The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson

Discussions with successful doctors such as Dr. James Cox, Dr. Kurt Olding, Dr. Dean Greenwood and Dr. Ted Siciliano.

The Back Doctors podcast is weekly conversations with doctors from around the world sharing patient stories as they inform, educate, and offer hope for the millions of people who have back pain. read less
Health & FitnessHealth & Fitness

Episodes

268 Joel Proskewitz - The Spine Exchange
18-03-2024
268 Joel Proskewitz - The Spine Exchange
Joe Proskewitz, a strength training and fitness coach shares his own back surgery story and his quest to help others with back pain. Joel Proskewitz has been working to improve the lives of athletes, low back patients and general population clients for over 25 years. After becoming a national champion in two of the most demanding sports, Karate and Bodybuilding and with an excess of 30,000 hours of one-on-one training, Joel has dedicated his life to the improvement of exercise techniques and systems to allow his clients to achieve the very best outcome in enhancing their pain free performance. An internationally acclaimed strength coach and low back rehabilitation specialist, Joel travels the world teaching and sharing his philosophy to a variety of clinicians and trainers and has worked with 1000’s of fitness professionals on enhancing their skill set. For the past 14 years, Joel has worked closely with Professor Stuart McGill (head of spinal biomechanics – University of Waterloo, Canada) in the rehabilitation of low back pathologies. He also teaches both the McGill clinical and performance courses and is one of only two people in the world who teaches for Professor McGill. Further information can be viewed on www.backfitpro.com Joel has been a presenter at high profile health and fitness conferences such as the Discovery Fitness Convention and the South African High-Performance Institute, giving advice on topics including strength training for women, Olympic lifting for sports performance and practical nutrition for fat loss. He has also featured in leading publications, such as Men’s Fitness and Men’s Health. Joel currently works with many high-profile clients, including Olympic medalists, international musicians and world record athletes. He is the CEO of PerformanceRx in London, UK. Resources: performancerx.co.uk thespinexchange.com The Back Doctors Podcast – With Dr. Michael Johnson Episode sponsor: The Cox 8 Table by Haven Medical
265 Dr. Timothy Gagan - Disc Herniation with Sciatica
11-12-2023
265 Dr. Timothy Gagan - Disc Herniation with Sciatica
Spine specialist, Dr. Timothy Gagan shares a success story using Cox Technic on a landscaper who has low back pain with pain down his leg and into his foot.   Dr. Tim's interest in chiropractic began with high-school sports. He was a wrestler and football player which caused him spinal injury. He was impressed with his hometown chiropractor and decided that treating musculoskeletal complaints through chiropractic care was what he wanted to do in life. He attained a bachelor's degree in biology with a chemistry minor from St John Fisher University and a doctorate in chiropractic from the northeast college of chiropractic (formerly known as New York chiropractic college).  He has been in practice for four and a half years at Apple Country Chiropractic in Williamson, NY and specializes in treating intervertebral discs disorders. He attributes much of his understanding of injuries from experiencing them firsthand through sports and working alongside his father on construction jobs. He takes great joy in treating working men, like his father, and getting them back to work. In his spare time, he enjoys playing music. His mother is a piano teacher who instilled a love of music in him. You can hear his music on YouTube on his channel, "The musical chiropractor". Dr. Tim lives in Webster NY with the love of his life and wife, Rachel. She was instrumental in supporting him through chiropractic college and helping him survive "Grad School poverty." They have a 12-year-old German Short Haired pointer named Bella.  Resources: Apple Country Chiropractic The Musical Chiropractor End Back Pain book Find a Back Doctor The Cox 8 Table by Haven Medical
263 Dr. Kim Lombardy - Reducing Opioid Use in Back Pain Patients
06-11-2023
263 Dr. Kim Lombardy - Reducing Opioid Use in Back Pain Patients
Dr. Kim Lombardy shares a story of a chronic back pain patient who was prescribed and became addicted to opioids.  Dr. Lombardy describes this patient's condition and how he successfully treated his back pain with Cox Technic eliminating his dependence on opioids. Dr. Kim Lombardy is a native of Sandusky, Ohio. After suffering from chronic pain and illness, stemming from a childhood accident, and being under medical care for 20 years, he was referred to a local Sandusky chiropractor, Dr. Vince Darr. After a series of spinal adjustments, Dr. Lombardy's pain began to recede, and his health was restored. He was so impressed that he changed his major from Pre-Veterinary Medicine to Pre-Chiropractic. After completing his undergraduate studies at Bowling Green State University, he enrolled in Sherman College of Chiropractic in Spartanburg, SC, where he graduated in 1980. Dr. Lombardy moved to Augusta, GA, and opened Woodland Chiropractic Life Center which later became Lombardy Chiropractic Clinic. He practiced for 29 years before being appointed Assistant Clinical Professor in the Orthopedic Department of the Medical College of Georgia, the first chiropractor to obtain that position in the history of MCG.   After two years he returned to private practice. Dr. Lombardy served as Vice-President of the Georgia Chiropractic Association for three years. He has the highest level of training in Activator Methods (painless instrument adjusting) and Cox Technic for disc problems. He has also studied Advanced Clinical Nutrition to help the body heal from the inside as well. Dr. Lombardy brings over 40 years of clinical experience to better help patients regain their health naturally. He is married to Edna Lombardy, and they have four children and nine grandchildren. They are members of St. Mary on the Hill Catholic Church.   Resources:   To schedule an appointment with Dr. Lombardy   Find a Back Doctor   Opioid Use Reduction in Failed Back Surgery Syndrome Patients at Three Months Utilizing Manual Spinal Decompression Manipulation   The Cox 8 Table by Haven Medical
262 Dr. Martin Fleming - Back and Leg Pain
23-10-2023
262 Dr. Martin Fleming - Back and Leg Pain
Spine specialist, Dr. Martin Fleming discusses a 30-year-old patient who woke up with back pain. Dr. Martin Fleming is a friendly and compassionate chiropractor providing care in midtown Manhattan. Dr. Fleming attended the University of Bridgeport, where he earned his chiropractic degree. He was awarded and completed two special community-based internships affiliated with the University. He obtained his bachelor’s from the State University of New York. Dr. Fleming runs his own practice which allows him to ensure that his patients receive the best care and service from start to finish. He is board certified by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners and is licensed to practice in both New York and New Jersey.  He is a Cox Technic certified practitioner. Dr. Fleming strives to embody the principals of health and well-being that he shares with his patients. Outside of the office, he enjoys spending time exploring various approaches to physical fitness, including weight and cardio training as well as cross-fit and group fitness training. He also takes a hands-on approach when it comes to nutrition and likes to experiment in the kitchen by finding and trying healthy recipes. Other interests include art, travel, theatre and movies. Dr. Fleming enjoys giving back to his community and has participated in many volunteer activities, including Freihofer’s Run for Women Road Race in Albany, NY and Boilermaker Road Race in Utica, NY. He has also carried out medical activities and services at Chase Wellness Centers, Bridgeport, CT. Dr. Fleming is dedicated to helping patients receive the treatment they need so they can enjoy a positive and fulfilling lifestyle. Patients trust his expertise because he consistently provides high quality care that leads to positive and lasting health outcomes. Resources: Contact Dr. Fleming Low Back home exercises A randomized clinical trial and subgroup analysis to compare flexion-distraction with active exercise for chronic low back pain Find a Back Doctor The Cox 8 Table by Haven Medical
261 Dr. Nathaniel Marcel - Bertolotti Syndrome
16-10-2023
261 Dr. Nathaniel Marcel - Bertolotti Syndrome
Dr. Nathaniel Marcel explains what Bertolotti Syndrome is and how he successfully treated his patient using Cox Technic. Dr. Nathaniel Marcel has always loved to work with his hands. His original pursuit in his undergraduate studies was to attend medical school and become a surgeon. As his senior year in undergrad neared its end he had a deep sense that he was being called to something else. His advisor persuaded him to shadow alternative providers and this is when he first fell in love with Chiropractic. Dr. Marcel loves that Chiropractic allows him to work with his hands from anywhere in the world and help people become pain-free. During treatment, he emphasizes patient education and believes it is key to positive outcomes and future injury prevention. He is a South Louisiana native who grew up in Houma, Louisiana. He attended Terrebonne High School where he graduated Valedictorian of his class and enjoyed playing varsity soccer for four years. Dr. Marcel then attended Louisiana College (now Louisiana Christian University) where he received his Bachelor of Science with a major in biology. He continued his studies at Texas Chiropractic College (TCC) where he graduated top of his class and received his Doctorate of Chiropractic. He was awarded the Student Keeler Award for his selfless service, professional scholarship, and being held in high regard by the TCC faculty. While at TCC he served as a student tutor and Chief Intern over the University of Houston Clear Lake student rotation, where interns would treat students and faculty of UHCL. He is also Level 1 Titleist Performance Institute certified. Dr. Marcel is married to his high school sweetheart Taylor and they have been blessed with a beautiful baby girl named Sage. Resources: Contact Dr. Marcel Find a Back Doctor The Cox 8 Table by Haven Medical
258 Dr. James Cox - Treating Patients After Back Surgery with Cox Technic
21-08-2023
258 Dr. James Cox - Treating Patients After Back Surgery with Cox Technic
On this episode of The Back Doctors Podcast, you’ll get to hear from Dr. James M. Cox who is the developer of Cox® Technic Flexion Distraction Manipulation.  He is a remarkable doctor who has dedicated his life to finding the most effective treatment for back pain.  He presents published research on the effectiveness of Cox Technic in the treatment of post-surgical continued pain syndrome. About Dr. Cox curriculum vitae Resources: More about Cox Technic Find a Back Doctor The Cox 8 Table by Haven Medical References: Tronnier V. SCS als therapeutische Option beim Postnukleotomiesyndrom [SCS as a treatment option for failed back surgery syndrome]. Orthopade. 2016 Sep;45(9):738-43. German. doi: 10.1007/s00132-016-3310-5. PMID: 27530208. Clancy C, Quinn A, Wilson F. The aetiologies of Failed Back Surgery Syndrome: A systematic review. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil. 2017;30(3):395-402. doi: 10.3233/BMR-150318. PMID: 27689601. Itz C, Huygen F, Kleef MV. A proposal for the organization of the referral of patients with chronicnon-specific low back pain. Curr Med Res Opin. 2016 Nov;32(11):1903-1909. doi: 10.1080/03007995.2016.1220933. Epub 2016 Sep 4. PMID: 27499500. Gudavalli MR, Olding K, Joachim G, Cox JM. Chiropractic Distraction Spinal Manipulation on Postsurgical Continued Low Back and Radicular Pain Patients: A Retrospective Case Series. J Chiropr Med. 2016 Jun;15(2):121-8. doi: 10.1016/j.jcm.2016.04.004. Epub 2016 May 25. PMID: 27330514; PMCID: PMC4913115. Aspegren DD, Burt AL. A study of postspinal surgery cases in chiropractic offices. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics 1994;17:88-92. O'Shaughnessy J, Drolet M, Roy JF, Descarreaux M. Chiropractic management of patient’s post-disc arthroplasty: eight case reports. Chiropractic & Osteopathy 2010;18:7  Morningstar MW, Strauchman MN. Manipulation under anesthesia for patients with failed back surgery: retrospective report of 3 cases with 1-year follow-up. Journal Chiropractic Medicine 2012;11:30-5 McMorland G, Suter E, Casha S, du Plessis SJ, Hurlbert RJ. Manipulation or microdiskectomy for sciatica? A prospective randomized clinical study. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2010;33:576-84 positive results with chiropractic manipulation Estadt GM. Chiropractic/Rehabilitative management of post-surgical disc herniation: a retrospective case report. J Chiropr Med 2004;3:108–15. Cox JM. Spinal adjusting of failed low back surgery. In: Chiropractic Orthopedics Conference Proceedings. Annual symposium on Investigation of Failed Low Back Surgery; 2009 May 8-May 10; San Antonio, Texas. Published by the American College of Chiropractic Orthopedists and Southern California University of Health Sciences and Texas Council of Chiropractic Orthopedists. American College of Chiropractic Orthopedists; 2009. p. 43-112. Coulis CM, Lisi AJ. Chiropractic management of postoperative spine pain: a report of 3 cases. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine 2013;12:168-75 Kruse RA, Cambron J. Chiropractic management of post-surgical lumbar spine pain: a retrospective study of 32 cases. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics 2011; 34:408-12 Cox JM, Feller J, Cox-Cid J. Distraction chiropractic adjusting: clinical application and outcomes of 1000 cases. Top Clin Chiropr 1996;3(3);45-59. McMorland G Suter E Casha S du Plessis SJ Hurlbert RJ. Manipulation or microdiskectomy for sciatica? A prospective randomized clinical study. Journal Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2010 Oct;33(8):576-584 Albert HB, Manniche C. The efficacy of systematic active conservative treatment for patients with severe sciatica: a single-blind, randomized, clinical, controlled trial. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2012 Apr 1;37(7):531-42. doi: 10.1097/BRS.0b013e31821ace7f. PMID: 21494193. Keller RB, Atlas SJ, Singer DE, Chapin AM, Mooney NA, Patrick DL, Deyo RA. The Maine Lumbar Spine Study, Part I. Background and concepts. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 1996 Aug 1;21(15):1769-76. doi: 10.1097/00007632-199608010-00010. PMID: 8855461. Valat JP, Genevay S, Marty M, Rozenberg S, Koes B. Sciatica. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol. 2010 Apr;24(2):241-52. doi: 10.1016/j.berh.2009.11.005. PMID: 20227645. Roncoroni C, Baillet A, Durand M, Gaudin P, Juvin R. Efficacy and tolerance of systemic steroids in sciatica: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2011 Sep;50(9):1603-11. doi: 10.1093/rheumatology/ker151. Epub 2011 Apr 27. PMID: 21525139.
257 Dr. Lee Hazen - Degenerative Spondylolisthesis
14-08-2023
257 Dr. Lee Hazen - Degenerative Spondylolisthesis
Spine specialist, Dr. Lee Hazen shares a story of a chronic back pain patient with several comorbidities that gets 70% relief with Cox Technic. Lee Hazen, D.C. Dr. Hazen graduated Cum Laude from Cleveland Chiropractic College of Los Angeles in 1989. After a short post-ceptorship in Burbank, Ca, he was invited to become a resident in Dr. James Cox's clinic. From 1989 until 1998 he was co-director and resident in Ft. Wayne Indiana with Dr. Cox. While there, he attended and completed a 400-hour post-graduate Chiropractic Orthopedics training sponsored by National University of Health Sciences. Dr. Hazen has been serving the Murrieta-Temecula area for 15 years.  As a Cox Technic instructor for the past 25 years, he has taught many chiropractors across the country the use of the specialized decompression table, diagnosis and care of spinal disease. Currently, he is on the post-graduate faculty of National University of Health Sciences.   He is currently involved in gathering treatment outcome data for ongoing research on failed back surgery syndrome. He is continuing to publish case study reports on difficult and complex case studies that are evaluated and treated in his Temecula, CA office. Lee Hazen D.C. and TCIM is committed to helping you regain and then maintain your quality of life, devoid of spine and extremity pain. Dr. Hazen offers specific protocols for spinal pain relief that are well-researched, well-documented, repeatedly published and clinically effective: Cox Technic Flexion-Distraction and Decompression Adjusting Manipulation.  The protocols were started 48 years ago by Dr. James M. Cox in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The Cox Technic protocols have evolved as clinical application demands and research studies dictate. We are proud to offer the most cutting-edge, 21st century, non-surgical decompressive spinal pain relief. Resources: Contact Dr. Hazen Discat Plus Enhanced Low Back Exercises Find a Back Doctor The Cox 8 Table by Haven Medical
255 Dr. Marc Baker - Treating the Post Surgical Back
17-07-2023
255 Dr. Marc Baker - Treating the Post Surgical Back
Spine specialist, Dr. Marc Baker shares a story of a veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces with continued back pain after having back surgery.  Dr. Marc Baker Chiropractic Rehabilitation Specialist Lake Echo & Dartmouth Locations   After completing his Bachelor of Science degree at Mount Allison University, Dr. Baker went on to New York Chiropractic College and completed his Chiropractic Doctorate in 2002. He also completed a Post Doctoral Rehabilitation Specialty and is a Fellow of the Chiropractic College of Physical and Occupational Rehabilitation. In addition, Dr. Baker has completed 300 hours in Acupuncture Training at McMaster Medical School.   Dr. Baker is one of two Chiropractors actively certified in Cox Flexion Distraction in Nova Scotia and was certified in 2007.     Dr. Baker worked with the Canadian Forces at CFB Stadacona as the staff Chiropractor from 2005-2011.  He then decided to open The Disc Clinic in Musquodoboit Harbour where he is the Clinical Director and staff Chiropractor.     Dr. Baker opened The Disc Clinic because of his professional interest and personal experience with disc problems of the spine.  He helps to manage all spinal conditions, as well as issues with other joints in the body including ankles, knees, hips, wrists, elbows and shoulders.  Doctor Bakers' conservative, gentle approach to chiropractic care has attracted patients from all over the Maritime Provinces.   Resources: The Disc Clinic   Chiropractic Distraction Spinal Manipulation on Postsurgical Continued Low Back and Radicular Pain Patients: A Retrospective Case Series   Find a Back Doctor   thebackdoctorspodcast.com   The Cox 8 Table by Haven Medical
254 Dr. Anna Jurik - Compression Fractures
10-07-2023
254 Dr. Anna Jurik - Compression Fractures
Spine specialist, Dr. Anna Jurik shares a story of a 64-year-old female with spine fractures who was treated with Cox Technic. Dr. Anna Jurik is a licensed Chiropractic Physician and a Registered and Licensed Dietitian/ Nutritionist. She is a graduate of National University of Health Sciences, where she earned her degrees in Chiropractic Medicine, a Masters in Advanced Clinical Practice and a certificate in Massage Therapy. She currently holds a position as a teaching clinician at the university and is ranked as a Professor. Her unique background has allowed her to take her teaching experiences outside of the standard classroom.  She has taught seminars, which has allowed her to educate her colleagues as well as personally expand her mindset and experiences. Dr. Jurik also holds degrees in Exercise Physiology and Dietetics, and has earned various certifications and trainings over the years in order to diversify her treatment options. These include Graston Deep Tissue Technique, Kinesio-taping, Webster Technique, Pediatrics & Prenatal care, Rehabilitation of the Spine, Craniosacral Therapy, Rehabilitation of the Spine, Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization, Acupuncture, Cox Technique and Chinese Medicine.  This unique background has allowed her to truly treat every patient holistically. It allows her to work with a patient and put together a natural and specific plan to achieve and help maintain the best health possible.  It has also allowed her to have a wide knowledge base that she is able to share with those she is educating. Resources: 630-629-9664 Clinic ajurik@nuhs.edu Find a Back Doctor The Cox 8 Table by Haven Medical
252 Dr. Cameron McConville - Stenosis
22-05-2023
252 Dr. Cameron McConville - Stenosis
Dr. Cameron McConville shares a story of a retired 70 year-old mechanic with spinal stenosis who improves with Cox Technic flexion/distraction decompression therapy. DR CAMERON MCCONVILLE Cameron has extensive experience in the chiropractic field having graduated from the RMIT Bachelor course in 1993. Through ongoing professional education and training Cameron has expanded his expertise and knowledge in the management of complex spinal disorders.  Advances in spinal treatments led Cameron to the USA where he has undertaken further studies in the theory and application of spinal decompression/distraction therapy (Cox Technic).  Cameron is pleased to be one of just a handful of certified Cox practitioners in Australia.  Certified Cox practitioners are regarded for their evidence-based approach to the management of spinal disorders.  Cameron has special interest in the management of 'sciatica', chronic low back, neck pain and headaches. Cameron also has a strong interest in promoting his profession through research. In 2019 he joined the Board of the Chiropractic Australia Research Foundation (CARF), and in 2023 published his first research paper in the Canadian Journal of Chiropractic, drawing attention to the little known spinal condition known as spinal gout. Understanding the importance of a holistic approach to back pain management Cameron has spent the past 20 years in Warragul developing strong relationships with local medical practitioners, physiotherapists and massage therapists ensuring clients achieve their health care goals. Resources: warragulchiropracticcentre.com.au Find a Back Doctor The Cox 8 Table by Haven Medical