| Search The VAX-D Network Website |
|
|
Click
here to receive information on new locations and updates
DOCTORS' COMMENTS
Dr. Su Liu
Rockland Spine care
Pacesetter park
Route 202
Pomona, NY 10970
Re: Pre and Post - VAX-D therapy : Patient XXXXX
Dear Dr. Lui;
I have compared the MRI examination of the lumbar spine, which was obtained on September 28, 1999 with the patient's follow-up MRI examination of the lumbosacral spine, which was obtained on April 13, 2002. The difference is dramatic and remarkable.
On the initial exam from 1999, there was a posterior disc herniation at the L5/S1 level, which measured approximately 1.2 cm in the greatest diameter. The herniated disc was seen extending into the spinal canal and deforming the ventral aspect of the thecal sac.
The follow-up examination on April 13, 2002 showed no evidence whatsoever of a herniated disc or any deformity of the thecal sac. The L5/S1 intervertebral disc appeared normal in marked contrast to the appearance of the L5/S1 disc three (3) years earlier. This case is probably the most dramatic non-surgical herniated disc improvement I have ever seen on a lumbosacral spine MRI examination.
Sincerely,
Allan B. Rubin, M.D.
Lance Castellana, D.D. (Family
Practice)
Twin County Medical Associates PC.
328 Columbia St. Hudson. NY 12554
Phone:
(513) 826-5527 Fax: (518) 828-2532
Date
10/5/2000
Rockland SpineCare
Pacesetter Park Route 202
Pomona~ New York 10970
After three VAX-D treatments, I was
able to sleep through the night without any pain. At this point, I am pain free
arid strength in the left leg is near normal. I essentially feel the same as I
did before I sustained the back Injury. Had I not gone through VAX-D. I am
quite sure that I would have needed surgery which certainly would
have been a more involved surgery given the fact that I had three
very lateral herniated discs.
As a physician who has experienced
this ordeal of having three herniated discs and the severe pain associated
with it and given the fact that it had essentially incapacitated me, I was very
grateful to find this FDA approved procedure.
It is quite clear to me that this is a very under utilized procedure,
which more physicians should know about.
In those
patient’s with chronic low back pain with the diagnosis of extruded
herniations, multiple herniations, single herniations, degenerative disc disease
and facet joint syndrome, who are candidates for VAX-D and have no
contraindications, I would certainly advocate this treatment before moving onto
more invasive treatments. In
fact. I would feel almost unethical not sending a patient
to VAX-D prior to an invasive surgical procedure
if he/she was a candidate for VAX-D and had
failed other conservative treatments.
Sincerely,
Lance Castellana M.D. (Family Practice)
Earnest A. Reiner, M.D.
5104 Poe Avenue
Tampa, FL 33629-7257
I am an 80-year-old practicing internist in Tampa Florida and believe the following summary of my personal history and medical report might be of interest to others suffering from similar problems.
Because of left leg pains and bilateral symptoms of pseudo-claudication, it was necessary to have spinal surgery in December 1985. Severe spinal stenosis and herniated disc were noted at the L3-L4 level at that time. Good results were obtained and I remained essentially symptom free until January 1996. At that time, left back and leg pain were noted abruptly. Symptoms were relieved somewhat after bed rest and steroids. An MRI taken at the time revealed a diffuse area of stenosis of the canal from the L2-L3 to the L5-S1 levels. These were most severe at the L2-L3 level where there was a component of a herniated disc. Other than persistent left lateral
foot numbness and moderate back discomfort on standing, I was able to continue all medical activities and also engage in doubles tennis which is one sport I particularly enjoy even with some discomfort.
In June 1999, after a brief trip requiring heavy baggage handling,
extremely severe right-sided pain developed. This was aggravated by weight
bearing.
All studies were again repeated and the following findings noted.
At L1-L2 there was a mild disc bulge. At L2-L3 there was a left ventral defect with compression of the nerve roots. At L3-L4 there was a slight ventral subluxation of the L3 on L45 with ventral flattening of the thecal sac and right postero-lateral extrinsic compression of the thecal sac noted.
This appeared to be due to large marginal osteophytes and perhaps disc protrusion in the right foramina. At L4-L5 there was ventral and right, more that left, ventrolateral compression by the disc disease and osteophytic spurs. At L5-S1 there was ventral indentation associated
with a narrowed disc space.
Because of the findings of these multi-level disc herniations and bony stenosis, and because of the persistence of right sciatic pain, it was felt that a combined procedure was necessary. A wide decompressive laminectomy followed by spinal fusion at multiple levels was scheduled to
be done by a neurosurgeon /spinal surgeon.
In the interim period while awaiting surgery, routine physical therapy was carried out with no change in symptoms. I donated blood in anticipation of the surgery.
On evening in a state of frustration and depression, I turned on my computer. I searched out "lumbar stenosis" and the first article that stuck my attention was " an alternate to back surgery". This was an article describing " Vertebral Axial Decompression" ( VAX-D).
By what must be considered divine intervention, I dialed the 800 number listed with the article. I spoke at the time to Dr. Frank Tilaro, the medical director of VAX-D Medical Technologies. We spoke of my problems and although we agreed I was faced with serious complications that could effect the level of response he suggested in my case it would be certainly worth considering VAX-D before resorting to surgery. Although the by-line on the article was Utah I found that Dr. Tilaro was speaking to me from the VAX-D head office in Palm Harbor Florida only 28 miles from my home. I made arrangements to see him the next day at which time arrangements were made for me to receive VAX-D treatments in Palm Harbor.
I made 28 daily trips, each day five days a week, to the office where I received the VAX-D treatment. Each treatment session lasted about 30 to 45 minutes. By the fifteenth session my progress was sufficient that I cancelled the surgery. After 28 treatments, that is within six weeks, I was pain free.
I am most happy to say that now for the past 18 months, since completing my course of therapy, I have remained in remission, the numbness in my left foot has cleared and I am able to continue my medical duties as well as play, golf and tennis several times a week. I have had no recurrence ofproblems with my back to date, in spite of active participation in frequent sport activities.
I am the most grateful person on the face of the earth for having been directed to this non-surgical alternative to back pain treatment. It will be my legacy in life to bring this treatment to my hometown. It is inconceivable that this new and different manner of decompression of intervertebral discs and facet joints is not better known. It is most
difficult to understand, as a physician and patient, why this proven non-surgical treatment is not covered by all insurance carriers and Medicare but also is not routinely recommended prior to surgical intervention.
For my extremely severe multilevel lumbosacral pathology VAX-D was truly a lifesaver.
Earnest A. Reiner, M.D.
Lance Castellana, M.D. (Family Practice)
Twin County Medical Associates PC.
328 Columbia St. Hudson. NY 12554
Phone: (513) 826-5527 Fax: (518) 828-2532
Date 1O/5/2000
Rockland SpineCare
Pacesetter Park Route 202
Pomona~ New York 10970
I wanted to bring you up to date on how I have been doing since I received VAX-D at Rockland Spine Care. In addition, I would like to outline my case which you may use as you see fit for any patients considering VAX-D or for physicians who are considering sending patients for VAX-D.
I initially began to have low back pain and left leg pain at the end of January 2000 which I believe occurred after lifting some heavy suitcases. The back pain and leg pain became progressively worse over the next month.
I had numerous visits to the local Emergency Rooms. I had an MRI, which revealed three very herniated discs. Over the next three weeks, the pain became worse and I had to lay down on the floor in between patients to try and ease the pain. The pain became so excruciating, I had to go to the emergency room and receive an injection. After no relief, I was admitted and placed on IV medication. Physical Therapy was started in the hospital and I continued as an outpatient. Although the pain improved slightly, I was unable to sleep through the night, having to get up every two hours because of the pain. At the end of April, 1 knew I would be unable to go back to
work and had exhausted all conservative treatments. Physical Therapy and the epidural steroid injection did not seem to be helping me at that point. I felt that my only alternative would be surgery. I began to feel some leg weakness and had difficulty rising from a kneeling position.
I then became aware of VAX-D and after reviewing the literature, I was convinced that the
research was good and theory behind it made eminent sense. My neurosurgeon and neurologist agreed.
After three VAX-D treatments, I was able to sleep through the night without any pain. At this point, I am pain free arid strength in the left leg is near normal. I essentially feel the same as I did before I sustained the back Injury. Had I not gone through VAX-D. I am quite sure that I would have needed surgery which certainly would have been a more involved surgery given the fact that I had three very lateral herniated discs.
As a physician who has experienced this ordeal of having three herniated discs and the severe pain associated with it and given the fact that it had essentially incapacitated me, I was very grateful to find this FDA approved procedure. It is quite clear to me that this is a very under utilized procedure, which more physicians should know about.
In those patient's with chronic low back pain with the diagnosis of extruded herniations, multiple herniations, single herniations, degenerative disc disease and facet joint syndrome, who are candidates for VAX-D and have no contraindications, I would certainly advocate this treatment before moving onto more invasive treatments. In fact. I would feel almost unethical not sending a patient to VAX-D prior to an invasive surgical procedure if he/she was a candidate for VAX-D and had failed other conservative treatments.
Sincerely,
Lance Castellana M.D. (Family Practice)
If you tried medication, physical therapy, cortisone injections, epidural steroid injections, chiropractic, acupuncture, and /or traction and are stuck suffering with back pain, call Rockland SpineCare today to schedule a Free Introductory consultation at 845-354-INFO (4636) to determine If VAX-D is right for you. To learn more, visit our Internet site at
www.vaxd.net.
Dr. Su Liu is a specialist in physical medicine.
EMAIL
THE VAX-D NETWORK!
info@vaxd.net
|
TOP SELLING BOOKS ON BACK PAIN
|
