What is QI Back & Spine Clinic?

QI Back & Spine Clinic is a team of medical professionals who are dedicated to diagnosing & treating severe, chronic or acute back and spine conditions by non-surgical methods. Diagnosing the root cause of back and spine conditions is always the first step in medicine. We use a multi-disciplinary approach to accurately diagnose the cause of back pain because the more accurate the diagnosis, the more precise the treatment. We believe that it is essential to reverse the underlying cause of back pain and not just temporarily suppress the symptoms.

How do you diagnose the root cause of back pain?

An accurate diagnosis is critical as 85% of back pain cases are termed ‘non-specific’. Your back pain can be due to a neurological, systemic, structural or mechanical dysfunction. We are amongst the first to use a diagnostic approach that covers all these aspects. We use non-invasive technology that isolates the spinal structure. The controlled guided movements test and measure the strength and mobility of the spine. We can therefore identify the root cause of your back pain and prescribe further course of treatment.

What technology do you use? Is it non-invasive?

The machines we use are non-invasive biofeedback devices. They hold and support your body in fixed positions and then measure your functional ability during movements. They allow us to get a clear understanding of your spinal muscle tissue.

Who are QI spine specialists?

Our spine specialists are doctors with a specialisation in spinal disorders post a 4-year clinical degree in physical medicine or physiotherapy. They are specialists in the prescription of mechanical medical movements. Their expertise is dedicated to the reversal of spinal disorders and to promote mobility & function.

Degenerative Disc Disease Treatment, Symptoms & Causes

Spinal discs are made up of cartilage and provide natural cushioning for the spinal vertebrae. Damage to any of these discs is likely to result in chronic back pain and the location of the pain will depend on the position of the damaged disc. Some of the most common degenerative disc disease symptoms include:

Pain that worsens with specific movements such as bending or twisting
Periods of severe pain that come and go
Pain that radiates to the nearest limb
Lower back pain (if the degenerated disc is in the lower back)
Pain in the neck and shoulders (if the degenerated disc is in the upper back)
Tingling in the legs or fingers which is caused by nerve impingement

Professional diagnosis required
Chronic, can last for years
Treatable with 8 weeks of QI Spine Therapy

Loss of fluid in the disc

The center of a healthy disc can contain up to 80 per cent water which allows it to function as a shock absorber. When the water content in these discs starts to decrease, they are no longer as spongy and flexible which puts pressure on the outer layer of the disc.

Tiny tears or cracks in the outer layer of the disc

Pressure on the outer layer of a disc can result in the development of small tears. The jellylike material from inside the disc can then seep through these cracks – a condition known as a herniated disc.

Professional diagnosis required
Chronic, can last for years
Treatable with 4 weeks of QI Spine Therapy

Disc fusion surgery is often recommended for degenerative disc disease. There have been several innovations including pedical screws, fusion cages, and artificial discs but these technological advances have not translated into improved outcomes. In fact, studies show that surgery for degenerative disc disease is associated with increased disability and higher opiate use. QI Spine has adopted a unique approach that combines holistic therapy with evidence-based treatment protocols. This ensures quick and last pain relief from back pain caused by degenerative disc disease. Some of the main aspects of QI Spine treatment include:

The Most Technologically Advanced Spine Diagnostic Test

MRI and X-ray tests are the most common conventional diagnostic tools for back ailments. These tests can only detect damage to bone and tissue but they cannot pinpoint weakened muscles that cause or exacerbate the problem. The Digital Spine Analysis (DSA) is the most technologically advanced spine function test that can identify weakened muscles. This allows spine specialists to provide precise and targeted treatment for quick but lasting pain relief.

Non-Pharmacological Pain Management

Degenerative disc disease causes pain at the site of the damaged disc, which is generally in the lower back. COX-2 inhibitors are among the most commonly used NSAIDs for degenerative disc disease back pain. However, these are strong medications that increase the risk of upper respiratory tract infections including pharyngitis, sinusitis, and rhinitis. These drugs also increase the risk of more serious adverse reactions including gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers, and perforation of the intestine and stomach. QI provides non-pharmacological pain management methods such as Frequency Specific Microcurrent (FSM). This is a technologically-advanced method of pain management that utilizes low levels of electric current to reduce pain and promote tissue repair. This helps to decrease the inflammation around an affected disc.

Individualized Treatment Protocols

QI customizes every treatment protocol depending on the needs of each patient in order to reduce pain as well as prevent the recurrence of the underlying problem. QI’s treatment protocols are derived from an algorithm based on over 47,000 past cases – this ensures that every patient with degenerative disc disease receives treatment that is best suited to his/her needs. The McKenzie Method is an effective physical therapy system to correct and stabilize spinal alignment. Medical movements such as the Global Stabilization System and kinetic control focus on improving mobility, reducing pain, and reducing the risk of pain recurrence. Smokers, those who are overweight, and people who are overweight or obese have a higher risk of suffering from degenerative disc disease. If you suspect that you have degenerative disc disease, visit a spine specialist as soon as possible.