Chiropractic Services Boulder
"Quick Care” Walk-Ins Welcome:
Drop in anytime the office is open. No Wait longer than 5 minutes.
Full spine adjustments with minimal fuss.
No insurance, No Problem. $39. Call ahead to let us know you are coming,
and we can roll out the Welcome Mat. Call: 303-546-6325
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NOTE: Many insurance companies consider these services as "investigational" and do not pay for them. Each insurance company has specific exclusions to what they cover. You MUST READ your policy...We offer services we feel are beneficial and "cutting edge." They all have research to back them up, or they don't get used at Kennedy Chiropractic.
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Spinal Decompression:
?NASA CURE FOR BACK PAIN?
The truth is not so grandiose. Yes, when astronauts return from space their discs are probably a little higher and more “spacious” than when they walked in gravity on Earth. But, the big point here is that by creating “less gravity force” on the spine, we can begin to make healthy improvements to old, worn out discs.
New technology has been developed over the last 5-10 years that makes it much more comfortable to stretch the spine and allow the discs to rehydrate (take in fluids).
The Spinal decompression devices require powerful distractive forces over a long time to draw fresh nutrients and water into the dried out discs...this makes them get bigger and taller and that creates more space for nerves. That means less pain for you. The average number of treatments is 20; 5 per week for 4 weeks. Most people feel much better by the 5th or 6th treatment. (and many people get so relaxed they fall asleep on the machine!)
Do you suffer with low back pain, neck and carpal tunnel?
Have you been told you need back surgery?
Decompression Therapy is an effective treatment for these conditions. It is very affordable, less expensive than surgery.
You may see below for more information and helpful answers about this non-surgical treatment.
The Decompression-Reduction-Stabilization therapy is an effective treatment for:
- Herniated Disc
- Degenerative Disc
- Facet Syndrome
- Sciatica
- Post-surgical Patients
- Spinal Stenosis
Do you have a herniated disc, multiple herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, facet syndrome, or any other type of spinal problem? Is you doctor suggesting surgery, pain management or physical therapy? Have you tried Chiropractic and just could not get enough relief?
Research indicates the disc is responsible for a significant number of lumbar/leg pain and neck/arm pain syndromes. Compression increase intradiscal pressure leading to annular compromise and possible extrusion of nuclear material.
Since the disc is an avascular structure, it doesn't receive fresh blood and oxygen with every beat of the heart. It requires "diffusion" created by motion and 'decompression' to restore nutrients and enhance healing.
Decompression is defined as reduction in pressure (intradiscal). Recumbent positions (both prone and supine) decrease intradiscal pressures in comparison to standing and sitting. However focused, axial mechanical+Y translation traction, (creating 'decompression' i.e. unloading due to distraction and positioning) has been shown to reduce disc pressure and enhance the healing response.
Clinically it is important to establish criteria both in the utilization of Decompression therapy and in defining its utility. (As with many therapies, hyperbole and overstatement are common.) Axial Decompression (both lumbar and cervical) is first and foremost a "passive" therapy and as such has definite limitations in "curing" a chronic musculoskeletal condition. Its value is most specific in helping referral pain not solely low back or acute low back pain (symptoms for which manipulation has proven beneficial).
Loss of local muscle control, abnormal posture and alterations in spinal curves are the probable underlying source of most spinal 'compression' and degeneration. Therefore a "passive" therapy has little effect in truly fixing the underlying problem.
However, that being said, Decompression therapy (done safely within established protocols and a clear understanding of it's limitations) can often effectively enhance the healing process and render quick, effective and often amazing pain relief in a properly selected patient population (many who have previously failed other treatments). Additionally it may also be very useful in determining the overall prognosis of passive care and expediting the phase-in of rehab protocols.
Indications and Use
Any non-acute (>1 week) low back or neck pain syndrome not related to a disease process, canal stenosis or acute strain/sprain injury is theoretically treatable by decompression. Disc and facet pain can often be relieved by early intervention with decompression. The acute inflammation of injuries however should be reduced by other means, in most cases, prior to beginning Decompression. Contraindications are similar to manipulative therapy, however since mechanical stretch creates no impact, mild to moderate Osteoporosis may not be contraindicated. (This holds true overall for frail and elderly patients who could potentially be injured by manipulative thrusts. Disc fragmentation, calcification, severe arthritis and any surgical spinal appliances are all relative contraindications.
Our clinical findings suggest Decompression will create a relatively quick initial response. Patients who will do well tend to feel a sense of relief (which can be direct pain cessation or a centralization of pain and/or reduction to an ache or stiffness) within six sessions. Full relief, if attainable through this passive treatment will usually be in 8-12 sessions. (Occasionally a 'stubborn' pain syndrome may continue to improve slowly over 15+ sessions though this is not the norm). Often patients will be treated 4-6 sessions and notice enough relief to allow active rehab to begin. Their Decompression may continue (pre or post rehab depending on the methods chosen) for 4-6 further sessions before discontinuing or reducing the frequency.
Typical frequency is 3-5 times per week. The extent and seriousness of the symptoms will determine if more than three sessions per week should be utilized. Our experience suggests Decompression is also an excellent supportive or maintenance treatment for those cases where pain relief is marked but prone to exacerbations.
The Triton DTS represents the finest Decompression Traction System available today. Cervical, lumbar, and wrist Decompression Traction can be delivered utilizing the Triton DTS in a controlled and proven method.
Decompression therapy is very affordable and cheaper than surgery. Spinal Traction is highly recommended by Neurological Research. It was found that out of 778 cases of patients receiving spinal decompression 92% said that they showed improvement (Neurological Research; Volume 20, Number 3, April 1998).
Spinal Disc Decompression, utilizing Decompression-Reduction-Stabilization, is a unique, non-surgical therapy developed for the treatment of chronic lower back pain, herniated discs and degenerative disc diseases.
The Spinal Decompression table in conjunction with additional modalities effectively relieves the pain and disability resulting from disc injury and degeneration, by repairing damaged discs and reversing dystrophic changes in nerves. Spinal Disc Decompression addresses the functional and mechanical aspects of discogenic pain and disease through non-surgical decompression of lumbar intervertebral discs. Studies verify the significant reduction of intradiscal pressures into the negative range, to approximately minus 150 mm/HG, which result in the non-surgical decompression of the disc and nerve root. Conventional traction has never demonstrated a reduction of intradiscal pressure to negative ranges; on the contrary - many traction devices actually increased intradiscal pressure, most likely due to reflex muscle spasm. The Decompression table is designed to apply distraction tension to the patient's lumbar spine without eliciting reflex paravertebral muscle contractions.
By significantly reducing intradiscal pressure, Spinal Disc Decompression promotes retraction of the herniation into the disc and facilitates influx of oxygen, proline and other substrates. The promotion of fibro elastic activity stimulates repair and inhibits leakage of irritant sulphates and carboxylates from the nucleus. The most recent trial sought to correlate clinical success with MRI evidence of disc repair in the annulus, nucleus, facetjoint and foramina as a result of treatment and found that reduction of disc herniation ranged between 10% and 90% depending on the number of sessions performed, while annulus patching and healing was evident in all cases.
The most recent clinical study of 778 patients has showed that Disc Decompression Therapy was more than 70% successful in the treatment of herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, facet syndrome, and sciatica. In this same study, 92% of patients had a reduction in their pain of at least one point on the 0 to 5 scale.
FAQs about Spinal Decompression
What is Spinal Decompression Therapy?
Spinal decompression therapy is a non-surgical, comfortable traction therapy for the relief of back and leg pain or neck and arm pain. During this procedure, by cycling through distraction and relaxation phases and by proper positioning, a spinal disc can be isolated and placed under negative pressure, causing a vacuum effect within it.
What can this vacuum effect do?
The vacuum effect accomplishes two things. From a mechanical standpoint, disc material that has protruded or herniated outside the normal confines of the disc can be pulled back within the disc by the vacuum created within the disc. Also, the vacuum within the disc stimulates in growth of blood supply, secondarily stimulating a healing response. This results in pain reduction and proper healing at the injured site.
What machine is used for this purpose?
There are a number of spinal decompression machines presently used in the
Who can benefit from Spinal Decompression Therapy?
Spinal decompression therapy is designed to unload the spinal disc. Any back pain or neck pain caused in whole or in part by a damaged disc may be helped by spinal decompression therapy. These conditions include herniated, protruding or bulging discs, spinal stenosis, sciatica or radiculopathy (pinched nerves).
Are there conditions where Spinal Decompression is not indicated?
Spinal decompression therapy is usually not recommended for pregnant women, or patients who have severe osteoporosis, severe obesity or severe nerve damage. It is not recommended for patients over 70. However, every patient is evaluated on an individual basis. Spinal surgery with instrumentation (screws and metal plates or "cages") is also contraindicated. Surgery to the discs without fusion or fusion using bony replacement is not contraindicated.
How often do I take treatment sessions? How long does each session last?
Each session includes decompression therapy and spinal stabilization exercises and takes about 1 hour. Spinal decompression is usually performed 3-5 times a week for 15-20 sessions.
What are the results of Spinal Decompression Therapy?
Over 70% of patients have good pain relief. This success rate is similar to surgical results.
I have had spinal surgery, but continue to have pain. Can I try Spinal Decompression Therapy?
Spinal decompression therapy can help people with back pain after failed spinal surgery. It can be performed in most patients who have not been left with an unstable spine after surgery.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------PENS Technique for chronic Pain:
PENS stands for Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. It is a form of electrical stimulation through the skin via needles (usually acupuncture needles). The electrical current is able to travel more easily through the body once it is beneath the skin, so less is needed and we are able to put it more exactly where it will do the most good. For more information on PENS, click here.
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FSM (Frequency Specific Microcurrent):
Very minimal currents are used two at a time to target injured tissue and quickly heal it. This new form of therapy is growing rapidly. We have the AutoCare unit at our clinic and are able to treat a wide range of chronic problems from back pain, headaches, neck pain, and fibromyalgia. For more information, click here.
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Pulsed Magnetic Fields
“Magnetic energy is that elemental energy which all life in an organism depends.”
Dr. Werner Heisenberg.
Pulsed magnetic fields improve energy balance to bring the potential energy of the sick and dying cells up to some potential energy. This is done by sitting or lying on a pad that is essentially a magnetic field; the pad is connected to a machine called a Magnopro. It is a very safe and effective way to wake up your cells and promote wellness. The pulsed magnetic fields are good for a number of illnesses and diseases and can also help with stress prevention.
For More Information, click here: MagnoPro
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Low Level Laser Therapy
Excellent for the following conditions:
Arthritis / Joint Pain
Whiplash
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Headaches
Tendonitis / Bursitis
Sprains and Strains
Pinched Nerve / Sciatica
Muscle Pain
Knee, Hip and Ankle pain
Plantar Fasciitis
Tennis & Golfer's elbow
Post-operative Pain
TMJ Syndrome
Shoulder / Rotator Cuff Injury
Fibromyalgia
Carpal Tunnel: Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve becomes pressed or
squeezed at the wrist. Symptoms can range from mild but frequent burning, tingling, or
itching numbness in the palm of the hand, thumb, index and middle fingers to decreased
grip strength, wasting of the thumb muscle and inability to tell between hot and cold by
touch. This often leads people to consider surgical options, yet success rates range from
50-70% effectiveness, there can be residual problems like numbness, pain, stiffness or
weakness and recovery may take several weeks to as long as a few months before you have
unrestricted use of your hand and wrist.
Laser Therapy has repeatedly been shown in dozens of studies to be 60-80% effective as a
stand alone treatment. Dr. Kennedy's specialization in repetitive stress injuries has
allowed him to develop a comprehensive system for evaluation and treatment that boasts a
near perfect success rate. By combining deep tissue laser therapy, specialized soft tissue
techniques, nutrition and chiropractic care he is able to identify and treat often
overlooked components of CTS. Most patients will experience a great degree of relief by
the 6th visit, though this will depend primarily on the severity of condition and the
length of time the condition has been present. Complete resolution of symptoms can usually
be expected within 15 – 20 visits. Generally, the more chronic or severe the condition,
the longer it takes to respond but this does not mean excellent results can not still be
achieved.
Tendinitis: Tendinitis is inflammation of the fibrous cord (tendon) that attaches a muscle
to a bone. The most common cause of this inflammation is what is referred to as repetitive
stress (or strain) injury. By frequently overusing a muscle through a repetitive motion,
such as occurs while playing tennis or using a computer keyboard for hours at a time, a
tendon becomes inflamed. Where there is inflammation, there is usually pain. If the site
of irritation has no chance to rest and recover, and the inflammation continues, then
fibrin and other inflammatory "debris" will accumulate. This, along with a decrease in
blood vessel activity will lead to fibrosis and the formation of scar tissue.
A spur is a calcification that forms where a tendon attaches to a bone. This is the final
stage of a chronic tendonitis condition. Laser Therapy is the most effective treatment for
tendonitis because it stimulates the regeneration of tissue at the cellular level (such as
collagen). It also stimulates and re-establishes blood flow to an acute or chronic injury
site. This helps carry accumulated inflammatory "debris" away from the injury site and
healing nutrients in to the site. In the case where there's a spur formation, even though
the spur remains, the cold laser can effectively treat the site and remove the associated
inflammation and thus, the pain, often permanently.
Arthritis: There are several forms of arthritis, but the most common is "wear and tear" or
"degenerative" arthritis. This is simply a wearing down of any joint from injuries,
repetitive stress/strain, or from chronic structural imbalances (bad posture, etc.). Just
as in the case of tendonitis, laser therapy has proven to be an extremely effective
treatment for arthritis because of its ability to stimulate the regeneration of cartilage
and to heal inflamed tissue. Even though an x-ray may still show severe degeneration laser
therapy still provides pain relief and improved mobility.
Sports injuries: For acute sprains and strains such as those common in sports injuries,
nothing works as well or as fast as Laser Therapy. Whether it's tendon, ligament, or
muscle trauma, Laser Therapy - used as soon as possible following the injury - can go to
work by stimulating the healing response at the cellular level. This healing photon of
light energy interrupts the inflammatory process and accelerates the regeneration of the
damaged tissue allowing you to get back to your favorite activities sooner.
Kennedy Chiropractic of Boulder
3405 Penrose Place, ste 106
Boulder, CO 80301
(303) 546-6325
Serving: Longmont, Louisville, Westminster, Niwot and Boulder
3D Spine Simulator
Launch 3D Spine Simulator