By Michael C. Shaffer, D.C., P.A.
Dan, a lifelong resident of Naples, Florida, has always embraced an active lifestyle. As a seasoned sailboat captain with a passion for extreme sports, he once reveled in the thrill of life on the water and on land. However, two serious neck injuries over the years and a lumbar disc herniation dramatically altered his quality of life. His inspiring journey of care with Dr. Michael Shaffer illustrates how advanced treatment modalities like M7 Laser Therapy and Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression can offer significant relief for patients suffering from chronic pain—while also integrating complementary therapies to address other spinal issues.
A History of Injury and Chronic Pain
Dan’s troubles began during his college years when a severe neck injury ruptured two discs. The necessary surgery involved fusing and bolting the affected vertebrae together—a procedure that resulted in reduced movement and diminished sensation in his arms and fingers. Despite the stabilization provided by the surgery, Dan could no longer participate fully in the activities he loved.
Years later, while engaged in his regular workout routine, Dan experienced another traumatic event. An acute injury caused two additional discs, or “shock absorbers” in his neck to herniate. This led to a second surgical procedure, where the two cervical discs were replaced above the level of the previous fusion. For over 20 years, Dan endured constant neck pain, with daily discomfort fluctuating on the pain scale between a 6 out of 10 on a good day and a debilitating 9 out of 10 on bad days. He also endured frequent migraines and constant headaches. The limited range of motion—especially the inability to move his head from side to side—further compounded his challenges, making even routine activities a struggle.
Addressing Lower Back Pain with Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression
In addition to his chronic neck issues, Dan also faced lower back pain stemming from a herniated disc in his lumbar spine. This condition had caused severe leg pain, radiating all the way down to his toes—a discomfort that worsened after demands of employment. “On top of my neck problems I also had issues occasionally in my lower back. I had a herniated disc that caused leg pain that radiated all the way down to my toes. It was especially worse after a long day on the water. I did a total of 24” (Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression) “sessions over 8 weeks and it completely resolved my pain. 100% better. I can work a fourteen hour day and have no back pain or radiating leg pain at all,” Dan explains.
Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression is a non-invasive treatment designed to relieve pressure on the affected discs and nerve roots. Using a specialized table and harness system, this therapy gently stretches the spine, increasing the space between vertebrae. The resulting negative pressure within the disc encourages the retraction of disc material that may be impinging on nearby nerves. As a result, patients experience reduced inflammation, alleviation of pain, and an improvement in mobility.
Research indicates that Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression can be highly effective in treating herniated discs, with many patients reporting significant reductions in pain and improved function after completing a course of treatment. For Dan, the 24 sessions with the Hill DT state-of-the-art table, over an 8-week period were transformative. The treatment not only eradicated his lower back and leg pain but also restored his ability to work long hours without discomfort, allowing him to maintain his active lifestyle on and off the water.
The Turning Point: M7 Laser Thera
Continuing to seek a solution to his unrelenting neck pain, Dan again consulted with Dr. Michael Shaffer and the innovative M7 Laser Therapy was recommended. This innovative treatment, and the only laser of its kind in Collier County, uses advanced low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to reduce both muscle and nerve pain. The M7 system emits near-infrared wavelengths—typically within the 800 to 1,000 nanometer range—that penetrate deep into tissues. By stimulating mitochondrial activity within the cell and enhancing the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the therapy accelerates cellular repair, reduces inflammation, and alleviates pain.
Clinical studies on LLLT have shown that, in patients with chronic musculoskeletal conditions, such treatments can reduce pain intensity by 40–50% and improve range of motion. For Dan, after just 12 sessions administered three times a week, the deep, stabbing, and burning pain in his neck began to subside. He recalls waking one morning without his typical headache, a revelation that demonstrated the remarkable effectiveness of the treatment and provided him with newfound hope, and a new lease on life.
The Science Behind the Advanced Therapies
Both M7 Laser Therapy and Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression are backed by robust clinical evidence. The M7 system’s use of near-infrared wavelengths leverages photobiomodulation—a process that increases ATP production at the cellular level. Enhanced ATP production accelerates tissue repair and reduces inflammatory markers, thereby alleviating pain and improving range of motion. Meanwhile, Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression directly addresses disc herniation by reducing intradiscal pressure, facilitating natural healing, and preventing further degeneration of spinal structures.
Integrating these advanced therapies provides a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to managing chronic pain. By targeting both neck and lumbar issues, patients like Dan experience multifaceted relief that allows them to return to their daily activities with renewed energy and minimal discomfort.
Encouraging a Comprehensive Approach to Pain Management
Dan’s journey is a powerful example of how combining advanced, non-invasive therapies can transform the lives of patients struggling with chronic pain. At the office of Dr. Michael Shaffer, the focus is not only on symptom relief but also on restoring overall function and improving quality of life. Dr. Shaffer and his team work closely with each patient to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses both the immediate symptoms and the underlying causes of pain.
Don’t WAIT to Reduce Your Pain
Dan’s transformation—from enduring decades of severe neck and lower back pain to reclaiming his active, fulfilling lifestyle—is a testament to new the innovative approaches that are
Non-surgical
Non-invasive
Non-pharmaceutical
and offered exclusively at Dr. Shaffers facility. The combination of M7 Laser Therapy for his chronic neck pain and Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression for his lumbar disc herniation has not only alleviated his pain but also enabled him to engage in the activities he loves, such as long days on the beautiful waters of Naples.
Taking the Next Step Toward a Pain-Free Life
If you are experiencing any chronic pain such as back or neck pain, sciatica, arthritis, neuropathy, or other musculoskeletal conditions, we encourage you to seek a professional evaluation from our expert team. Our integrated approach using the M7 MLS Medical Therapy Laser and Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression is designed to provide rapid, lasting relief while minimizing risks and recovery time. Call Dr. Shaffer today at 239-793-3200 to start your journey to pain relief and healing.
Michael C. Shaffer, D.C., P.A.
(239) 793-3200
www.drmichaelshaffer.com
671 Goodlette Rd., Unit 160
Naples, FL 34102