Thanks for dropping in. Spinal fusion surgery is a popular choice for desperate folks attempting to stop severe back and leg pain...despite what people in-the-know are aware of regarding its lack of predictable value, and serious downside. In this issue we will feature a recent article in New York Magazine passed on to me by my wonderful daughter Rachel that anyone considering spinal fusion surgery should read carefully.

What is Spinal Fusion?

Most commonly performed on the lower lumbar vertebrae, spinal fusion is a surgery where intervertebral discs are removed, and the resultant instability that such removal causes is managed by attaching metal brackets that are literally screwed into the vertebrae - as seen in the illustration above.

You will find a link near the bottom of this newsletter to the New York Magazine article. Well worth the read that exposes the darker side of this procedure. Meanwhile, the major points of the article are these:

• Spinal fusion surgeries are growing in number despite often resulting in poor outcomes (50% failure rate).

• Certain brave spinal surgeons have come out against this procedure.

• Spinal fusion can lead to ‘failed back surgery syndrome’ leaving the sufferer in more pain.

• Spinal fusion can actually end up causing the need for additional surgeries.

• Spinal fusion surgeries make surgeons and their spinal hardware suppliers rich - a multi-billion-dollar industry - which most likely accounts for its ongoing recommendation to patients despite growing backlash and poor outcomes.

On the Level

My profession has provided a safe alternative to spinal surgery for decades. I have personally helped hundreds of folks get well without it. Instead of surgery, these are the things I have found to be safe and effective.

• chiropractic adjustments

• decompression traction

• therapeutic exercise

• lifestyle management (dietary changes, physical stress reduction)

The picture above is our spinal decompression traction table. This along with the other methods mentioned above can significantly reduce disc herniations, which are almost always the problem that surgeons attempt to fix with surgery. Highlighted in yellow you can see a before and after of one of our patients who avoided surgery and had a 70% reduction of disc herniation size, eventually returning to an active lifestyle free of pain.

Call us first before you or a loved one agrees to have spinal fusion, or any other type of neck or back surgery.

Here is your link to the New York Magazine article:

Until next time,

Blessings to you!