A non-invasive, innovative therapeutic technology
- called IDD Therapy may take the place of painful, costly, and uncertain success of back surgery.
BACK IN ACTION
Dr. John Longinotti, who has been in private practice since l9B5 in Oak Park, Ill., says, "I chose chiropractics in part because I like working with people. After 20 years, I can still say it's a great profession." His office, he says, "utilizes multiple facets of physical therapy as well as massage therapists. I like to integrate these in my work." One major challenge over the years has been the limited success he has had treating those with back, problems stemmingfrom disc injuries. This, of course, has been a problem for anyone in the field. "Disc patients have always been dfficult to help, but in my office we were aware of advances made in technology that promised improvement in treatment," says Dr. Longinotti. "It's heartbreaking to see patients with 'foot drop,' a condition caused by disc damage. They literally drag their leg. We are also talhing about patients who cannot do something as simple as grocery shopping, or getting in their car. Picking up a small child can be a killer for someone with back pain."
His office conducted research, investigating the various options. "We looked around for more than six months for a new therapy for back treatment before deciding on the Accu- SPINA," he says, referring to the piece of equipment designed to execute so-called IDD Therapy, short for Intervertebral Disc Decompression Therapy. "Decompression treatments for the back have been around for a while, but this latest version, this IDD Therapy, brings it to a new and much more effective level," says Dr. Longinotti. "I was attracted to the fact that a broad team had worked to put together the protocols." These procedures for the Accu-SPINA table were developed by a team of neurologists, neurosurgeons, orthopedists, and
His office conducted research, investigating the various options. "We looked around for more than six months for a new therapy for back treatment before deciding on the Accu- SPINA," he says, referring to the piece of equipment designed to execute so-called IDD Therapy, short for Intenertebral Disc Decompression Therapy. "Decompression treatments for the back have been around for a while, but this latest version, this IDD Therapy@, brings it to a new and much more effective level," says Dr. Longinotti. "I was attracted to the fact that a broad team had worked to put together the protocols." These procedures for the Accu-SPINA* table were developed by a team of neurologists, neurosurgeons, orthopedists, and
chiropractors for use in rehabilitating and healing damaged structures of the spine. "I bought this equipment, which is expensive, to help me treat disc patients more effictively and efficiently. Research shows this therapy has an 86% to 94% success rate, and that is going to greatly help me to accomplish my goal," he says.
Dr. Longinotti, who has referred patients suffering from disc problems to surgeons, was impressed by the fact that surgeons are among those who have purchased and use the Accu-SPINA table. "They will use the machine as a precursor to doing surgery -neurosurgeons, osteopaths; this speaks well of the machine. It's one of the reasons I was drawn to it," he says. "Our office has treated hundreds of patients with back and neck pain, people who have been in auto accidents, or who have gotten hurt on the job, and those with sport injuries or chronic back pain. I look forward to broadening the range of those we can help using IDD Therapy," says Dr. Longinotti. He notes a possible opportunity close to home to use the therapy. "My wtfe works at the front desk of our office, and she is a candidate for IDD Therapy. A while back she injured her back and broke her sacrum. As for myself, I have congenital anomalies and go to a chiropractor and get adjusted on a regular basis."
Dr. Longinotti graduated from the well regarded State University of New York at Binghamton in 1981, receiving a B.A. in biology and a B.A, in psychology. He then attended the National College of Chiropractic in Lombard, Ill., receiving a B.S. in biology and a D.C. degree in 1985.
IDD Therapy works for which patients?
It works with people who have disc problems, such as a herniated or bulging disc, sciatica, and chronic back pain due to sprains, for instance.
What's happening with the back that causes pain?
What happens in disc problems is the material inside the disc - the nucleus - moves out of its position and starts impinging on the nerve, causing inflammation.
What causes damage to discs?
Discs, which separate the vertebrae and act as shock absorbers, can become damaged due to trauma or the aging process. Each spinal disc is surrounded by highly sensitive nerves, and the inner poftion ofa disc that has been damaged may leak. This viscous material contains irritating agents, which, when they come in contact with a nerve can cause pain that can travel down the length of the nerve. Even a small disc herniation that allows a small amount of the inner disc material to touch the nerve can cause significant pain.
What about sciatica?
When it happens on the L5Sl - that's where the sciatic nerve exits - it causes tingling and burning down the leg. That's sciatica. Approximately 90% of herniated discs occur there. This is what IDD Therapy@ is most effective in dealing with.
Who would the therapy not be for?
Treatment is not effective for someone with osteoporosis, or severe arthritic changes, or if someone had a break in a disc - we would not want to treat that. If someone were pregnant, that would also be a reason to steer away from the therapy.
Is IDD Therapy@ generally considered an alternative to surgery?
Yes, that's its main feature, as an option to surgery, which once was the only way to treat the kind of disc problems that now respond very well to IDD Therapy'.
What about surgery?
There was a time when surgery offered the
