI TO DETERMINE YOUR PROBLEM 

When analyzing an MRI to determine or not the pump mechanism has failed, we look for three (3) signs. 

First, by X-Ray, or MRI, or both, we look at each of the DISC spaces to determine which DISCs have a decrease in space or height of the DISC.  As you go down the lumbar spine (low back), the DISCs should get thicker and thicker. 

NOTE: The cervical (neck) spine is similar, but for this example, we are only looking at the lumbar MRI. 

Next, we look for a darkened DISC space. 

The DISC space in a normal, healthy DISC will be plump and is shaded white in color. The whiteness in the DISC on the MRI is telling us that the DISC is full of water, oxygen and nutrients. When the DISC begins to darken, it tells us that the DISC is losing hydration, oxygen and nutrients. 

This darkness is a definite indication that the DISC is becoming weak and will eventually cause an unwanted condition, if not already present.  Thirdly, we look for a bulge or herniation to be present at the same level where we see the first two signs. You can see this on the example MRI which has been printed on the later down in this article. 

The MRI on the left is a normal MRI and you can see the large DISC spaces, white/plump DISCs and no bulge / herniation.  The MRI on the right is an example of an unhealthy spine. The lower DISC space is almost completely darkened, and you can see clearly the herniated DISC.  The surprising thing is that all of this occurs before you even know it’s happening. 

First, the pump begins to fail. This can be due to some under-lying trauma or simply repetitive stress on the DISC causing the pump to fail. Either way, this failure occurs without you knowing it right off. 

Second, the DISC begins to lose its water, oxygen and nutrients and begins to become weak. It starts losing DISC height. It begins to become weaker and finally bulges. 

Actually, you don’t start noticing the pump has failed until symptoms occur. Once they begin these symptoms usually never go away and continue to get worse. You will also notice that as it gets worse, more symptoms start to appear.  This begins a path of endless treatment. In the next chapter, we will dive into something that we call “Phenomenon #1 “. We will discuss four traps that you can fall into when seeing a provider for treatment. 

For the next chapter, ask yourself the following questions: 

  • Have I been told that I need surgery?
  • What do I think will happen if I leave my back untreated?
  • What do I think about the possibility of surgery?  
  • How serious do I consider my condition?

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 4     THE FOUR TRAPS KEEPING YOU IN PAIN

First Trap 

At this point in the sequence of events your symptoms have appeared; and you may have started trying to treat the symptoms yourself. You might try exercise, stretching, physical therapy, acupuncture, over-the-counter pain medications, traditional chiropractic care, Pilates, yoga, etc.  These treatments that you try seem to ‘do the trick’ for a few days or weeks (maybe even months), but the pain always seems to come back again and again.  

Usually the pain (symptoms) comes back with a vengeance. Then, after unsuccessfully being able to rid yourself of the pain … 

Second Trap 

You decide to visit your primary care doctor for a ‘better look’ at the situation. Often in today’s world this may simply be a Nurse Practitioner, or a physician’s assistant. While at the many doctor’s offices, often due to managed care guidelines, they don’t even do very many tests and automatically prescribe you medications. Commonly this is a muscle relaxer, anti-inflammatory and pain pills. Now the problem is these may treat the symptoms, but not the cause.

 You are often told to-come back in a week or two if symptoms are not any better.  Guess what? You go back in several days, weeks, or months later and you are not any better. It is even possible, you may be worse. Sometimes you may be given more powerful drugs and then eventually referred out for spinal injections. PLEASE NOTE, EPIDURAL INJECTIONS ARE NOT FDA APPROVED FOR BACK PAIN!
https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-drug-safety-communication-fda-requires-label-changes-warn-rare-serious-neurologic-problems-after

By this time, days, weeks, or months have elapsed since the start of your symptoms and the pain is constant and gradually getting worse. You go in for another evaluation, but this time your medical provider decides to do an MRI to determine the extent of the damage over the years. 

The results are in … you have Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD); there is a bulging, herniated or ruptured DISC. Maybe even spinal stenosis and arthritis.  You go for your follow-up visit after the MRI and many times the Health Care Provider refers you out for an evaluation at the neurologist or neurosurgeon. 

At this point, you know what’s coming … SURGERY! The good news is today more and more Health Care Providers are learning and utilizing NSSD, and often refer to My Spine & Joint doctors. 

Unfortunately, you may know a couple people who have had back surgery and many cases reported no relief. The statistics are not good. Tiger Woods, the golfing icon, recently underwent his fourth back surgery. Some are often put on disability, or 

in some cases, the worst cases, are confined to a wheelchair.  Look up failed back surgery syndrome online: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4590097/

Many of the neurosurgeons today may tell you that they cannot do surgery on you because your back is not bad enough … YET. This is good news as it means you are the perfect candidate for NSSD. The key here is don’t wait until they tell you that you will eventually need back surgery, but they will just have to continue monitoring you until that time comes. 

Did you know that many times the people who have back surgery must have a second surgery (Source: April 2002 issue of New Yorker) 

Why? Keep reading … 

Eugene Carragee, MD from Stanford University stated: Less than 25% will be completely successful. For most patients, the surgery does NOT have a dramatic impact on their pain or mobility; and Prognosis of a back free of pain; “fairly poor”. 

Quote from Dr. Seth Waldman, MD in the 2001 issue of Spine: 

“If you have a screwdriver, everything looks like a screw. There will be a lot of people doing the wrong thing for back pain for a long time until we get it figured out. I just hope we don’t hurt too many people in the process.” 

Dr. Waldman specializes in patients with FBSS (Failed Back Surgery Syndrome). 

Third Trap

The reason why the Health Care Providers continue down this same path over and over again is because it is considered the Standard of Care (S.O.C.). They are taught in school how to treat patients according to the S.O.C. Not always because it is what is best for the patient, but because that is what is required if you want to get paid for your services. 

Fourth Trap

You, as a patient, do not want to pay anything upfront and the doctor wants to get paid. Your Health Care Provider is often told by insurance carriers that the only way he/she is going to get paid for their services is to stay within the Standard of Care (S.O.C.). 

This is what we call “Insurance-Dictated Healthcare” and it is totally flawed. 

Everything that we have just covered is a BIG TRAP!!

We call it a phenomenon … more specifically ‘Phenomenon #1 ‘. 

It’s a trap because what many doctors are trying to do only covers up the symptoms and does not fix the problem … the unhealthy DISC.  The drugs and injections just mask the pain. 

The spinal surgery often just temporarily (if successful) relieves pressure from the nerves, which is why afterwards some patients may undergo additional surgeries. The number one question you should ask any provider when giving you anything for treating your back is: “Will this XYZ treatment make my DISCs healthier?” They may not be able to answer your question, or they might even tell you that the DISC cannot heal and repair. 

This chapter has been a long one, but we decided to keep it long because the information is important. 

In the next chapter, we will get into ‘Phenomenon #2’. You do not want to miss this one. 

At My Spine & Joint, we focus on the cause of your problem not just treating your symptoms. My Spine & Joint doctors frequently work with primary care physicians to help you through this process. 

 

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 5     PHENOMENON#1 VS PHENOMENON#2

In the last chapter, we went over Phenomenon #1 . Do you recall? 

In a nutshell, Phenomenon #1 is basically one BIG TRAP!!!

We call it the Pain Management Cycle (PMC). The issue with PMC is that the underlying problem is never fixed. So, you are stuck chasing your symptoms and never healing the unhealthy DISC. 

While Phenomenon #1 is occurring, there is another phenomenon occurring: 

It’s called ‘Phenomenon #2! 

Phenomenon #2 is the fact that as you continue to treat your symptoms, the spinal DISC is getting worse and worse. 

(Example: continuing to spray paint the brown leaves green on the tree instead of fixing the problem). 

The DISC is becoming more weakened. You, as the patient, need to change your focus!!! YOU must make a conscious decision to STOP focusing on your symptoms and start focusing on your spinal DISC. 

YOU HAVE A DECISION TO MAKE HERE! Think about this for a moment. You can do one of two things: 

1) You can continue with Phenomenon #1 (which up until this point has not worked for you) and continue the S.O.C. and neglect your spinal DISC

OR 

2) You can begin focusing on Phenomenon #2 and start on the road to allowing your spinal DISC to heal and repair. Your focus needs to be on the problem (the failed pump mechanism). 

In the next chapter, we will cover the details on how NSSD works to fix the problem in your spine, which is the Failed Pump Mechanism of DISC Nutrition. 

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 6     DETAILS OF NON-SURGICAL DECOMPRESS/ON

If the DISC itself could not heal and repair itself, then the entire NSSD that we use would be useless. Do you remember from Chapter 2 when we talked about the specific mechanism that allows the DISC to heal and repair?
It is called “The Pump Mechanism of DISC Nutrition”. Are you wondering “HOW” the device that we use allows the negative pressure to build up inside the DISC? 

If so, than good. The device can focus specifically on the bone above and below the DISC in your spine that is unhealthy. The device pulls UP on the bone above and DOWN on the bone below causing the DISC to be
‘decompressed’.

 All this is done without drugs, injections or surgery! The best part of it all, IT IS PAINLESS, and the only side­effect is that you get better! Now the device doesn’t just do this ·in one cycle. The device has a special computer regulated algorithm that causes the DISC to be decompressed in alternating cycles. What does that remind you of? Hopefully you considered a PUMP! The device is artificially re-creating the pump mechanism that has failed allowing the water, oxygen and nutrients to be pulled back inside the DISC to allow it to heal and repair. Now once you fix the pump, you increase circulation.

The increased circulation allows the DISC to heal and repair. (See the illustration on page 16.) Alright, we have covered a lot of information in this chapter. Almost too much information for one sitting. We will continue in the next chapter. .. In the next chapter, we will be going over the difference between NSSD and a traction table (or inversion table) as well as going over the specifics of what the entire program entails. A NSSD program does not just consist of a decompression table. There are very specific protocols you must do in the office before and after each session. We will go over all of this in the next chapter and let you know how many sessions may be needed and the overall length of the treatment. 

We are going to assume that since you are still reading that you have hopefully made the decision to STOP focusing on Phenomenon #1 and to start focusing on your unhealthy DISC(s). We can now go into detail about how NSSD works. The main component of NSSD utilizes a highly specialized machine that allows a negative pressure to be built up inside the DISC. There are many components that make My Spine & Joint and their doctors unique. This begins with ongoing training and certifications. This is an continual process at My Spine & Joint. 

A main component of NSSD is the equipment and software. My Spine & Joint doctors utilize a special FDA cleared piece of equipment that assists the body in developing negative disc pressure. Negative disc pressure is significant in the healing process. We will provide you with a folder, inside you will find many medical research articles on Degenerative Disc Disease, DOD, from doctors who have worked with or taught at schools like Harvard, Stanford, Johns Hopkins, Emory, Georgetown, even the Mayo Clinic. 

My Spine & Joint doctors are highly trained, and regularly study existing and emerging research on NSSD. Please take a moment to review some of the articles your doctor has provided you with. In one of the articles by, Michael D. Martin, M.D., Christopher M. Boxell, M.D., F.A.C.S., AND David G. Malone, M.D., it states in the third paragraph: “The DISC ITSELF is ACTIVE tissue that contains significant mechanisms for SELF-REPAIR.” WOW! This is such great news for you! Most health practitioners say to us; “I had no idea that the DISC can repair itself. I thought once it began to deteriorate it never comes back.” Our entire practice is built on that one sentence. 

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 7     WHAT IS INCLUDED WITH THE NSSD PROGRAM?

We at My Spine & Joint, one of the nation’s leading centers on Disc injuries are dedicated to you, the patient.
Now that we are in the last chapter of this FREE Report about avoiding back surgery. We wanted to take a moment to thank you for your time. We know you have a serious condition and that is why we have dedicated our time to helping people just like yourself. As Doctors of Chiropractic, we find the most difficult patients to help are those with serious DISC conditions. The adjustments would only be a ‘quick fix’ and in rare cases would flare up the patient. They would have to come back again and again for another adjustment. The good news is modern technology has changed all that. 

Chiropractic works wonders in MOST instances, but we are talking specifically about damaged, unhealthy, thin, bulging DISCs. Again, we are so thankful that you have taken the time and allowed us the opportunity to show you an option to avoid back surgery. Even if you choose not to use our services, we hope you gained some valuable information from this FREE Report. Number 1 Takeaway: Whomever you choose to treat your serious DISC condition, be sure to ask them one question: “Will this XYZ treatment make my DISC healthier?” Remember, only My Spine & Joint doctors are certified and trained on TDC therapy, this gentle protocol is the My Spine & Joint difference.

The key to this booklet is for you to ask any of your doctors will the treatment prescribed help heal my disc? If it won’t make the DISC healthier, DON’T DO IT! OK, let’s continue with this last chapter. A straight traction or inversion table is NOT the same thing as the decompression device that we use. The traction / inversion table provides a traction force across the entire spine and is not focused / concentrated on the exact DISC(s) of the spine that has the failed pump mechanism. 

The My Spine & Joint difference, is we utilize a decompression device that focuses on the specific DISC that is unhealthy and that needs the pumping action to start again. It does this by using a series of angles and an algorithm that is designed for each of the DISCs in the spine. The device can focus just on certain DISCs, whether they are in the low back or in the neck.

Make sure your doctor uses a FDA cleared device. My Spine & Joint doctors only utilize FDA cleared equipment. 

When we were deciding which device to use in our office, we wanted to make sure we were using the BEST in the industry so that our patients would get the BEST results. 

The main component of a NSSD program is the decompression; however, let’s go over all the specifics of what is included with the program we provide at My Spine & Joint

  1. NSSD Spinal Decompression Is usually performed for 23 minutes each session. 
  2. Chiropractic Spinal Adjustments Utilizing a specialized technique based on your condition.
  3. Whole Food Supplements & Collagen Support The nutrients the DISC needs to heal/ repair. (Your My Spine & Jointdoctor will review in detail the supplements you may need.)
    Lumbar back brace (Low back patients only, varies by patient)
    These braces are worn 1 to 4 hours after each session and/or several hours per day, Based on your doctor’s recommendation. 
  4. Ice Application Used for 7 to 10 minutes after each session.
  5. Low Level Laser Therapy (Cold) Laser, cold laser device utilized to enhance healing of the annular areas of the DISC. 
  6. Specific Exercise Program Designed to strengthen every muscle in the body including the all-important intrinsic muscles of the spine which are critical for long term results.
  7. Orthotics May Be Recommended by Your Doctors Depending on the Severity of Your Condition Orthotics are sometimes recommended to expedite the healing process. Your doctor will determine if orthotics are needed. Many doctors utilize computerized programs that assess your feet in motion. A report is generated that we have reviewed your findings. Specific customized inserts are created utilizing the computerized technology to help keep your feet going straight and avoiding pronation/supination that leads to knee, hip and back problems. This is why many times the Armed Forces will not take anyone with even a slight foot problem. They know it leads to knee, hip and lower back problems I surgery. You have 206 bones in your body 40% of those bones are in your feet! That is why orthotics are critical.

The next question you should have at this point is:”How many weeks does it take?” 

The entire NSSD programs vary by the patient’s condition: acute, or chronic, if there are multiple bulges and or herniations. 

My Spine & Joint doctors are nationally certified by major University teaching facilities. Time of treatment is constantly utilized in conjunction with many Medical Research papers. Without complications, or multiple levels of pathology, this is usually in the range of 20-30 visits. Your My Spine & Joint doctor will review your conditions in detail, and will customize your treatment accordingly specific to your body and needs. 

So, as you can see, this treatment is NOT a quick fix. It is NOT for everyone. It takes time for your body to heal and repair. The treatment frequency is high because we are working to return the circulation back to the DISC.

Over and over and over again we initiate the disc pumping mechanism to allow the DISC enough water, oxygen and nutrients to be able to heal and repair. 

By the end of your treatment program your DISC will have repaired to the point that the pump mechanism will have been re­created and working on its own, to the best of its ability, without the artificial pumping action. You must be COMMITTED to this treatment before you begin. If you are not committed to the program; if you do not stick with the protocol that has been provided; you will NOT get better.

In Appendix 1, we will go over some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s). 

In Appendix 2, we will also explain how you can schedule an evaluation to determine if you are a candidate for the treatment program which we provide. 

 

APPENDIX

1. Do I need an X-Ray, MRI, or both to be accepted for an NSSD program? 

In most cases, yes. The X-Ray and the MRI are the gold standard in determining whether the pump mechanism in the DISC has failed. Most insurance companies cover the MRI, or if you do not have insurance, you can pay cash to the facility we prefer in the area. Ask our front desk for the number. They do an outstanding job and the most detailed spinal MRI reports. They will fax us a copy of your report as soon as it gets read (ask them for a CD copy of your MRI, and a copy of your report.). 

2. If I already had an MRI, will I need to get another one? 

In most cases, your existing MRI will be sufficient in determining whether or not you would be a candidate for a NSSD program, as long as it is recent, and your condition has not changed. 

3. Does an NSSD program work with patients with arthritis in the spine? 

YES. We cannot reverse the arthritis. If we can allow the DISC to heal and repair, the progression of the arthritis will dramatically slow down. The arlhritis in the spine is due to the DISC not acting as the ‘shock absorber’ and the shock is transferred into the bones above and below the DISC. The stimulation of the bone cells from the shock causes the bone to grow out. This bone growth is called a spur which is thus … arthritis. 

4. Are you able to help me if I have had an injection … (or one, or two, or three)? 

Often, YES. Sometimes we wait for a period of 45 to 60 days if you have had any steroid or epidural injections. It depends on the case, age and complicating factors. Most people and even doctors do not know that Epidural Steroid injections are NOT approved by the FDA. Isn’t that scary? If you are thinking of having this procedure done, we urge you to watch Dr. Oz’s documentary show on Epidural Injections

5. Do I need a referral to be evaluated by you?

NO. We are considered a primary care provider and you do NOT need a referral to schedule an appointment to see us. 

6. Can someone who has had back surgery get help from an NSSD program? 

That depends on each case. At several DISC Centers of America in the country about 30% of their patients are Failed Back Surgery Syndrome people. 

7. Will my insurance cover an NSSD program? 

That depends on your insurance carrier, unfortunately many insurance companies do not cover, some will pay a partial portion of your care. This is applicable, you can file the report to your insurance company. If your injuries are due to a motor vehicle accident, most insurance companies will cover this. Please review this with your doctor. The CPT code for NSSD is S9090. Please do not hesitate to call your insurance company and ask them about the reimbursement for the code S9090. Some insurance companies do recognize and pay for this code, while others don’t. SOC, or standard of care, varies per insurance company and insurance contract that you have with the company. Some companies do not accept this code, while others do; again insurance coverage varies person to person, state by state & carrier by carrier. You are welcome and advised to talk to your insurance agent or carrier. NSSD is one of the most cost effective ways to treat Degenerative Disc Disease. Why some companies do not include this is one of the great debates with insurance today Your DCOA doctor will provide you with any research you may need to forward to your company The fact remains that many insurance companies today do not consider many necessary procedures as standard of care procedures. This is the great political debate and health care crisis we all must deal with. We can assure you that DCOA doctors throughout the country are working with insurance companies all the time trying to change this paradigm. 

 8. How much does an NSSD program cost?
 
The treatment costs are determined by the extent of your condition. After your thorough evaluation we will recommend the appropriate amount of care needed. Before any treatment begins we will also let you know
of all the costs associated with the treatment. There will be NO surprises down the road. The average cost begins at around $3,500 to $5,000 but varies from patient to patient, depending on severity and complexity.
 
9.  Is the entire fee required up front?
Often times, we can get your treatment financed, however before treatment begins the fee, or payment arrangement, is due in full. (Rare exceptions permitted). The reason we do this is because we only accept people who are seriously COMMITTED to getting results. If we take payments, the non-serious people tend to ‘DROP OUT as soon as the pain goes away They do not stay for the full treatment and therefore, do not get the results. Like we said before, this treatment is not for everyone.
 
10. Is there a way to finance this treatment?
YES. There are companies that can provide financing. We also provide guaranteed 100% in-house financing for our patients.
 
11. What is the success rate for a NSSD program?
We only accept people who we truly believe we can help so our success rate is very high. we can show you long term follow up studies from leading institutions and providers with excellent outcomes!

The charge for the evaluation varies depending on time and complexity which includes: 

  1. One-on-one consultation where we discuss your specific details. This includes reviewing your X-Rays or MRls and the three (3) signs discussed earlier.
  2. An orthopedic and neurological evaluation
  3. Report of Findings – we will let you know if we can help you and what it will take to heal and restore your DISCS.

This entire process takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour. We will block off the time needed just for your use. All we ask is that you are on time and if for some reason you cannot make it, please call and let us know in advance. We do not use high pressure sales techniques. We simply tell you the truth and you decide what you want to do. We are very picky about who we accept into this program because we will be spending a lot of time together and we will only take those that are seriously committed. Like we said before, this is not for everyone. Don’t delay, call the office at (727)475-2608, and let’s start the conversation. Find out how you can get a FREE Consultation By Clicking Here

FINAL THOUGHTS

Thank you, we have enjoyed explaining a method of treatment that we are extremely passionate about. The purpose of our office is to reduce the use of DRUGS and SURGERY and to help as many people we can suffering from chronic neck and lower back pain/DISC problems.  These people have usually tried everything else and come to us as a last resort. We look forward to meeting you and having the opportunity to help you regain your life as we have done for so many others.  

We know how griping your serious DISC condition is on your life.  We can help you through it. We will always be straight with you. Count on it! We hope to see you and your loved one soon.  

There is a reason why My Spine & Joint doctors are considered some of the nation’s leading experts in treating Disc disease. We look forward to working with you so you can learn first-hand the My Spine & Joint difference. 

A Special Note from 

Dr. Michael McPherson D. C. .

We are glad you’ve taken a step to finding a solution for your very serious DISC problem. 

The information contained within this report will most likely be new to you. Throughout this report, we will go over the entire Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD) process. Be sure to read through the entire report. 

The goal here is not to “sell” you anything. It is merely to educate you on your exact problem and inform you of an option to help you AVOID BACK SURGERY

Let’s not waste any time … let’s get started! 

P.S. Feel free to email us: info@myspineandjoint.com if you should have any questions after reading through this. Or text me directly at (727)475-2608