A New Berlin-based chiropractor recently launched a new management company that will offer patients with chronic lower back pain an alternative to surgery.
Dr. Patrick Casey of Casey Chiropractic, located at 14700 W. National Ave., New Berlin, started Spinal Care Centers of Wisconsin Inc., with his brother, John, a Milwaukee attorney.
Spinal Care Centers offers non-surgical spinal decompression treatments on its DRX9000 chiropractic table manufactured by Tampa, Fla.-based Axiom Worldwide Inc.
Chronic lower back pain patients include those diagnosed with herniated discs, bulging discs, sciatica, facet syndrome and post-surgical pain on the lower back.
The treatments will be available through Casey Chiropractic, Patrick Casey said. Spinal Care Centers of Wisconsin will serve as the management company for patients using the DRX9000.
The DRX9000 uses half of a person’s weight plus 10 pounds to place negative pressure inside the aggravated discs pinpointed by a doctor and programmed into the machine. That distraction takes pressure off of the targeted nerves and helps facilitate the healing process by allowing fluids, including blood and nutrients, into the space, Casey said.
“A growing number of patients nationwide have experience positive results without surgery through spinal decompression treatments,” Casey said. “They have experienced lower levels of discomfort and accelerated recovery from back problems associated with, among others, heavy lifting, falls, accidents and common sports related injuries.”
A typical program for patients using the DRX9000 would include between 20 and 25 treatments over the course of six to eight weeks. The treatment is typically not covered by patients’ insurance programs, Casey said. However, the entire program costs $4,500, compared with more costly surgery.
“Spinal fusion surgery costs about $34,000, according to the national average by the federal government,” Casey said. “That does not include the surgeon cost, follow-up, time lost from work and pharmacy bills.”
Each decompression treatment has two phases: 30 minutes on the decompression table and about 20 minutes of electric muscle stimulation and ice treatment.
“The treatment allows patients to continue working in some capacity. They can return to work at some level by assuming lighter duty or getting up to walk around more often,” Casey said. “By reducing the time lost, companies experience a reduced cost and an increase in productivity. The biggest expenses in back injuries are work loss and time loss.”
Patients must have a complete and accurate diagnosis before beginning treatment because many chronic back problems may not have an alternative to surgery.
Of his current chiropractic patients, Casey has identified about 50 who could benefit from the decompression table, he said.
Within six months, however, the brothers will reevaluate the business to decide the next step for Spinal Care Centers. They hope to open two or three Spinal Care Centers locations in southeastern Wisconsin within the next five years, Casey said.
Where Casey Chiropractic offers chiropractic services plus the decompression treatments on the DRX9000, the Spinal Care Centers will serve as wellness centers, offering the DRX9000, a cervical decompression table for chronic neck pain, occupational therapy, core strengthening and lifestyle and wellness counseling, Casey said.
“At any point we can help patients avoid surgery, the better,” Casey said.
