In this episode, Dr. J.D. Dudum discusses lumbar spinal stenosis, a condition causing back and nerve pain, and provides hope for those seeking non-surgical treatment. Spinal stenosis is often characterized by a narrowing of the spinal canal or nerve passageways, leading to symptoms like leg pain, numbness, and difficulty standing. Dr. Dudum explains how spinal decompression therapy can naturally reduce inflammation and nerve pressure, mimicking the relief of leaning forward (like using a shoppin...
Jan 18, 2025•17 min•Season 5Ep. 65
In this episode of Back At It with Dr. Decompression , Dr. J.D. Dudum addresses two key questions: whether decompression can effectively reduce an extruded disc fragment and if the results are long-lasting. Drawing from real patient cases, including those involving lumbar and cervical spine extrusions, Dr. Dudum explains the science behind decompression therapy and its capacity to create space, reduce disc pressure, and promote healing. He shares case studies like Dan, who experienced a 99% redu...
Jan 12, 2025•15 min•Season 5Ep. 64
In this episode, Dr. JD Dudum kicks off Season 5 of Back At It with Dr. Decompression by introducing exciting updates and actionable advice for 2025. He discusses the importance of setting specific goals for the new year, emphasizing the need for detailed action plans to achieve success. He notes that 80% of people abandon their resolutions by February due to a lack of planning. He also highlights three hidden signs of disc injuries: Persistent glute or hip pain that doesn't improve with muscle ...
Jan 07, 2025•17 min•Season 5Ep. 63
In episode 62 of Back At It with Dr. Decompression , Dr. J.D. Dudum shares an inspiring case study of Jacqueline, a patient suffering from severe back pain caused by a 16x8mm L5-S1 disc extrusion and bilateral sciatica. Jacqueline's pain left her unable to care for her four children, drive, or even walk without assistance. After being told by her healthcare providers that surgery was her only option, Jacqueline turned to Dr. Dudum's decompression clinic as a last resort. Through advanced spinal ...
Dec 30, 2024•13 min•Season 4Ep. 62
In this episode of Back At It with Dr. Decompression, Dr. JD Dudum reflects on the key lessons he learned in 2024 about spinal decompression and patient care. He highlights the importance of addressing spinal instability, which often hinders progress in decompression therapy, and emphasizes the value of empathy for patients and their families dealing with chronic pain. Dr. Dudum shares his conviction that every patient considering surgery should explore decompression as an option, drawing from p...
Dec 21, 2024•13 min
In this episode of Back At It with Dr. Decompression , Dr. JD Dudum dives into a listener's question about spondylolisthesis, how they relate to disc injuries, and how decompression therapy can be safely and effectively adapted for these spinal conditions. He explains what spondylolisthesis is, the difference between anterior and retrololisthesis, and the potential symptoms. Dr. Dudum discusses how these conditions can create instability in the spine and how critical it is to use flexion-extensi...
Dec 14, 2024•17 min•Season 4Ep. 60
This episode of Back at It with Dr. Decompression addresses the common question, “How do I know I’m getting better?” Dr. JD Dudum breaks down the three key signs of healing for those dealing with disc herniations, sciatica, and nerve pain: Centralization of Pain: Pain moves closer to the center of the body, becomes less intense, and/or occurs less frequently. Improved Function: Patients regain the ability to perform daily activities they struggled with, such as walking, shaving, or getting out o...
Dec 10, 2024•12 min
In Episode 58 of Back At It with Dr. Decompression , Dr. JD Dudum breaks down the anatomy of discs and the differences between herniations and extrusions, including how they impact nerves and pain. He emphasizes the importance of MRIs to identify the injury's location, severity, and migration patterns, which are critical for determining the right spinal decompression angles and techniques. Using real-life examples, he explains how improperly targeted treatments can worsen symptoms and shares ins...
Dec 01, 2024•20 min•Season 4Ep. 58
In Episode 57 of Back At It with Dr. Decompression , Dr. JD Dudum provides a comprehensive guide to overcoming sciatica with a three-phase approach. Phase 1 focuses on at-home remedies, including movement, specific exercises like glute stretches, cat-cow, and a modified McKenzie protocol, and recommended supplements such as B-complex for nerve health, turmeric for inflammation, magnesium glycinate for calming nerves, and bromelain for swelling. Dr. Dudum also shares tips for sleeping positions t...
Nov 24, 2024•16 min•Season 4Ep. 57
In Episode 56 of "Back At It with Dr. Decompression," Dr. JD Dudum shares Tiffany's inspiring journey from severe pain and immobility to a life of freedom and health. Tiffany suffered from an L5-S1 disc herniation, bilateral leg pain, and debilitating symptoms that left her unable to work, walk, or sleep. Through spinal decompression therapy, her life transformed in just three months. Dr. Dudum explains the critical steps in Tiffany’s diagnosis, treatment, and recovery, providing hope for those ...
Nov 16, 2024•14 min•Season 4Ep. 56
In Episode 55 of Back at It with Dr. Decompression , Dr. JD Dudum addresses the emotional and physical strain of dealing with severe disc injuries. He shares the story of a friend who recently reached out to him, overwhelmed by debilitating back and leg pain impacting her daily life, mental health, and relationships. Dr. Dudum emphasizes the impact of chronic pain on stress, anxiety, and the tendency to catastrophize, often creating a vicious cycle. To break this cycle, Dr. Dudum recommends thre...
Nov 12, 2024•14 min•Season 4Ep. 55
In this episode, Dr. JD Dudum explores degenerative disc disease, a common, often painful condition caused by the wearing down of spinal discs. He explains that as discs lose hydration and become more brittle, they can create pain, stiffness, and achiness in the lower back, particularly when moving from sitting to standing or bending. Although often associated with older age, degenerative disc disease can also affect younger individuals due to trauma, repetitive stress, or factors like obesity. ...
Nov 02, 2024•18 min•Season 4Ep. 54
In this episode of Back At It with Dr. Decompression , Dr. JD Dudum dives into the world of cervical disc herniations, explaining the primary signs and non-surgical methods that can alleviate pain and improve quality of life. He covers three major indicators of a cervical disc injury, including pain that radiates down the arm, pain relief or worsening with specific neck movements, and increased pain when coughing or straining. Dr. Dudum also shares an inspiring case study of a patient named Bren...
Oct 26, 2024•12 min•Season 4Ep. 53
In this episode of Back At It with Dr. Decompression , Dr. JD Dudum addresses a common question: "Why are my hips always off?" He uses a patient case study to explain how disc herniations and compensatory body patterns can lead to chronic hip misalignment, despite regular chiropractic adjustments. Dr. Dudum discusses the importance of addressing the root cause—typically a disc injury—and highlights the benefits of spinal decompression for long-term relief. He also shares his personal experience ...
Oct 20, 2024•12 min•Season 4Ep. 52
In this episode of Back at It with Dr. Decompression , Dr. J.D. Dudum kicks off season four by covering the fundamentals of spinal decompression therapy. He explains the difference between spinal decompression and traditional traction, emphasizing how decompression works through oscillating movements to relieve pressure on the spine. Dr. Dudum describes how compression from everyday activities like sitting can cause disc injuries, leading to conditions like sciatica. He delves into the science b...
Oct 15, 2024•14 min•Season 4Ep. 51
Episode 50: A Major Milestone and Exciting Announcements In this special 50th episode, Dr. JD Dudum celebrates a major milestone by announcing his first published peer-reviewed article on non-surgical spinal decompression. The paper, published in the Journal of Contemporary Chiropractic , highlights four patient case studies where individuals on the verge of spinal surgery experienced significant relief after undergoing spinal decompression treatment. Each patient, previously facing surgery afte...
Oct 08, 2024•25 min•Season 4Ep. 50
In this episode of Back At It with Dr. Decompression , Dr. JD Dudum shares his top 10 lessons learned after performing nearly 30,000 spinal decompression treatments. He dispels common myths about disc herniations and explains how they can actually reabsorb. Dr. Dudum stresses the importance of understanding the unique nature of every back injury, providing valuable insights on treatment plans, realistic expectations, and why clinical experience with decompression is crucial. He also highlights t...
Oct 01, 2024•17 min•Season 3Ep. 49
In this episode of Back At It with Dr. Decompression , Dr. J.D. Dudum is joined by Dr. Kamran Jahangiri from San Diego Chiropractic Neurology. Together, they explore some lesser-known signs of disc injuries, such as chronic hamstring tightness that doesn’t respond to traditional stretching, unexplained soreness in the legs, and an unusual symptom of heightened sensitivity or ticklishness in the legs. Dr. Jahangiri shares real-life cases, including a 30-year-old unresolved back issue that could b...
Sep 24, 2024•35 min•Season 3Ep. 48
In this episode of Back At It with Dr. Decompression , Dr. JD Dudum addresses one of the most frequently asked questions in his practice: “Can spinal decompression make things worse?” After treating nearly 30,000 patients with spinal decompression, Dr. Dudum explains the three main reasons why some patients may not see improvements, and how to avoid these pitfalls. From the importance of starting with the right amount of decompression weight, to the necessity of using an MRI to guide treatment, ...
Sep 17, 2024•18 min•Season 3Ep. 47
In this episode of Back At It with Dr. Decompression , Dr. JD Dudum dives deep into the story of Mark, a patient who experienced a remarkable recovery from a central disc herniation. After suffering from back spasms, lower back pain, and disrupted daily activities, Mark was on the verge of getting a spinal injection. However, after undergoing spinal decompression therapy with Dr. Dudum, his symptoms improved by over 50% within a few weeks, allowing him to cancel the injection and regain control ...
Sep 10, 2024•12 min•Season 3Ep. 46
In this episode of Back At It with Dr. Decompression , Dr. JD Dudum dives into three often overlooked symptoms of lumbar disc injuries, such as bulges, herniations, extrusions, and sequestrations. Dr. Dudum explains how these symptoms can go undiagnosed, even by experienced practitioners, and shares compelling case studies from his clinic that highlight the importance of accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment. From chronic lower back pain that doesn’t improve with standard treatments to recur...
Sep 03, 2024•16 min•Season 3Ep. 45
In Episode 44 of Back At It with Dr. Decompression , Dr. JD Dudum takes you on a compelling journey through some of the most memorable and life-changing cases he’s encountered. Whether you’re struggling with chronic pain, have lost hope after numerous failed treatments, or are simply curious about chiropractic care, this episode is a must-listen. Dr. Dudum shares the incredible story of his first spinal decompression case, where a patient with severe cervical stenosis achieved remarkable recover...
Aug 27, 2024•22 min•Season 3Ep. 44
In this episode of "Back At It with Dr. Decompression," Dr. JD Dudum dives deep into the crucial differences between spinal decompression and traction, using a real-life patient case study to illustrate why these differences matter. Dr. Dudum explains how decompression involves precise angles and oscillation cycles that can effectively reabsorb herniated or extruded discs, unlike the static pull of traction. He shares the story of Jake, a patient with severe disc extrusions and sciatica, who saw...
Aug 18, 2024•16 min•Season 3Ep. 43
In Episode 42 of the Back At It with Dr. Decompression podcast, Dr. JD Dudum explores the concept of "friction" and how it relates to overcoming obstacles in your journey to health. Whether it's time, money, belief, or knowledge, friction can be the force that holds you back from getting the results you want, especially when dealing with pain. Dr. Dudum shares his personal story of overcoming his own back injury, the challenges he faced, and how he ultimately made the decision to invest in a dec...
Aug 13, 2024•16 min
In this episode of "Back At It with Dr. Decompression," Dr. JD Dudum shifts focus from the lower back to the neck, diving deep into the world of cervical disc herniations and extrusions. Learn about the symptoms of these neck issues, how they present, and what you can start doing for relief. Dr. Dudum explains how to differentiate between a simple muscle issue and a more serious disc problem, shares practical at-home tips, and discusses when cervical decompression might be necessary. Whether you...
Aug 03, 2024•19 min
In episode 40 of "Back At It with Dr. Decompression," Dr. JD Dudum dives into the often misunderstood topic of buttock and hip pain. He explains how what many think is butt or piriformis pain is actually a symptom of an underlying issue with the lower back. Dr. Dudum shares his personal story of dealing with severe buttock pain and leg numbness, revealing how a misdiagnosed hip issue turned out to be a disc injury. He discusses the critical difference between piriformis syndrome and lower back d...
Jul 30, 2024•18 min•Season 3Ep. 40
In this episode of "Back At It with Dr. Decompression," Dr. JD Dudum dives into the topic of lumbar stenosis, breaking down what it is, how it differs from herniated discs, and the distinctions between central canal and foramenal stenosis. He explains the typical symptoms, including why leaning forward often provides relief, and shares insights from recent research on the efficacy of decompression surgery. Dr. Dudum also discusses how spinal decompression can offer significant relief for those s...
Jul 23, 2024•19 min•Season 3Ep. 39
In Episode 38 of "Back at It with Dr. Decompression," Dr. JD Dudum dives into the causes and symptoms of lumbar disc herniations that you may not be aware of. He also answers a common question from patient Tim about why some patients are positioned face down while others are face up on decompression tables. Dr. Dudum explains the subtle signs of a disc injury, including the surprising absence of lower back pain in many cases, and offers practical advice for those experiencing symptoms. Tune in f...
Jul 14, 2024•16 min•Season 3Ep. 38
In this episode of Back At It with Dr. Decompression, Dr. JD Dudum dives deep into a compelling case of lumbar disc protrusion at the common L5- S1 disc location. The discussion unravels the complexities of relieving pain from disc herniations, protrusiona and extrusions. Furthermore, highlighting the importance of understanding the root causes and the comprehensive treatment protocols that can lead to recovery. From the initial struggles of a patient unable to walk more than 100 feet to achievi...
Jul 09, 2024•18 min•Season 3Ep. 37
In this episode of "Back At It with Dr. Decompression," Dr. JD Dudum is joined by Dr. Kamran jahangiri from San Diego Chiropractic Neurology and Dr. Paul Quarneri from Neurolink Chiropractic. The three experts deep dive into disc injuries, discussing everything from what sets disc herniation apart from disc extrusion to the latest spinal decompression treatments. They share real-life patient success stories, explore hidden causes of disc injuries, and emphasize the importance of proper rehabilit...
Jul 02, 2024•31 min•Season 3Ep. 36