Published: September 14, 2007 07:31 am      

A new treatment for chronic back pain

People suffering from extreme lower back pain have a new option for treatment when they visit Santelli Chiropractic Clinic in Athens.

The DRX9000 is a new machine that utilizes spinal decompression to help cure herniated discs and other lower back ailments.

“This treatment gives patients another option,” said Dr. Dana J. Santelli.

In the past Dr. Santelli would have to refer patients to other doctors where they could receive spinal injections. If the injections were not successful the patient would then have to go to a spine doctor where they would have back surgery.

“With the DRX9000 patients have an advanced, non-surgical treatment option for lower back pain associated with herniated and degenerative discs,” said Dr. Santelli.

Spinal decompression is a treatment that slowly and gently stretches the spine, taking pressure off of compressed discs and vertebrae. When the pressure is released fluids and water can come into the disc and begin regenerating.

Santelli Chiropractic Clinic has had 30-35 patients treated with the DRX9000, and have had a 90% success rate. Among the patients is former pro-wrestler John Layfield who retired from wrestling due to a herniated disc.

“The studies say that there will be an 85-95% success rate,” said Santelli, “so we are doing well.”

The machine is state of the art and readjusts itself every 17 seconds based on the patients reactions to the stretching. To help a patient relax they can also watch a dvd or listen to music while strapped into the machine.

Santelli Chiropractic Clinic is the only place in Henderson County that utilizes spinal decompression.

“In the past we could only temporarily help a herniated disc,” Santelli said, “but now we can cure it.”