New Treatment for Backs: Spinal Disc Decompression (SDD)
By Jane Giles

Many an athlete has been stopped in his or her tracks by back pain. Whether the result of a sports injury or degenerative disc disease--a natural by-product of aging from years of wear and tear on the spine's "shock absorbers"--chronic back pain affects more than 18 million people each year.

Dr. Steven Blum, MD, Director of the North Shore Pain Center, recommends a non-invasive, drug-free procedure with an exceptionally high rate of success in treating chronic low-back pain--it's called Spinal Disc Decompression (SDD).

"Unfortunately, many people suffering from chronic low-back pain believe their options are either drugs or surgery, but today's medical advancements bring new alternatives and better outcomes," says Blum.

"Spinal Disc Decompression (SDD) is a painless, non-surgical, non-invasive, and drug-free procedure that not only relieves pain but also corrects the underlying problems that cause it," says Blum. And he points out, "Unlike many conventional treatments, SDD is entirely safe, devoid of complications or painful post-treatment side effects, and eliminates any need for recovery time or hospitalization. Yet remarkably, it is largely unknown among healthcare consumers."

How does it work? Treatments are administered by an FDA-approved, therapeutic table which applies a logarithmic tension to the spine. This gentle stretching of the intervertebral discs creates a negative pressure that draws fluids back into the affected disc, causing it to rehydrate and over time, rejuvenate and heal. The results are significant reductions in pain, increased mobility, and an overall improved quality of life.

Glenn Moak, a 46-year-old runner and weight lifter from Deerfield, sought this treatment back in March 2003 for nagging back pain. "I herniated a disc and had surgery for it," he said. At first he thought the procedure using Spinal Disc Decompression was a joke and the only reason he pursued it was because it was covered by his insurance company.

"I figured if they paid for it--it wasn't a scam." Today he says he's 95 percent better and the day of this interview he had run five miles with no pain.

For more information on spinal decompression call 888-821-2226 or 847-675-3100 or visit www.backtreatmentcenters.com

Heel Pain Stopping You?
By Jason Schultz

Many things can slow down your times, but heel pain can definitely bring your running to a stop. The most common form of heel pain for runners is plantar fasciitis (pronounced PLAN-tar fashee-EYE-tiss). It occurs when the long, flat ligament on the bottom of the foot (plantar fascia) stretches irregularly and develops small tears that cause the ligament to become inflamed. The pain is described as being dull aching or sharp and can be reproduced by flexing the toes upwards (dorsiflexion) and tensing the fascia.

Although the fascia is invested with countless sturdy 'cables' of connective tissue called collagen fibers, it is certainly not immune to injury.

Plantar fasciitis usually develops gradually. Heel pain may only occur when taking the first steps after getting out of bed or after sitting for a long period of time. If the plantar fascia ligament is not rested, the inflammation and heel pain will get worse. Other conditions or aggravating factors, such as the repetitive stress of walking, standing, running, or jumping, will contribute to the inflammation and pain. In some cases, the inflamed ligament may not heal because many people who have plantar fasciitis do not completely stop the aggravating activity.

In athletes, a number of factors are associated with development of plantar fasciitis. These factors can lead a runner to change his or her gait (the way the feet strike the ground), which can cause symptoms and injury.

Risk factors for athletes include:
* Biomechanical factors, such as decreased flexibility in the foot and ankle, imbalances in muscle strength (muscles in one leg or foot are weaker than the other), abnormal foot mechanics (when stepping down), and tightness in the Achilles tendon.

* The repetitive nature of sports activities and improper training.

* Rapidly increasing mileage.

* Running on steep hills.

* Wearing worn out shoes.

* Wearing shoes that do not have a cushioned sole or enough arch support.

* Abruptly changing the intensity or duration of the running routine.

The traditional remedies for plantar fasciitis include stretching the calf, massaging, decreasing one's training, losing weight, purchasing better-fitting shoes (with a raised heel and arch support), icing the sore heel, and taking ibuprofen.

Another treatment option, also one of the easiest, is using heel seats in your shoes. Heel seats pick up and re-stretch the plantar fascia, redistribute the heel's natural fat pad, provide structural reinforcement to the foot, and apply acupressure to relieve the pain while your feet heal.

In any case, when you feel pain, your body is trying to warn you that something is wrong. See a doctor or specialist at the first sign of pain. Treating problems early is key to a healthy lifestyle.

Fixing Your Feet: Prevention and Treatment for Athletes
By John Vonhof

It doesn't matter what type of athlete you are, runner, hiker or adventure racer, you undoubtedly push the limits of your feet. The most important part of your body-your feet, made up of 28 bones-bear the brunt of your weight. Proper care of them will enable you to participate to the best of your ability, which is why Fixing Your Feet (3rd ed.), is a must for any athletic household. The format is incredibly easy-to-follow and it's filled with common sense advice and treatment for foot problems from bunions to blisters. Most shoe review publications contain information about biomechanics, but this goes further to dissecting the importance of fit and the anatomy of footwear. Blisters get a great deal of coverage, that's because it's a common problem. You've heard the Paul Simon song, "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover." Well, Vonhof presents "159 Ways to Prevent Blisters." I bet you didn't think there were that many. Complete with drawings (how to tape your toes) and photos (don't look at these before dinner), this is a great reference source for the whole foot--toes, heels, tendons and ligaments--that will be referred to many times throughout your training and racing season.

--Review written by Brenda Barrera