ZR4 Integrative 8 Week Back Program

PRESENTING A MORE COMPREHENSIVE AND LONG-LASTING RELIEF FROM BACK PAIN:
by David Zeiger, D.O.

AFOUR-STEP THERAPEUTIC APPROACH.

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Painful conditions of the back and spine can have as many causes as the people who experience them. Discomfort and immobility can be the result of an injury, a congenital abnormality, underlying illness, or even emotional distress that manifests as relentless aches and pains. The impact of this is significant.

Recent reports confirm that low back pain is still the most common cause of disability among people under age 45. What’s more statistics from the NIH show 85 percent of people will experience low back pain during their life.

Therefore, it’s no wonder that sufferers go from one “cure” to another – even one “healer” doctor to another – searching for relief. The pain often persists because no single medicine, treatment, or device can completely address all the causes and symptoms of low back pain.

In light of this, our integrative medicine clinic has created a unique and comprehensive therapeutic approach to both acute and chronic back pain. We call it the ZR4 Integrative 8-Week Back Program‘.

Here is a look at the differences in this approach, summarized right in the name.

Z – Zeiger. David J. Zeiger, D.O. is in his 15th year of clinical family practice. In addition to his training and board certification in osteopathic medicine, Dr. Zeiger stays current through continuing education, symposia, and professional societies. He has developed this four part program for back pain after collaborating with researchers, medical engineers, and fellow physicians to incorporate the best experiences in the field. He also refines his practice by actively participating in review and analysis of the latest clinical studies and developments.

R4 – Four goals of a comprehensive treatment of back pain. The program is designed to:

• RELIEVE muscle pain and spasm – First we want to control the pain, while reducing inflammation and swelling. This can be accomplished with traditional therapies and well-known prescriptions, and even some potent homeopathic medicines or herbal remedies. We believe this goal should also be accomplished with the lowest dose and shortest course of drug therapy possible.
• RESTORE lower back mobility and flexibility – Second, at the same time we’re decreasing muscle spasm, we want to help the patient improve mobility. We make routine use of osteopathic manipulation in our clinic, complemented by a regimen of supervised physical therapy. In some cases, other modalities – such as, acupuncture, biofeedback, trigger point therapy, neural therapies, TENS, and massage – are combined in our holistic back program.
• REVERSE lumbar vertebral intra-discal pressure – To achieve this third goal, we are the first and only clinic in the Chicago area that offers a technology called the DRX9000‘. It applies a gentle distraction force to a specific lumbar disc – to decompress it while not affecting other lumbar discs – and it enhances rehydration of that disc. Removing the pressure is what relieves nerve compression associated with low back pain and sciatica. It also allows the disc to reposition itself, regain lost fluid, and restore its healthy state. In clinical studies since its release in 2001, an impressive 86 percent of patients with lumbar disc-related problems reported significantly reduced back pain. In another measure of success, the majority of patients were able to return to more active lifestyles. Treatment with the DRX9000 consists of 5 treatments a week for usually 4-6 weeks. During the 30-minute treatment session, the patient relaxes on his or her back; some even nap during treatment. Most patients begin experiencing relief in their first week of treatment.
• REGENERATE supporting ligaments and intra-discal function – Fourth, we can utilize a technique that actually increases the blood supply and flow of nutrients to normalize the back ligaments. This is called prolotherapy. It uses a dextrose (sugar water) solution, injected into the ligament where it attaches to the bone. This causes a localized inflammation in these weak areas, which then stimulates the tissue to repair itself. Response to treatment varies from individual to individual, and depends upon one's healing ability. The average number of treatments is four to six for an area treated.

Integrative – Treating back and spine problems in the context of the whole person. We take time to learn more about the patient, previous treatment attempts, and the perception of the condition. So our recommendations will then be made for an integrative care plan that combines complementary modalities aimed at not only relieving painful symptoms, but also addressing their underlying causes. (For example, we have referred some patients to a psychologist or dietitian to concentrate on other lifestyle issues.)

Integrative – Treating back and spine problems in the context of the whole person. We take time to learn more about the patient, previous treatment attempts, and the perception of the condition. So our recommendations will then be made for an integrative care plan that combines complementary modalities aimed at not only relieving painful symptoms, but also addressing their underlying causes. (For example, we have referred some patients to a psychologist or dietitian to concentrate on other lifestyle issues.) 8-Week – In our experience, we have found that focused attention and regularly scheduled visits provide both the most rapid relief and the most lasting results. For that reason, we establish an aggressive plan of action with a mutual commitment of time between our patients and our staff. It makes sense, then, that most patients feel our approach meets their real-world needs to get back to work, get back to exercise, and get back to the things in life they enjoy.

Program – Because so many patients have already tried other treatments, they appreciate our offering a plan and a process. . .not more “trial and error.” It begins with an initial consultation to carefully study patient case history and exam findings (including MRIs, X-rays, and other pertinent tests). At that time, we determine if you are a candidate for the various treatments (such as, the DRX9000 and prolotherapy). After, individual treatment recommendations will be made and a plan presented.

In summary, the ZR4 Integrative 8-Week Back Program is a unique and comprehensive therapeutic approach to acute and chronic back pain associated with bulging and herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, sciatica, and even relapse or failed back surgery. You may want to consider this program if you are feeling stiffness in your lower back, especially pain that radiates down the back of your leg, with a sensation of numbness or tingling in your toes.

To life and good health,
David Zeiger, D.O.

Dr. David Zeiger is board certified family physician in private practice. He specializes in Integrative Medicine treating chronic/acute illness like IBS, Allergies, Women’s/Men’s health issues, Thyroid- Adrenal Syndrome, Hypertension, CFIDS/ Fibromyalgia, Asthma, Diabetes, and Neuromuscular pain management.

He uses acupuncture, functional nutritional medicine, osteopathic manipulation, homeopathy, Chinese herbal medicine, neural therapy and ligament regeneration injection therapy.

Contact: David J. Zeiger, D.O., health- Works-Integrative Medical Clinic, 1165 N Clark St Suite 608 Chicago,IL 60610; Phone: 312-255-9444; fax: 312-255-9446 E-mail: zeigerd @ healthworksimc.com

The above is intended for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace proper medical diagnosis or treatment.

"As a long-time patient of Dr. Zeiger, he is the most knowledgeable and well-read doctor, when it comes to both traditional and alternative medicine, that I have met."

Steve B. (Evanston, IL)