Tuesday Oct 7, 2008
Search the Medical Library: Empowered Hospital Home

ARTIFICIAL DISC TREATS LOWER BACK PAIN - Breaking Health & Medical News - Video Stories

ARTIFICIAL DISC TREATS LOWER BACK PAIN

Jumping off rooftops, running through burning buildings, crashing cars, it's all in a day's work for Jeff Gibson. "I did Batman movies, Robocop, Conspiracy Theory, War of the Worlds."

Some would call Hollywood stuntman, Jeff Gibson, a dare-devil adrenaline machine. In addition to performing life-threatening stunts as a livelihood, Jeff also skydives, races cars and scuba-dives. But, it wasn't on the movie set or on the race track that sparked Jeff's battle with excruciating back pain. It was a simple house chore.

Artificial disc replacement is a good option for those suffering from a slipped disc.

Hollywood stuntman, Jeff Gibson has spent his life jumping off rooftops, running through burning buildings and crashing cars. "I did Batman movies, Robocop, Conspiracy Theory, War of the Worlds," he says. Some would call him a dare-devil adrenaline machine. In addition to performing life-threatening stunts as a livelihood, Jeff also skydives, races cars and scuba-dives. But, it wasn't on the movie set or on the race track that sparked Jeff's battle with excruciating back pain. It was a simple house chore.

"Initially it happened by picking something up and twisting at the same time. But then car jumps and car rolls and just being thrown on to pavement those attributed to it. It had totally squished the vertebrae," said Jeff.

Jeff had a slipped disc. Over time, the pain got increasingly worse and his career was in jeopardy. Jeff needed aggressive treatment. He opted for an experimental disc replacement.

"This procedure is really revolutionary, it's not just an improvement on the old technique. This is a completely new concept to spinal surgery," said Dr. Fabien Bitan of Beth Israel Medical Center.

Dr. Bitan replaced Jeff's damaged disc with a high technology device made of metal and a movable high-density plastic center that, once implanted, is designed to help align the spine and preserve its ability to move. "We put a spinal device which is articulated and mimics the normal motion of a disc, the patient finds himself back to where he was before the process," explains Dr. Bitan.

Lumbar spinal fusion surgery, a common surgical treatment for low back pain or degenerative disc disease, is often effective in reducing pain, but it limits range of motion and may transfer extra stress to discs above and below the fusion site.

In a spinal fusion, the damaged disc is removed and vertebrae are joined together using bone grafts and metal screws or cages so that motion can no longer occur in that area of the spine.

"The artificial disc replacement is a different concept, although the procedure is exactly the same. We go in, remove the disc, clean the space but instead of putting the cages in the bone, we put this device which is an articulated device," says Dr. Bitan.

Since Jeff's surgery, the FDA has approved the procedure. And incredibly, Jeff says within 2 weeks of receiving the artificial disc, he was back to work, tearing up a Hollywood film set with a ferocious car chase.

"No pain in my back, no pain in my legs. This disc allows you to twist, bend up and back and all at the same time," says Jeff.

Dr. Bitan says his patients usually feel pain relief while in the recovery room, post-surgery. The next day most patients are up and walking around. He does caution that for the first three months following surgery, patients should avoid twisting the body. Also, while the procedure is a major breakthrough, not everyone is a candidate. Patients, in New York, New Jersey and other states, with scoliosis or osteoporosis are not eligible.

Related Stories Links:

YOUR LOCAL DOCTOR

Austin Spinal Decompression

 Austin Chiropractic Center

Austin Chiropractic Center

Austin Chiropractic Center
6800 West Gate Blvd, Ste 117
Austin, Texas 78745
Call 512-371-6936

It's quite hard to get on with your day when persistent back pain always gets in the way. If you tried a number of ineffective treatments, then it's time for you to try one that is sure to give you the effective results you're looking for. Spinal decompression is a revolutionary procedure that is changing the lives of many back pain sufferers for the better. Dr. Cynthia Vaughn, DC at Austin Chiropractic Center in Austin can perform decompression therapy with the aid of groundbreaking technology as to offer you the benefit of pain relief and the chance to live each day with much more ease and comfort.

Request Appointment & Doctor's Resume

Back Pain Upper West Side Manhattan, NYC

Dr. Alan Siegel, DC

Dr. Alan Siegel, DC

Spine and Body
51 East 42nd Street, Suite 402
New York, NY 10017
Call 888-855-6488

If you are among the millions of Americans that suffer from back pain and are seeking safe and effective Chronic Pain Treatment without the use of drug therapies or surgical procedures, turn to ExtenTrac Certified Practices in Manhattan, New York. ExtenTrac Certified Practices has a team of experts with the latest and most innovative treatments in the field of noninvasive care, proven to ease a variety of chronic back disorders while increasing each patient's range of mobility.

Request Appointment & Doctor's Resume

Integrative Medicine Manhattan, NYC

Dr. Steven Shoshany

Dr. Steven Shoshany

Living Well Medical
632 Broadway, Ste 303 (btw. Bleecker & Houston)
NYC, New York 10012
Call (888) 435-7155

The talented therapists at Living Well Medical offer minimally invasive treatments for musculoskeletal ailments. They combine the practices of Physiatry, or physical medicine and rehabilitation, with Chiropractic Medicine. This holistic approach to medicine focuses on treating the patient as a whole, not just treating their symptoms. The goal at Living Well Medical is to help the patient resume their daily activities as soon as possible.

Request Appointment & Doctor's Resume

Osteoarthritis Hip Resurfacing

 Lawrence Hospital Center | Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

Lawrence Hospital Center | Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

Lawrence Hospital Center | Orthopedics & Sports Medicine
55 Palmer Avenue, First Floor
Bronxville, NY 10708
Call (888) 729-2857

Looking for an alternative to total hip replacement? For some patients, there is now the option of hip resurfacing, and when performed by experts like those at Lawrence Hospital Center Orthopedics & Sports Medicine near White Plains, New York, you can get your freedom and mobility back.

Request Appointment & Doctor's Resume

Massage Therapy Austin, Texas

 Austin Chiropractic Center

Austin Chiropractic Center

Austin Chiropractic Center
6800 West Gate Blvd, Ste 117
Austin, Texas 78745
Call 512-371-6936

Suffering from back pain does not end on its own. Numerous types of treatments can fail and prove very frustrating. There is a place that can help: The Austin Chiropractic Center in Austin, Texas can provide pain relief through massage therapy to help you return to the activities you loved to do. The specialists there can help you feel good as new and know how to directly address your specific problem.

Request Appointment & Doctor's Resume

Sports Medicine / Injuries Westchester, NY

Dr. Daniel Zelazny

Dr. Daniel Zelazny

University Orthopedics
19 Bradhurst Avenue, Ste. 1300N
Hawthorne, NY 10532
Call (888) 834-8517

Hurt yourself during the holidays ice skating or playing basketball? If youve hurt your hand or sprained an ankle or injured yourself more seriously it is best you consult a sports medicine specialist who can advise you on the treatment you need. Board Certified Dr. Daniel Zelazny of Westchester, NY specializes in sports medicine and orthopedic trauma and is based in Westchester. Get yourself treated by him as soon as possible and get back to playing the sport you love in no time at all.

Request Appointment & Doctor's Resume

Hip Replacement Westchester, NY

 Lawrence Hospital Center | Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

Lawrence Hospital Center | Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

Lawrence Hospital Center | Orthopedics & Sports Medicine
55 Palmer Avenue, First Floor
Bronxville, NY 10708
Call (888) 729-2857

The team at Lawrence Hospital Center Orthopedics & Sports Medicine near White Plains, NY performs hip replacement, knee surgery, arthroscopic procedures, ankle surgery, and shoulder surgery.

Request Appointment & Doctor's Resume

Muscle Pain Austin, Texas

 Austin Chiropractic Center

Austin Chiropractic Center

Austin Chiropractic Center
6800 West Gate Blvd, Ste 117
Austin, Texas 78745
Call 512-371-6936

If certain areas of your body are becoming too troublesome, then it is time to do something about it. The people at the Austin Chiropractic Center in Austin, Texas are trained in helping people get through their muscle pain.

Request Appointment & Doctor's Resume

Myofascial Release NYC

Dr. Steven Shoshany

Dr. Steven Shoshany

New York Integrative Medical and Rehab
632 Broadway, Ste 303 (btw. Bleecker & Houston)
New York City, NY 10012
Call (888) 435-7155

Dr. Steven Shoshany and the team at New York Integrative Medical and Rehab offer manual massage therapy techniques as part of their "hands on" physical therapy program. This includes both trigger point and myofascial therapy.

Request Appointment & Doctor's Resume

Chiropractor Bergen County

Dr. David Podell, DC

Dr. David Podell, DC

Waterfront Institute for Spine and Joint Rehabilation
115 River Rd, Bld 10
Edgewater, NJ 07020
Call (888) 319-4510

Dr. Podell employs safe and effective techniques to ease your back and neck pain. As the director of the Waterfront Institute for Spine and Joint Rehabilitation in Bergen County, New Jersey, Dr. Podell and his staff offer comprehensive treatment for the most painful back conditions. Under his care, your health and s

Request Appointment & Doctor's Resume

Hand Surgery Yonkers, New York

 Lawrence Hospital Center | Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

Lawrence Hospital Center | Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

Lawrence Hospital Center | Orthopedics & Sports Medicine
55 Palmer Avenue, First Floor
Bronxville, NY 10708
Call (888) 729-2857

Suffering from hand problems can change you in ways that you never thought possible. It can affect everything from how you get dressed in the morning and how you eat, to even how you perform at work. When you have reached a crisis point, the Lawrence Hospital Center for Orthopedics & Sports Medicine in Yonkers, New York are the people you need to contact to get on with your life.

Request Appointment & Doctor's Resume

Physical Therapy, Bergen County, NJ

 MedWell, L.L.C.

MedWell, L.L.C.

MedWell, L.L.C. Sports Medicine & Physical Therapy
33 Central Ave
Midland Park, NJ 07432
Call (888) 820-2250

If you cannot enjoy the things you used to because of throbbing, aching, or soreness that is brought on by chronic back pain, let MedWell, L.L.C. Pain Relief and Physical Therapy Center in Midland Park, Bergen County , New Jersey, and their expert team of licensed physical therapists make it their mission to provide you with the proper treatment and fast results.

Request Appointment & Doctor's Resume

Back Pain Treatment Sarasota, FL 34232



Sarasota,
Call

Our spine supports our entire body and therefore receives a great deal of abuse. Posture, physical activites, and lifestyle play a role in the general health of the spine. Dr. Gerald Grubbs of Sarasota believes in using interventional radiology to treat acute back pain and thereby expose patients to minimal risk by avoiding surgery.

Request Appointment & Doctor's Resume

Back Pain Relief Wayne, NJ

Dr. Anthony Fava, DC

Dr. Anthony Fava, DC

Advanced Center for Injury & Wellness
392 Totowa Rd.
Totowa, New Jersey 07512
Call 888-245-5617

Can you no longer sit, sleep, or do work because of back pain? Don't let your pain progress further. The Advanced Center for Injury & Wellness in Wayne, NJ can offer you back pain relief today. The clinic consists of an experienced and knowledgeable team of licensed professionals, many of whom are board certified.

Request Appointment & Doctor's Resume

Orthopedic Surgery Center White Plains, NY

 Lawrence Hospital Center | Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

Lawrence Hospital Center | Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

Lawrence Hospital Center | Orthopedics & Sports Medicine
55 Palmer Avenue, First Floor
Bronxville, NY 10708
Call (888) 729-2857

Feeling trapped because of a joint injury or degenerative disease? You are not alone and you don't need to be trapped anymore. Reliable help is close to White Plains, NY at the Department of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine of the Lawrence Hospital Center, and with surgeons on the medical staff with a dozen years of experience, you can feel safe in their hands.

Request Appointment & Doctor's Resume

Neurosurgeon Westchester, NY 10530

Dr. Bennie Chiles

Dr. Bennie Chiles

Westchester Spine and Brain Surgery, PLLC
280 N. Central Ave Suite 235
Hartsdale, NY 10530
Call (888) 281-4568

Our practice is affiliated with all major hospitals throughout Westchester County. We offer comprehensive surgical spine care for a wide variety of simple and complex conditions, involving degenerative disease, trauma, tumor, infection, and congenital disorders.

Request Appointment & Doctor's Resume

Laser Spinal Surgery Houston, Texas

 US Imaging, Inc.

US Imaging, Inc.

US Imaging, Inc.
2525 W Bellfort St. #120
Houston, TX 77054
Call 888-834-5028

It can feel like there is no escape when the terrible pain in your back has turned all the little pleasures in life into nightmares. You%u2019ve thought about surgery, but the possible complications make you nervous. Laser spinal surgery at US Imaging, Inc. in Houston, Texas is the answer.

Request Appointment & Doctor's Resume

Degenerative Disc Disease Manhattan

Dr. Alan Siegel, DC

Dr. Alan Siegel, DC

Spine and Body
51 East 42nd Street, Suite 402
New York, NY 10017
Call 888-855-6488

Are back problems slowing you down? Do you feel discomfort in what were once very basic activities? You may be suffering from degenerative disc disease, facet arthrosis, or spinal stenosis; which are all back conditions treatable with spinal decompression. The experienced doctors at ExtenTrac Certified Practice will work together with you to come up with a treatment plan to meet your individual need. ExtenTrac Certified Practice's prime location right next to Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan compliments this holistic approach with a beautiful environment.

Request Appointment & Doctor's Resume

San Diego Spinal Decompression

Dr. Southern California2 Spine Center

Dr. Southern California2 Spine Center

Southern California Spine Center
9095 Rio San Diego Dr. Suite 155
San Diego, CA 92108
Call 619-916-3296

Are you trying to find ways to stop the pain in your back from continuing in the San Diego area? Do you feel like the pain will never end? There is hope for long time sufferers, and it comes in the form of spinal decompression. Dr. Michael Mountain at Southern California Spine Center offers this therapy which is painless, non-invasive and non-surgical.

Request Appointment & Doctor's Resume
SPECIALTIES