Health and Wellness Magazine: Dr. Shaffer, thank you for taking the time to talk with us today. You’ve been treating patients with chronic pain conditions for more than four decades. For the last few years, you have been combining non-surgical spinal decompression with the M7 MLS Therapy Laser. Can you explain how these therapies work together?
Dr. Michael Shaffer: Absolutely. Many patients come to our office with back pain, neck pain, or nerve-related symptoms caused by disc problems or inflammation around the spine. Non-surgical spinal decompression has been one of the most effective conservative therapies we offer for disc conditions. By combining it with the M7 MLS Therapy Laser, we’re able to address both the mechanical pressure within the spine and the inflammation surrounding the tissues. This combination allows us to support the body’s natural healing process while improving patient comfort.
Health and Wellness Magazine: For readers who may not be familiar with spinal decompression therapy, how does it work?
Dr. Michael Shaffer: Non-surgical spinal decompression is a computer-guided treatment designed to gently stretch the spine. This controlled stretching creates negative pressure within the spinal discs. When that pressure is reduced, bulging or herniated disc material may retract slightly, which can reduce pressure on nearby nerves. Improved circulation to the disc can also support healing. Patients with conditions such as herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, or sciatica may benefit from decompression therapy because it targets the underlying cause of the pain rather than simply masking symptoms.
Health and Wellness Magazine: And where does the M7 MLS Therapy Laser fit into that treatment approach?
Dr. Michael Shaffer: The M7 laser adds a powerful anti-inflammatory component. It uses specific wave-lengths of light energy to penetrate deep into tissues and stimulate cellular activity. This helps increase circulation, reduce inflammation, and accelerate tissue repair. When spinal discs and surrounding tissues are inflamed, patients often experience significant discomfort. The laser helps calm that inflammatory response, which can enhance the results of spinal decompression therapy.
Health and Wellness Magazine: The M7 laser includes a robotic system. How does that technology benefit patient care?
Dr. Michael Shaffer: The robotic arm allows the laser to deliver treatment with a high level of precision and consistency. The system is programmed with multiple treatment protocols so we can customize therapy based on each patient’s condition. With 50 watts of peak power, the laser can penetrate deeper tissues while maintaining safety. The robotic delivery ensures uniform coverage during treatment, which helps improve accuracy compared to manual application.
Health and Wellness Magazine: What types of conditions do you commonly treat using this combination of therapies?
Dr. Michael Shaffer: Many of our patients are dealing with chronic back or neck pain related to disc injuries or nerve compression. Herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, and sciatica are some of the most common conditions treated with spinal decompression. When we incorporate MLS laser therapy, we can also address the surrounding inflammation and soft-tissue involvement. In addition, the laser therapy itself can help with arthritis, tendonitis, sprains, strains, sports injuries, and certain nerve-related conditions. Together, these therapies allow us to treat a broad range of musculoskeletal problems.
Health and Wellness Magazine: Many people worry that spinal pain will eventually require surgery. How do these treatments provide an alternative?
Dr. Michael Shaffer: Both therapies are non-invasive, which means there are no incisions, anesthesia, or surgical recovery involved. For properly selected patients, spinal decompression combined with laser therapy can reduce pressure on nerves, improve mobility, and decrease inflammation. Our goal is always to explore conservative treatment options first whenever possible. Of course, every patient’s condition is unique, so a thorough evaluation is essential before determining the most appropriate treatment plan.
Health and Wellness Magazine: What kind of feedback have you received from patients since introducing the M7 laser?
Dr. Michael Shaffer: The response has been very positive. Many patients report gradual reductions in pain and improvements in flexibility and mobility as treatment progresses. Because both therapies focus on supporting the body’s healing mechanisms, the goal is long-term improvement rather than temporary relief.
Health and Wellness Magazine: With more than 45 years in practice, what motivates you to continue incorporating new technologies into your clinic?
Dr. Michael Shaffer: My goal has always been to provide the best possible care for my patients. Advances in conservative treatments allow us to address complex spinal conditions more effectively than ever before. By combining proven therapies like spinal decompression with technologies such as the M7 MLS Therapy Laser, we can offer patients a comprehensive approach that targets both structural and inflammatory causes of pain.
Dr. Shaffer has been serving Collier County since 1981. He specializes in spinal care, non-surgical spinal decompression, chronic and acute musculoskeletal conditions, injury, and rehabilitation.
Michael C. Shaffer, D.C., P.A.
(239) 793-3200
www.drmichaelshaffer.com
671 Goodlette Rd., Unit 160
Naples, FL 34102