What To Do?

You are in severe pain from a cervical or lumbar disc and are looking for a safe alternative to surgery, injections or strong drugs.

You want answers from a knowledgable, skilled, experienced and trustworthy Doctor. Someone who will take the time to understand your unique condition and outline all of your treatment options. A Doctor that knows when to refer to a surgeon or when to treat conservatively.

Call Dr. Peter Zilahy today * at 860 274 9641 to discover how he can help you!

Dr. Zilahy offers the most experienced, trusted and comprehensive non-surgical disc care in greater Waterbury. Dr. Zilahy will take a detailed history, perform a thorough exam and then outline a specific treatment plan based on your condition. The initial goal will be to get the quickest pain relief and then address the underlying cause of your problem.

Dr. Zilahy prides himself in being “ahead of the curve” when it comes to natural treatments. he was one of the first practioners in the state to implement an exercise/rehabilitation center for spinal conditions long before physical therapists or surgeons. He then was the first practioner in our region to offer spinal decompression therapy. He continues to incorporate the latest scientific procedures to bring the best of integrative care for the fastest relief to his patients.

Dr. Zilahy has extensive knowledge, he is Board Certified in Acupuncture (NCCAOM), Chiropractic Orthopedics (DABCO) and Clinical Nutrition (DACBN). He taught clinical orthopedics at the University of Bridgeport College of Chiropractic and was qualified as an expert in biomechanics in the Connecticut Judicial system.

He is respected by his collegues and was awarded “Chiropractor Of The Year” by the Connecticut Chiropractic Association. The community respects him, Dr. Zilahy was elected member of the Board of the Waterbury Chamber’s Healthcare Council and the American Clinical Board of Nutrition. The Medical professsion respects him, Dr. Zilahy has the distinction of being the first chiropractor and acupuncturist to be granted privileges in a hospital in the State of Connecticut at St. Mary’s.

Dr. Zilahy's Protocol

First of all, you must realize that the power that made your body can heal your body. If you have a cut the body doesn't need drugs or surgery for it to heal. If you break a bone, as long as the ends of the fracture are brought close together the body will heal. If you have a herniated disc, bringing the disc back into position (spinal decompression) your body also can heal. Just like putting a cast on a fracture for appropriate support, a herniated disc benefits from its own special support. When you have an infected cut or cyst, debriding or cleaning away the infection will allow the lesion to heal. Certain enzymes that are natural and safe do the same type of thing on a molecular level to the injured disc. It is proven that when injured, our metabolic needs change. By providing the body with all the necessary building blocks for the disc, ligaments and joints, healing will proceed in the fastest manner. Acupuncture may be utilized because it is a very powerfull way to reduce pain but also bring increased energy to the injured area. As the pain subsides restoring proper joint motion above or below the herniation by skilled manipulation is like re-aligniging the front end of your car after hitting a big pot hole. This will then take added pressure/stress off the herniated disc. Introduction to spinal stabilization exercises are then taught along with proper ways to lift, sleep and work to help prevent recurrence.

When your health is at stake you want results. Discover how Dr. Zilahy's protocol delivers a safe and effective way to to get your life back. Call Dr. Peter Zilahy today * at 860 274 9641 to discover how he can help you!

Spinal Decompression

Spinal decompression is a non-surgical, comfortable therapy for the relief of back and leg pain or neck and arm pain. Spinal decompression therapy is designed to unload the spinal disc. Any back pain or neck pain caused by a herniated or bulging disc may be helped by spinal decompression therapy.

The procedure cycles through distraction and relaxation phases and by proper positioning, a spinal disc can be isolated and placed under negative pressure, causing a vacuum effect within it. The vacuum effect accomplishes two things. From a mechanical standpoint, disc material that has protruded or herniated outside the normal confines of the disc can be pulled back within the disc by the vacuum created within the disc. Also, the vacuum within the disc stimulates in growth of blood supply, stimulating a healing response. This results in pain reduction and proper healing at the injured area. Spinal decompression therapy is not recommended for everyone, however, every patient is evaluated on an individual basis.

Is Non- Surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy better than surgery?

In many cases, Spinal Decompression Therapy is better than surgery. This is due to the fact that surgery physically alters the spine by removing all or part of the problematic disc. Although this can reduce the pressure on the nerve, and relieve the back pain, the surgery tends to place more stress on the healthy discs above and below. Complications from surgery can be severe and may result in debilitating conditions.

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Acupuncture can play an important role in the reduction or elimination of neck or back pain by reducing recovery time and preventing a chronic condition from developing.

Research has shown that acupuncture causes the body to produce natural steroids and promote the production of natural endorphins. Steroids decrease inflammation, while endorphins are produced by the body to kill pain. Both substances can play an integral part in the breaking up of the pain cycle.

Many styles of acupuncture may help ease neck and back pain. At times I may use very few needles at particular acupoints on the hand; and other times I may employ electroacupuncture at several points on the body simultaneously. I always employ single use disposable sterile needles. Children can even find the treatment comfortable.

Sciatica is a common pain problem and current pharmacologic therapies have proven inadequate for many patients. Sixty-four consenting patients with sciatica due to lumbar disc herniation were treated with Electrical Acupuncture through needles in specific acupuncture points. Treatments were administered using a stimulation frequency of 4 Hz. which significantly boosts the morphine like substances called endorphins. Results were improved physical activity and quality of sleep. With respect to post-treatment functionality. In the overall assessment, 73% of the patients reported that Acupuncture was the most desirable modality (versus 21% for TENS and 6% for sham-PENS). Finally, 71% of the patients stated that they would be willing to pay extra to receive Acupuncture therapy compared to 22% and 3% for TENS and sham-PENS, respectively.
Pain. 1999 Nov;83(2):193-9.

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References: Coan RM, et al. The acupuncture treatment of neck pain: a randomized controlled study. Amer J Chin Med 1980;8:181-189.
Ernst E, White AR. Acupuncture for back pain: A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Arch Intern Med 1998;158:2235-2241.
Lee A. Back pain and the role of acupuncture in management. Available online at www.barefootdoctors.com/backpain.html.
Patel M, Gutzwiller F, Paccaud F, Marazzi A. A meta-analysis of acupuncture for chronic pain. Inter J Epidem 1989;18:900-906.
Thomas M, Lundberg T. Importance of modes of acupuncture in the treatment of chronic nociceptive low back pain. Acta Anaesthesiol Scand 1994;38:63-69.
Yi-Kai L, et al. Silver needle therapy for intractable low-back pain at tender point after removal of nucleus pulposus. JMPT June 2000;23(5):320-3.

NUTRITION

When a disc or joint is injured it is essential to insure that all the necessary building blocks and nutrients for repair be available to the body. I have done extensive research and found specific nutritional products that are professionally designed and biologically active to support your healing. That is important because nutritional supplements are not regulated like medications and often times what is stated on the label is not what is in the capsule.

The repair of disc and joints depends on nutrients such as: glucosamine, sulfur (MSM), hyaluronic acid, copper and vitamin C for collagen synthesis (found in disc, tendons, cartilage, ligaments).

Reducing inflammation by balancing the body stores of antiinflammatory fatty acids (GLA, EPA) with inflammatory ones (arachidonic acid).

Natural compounds such as turmeric and boswellia have proven in research to reduce inflammation by many mechanisms. NAC, resveratrol, MSM, green-lipped mussel and cetyl-myristoleate (CMO) have been shown to support reduction of inflammation.

Reduce catabolic or breakdown factors: Excessive cortisol production (stress hormones) or steroid treatments such as cortisone can have a devastating effect on the ability to form collagen, which is a major component of cartilage, tendons and ligaments.

I recommend minerals zinc, copper, and manganese that are chelated to amino acids by the patented Albion method. This maximizes their absorption and eliminates the well-known GI side effects of the salt forms of minerals and their interference with absorption of other nutrients ingested at the same time.
Selenium as selenomethionine. Methionine a sulfur containing amino acid. Sulfur is an important component of collagen. Selenium is a protective antioxidant that raises glutathione levels.

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EXERCISE

Proper exercise is an important component for long term results with spinal pain. There are several key concepts that lead to long term benefit. They are based on the latest scientific evidence.

All joints need to move freely
Shortened muscles need to be stretched
Strengthening of the opposing shortened muscle
Develop the correct strength ratio between the front and back muscles
Retrain proper recruitment patterns which are critical (for example many back pain patients when lifting will contract the hamstring muscle first, then skip the biggest muscle the gluteals and go right to the back muscles) This places much greater load on the spine and often results in continued re-injury
Form is essential
Balance exercises to enhance unconscious control of recruitment patterns

In review: we start with making sure all the joints are not restricted in movement, we then assess and re-pattern abnormal movement and then progress to the enhancement of stability and endurance. Finally we stress strength, power and agility training.

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Proper Lifting

The Squat Lift - Ideally, objects should be lifted via the squat lift. With the back relatively straight, the knees are bent so that low back stress is minimized. While this does not seem as easy or natural as simply bending forward at the waist it significantly minimizes the lower spinal stress which can lead to numerous injuries including intervertebral disc herniation. Also, keep the feet wide apart when lifting the object and be sure to keep the object as close to your body as possible.

When Bending The Knees Is Difficult - For individuals who cannot fully bend the knees in order to pick up objects some bending of the spine may be necessary. In these cases, be sure the object being lifting is not heavy and most importantly, be sure to keep the object as close to the body as possible. The farther the object is away from the body the greater the stress on the spine.The

Golden Rule of Lifting - As stated above, be sure to keep objects as close to the body as possible during the lifting and carrying of objects.

Repetitive and Heavy Lifting - Even when proper lifting techniques are used repetitive stress injuries to the spine will occur if objects are too heavy or lifting is done continuously to the point that the spinal musculature becomes fatigued. Never lift heavy objects alone - get assistance or use a dolly. Never lifting continuously to the point that spinal muscles become fatigued. This will dramatically increase the odds of sustaining spinal injury.

Call Dr, Zilahy * at 860 274 9641 to discover how he can help you.

Whole Body Vibration Training

Is a revolutionary new method of training that incorporates the natural forces of gravity to stimulate the body in a pure up and down motion. This up and down vertical movement stimulates blood vessel circulation, activates the lymph system and cause the muscle fibers to contract and relax repeatedly, enhancing muscle strength. One does not overtax the heart and no sweating occurs. It provides enhanced power training to principal muscle groups in less time,improves mobility and flexibility of joints without undue stress to joints, ligaments, or tendons. Improves physical strength, dexterity, and endurance. Stimulates production of Human Growth Hormone to speed recovery.

Call Dr, Zilahy * at 860 274 9641 to discover how he can help you.

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