MedX Spinal Testing & Rehab

The foundation of our rehabilitation is the MedX medical spinal testing and rehabilitation machines. Rehabilitation providers around the world have experienced amazing results using the MedX lumbar and cervical extension machines to treat acute and chronic neck and low back pain.

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person doing MedX Spinal Testing and treatment for their neck

About medx

MedX Treatment

A strong healthy spine provides a strong foundation which helps prevent spinal compression and allows you to perform your normal daily activities and demands of employment pain free.

Clinically Proven

The MedX Lumbar and Cervical Extension Machines have been proven to be extremely effective in the treatment of acute and chronic neck pain, and back pain.

Medical Evidence

Evidence shows that 80% of chronic spinal pain is due to muscle weakness, which increases as damage to the spine worsens.

60 Scientific Studies

The MedX medical machines have undergone significant scientific study and have been compared against a variety of other methods of strength and endurance training.

Medical evidence shows that 80% of chronic spinal pain is due to muscle weakness, which increases as damage to the spine worsens. Weakness of the spine can lead to many conditions such as herniated discs, facet syndrome, sciatica and degenerative joint disease which can lead to chronic spinal pain, extremity pain, and headaches. A strong healthy spine provides a strong foundation which helps prevent spinal compression and allows you to perform your normal daily activities and demands of employment pain free. Learn more about how this treatment can help with your back or neck pain.

MedX Treatment for Acute and Chronic Neck Pain

MedX Treatment for Acute and Chronic Back Pain

The MedX Lumbar and Cervical Extension Machines have been clinically proven to be extremely effective in the treatment of acute and chronic neck pain, and back pain. Before MedX was introduced to the medical community there was never an effective way to isolate and strengthen the muscles of the spine. These machines provide the medical community with the first tools capable of producing specific and accurate testing of functional spinal strength, and the additional capability of providing the best source of rehabilitative exercise.

MedX Spinal History

Arthur Jones is the legendary founder and developer of Nautilus exercise equipment. He pioneered the concept of high intensity, joint specific strength training and was the first to develop machines dedicated to each area of the body. He proved, through exhaustive research, that it is the most effective way to get results in the shortest period of time. When he evaluated the back extension machine, he found it did not do an adequate job of strengthening the back muscles. In 1972 he began what was to be fourteen years of research and development with the goal of designing the first meaningful tools for testing spinal function, including strength, muscular endurance, and ranges of motion.

In 1986, he founded the MedX Corporation and after years of development and testing, validated by independent research teams at the University of Florida, perfected the medical lumbar extension machine. He subsequently developed the cervical extension machine providing the medical community with the first tools capable of producing specific and accurate tests of functional ability, as well as the finest source of rehabilitative exercise. These machines have helped hundreds of thousands of people around the world eliminate their back and neck pain. Arthur Jones devoted his life to educating people about the proper way to exercise and designing equipment best suited to his training methods.

Specific Spinal Rehabilitation

The Center For Total Back Care is one of only a handful of clinics in the Valley that offers MedX lumbar and cervical medical evaluation and treatment.

The state-of-the-art computerized MedX medical testing and strengthening equipment is used to test then treat patients with neck and/or low back pain as well as limited range of motion resulting from long-term pain and dysfunction. What makes these machines so special? Isolation!

The MedX lumbar extension machine provides functional testing and rehabilitation of the lumbar spine.

A unique method of stabilizing the pelvis, providing true isolation of the deep muscles of the lumbar spine(erector spinae and multifidus). Weakness in these muscle groups has been associated with chronic low back pain and susceptibility to future back injuries, pain and disability.

The MedX cervical extension machine is similar to the MedX lumbar machine in that it isolates the deep musculature that normally stabilizes the cervical spine.

Because the cervical spine must support the weight of the head, weakness in this area often leads to chronic neck pain and headaches especially those headaches that start at the base of the skull and radiate around the front of the head and are often felt behind the eyes. MedX rehabilitation is so effective because it truly isolates and strengthens specific areas of the cervical spine. By training specific movements and not allowing abnormal compensations the patient not only regains needed strength, but also learns to move their spine properly again.

The MedX cervical extension machine is similar to the MedX lumbar machine.

In that it isolates the deep musculature that normally stabilizes the cervical spine. Because the cervical spine must support the weight of the head, weakness in this area often leads to chronic neck pain and headaches especially those headaches that start at the base of the skull and radiate around the front of the head and are often felt behind the eyes. MedX rehabilitation is so effective because it truly isolates and strengthens specific areas of the cervical spine. By training specific movements and not allowing abnormal compensations the patient not only regains needed strength, but also learns to move their spine properly again.

MedX rehabilitation machines are precisely adjusted to each individual patient during the first therapy session.

The back or neck muscles are gradually strengthened leading to long- term success for the patient. There are many devices and exercises which claim to strengthen the spine, but they have been disproved with scientific testing. The precision and isolation of MedX rehabilitation makes it far superior to conventional rehabilitation methods.

How MedX Works?

Patients are seated comfortably in the MedX cervical or lumbar machine. In the cervical machine, the muscles in the torso are restrained so that only the muscles in the neck are targeted. Because the cervical muscles in the neck must continually support the weight of the head, weak muscles can lead to headache, neck pain and poor posture mechanics. In the lumbar machine, the muscles in the abdomen, hips and legs are restrained so that only the muscles in the low back are targeted. Weak lumbar muscles can be responsible for back pain, leg pain, stiffness and many other debilitating complaints. The exercises performed in the Med-X cervical and lumbar machines are slow, gentle, take just a few minutes to complete and are computer monitored.

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person doing MedX Treatment for low Back Pain

MedX Testing

MedX’s data recording and processing software allows operators to safely and accurately determine a patient’s physical limitations and show improvements in neck and back strength. The software calculates accurate range of motion and muscle strength at numerous joint positions by factoring out torso mass, stored energy, tissue compression and/or joint elasticity, and a lack of reasonable effort by the patient.

Reports can be generated showing comparisons between age-matched and/or gender-matched norms. MedX’s computerized reports offer physicians, therapists, patients, and their insurance company’s accurate, quantifiable data to use in determining a patient’s level of disability at the beginning of treatment, and their degree of improvement at the end of treatment. Improvements in isolated neck and lower back strength have been shown by extensive research to correlate with increased improvements in quality of life and increased function.

MedX Treatment

The ingenuity behind MedX’s success in helping patients become pain free and regain functionality is its ability to isolate the deep muscles of the spine during strengthening exercises. MedX equipment is designed to accurately test your low back and neck, identifying existing or potential problems. Precise measurements of range of motion, strength and endurance are then compared to established norms. This allows us to accurately assess your spine in a number of different ways and takes into consideration the individual needs of the patient. This leads to fewer flare ups of symptoms and a much easier rehabilitation process.

Unlike other spine strengthening exercises that involve muscles in the arms, abdomen or legs, MedX targets only the muscles responsible for maintaining the alignment and anti-gravity properties of the spine. Poor spinal strength, alignment and compression due to spinal weakness lead to pain. Patients hoping to avoid surgery or those who have undergone surgeries for back and neck pain but are still suffering have been receiving positive results after only a few sessions with MedX.

  • People with recurring episodes of neck or back pain
  • People with chronic neck or back pain
  • People who have chronic headaches caused by muscular weakness
  • People who have injured the neck or back in a motor vehicle accident
  • People with herniated, bulging or degenerative discs
  • People who have not responded to or get only temporary relief with traditional physiotherapy or chiropractic treatment

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MedX Treatment for Neck Pain and Injury

The Center For Total Back Care utilizes MedX cervical specific testing and rehabilitation equipment to precisely measure strength, range of motion and endurance in the cervical spine to help uncover the source of your neck pain. We are then able to design a customized treatment and rehabilitation program utilizing this same equipment to isolate and strengthen injured muscles in the neck. This a major source of neck pain and dysfunction and if not treated can lead to more serious problems such as herniated or bulging discs and headaches. The core of our neck rehabilitation program is the MedX Cervical Medical Spinal Testing and Rehabilitation machine. We are one of only a handful of clinics that offers this MedX testing and strengthening service.

This state-of-the-art computerized MedX equipment is used to test then treat patients with neck pain and/or headaches, as well as limited range of motion resulting from long-term pain and dysfunction.  Weakness in the deep cervical spinal muscles, have been associated with chronic neck pain, headaches and susceptibility to future neck injuries. There are many devices and exercises which claim to strengthen the cervical spine, but they have been disproved with scientific testing.

The MedX cervical extension machine is an effective, proven solution for patients who suffer from chronic neck pain and/or headaches. Because the cervical muscles must continually support the weight of the head throughout the day. Chronic neck pain and headaches are common clinical complaints we see and usually originate as a result of muscular weakness

The MedX Medical Cervical Extension machine is designed to isolate and strengthen the muscle groups that support the cervical spine by utilizing a unique restraint system which stabilizes the torso and isolates the cervical spine.

During isometric strength testing, the machine uses an integrated load cell to accurately measure isometric torque. Testing and rehabilitation must be performed pain free, not only for the test to be valid but, to avoid hurting the patient. Pain inhibits muscle contraction, which means that if you are tested and there is pain associated with the testing you are unable to give a full effort and the test will not be valid. Isometric testing also allows the patient to control the test and discontinue if they feel discomfort or are not comfortable during the testing. The machine also allows us to perform the testing every three degrees through the normal 126 degree of normal pain free cervical range of motion. Validity is then achieved by effectively stabilizing the torso to achieve cervical muscle isolation through this pain free range of motion.

Isometric Testing for the Neck

Isometric Testing is performed using the MedX medical cervical extension machine at up to eight (8) positions through a 126-degree range of motion (ROM) in 18-degree increments, including 0, 18, 36, 54, 72, 90, 108, and 126 degrees. At each test point, the user is asked to exert force against the head rest of the machine; which is connected to the movement arm and load cell, for approximately 3 to 5 seconds. During this exertion, the MedX Rehab software visually displays the force exerted by the user on the display screen. At the conclusion of the exertion period, the force reading is automatically saved and the user is moved to the next test point. This process is repeated until the user has been evaluated at all test points within their pain free range of motion (ROM). The resultant data is then utilized by clinicians to evaluate the strength of the muscle groups that support the user’s cervical spine.

MedX Cervical Test

Dynamic Exercise

Dynamic exercise sessions are performed through a pain free motion until the isolated muscle groups are exercised to exhaustion. In accordance with MedX protocols, patients exercise with a resistance weight of 80% of the peak torque reading obtained from their isometric test. The patient performs a slow seven second repetition for 20 repetitions or to volitional fatigue whichever occurs first. If the patient is able to reach 20 repetitions the resistance is increased on the next session. If they are unable to reach 20 repetitions the resistance remains the same for the next session.

Exercise Frequency

Due to its unique ability to isolate and strengthen the muscle groups that support the cervical spine, the MedX medical cervical extension machine requires no more than two (2) dynamic exercise sessions per week with preferable 2 days but no less than 1 day between exercise sessions to allow the muscles to recover. Because of its ability to isolate the functional weakness, we are able to see a significant improvement with patients reporting less pain and more mobility within the first few weeks and oftentimes within the first few treatments. Even patients who have suffered from neck pain for years note significant improvement rather quickly.

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MedX Treatment for Back Pain

We utilize the MedX lumbar specific testing and rehabilitation equipment to precisely measure strength, range of motion and endurance in the lumbar spine to help identify the source of your low back pain. We are then able to design a customized treatment and rehabilitation program utilizing this same equipment to isolate and strengthen the muscles in the back. Weakness in these muscle groups are a major source of low back pain and dysfunction and if not treated can lead to more serious problems such as herniated or bulging discs and sciatica.

The core of our low back rehabilitation program is the MedX lumbar medical spinal testing and rehabilitation machines. There are many gym machines and exercises that claim to strengthen the lumbar spine, but they have been disproved with scientific testing. These are the only machines available today that will effectively isolate the deep muscles of the lumbar spine (erector spinae and multifidus).

This state-of-the-art computerized equipment is used to test then treat patients with low back pain associated with bulging, herniated or degenerative discs and sciatica as well as limited range of motion resulting from long-term pain and dysfunction.  Weakness in the lumbar spinal muscles, have been associated with chronic low back pain, bulging, herniated or degenerative discs, sciatica and susceptibility to future back injuries.

The MedX medical lumbar extension machine is designed to isolate and strengthen the muscle groups that support the trunk by utilizing a unique restraint system which stabilizes the pelvis and legs. The machine also allows us to perform the testing every three degrees through the 72 degrees of normal pain free range of motion. Pain inhibits muscle contraction, which means that if you are tested and there is pain associated with the testing you are unable to give a full effort and the test will not be valid. Therefore, the testing and subsequent rehabilitation must be performed pain free, not only for the test to be valid but, to avoid hurting the patient. Isometric testing also allows the patient to control the test and discontinue if they feel discomfort or are not comfortable during the testing. Validity is achieved by effectively stabilizing the pelvis to achieve lumbar spinal muscle isolation.

We are able to test each individuals’ low back strength and compare them to age-matched norms (other men or women their age and weight). For example if you are a 50 year old, 145 pound, female we can show you how you compare to other women who are 50 years old and weigh 145 pounds. This shows us how strong your back would be, if it was healthy. This allows us to document muscle weakness, and gives us baseline measurements allowing us to more effectively predict a positive outcome, as well as follow your progress as we increase strength to normal levels.

A progressive strengthening program is then developed to isolate and strengthen the weakened area. Because we can isolate the source of the low back pain and rehabilitate it specifically we are able to see a significant improvement and patients report less pain and more mobility within the first few weeks oftentimes within the first few treatments. Even patients who have suffered from low back pain for years note significant improvement rather quickly. Our approach is very powerful and we have thousands of satisfied patients to prove it. Many of our successful patients have tried other treatments including Physiotherapy, massage therapy, chiropractic treatment epidurals and medication, prior to treating at our office, without achieving the results they had hoped for. After receiving care from The Center For Total Back Care they were able to resume a pain free lifestyle. Many returning to activities they loved but never thought they would be able to perform again.

Isometric Testing for the Back

Isometric Testing is performed using the MedX medical lumbar extension machine at up to eight (6) positions through a 72-degree range of motion (ROM) in 12-degree increments, including at 0, 12, 36, 48, 60 and 72 degrees. At each test point, the user is asked to exert force against the back rest of the machine, which is connected to the movement arm and load cell, for approximately 3 to 5 seconds. During this exertion, the MedX Rehab software visually displays the force exerted by the user on the display screen. At the conclusion of the exertion period, the force reading is automatically saved and the user is moved to the next test point. This process is repeated until the user has been evaluated at all test points within their pain free range of motion (ROM). The resultant data is then utilized by clinicians to evaluate the strength of the muscle groups that support the user’s cervical spine.

MedX lumbar Test

Dynamic Exercise

Dynamic exercise sessions are performed through a pain free motion until the isolated muscle groups are exercised to exhaustion. In accordance with MedX protocols, patients exercise with a resistance weight of 50% of the peak torque reading obtained from their isometric test. The patient performs a slow seven second repetition for 20 repetitions or to volitional fatigue whichever occurs first. If the patient is able to reach 20 repetitions the resistance is increased on the next session. If they are unable to reach 20 repetitions the resistance remains the same for the next session.

Exercise Frequency

Due to its unique ability to isolate and strengthen the muscle groups that support the trunk, the MedX medical lumbar extension machine requires no more than two (2) exercise sessions per week, with preferably 2 days but no less than 1 day between exercise session’s to allow the muscles to recover. Because of its ability to isolate the functional weakness, we are able to see a significant improvement with patients reporting less pain and more mobility within the first few weeks and oftentimes within the first few treatments. Even patients who have suffered from low back pain for years note significant improvement rather quickly.

Our approach is very powerful and we have thousands of satisfied patients to prove it. Many of our successful patients had tried other treatments including physical therapy, massage therapy, chiropractic treatment, epidurals and medication prior to treating at our office without achieving the results they had hoped for, but after receiving care from The Center For Total Back Care they are able to resume a pain free lifestyle. Many returning to activities they haven’t done for years and never thought they would be able to perform again.

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