Spinal Decompression in Sacramento CA

Chiropractic innovator in Sacramento CA, relieves back tension, neck pain, and disc pressure, even headaches... Without Drugs or Surgery! If you or a loved one are suffering, check this out.

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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT - FALL 2016

Dr. Gregg Anderson, DC, is very pleased to announce that his innovative company, VDP International, Inc., has just released the newest instrument in the chiropractic profession, the VDP-PRO! After many years of research and development, tests, and trials, the VDP-PRO is now available for doctors to order. The feedback and testimonies have been remarkable. Doctors may order their very own set of instruments at the new website: www.VDP-PRO.com.

"Our goal is to eventually get them in the hands of every doctor of chiropractic on the planet, and to save many spines and lives." - Dr. Gregg Anderson D.C. in a recent interview.

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What is Spinal Decompression in Sacramento CA?

My professional expertise is relieving the worst of the severe back and neck conditions:  Slipped discs, pinched nerves, and compressed spines-  the kind of problems that can suck the life right out of you and leave you hopeless and miserable.

If you or a loved one have been suffering from back pain, neck pain, headaches, or worse, isn't it time to stop putting up with it, maybe forever?

Discover how you may get back to normal living again with a conservative and innovative strategy developed here in California and now used by practitioners worldwide.

The Vertebral Distraction Pump, or VDP, unlike any other chiropractic therapy or medical procedure, in my opinion, is the very best way to gently relieve the problem right where it hurts.

In the hands of a skilled doctor, the Vertebral Distraction Pump reaches right in, at just the right angle to where the pressure is, and opens things up again, with specifically- targeted spinal decompression,  so you can heal, strengthen and get back to being you again.

Since 2000, we have helped hundreds of patients with this unique spinal decompression strategy.

Here is what Matt Filer, owner of Mee's Moving and Storage in Rancho Cordova,  had to say about his experience at Anderson Chiropractic in Sacramento with the Vertebral Distraction Pump:

“I hurt my neck while working, and had an MRI that revealed a bulging disc in my neck.  I could not work or move around at all. It was so bad that my doctor gave me 180 Oxycontins for the pain, and told me I would need to have my neck surgically fused.  I came to Dr. Gregg Anderson D.C. and within a couple visits, was much better and I was able to get back to my normal life again.  The procedure was painless, and felt like a massage.  I have recommended Dr. Gregg Anderson, D.C. to many people now.”

Not every person or back condition is a candidate for the Vertebral Distraction Pump and spinal decompression, but if you are, with this straightforward strategy,  in most cases, the doctor, and most importantly, you, will feel its effects very quickly. Lasting recovery takes time, but many people, like Matt, enjoy some relief on the very first visit.

I understand that finding effective and cost-effective solutions for your serious back and neck pain can be frustrating. If you have been hoping for relief, this may be just what you need.

Wouldn't it be great for you to get your back pain or neck pain to go away and allow you to start living again and doing the things you want and need to do without resorting to mind-altering drugs, risky injections, or surgery?

For more detailed information, read our FREE REPORT here on the website. If you are a health care practitioner anywhere in the world and want to order a set of our Vertebral Distraction Pump instruments, please visit www.VDP-PRO.com.

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FREE REPORT

Practical, Effective and Research-Based Strategies for Managing Neck and Back Disorders and Pain.
© Gregg C. Anderson, BA, MA, DC 2013
Thank you for requesting this Free Report.

It is no secret that back and neck pain can be very difficult to live with and recover from. However, before consenting to risky spine surgery or continuing to take pain medicines that, at best, only mask your pain, you owe it to yourself to take a look at THE FACTS as revealed in the current scientific literature. Indeed, your choices today will impact your health and lifestyle for the rest of your life.

You will be grateful to know that there are conservative, relatively low-cost, and practical alternatives to help you manage and recover from difficult back and neck problems. You will appreciate knowing that new studies in the peer-reviewed, scientific medical and therapy journals reveal the effectiveness and risks of the typical strategies available from various health care providers. You will learn how, at our Sacramento clinic, we integrate research-based strategies and innovative techniques to help you achieve the best results.

Dear Friend,

Suppose you are looking for solutions to relieve chronic back or neck pain,  sciatica, degenerative disc disease, or a herniated or bulging disc. In that case, you'll appreciate this specially- prepared Free Report. This Free Report may give you the hope and encouragement you may have been praying for. You'll learn about safe and effective treatment options that more people discover daily.

Even if you've heard it all before, please read on…

When backs and discs go bad, prudent doctors of all disciplines recommend conservative management for at least a month or two before surgical intervention is explored, except in extreme, rare cases. VERY RECENT NEWS that is driving spine surgeons crazy:

The University of  Pittsburg Medical Center Health Plan, an HMO affiliated with the University’s School of Medicine (UPMC) that covers people in 15 counties, and integrates 20 hospitals, and 400 doctors and outpatient sites, has MANDATED conservative care before considering surgery for chronic low back pain cases.  Specifically, as of January 1, 2012, candidates for spine surgery must receive prior authorization to determine medical necessity, including verification that the patient has “tried and failed a 3-month course of conservative management, including PT, chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy and medication.

The bottom line is that plan administrators do not want to pay for unnecessary surgery, and bottom line, who wants to have unnecessary surgery anyway?

Chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy has been the conservative approach of choice for a long time. It is practical. It makes sense, and it can work beautifully. The Vertebral Distraction Pump (VDP) instrument and technique you will learn about in this report is a specialized chiropractic strategy for relieving serious back and neck problems, including slipped discs, and eliminating the need for drugs and surgery.

The VDP has truly revolutionized my strategies for helping people. It's like when dentists were blessed with high-speed drills. Clearly, dentists are now much better able to safely and comfortably restore teeth that have decayed instead of just pulling them out!

The course of care with the VDP varies from patient to patient. It depends on many factors, such as the severity of the herniation, chronicity, stage of arthritis, core muscle weakness, age, and extent of neurological compromise. I have seen many people of various ages, even in their 80s and 90s, who have responded very nicely, and have had many given surgical recommendations that were avoidable.

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A Big Problem In Health Care Today Is Confusion

The intervertebral discs are usually involved when someone suffers from back and neck problems. When the spine's intervertebral discs are damaged, it can be very difficult in many ways. If you have read this far, you probably personally know what I am talking about. It can stink! I believe getting an accurate assessment and diagnosis of the functional problems and choosing proper care are vital for a good prognosis.

What disc problems mean clinically is usually back or neck pain with associated leg or arm symptoms such as numbness, weakness, or pins and needles. Most people have heard of disc problems. Many, unfortunately, also suffer from them. Younger, healthier folks, when they hear the term "disc," likely think first of their computer discs: floppy discs, compact discs, DVDs, or hard discs!

Others think of "slipped discs," "bulging discs," "blown discs," or "herniated discs." These latter terms refer to the intervertebral discs of the spine that are damaged and irritating nerves and causing problems.

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A little anatomy lesson is in order here.

First of all, there are 24 movable segments in the spine called vertebras. Nine strong ligaments hold the vertebra together. One of the ligaments is called the "Great Retaining Ligament," also known as the intervertebral disc or "IVD." The 23 IVDs live between the vertebra, allowing ample spacing for the nerves to safely exit the spinal cord and serving as sponge-like stabilizers for the vertebral column.

The anatomy of an IVD is quite interesting. They have two parts, sort of like a cream-filled donut. The "cream part" is in the center and is called the nucleus pulposus. The "donut part" surrounds it with about a dozen tough layers of fibers called the annulus fibrosis.

Another interesting thing about IVDs is their physiology. They do not have a direct arterial blood supply. I know you must be wondering how in the world the cells of your precious IVDs will get their fair share of the nutrition provided by the healthy meal you recently ate. The answer is that the normal loading and unloading from movements of the adjacent vertebra "imbibe" them with the goodies they need and carry away their waste products. It sounds like great service to me!

This great service will last a lifetime unless the vertebrae are subjected to an injury or chronic stress such as being overweight, inactivity, or prolonged sitting. When that happens, the vertebrae get compressed and subluxated or "stuck in their ways," so to speak. There are abnormal restrictions to natural movement. This is bad!

The core stabilizing back muscles then also weaken, and the back becomes increasingly vulnerable to failure. When the vertebrae don't move normally, the poor IVD no longer experiences regular imbibition to facilitate the exchange of convenient goodies and waste products. As a result, the annulus fibrosis will dehydrate, develop fissures or cracks, and degenerate. The core muscles that stabilize the back also weaken.

A degenerated IVD becomes less able to contain the nucleus and thus becomes more likely to bulge through the annular fibers and into the all too sensitive nerves. Ouch! At this point, it is usually referred to as a herniated IVD and is often best diagnosed clinically and with an MRI.

The most common area for a herniated IVD is the low back between the fifth lumbar (L5) and the sacrum. The most commonly affected nerve is the sciatic nerve, which extends down the back of the legs to the feet. The mid-neck area (C5-C6) is also a common area for disc herniation. There it affects the nerves going down the arms.
Great! You made it through the anatomy lesson! Now, this is what you need to understand. Many potential solutions exist for dealing with back, neck, and disc problems.

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The Alternatives

1. Medication: The pro is pain relief and muscle relaxation. The con is potential re-injury due to numbing of the pain, chemical dependence, and organ damage. It may interest you that even seemingly benign Tylenol can cause severe side effects. It is now the leading cause of acute liver failure. Scary!
2. Supports/Bracing: The pros are rest and stabilization of the area. The cons are temporary relief only and the risk of atrophy of the area muscles. I have yet to see a study recommending the prolonged use of back supports.
3. Injections: The pros are the potential reduction of severe pain and inflammation. The cons are temporary, not permanent, relief and potentially serious side effects. They also can be risky due to their invasiveness and can only be done a few times before the risks go way up.
4. Physical Therapy: The pros are strengthening the core muscles. PT can be a significant help, but usually only after the back and disc have been stabilized, after the acute phase, and when prescribed by the doctor. The cons are potential exacerbation of inflamed nerves, additional pain, and possible damage if done at the wrong time.
5. Activity Modification: The pros are avoiding activities that may exacerbate the area. The cons are temporary relief only, without correction. You can only lie on the couch for so long. Every day on the couch and inactivity leads to progressive weakness and atrophy of the stabilizing back muscles and can lead to "Fear Avoidance Behavior," which can further hinder recovery.
6. Surgery: The pros are relief of pressure on nerves and pain relief. It can be very helpful, especially when bony stenosis is present. Cons are many, including risks of destabilization, re-injury, and general surgical risks such as infection, poor healing, death, etc. Outcomes studies of back surgery are not encouraging. There is also much variability among techniques and practitioners. Many folks, even with severe back and disc problems, are not good surgical candidates due to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other complications.

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RECENT NEWS:

A recent study of 102 patients with symptomatic MRI- confirmed lumbar disk herniation compared the results of patients who received spinal manipulative therapy with those who received lumbar nerve root steroid injections. The authors concluded that both groups noted improvement:  76.5% in the spinal manipulation group and 62.7% in the injections group. However, it was noted that the average cost of spinal manipulation was slightly less expensive when considering costs. Author: Peterson, CK. JMPT 2013;36(xx):1-8. Epub ahead of print.

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MORE RECENT NEWS:

A widely cited report by H. Wittink et al. called "The Dangers of Inactivity: Exercise and Inactivity for the Manual Therapist" Manual Therapy 2011; 16:209-216. The report cited numerous references and stated that studies suggest that prolonged sitting is strongly associated with chronic diseases, including obesity, abnormal glucose metabolism, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease risk, and even cancer, independent of whether adults meet physical activity guidelines.

Each hour of increased sitting time (i.e., watching TV) increases the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in women by 26%. Even activities as minimal as standing rather than sitting result in substantial increases in total daily energy expenditure and resistance to fat gain.

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EVEN MORE RECENT NEWS:

From The Spine Journal: 2012; 12: 197-206, there is an interesting article titled, "Risk factors for medical complications after spine surgery: a multivariate analysis of 1591 patients." This paper looked closely at 1591 patients who had neck and back surgery. They were followed for at least two years after surgery.

It was revealed that a whopping 52.58% of patients had significant complications, and "the occurrence of cardiac and respiratory complications was significantly associated with death within two years." Surgical invasiveness and age were significant risk factors for complications in five of the six organ systems evaluated.

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Spinal Decompression/Traction

This alternative is becoming more widely available. It is machine-based. The machines are called the DRX9000, VAX-D, SpineMed, Lordex, and a few others. These treatments endeavor to separate the vertebra by typically harnessing the hips with straps and essentially pulling the torso away from the hips (for a low back), allowing the IVD to decompress. Each treatment typically takes 20-30 minutes. The pros are that there is some very limited evidence and case reports that indicate that it can be a safe, effective, non-surgical alternative.

A thorough analysis entitled "Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy:  Does the Scientific Literature Support Efficacy Claims Made in the Advertising Media" was written by Dwain M. Daniel and published in the October 19, 2007 issue of the scientific journal, Chiropractic & Osteopathy. CLICK HERE to view the article.

The author reviewed all of the scientific literature and concluded:

“Only limited evidence is available to warrant the routine use of non-surgical decompression, particularly when many other well investigated, less expensive alternatives are available.”

In addition, I have a hunch that if these machines worked so well, that big HMOs like Kaiser would have a whole wing of them and would lay off their orthopedic and neurosurgeons. You know they would! Another article I found appears to concur.

This article was written by Mark Tyburski, MD et al., from the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spine Clinic at the Permanente Medical Group, Inc., Roseville, CA, and published in the November/December 2006 issue of Socioeconomics & Politics. It is titled: "Motorized Lumbar Traction Devices: What's The Evidence?"

The authors concluded,

“Myriad decompression-type powered traction devices are on the market, including the DRX9000 and the VAX-D.  These devices’ efficacy in the management of low back or radicular pain remains unsupported in the peer-reviewed literature. There may be a role for traction in some cases of low back pain; however, there is no current data to support these devices as being more effective than manual traction. This lack of proven clinical efficacy should be seriously considered before referring or seconding a recommendation that a patient pay out-of-pocket for these therapies.”

The treatments are generally expensive and prolonged, from $200 to $350 per treatment. A machine does the actual treatment. Additionally, it can be difficult to isolate the specific disc that needs decompression with the decompression machines.

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The Vertebral Distraction Pump

The VDP makes the most sense to me. It is based on the well-established and accepted technique called "Flexion-Distraction." It is the logical first choice when it comes to effectiveness, cost, and comfort. It is safe, conservative, painless, and often very effective. Properly applied, it can often deliver fast results within a handful of treatment sessions.

It is a truly remarkable technique for reducing IVD herniations, replenishing nutrients to the IVD, and often eliminating the need for surgery. The skilled doctor applies the hand-held instrument on top of the skin and very specifically at the level of the disc problem. With a gentle squeeze by the doctor, it nudges the adjacent vertebra apart, creating a 2-millimeter separation between them. It also opens the facet joints, which can also relieve a lot of pain and pressure.

This gentle opening creates a centripetal (towards the middle) force, which behaves like a vacuum, essentially "sucking" the herniated IVD material back into its normal anatomical position. This can relieve the pressure on the nerves and the associated pain and dysfunction and allow the disc to decompress and heal.

The obvious pros are that a skilled doctor applies the gentle decompression/traction by hand and can feel the subtlety of how it is working. It takes skill and is applied to one specific IVD at a time. The doctor is intimately involved the entire time. The cons are, like any treatment, there may be soreness after the first few treatments, as atrophied muscles are stimulated to start working again. Another con is that it may also be difficult to locate a doctor who uses this newer instrument and technique.

I have found that a comprehensive plan that may include gentle adjustments of the adjacent joints, application of the VDP, personalized core stabilization exercises, foot orthotics, and even a few good anti-inflammatory food supplements has worked very well for many patients.

In my office, every patient is treated as the unique person they are. Special attention is paid to their specific and often complex problems. The VDP is not a cure-all, and not all patients are candidates for it.

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How I got started with the Vertebral Distraction Pump

It was the summer of the year 2000. I had been in private practice for a few years, having graduated Magna Cum Laude from Life Chiropractic College West in 1996. I was just as curious as my cat and have always been interested in getting better at what I do to help people. I was reading through a stack of Health Journal articles when I came across an article that I found to be completely amazing. I was inspired to learn more, so I investigated.

In the Journal, Dr. Bruce Broughton from Southern California published the impressive results he observed by utilizing a revolutionary strategy. It was a new technique that he created. With his technique, he was able to relieve the pain and problems in over 200 disc herniation patients and see dramatic favorable changes on MRIs.

When I read his journal article, I knew it was something that my patients could benefit from and that I desired to get my hands on. Indeed, I had been frustrated with the slow progress of some of my patients with disc issues.

When I called Dr. Broughton's office for more information about his new technique, I was pleased to learn that he was making his patented and FDA-registered instrument, called the Vertebral Distraction Pump, or "VDP," available to doctors for the very first time. I immediately ordered it for my practice.

I could hardly wait. It was exciting to think about how I could help more people than ever with those stubborn and difficult-to-treat disc problems. I was hopeful but honestly still a bit skeptical as I awaited my VDP to arrive. When I finally got my hands on it, I had many discussions over the phone with Dr. Broughton regarding his protocols and technique. He was excited, too, since I was one of the first field doctors in the country to begin using it.

Within a few days, I met Dolores. Amazing lady. She had been seriously injured at work and had been declared permanently disabled for eight years. Dolores had to use a cane full-time to walk, suffered from severe back pain, had little to no feeling in most of one of her legs, and had severe leg weakness. Her MRI and X-Rays looked awful, and she had been recommended for surgery, which she had declined.

Within a few short weeks of treatment three times per week, her back pain subsided significantly, and she started to regain feeling in her leg again. In addition, the size and strength of her leg muscles gradually improved. Within three months, the cane got left behind, and she was well on her way to better health. I was truly amazed and encouraged.

While I was treating Dolores, my friend Mark's dad, Masami, came in with a 25-year history of low back pain, arthritis, disc problems, leg pain, and weakness. He was in his late 70's. His recovery was incredible. Within THREE visits, his back pain was essentially gone! With ongoing care with the VDP, he slowly regained leg muscle strength and size, and he resumed all his normal activities, including bowling. His medical doctor, whom he had seen regularly, was also quite amazed and asked him all about his care in our office. He has been very gracious in referring other patients to our office for care.

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VDP Now

Fast forward to 2016…

I have now helped hundreds of young and old patients with various back and disc problems, including the neck area. People from all over the region, state, and even other countries have come to me, desperately seeking a non-surgical solution. Until recently, I have been rather content with serving people by referral only. I have come to realize that there is something bigger that I should be doing with my time, expertise, and practice. Too darn many people don't know about the VDP and, out of sheer desperation, make treatment choices that are at the least simply ineffective but, at worst, an unnecessary risk. Surgery can never be undone!

So… I have revamped my office procedures, opened up the schedule book, and streamlined things so I can frankly serve more people with the strategies I have learned. Maybe YOU are next!

Over the years, I have seen each patient respond a bit differently. No two are exactly alike. Some cases seem very simple and then take longer to respond. Others, like the patients I mentioned above, seem almost miraculous. I never, by the way, offer up false promises.

With my experience, I know when it's time to refer out to medical specialists, either for testing or diagnosis that I find necessary or for treatment. There have been many people who have unfortunately not been good candidates for the VDP, and we have not been able to help. Fixing up severe back problems is challenging.

It has brought me great pleasure these past 16 years to help save many patients from having a date with a spine surgeon in the Operating Room. While I know some nice surgeons, I would rather not visit them at work! While there is a time and a place for surgery, I think we can all agree that it is best avoided if possible. In contrast, the VDP is very safe and, I believe, should be tried by many spinal surgery candidates who have disc problems.

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Well, if you read this far, I'm impressed. You should get a diploma or some kind of award! You probably have a pretty good idea if this VDP thing may be the answer to your problem or that of a loved one. Maybe you have some questions. I hope you do.

It is always a pleasure to serve people in my office who have done their homework, considered the alternatives, and decided to do something. It makes my job a lot easier. I'm just like you. I'm a savvy shopper, read things like Consumer Reports, and use the brain God gave me to make smart choices.

I don't know your particular condition or circumstances yet, but as my way to help you overcome what may be your biggest hurdle at this point, I'd like to make you a Special Offer. By the way, do you know what nation causes the biggest problems in the modern world?

Procrasti-Nation! Yes, it is a major killer. It may also be your biggest hurdle to overcome. You probably know what I'm talking about. It's related to another condition that can really make your life miserable; Someday-itis! "Someday, I'll quit smoking." "Someday, I'll use that Nordic thing in my living room!" Someday….You get it. 

Hopefully, you don't need a real big kick in the rear or for someone to hog-tie you and get you into the office, but since I know full well how bad these problems of procrastination, someday-itis, and even excuse-osis can be, here is the best prescription cure I can offer at this point:

CALL (916) 485-5433.

When my assistant answers, say, "I just read the doctor's Free Report, and I'd sure like to find out if he and the VDP can help me regain my health. I want to be able to (fill in the blank) again without pain."

(Be sure to add this): "The doctor told me that since I read his big wordy report, and since I don't want to be associated with those procrastinators or catch someday-itis, I'd like to take him up on his "Special Offer."

Be sure to tell my assistant that the doctor wrote at the end of his letter that he would provide you with a NEW PATIENT SPECIAL OFFER at your first appointment. The purpose is to give you the information you need to make a smart choice.

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What you can expect at the First Appointment

1. You will complete a comprehensive health history. You will be asked to bring any images, including MRIs, CT scans and x-rays, reports, and test results for my review.
2. You will meet with me personally about your problems. I may even be able to give you a few suggestions to help reduce your pain right away.
3. You will have the opportunity to ask me any questions you have. Together, we'll agree if it makes sense to use the VDP and take the next step.

If together we agree that you may be a good candidate for the VDP, we'll schedule a Comprehensive Evaluation.

This evaluation will include:

1. A very thorough and comprehensive examination including nerves, muscles, joints, discs, etc. It also includes some functional tests including the range of motion, gait, and balance. I also look very carefully at your posture and strength.
2. A Review of your MRI or other test results. If no images have been done, or if they are old, you may be referred to a local imaging center. In some cases, this will be mandatory.
3. A recommended action plan and report of findings. I will explain everything and provide you with the most accurate prognosis possible. By the way, there are many things I will show you how to do (like core-stabilizing exercises), provide for you, and prescribe in addition to my specific treatments. If you are not a candidate for the treatment in our clinic, I will let you know.

I know that the most serious people, who are sick and tired of their poor health, will respond right away. You won't put this off and miss out. You have nothing to lose but your pain.

Sincerely,
Gregg C. Anderson, B.A., M.A., D.C.

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PS We promise to treat you special and with respect. My office is warm and comfortable, and my staff is very encouraging and helpful.
PSS. I sincerely look forward to meeting you.

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**Unfortunately, this does not apply to beneficiaries who are covered by a federally administered program, including but not limited to Medicare. (Their rules, not mine). Must complete new patient forms online.