The VAX-D Network - Patient's Comments

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On September 12, 2000, Tammy Seal lay on the floor of her home in pain. With hot tears of pain leaking from her eyes, she slowly pulled on her telephone cord, inching the receiver closer and closer. Tammy was desperate for help. Over the last two years, Tammy hurt every day. “My back problem was very bad,” says Tammy. “I was becoming paralyzed on my left side. I had no feeling in my feet. They were cold and blue. I couldn’t work. All I could do was lay flat on my back on the floor in pain. I had to try something. That day I saw an ad in the newspaper describing a new back treatment that could help relieve the pain of herniated and degenerated discs. I called to see how soon I could get in.”

“The reason that my disks were ruptured was due to a fall I had taken down cement steps in 1998,” says Tammy. “Not only had I ruptured my lower lumbar discs, I also broke my tailbone. Dr. Hoffman, of the Back Pain Institute, diagnosed me and confirmed that I had herniated disks in my lower back.”

According to Robert Hoffman, M.D., “These disks are normally filled with fluid and flexible. In Tammy’s case, they had become dry and were degenerating, herniations were putting pressure on the nerves in her back and legs. She appeared to be an ideal case for VAX-D.”

“I began VAX-D treatments immediately. VAX-D allowed my disks to decompress so they could be rejuvenated with fluids and heal themselves,” says Tammy. “It’s a self-healing process with the help of a machine. As I progressed with the treatments, I started feeling better. The feeling was back in my legs. It was a miracle. I had been to over 15 doctors in three different states trying to find a solution to my back pain.

While the doctors knew from MRIs that I had herniated disks, none of them were treating that problem. They saw my symptoms and told me that I either had osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia or rheumatoid arthritis. I felt like no one was listening to me. I was taking the same tests each time I saw a new doctor. The tests never confirmed that I had any of these problems. I became so depressed from my inability to take care of myself and function that one doctor even said my symptoms were a result of my depression. I was given anti-inflammatory medicine which left me barely able to eat causing my weight to drop. I though I was dying without knowing why or what from.”

“When I arrived at the Back Pain Institute, I hadn’t worked for many months. VAX-D has given me my life back. If you have been told nothing can be done for your back problem you should call the Back Pain Institute. The doctors there may be able to help you put your life back together. Don’t wait until you are incapacitated. I don’t want anyone to suffer like I did. I believe this treatment saved my life!”

It can happen to anyone at any time. It happened to Laura Keller. “The pain was incredible. I couldn’t walk, sit, stand, or even lie flat. The nerves from my lower back down to the tip of my left toes felt as if they were contracting, flexing, tingling, and twitching all at once.”

Back pain strikes over 18 million people a year. The majority of back pain is caused by either degenerative disc or disc herniations, causing the back pain sufferer tremendous discomfort and frustration. Back pain not only afflicts the back, but it affects ones entire life. Simple everyday tasks turn into challenging obstacles. Going to the grocery store, walking from work to the car, driving, preparing meals, interacting with other people all require the use of ones back.

“The physical pain was misery, but it is not what affected me the most. The most difficult aspect of my L4/L5 disc herniation was the loss of mobility. The same mobility that I had taken for granted. I pride myself on my independence. I am 25 years old and my back was limiting my ability to take part in life’s pleasures,” states Laura.

Until recently the only options for Laura and other back pain sufferers were physical therapy, pain medication and surgery. However, now there is an advanced back treatment therapy that can reduce pain and repair damage in the lower lumbar spine. It is VAX-D and offered at the Back Pain Institute of St. Louis.

VAX-D, short for Vertebral Axial Decompression, is an FDA approved, non-surgical, mechanized decompression system that was developed by a leading physician in Canada. Clinical research has shown outstanding results, even when surgery and other types of treatment have failed. VAX-D has proven to be 70% effective in the treatment of herniated discs, degenerated discs, facet syndrome and sciatica. VAX-D creates a vacuum effect within the disc drawing the herniation back into place and drawing fluids back into the disc so they can heal. VAX-D not only stops the pain but can also significantly improve the mobility of one’s back.

“I was cynical at first, but I felt as if VAX-D was the best option. I was to young to have back surgery and did not want to live on pain killers for the rest of my life. Once I began treatment the staff at the Back Pain Institute impressed me. They made my health their top priority. The Back Pain Institute’s staff not only performed the VAX-D procedure with technical expertise, but they also expressed the care and compassion that I also needed.”

“It is a joy to see a patient recover. To watch patients go from having difficulties walking in the door on their first appointment to smiling and telling you about their recent vacation is uplifting. I am happy that we can help people return to an active, healthy lifestyle,” explains Angie, one of the staff members at the Back Pain Institute.

It can happen to anyone at any time. It happened to Elan Recca. " The back pain was unbearable. The easiest chores in my everyday life became nearly impossible to do. I could barley even go to the bathroom, let alone lie down in bed."

Back pain strikes over 18 million people per year. The majority of back pain is caused by either degenerative disc disease or disc herniations, causing the back pain sufferer tremendous discomfort and frustration, Back pain affects one's entire life.

"The physical pain was miserable, but what bothered me the most was the fact that I could not properly care for my son. I pride myself on my independence and I was off work from January to July. I am only 24 years old and my back was causing me to walk with a limp", states Elan.

"I had tried physical therapy, ultrasound treatment, heat therapy, stretching, and pain medication. I had seen the disastrous results of the back surgery performed on my father and I did not want to spend the rest of my life on pain killers or chance surgery."

"My physician recommended that I try VAX-D", short for Vertebral Axial Decompression system developed by Dr. Alan Dyer, the inventor of the heart defibrilator. Clinical analysis has shown outstanding results even when surgery and other types of treatment have failed.

VAX-D has proven to be over 70% effective in the treatment of herniated discs, degenerative discs, facet syndrome and sciatica. VAX-D creates a vacuum effect within the disc drwaing the herniation back into place and drawing the fluids into the disc so that they can heal without the cost and risk of surgery. The procedure is non-invasive and offers patients a choice that is safe and without complications.

"After about 12 sessions I noticed a big difference. I could sleep without pain, bathe on my own and I was walking without a limp. The staff at VAX-D Institute of the Pacific not only performed the VAX-D procedure with technical expertise but they were really kind and made me feel very comfortable. I have returned to work full time. I thank VAX-D for making my life happen again", states Elan.

If you are suffering from back pain and want to know more about the VAX-D decompression treatment, please call the VAX-D Institute of the Pacific at 808-599-1422 to schedule a consultation to determine if VAX-D is right for you. To learn more about VAX-D you may also visit www.vaxd.net on the internet.

“No More Low Back Pain or Leg Pain, Thanks to VAX-D” - Dominic Scaglione

“The pain got so intense I had to go to the hospital,” says Dominic Scaglione, “I had severe low back pain, pain shooting down my left leg and I had a difficult time walking because I couldn’t control my left foot, the doctors called it foot drop.”

Everyone has experienced pain in their lives. But when one’s back and leg hurts, it can affect his or her entire body. This was the case with Dominic. Poor posture, lack of exercise and overexertion caused Dominic’s condition.

“I had a herniation in my L4/L5 disc and a degenerated disc at L5/S1, “says Dominic. The MRI showed that the disc was pushing on my spinal cord and that caused the back pain and foot drop.”

After Dominic’s visit to the hospital, they wanted him to undergo surgery right away. His neurosurgeon told him he had one of the worst herniated disc cases he had ever seen and there was a chance after undergoing surgery, his condition may still remain. “I was really upset” says Dominic.

“My wife who is an advocate for non-invasive procedures talked me into holding off on the surgery and check out this new procedure called VAX-D.”

VAX-D, short for Vertebral Axial Decompression, is a FDA approved, non-surgical, mechanized decompression system that was developed by a leading physician in Canada. Clinical research has shown outstanding results, even when surgery and other types of treatment have failed. VAX-D has proven to be over 70% effective in the treatment of herniated discs, degenerated discs, facet syndrome and sciatica. VAX-D creates a vacuum effect within the disc drawing the herniation back into place and drawing fluids back into the disc so they can heal. After the comprehensive treatment,

VAX-D not only stops the pain but can also significantly improve the mobility of one’s back.

“Dr. Ferris turned this whole experience into a positive thing”, says Dominic. “He explained that if I decided on VAX-D and it didn’t help, I could always have the surgery but if I had the surgery first and it didn’t help I might not be able to be helped with VAX-D. I started VAX-D the week of Thanksgiving and continued through the second week in January. I could feel myself getting better after the first treatment. I was able to continue working. Now all my pains are gone and I no longer have the problem with my foot. I have full mobility and my whole body feels wonderful. I’ve actually started working out again. It was a wonderful experience from the moment I walked in.”

a normal active lifestyle. As you know, I was diagnosed with degenerative disc disease

and saw many doctors over the years. None of the previous treatments were successful

Thank God I found you. I was really very pleasantly surprised to find that I felt

much better after just three visits. After completing the program, all of the pain was gone.

What a relief to be able to be rid of that persistent pain that I endured for much too long.

If someone in physical pain similar to mine spoke with me about it, I would refer that

person to you without hesitation. With great appreciation for you and respect for the

“I can now go shopping in stores with my wife, Martha Jo,” says Duane Brissell, of Nashville. “Just a few weeks ago, I was in a wheelchair. I’ve had back pain for the last 30 years. My back got so bad in the last 6 months that just standing to take a shower caused excruciating pain! I considered surgery but put it off because I had friends who were still in pain after having back surgery.”

"Martha Jo saw an article in the newspaper for a new type of lower back pain treatment called VAX-D. We called about it, and I went over and talked to them. I then checked it out on the internet and decided to try VAX-D. I’ll be honest with you—I’m glad I did.”

“I could feel improvement after the first treatment,” says Duane. “It decompressed the discs which took off the pressure that was causing the pain. Now, I can walk,” says Duane. “I get up in the morning pain-free. It’s really amazing. I’m sure I felt like this before my back problems started but it’s been a long time. The other day I was out throwing a baseball with my grandson.”

VAX-D is used to help your injured discs heal. Most patients regain full range of motion and are able to resume normal lives. After X-Rays and an MRI, they found that Duane’s spine was not in proper alignment and that the L4 and L5 discs were putting pressure on his nerve trunk, which caused swelling and pain. VAX-D is proven to be over 70 percent effective in the treatment of disabling low back pain, associated leg pain and numbness and doesn’t involve surgery or drugs. For all chronic back pain sufferers, this may be the alternative of choice.

VAX-D is short for Vertebral Axial Decompression, which achieves its remarkable effects through decompression of vertebral structures, relieving pressure on the discs and joints which allows the herniation to begin healing. In the FDA Summary of Safety and Effectiveness, the agency stated that VAX-D “relieves the pain associated with herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, posterior facet syndrome and radicular pain.”

Robert Channey M.D.

Assistant Surgeon General of the United States

Testimonial on VAX-D Therapy

I had a back problem in 1977. We found that the discs had deteriorated at the L4-L5 and L5-S1 area. In July of 1993, I ended up with excruciating pain in my back, and this time all of the way down the left leg to my toes. It wasn’t until the latter part of September in 1993 that I found a program on TV about VAX-D. It looked like the thing, but I was suspicious. I called the office and made an appointment for the next day. At that time they did an extended exam on myself and recommended that I have an MRI. The MRI showed deterioration at the L4-L and L5--S1 areas. They recommended that I start on VAX-D and stay on it for 15 straight days, missing my weekends at the beach and on the boat.

I said, well it’s worth a try, so I started. I was there one Saturday morning and was talking to another gentleman who was also a physician, and I said I thought this was doing well for my back but I was doubtful about the sciatic pain in my left leg. He was of the same opinion but we were going to continue on anyway. On the 27^th of September, being my birthday, my family (which I have a large one) , took me for a seafood dinner down by the bay. All the way down and all the way back I could not get any relief from the aches in my back and particularly in my left leg.

I continued on with treatment and after the fifteenth session I only had a slight twinge occasionally. Since that day on, I am completely free of the pain in my back and my left leg. I jog the same as I used to, as I did last evening, not a very long one, down to the park and back. I cut the lawn, I’m back without any pain at all, and I’ve got to say that VAX-D was the thing that did it for me.

Pamela Dill -- 32 year old nurse

I have had low back pain due to 2 herniated discs for 3 years. After having surgery on my lowback, taking steroids, going to a physical therapist, taking several different types of pain medications, and loads of bedrest, I was desperate. I know I didn't want to have surgery again, so I decided to try the VAX-D treatment.

I started feeling better after the 6th treatment. Now, after having 22 treatments, I am completely relieved of any pain and I know I don't have to have surgery ever again or live on pain pills.

I would most definitely advise others with a similar condition to do it! I know that once you've been hurting for so long and nothing helps that it is hard to believe in this type of treatment, but it works.

Pamela Dill

I'm Troy Gibbons, a 42 yr. old truck driver. I've suffered from lower back pain for many years, even prior to becoming a truck driver. Im not sure what initially brought on the problem but over the years I have been treated by numerous chiropractors who all gave me temporary relief of my pain but the pain always returned within a short time.

Then I heard on the radio about the VAX-D treatment. I decided to give it a try. After an interview with the doctor I was sent for an M.R.I. test which reveiled that I had two protruding discs that were creating pressure against my spinal cord. The doctor said VAX-D could remedy this problem. I began my treatment of 12 consecutive treatments and after only two visits had noticeable positive results. After my 12 treatments the doctor recommended a maintenance program of one visit per week for four weeks. After completion of this my lower back pain was gone and I feel great.

I believe that VAX-D has worked for me and I recommend anyone with lower back pain to look into this program to see if it will work for them.

Troy Gibbins

Donna Westray - 38 year old housewife

Before my sister told me about VAX-D treatment, I suffered with lower back pain on and off for about 6 months due to a herniated disc. Then, it started hurting all the time for about a month. That's when I decided that a heating pad wasn't enough.
I decided to try VAX-D.

After about the 5th or 6th treatment I started to feel better. Now, after about 25 treatment, I have little or no pain in my low back, and when I go out, I don't have to worry about being uncomfortable by having to change positions when I'm sitting and standing,

I highly recommend anyone with similar conditions to at least try VAX-D. It definitely worked for me and I am grateful to have found a remedy for my condition.

Donna Westray

My name Is Eric Taylor, I am 54 years old, and I am an attorney,

I have suffered with low back pain for approximately 25 years. I have had everything from physical therapy to acupuncture, and surgical procedures from Chemopapain Injections to a Laminectomy.

Finally, the doctors who were treating me told me that my choice was to either try further treatment, ( which would involve steel rods surgically implanted in my spine to stabilize it ), or to Put up with the pain and live my life as best as possible.

I have done so for the last 20 years, and I have found that chiropractic manipulation gave me some relief . Lately, though, I noticed increasing pain and numbness in my left thigh and right foot.

I have now had close to 40 treatments, it took about 6 weeks for me to start feeling better, and then I noticed a sudden improvement revolving around a decrease in the pain in my legs, and a lessening of the numbness In my right foot.

As a result of this treatment, I have been able to continue working as an attorney and enjoing recreational activities outside of my work with my wife and friends.

I believe that the VAX-D has made a significant improvement in the quality of my life, because without the VAX-D treatments, I believe I would have had to consider further surgery as a result of the pain and numbness that I was experiencing. It was that uncomfortable.

I would certainly recomend to other people suffering back pain which might be treated by the VAXD, to try the VAX-D before trying any other procedures. There are no drugs involved, no surgery, and the upside would seem to far outweigh any downside risks.

Eric Taylor

Don Dohrmund
51 years old
Truck Driver

Before I received these treatments I had lower back pain and a pinched sciatic nerve. I had trouble walking for 9 weeks. I went to a chiropractor, a physical therapist and a orthopedist.

After two treatments, I started feeling better. I had no pain and could walk and stand without any pain. My life has changed by having no pain and not worrying about having surgery.

The VAX-D treatment is a better way to go than surgery, its painless and has less down time.

The treatment makes you feel better each time you have one.

Don Dohrmund

Troy Baldwin - 36 year old Compter Consultant

I have suffered with stabbing pain in my low back, off and on for years. I have tried
Chiropractic care, which alleviated some of the pain, but did not eliminate It.

I decided to try VAX-D to try something different, that could result in a permanent
cure.

After the first week, I started feeling better. I have much less pain in my low back, and I can lift more weight and be more active without experiencing any pain.

I would definitely tell anyone with similar or the same condition to try VAX-D Treatments.

Troy Baldwin

Lance Castellana, D.D. (Family Practice)
Twin County Medical Associates PC.
328 Columbia St. Hudson. NY 12554

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.

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Robert Channey M.D.

Assistant Surgeon General of the United States

Testimonial on VAX-D Therapy

Pamela Dill

Troy Gibbins

Donna Westray

Eric Taylor