In 2015, I had a ruptured disc in my lower back. After being in terrible pain for several weeks, it gradually seemed to improve, but Dr. Cifra explained the disk had never completely healed and was even deteriorating. I started to experience pain again, but this time, on the opposite side, from my left knee to ankle. Sometimes it hurt to the point that I had to sit down after just 15 minutes of activity.

Then, I visited Florida for the winter I noticed an advertisement on Facebook for non-surgical spinal decompression through Dr. Cifra’s office. It seemed like an interesting concept that might improve my back situation. After forwarding my last MRI and written report to Dr. Cifra and being examined by him, I was approved for 16 spinal decompression treatments before I returned to Illinois this spring. The treatments consisted of 30 minutes with the DRX9000 decompression machine, then 15 minutes with a cold laser on the area that required healing.

Also, during this time, I took supplement capsules to assist with the healing, rubbed cream on the affected joints, and used a cold pack every two hours for 20 minutes. Foot levers were also ordered for my shoes to correct foot pressure points. All these items were done at the same time as the non-surgical spinal decompression sessions, and in each appointment, a different area was concentrated on. Most days the doctor worked on negative pressure which allowed oxygen and nutrients to enter the damaged disk.

As time passed, I noticed an improvement in being able to walk without pain. Each day, before the cold laser treatment, Dr. Cifra would place his fingers on my lower back to find the area that was tender. At first, the area was tender to his touch, but over time, that tenderness began to subside, and it was completely eliminated after 16 treatments. The final step in my healing process consists of exercises which, if consistent, can take between eight and nine months before the strength is back to normal in my leg.

I was having problems that affected my daily activities. When my problems were at their worst I was in so much pain, I took hydrocodone day and night. I spent my days in a recliner and had no life. I was concerned that my problems would get worse without care. I was told that I would have to live with my problem or turn to drugs or surgery. I went to two different surgeons (Back Specialists) who told me the same thing, that surgery was the only option. I wanted to get better for my family.

I decided to come to Disc Centers of America because I was looking for an alternative solution. I heard about this office through an advertisement on Facebook. I went to Disc Center of America and read about what they do. I was overwhelmed with hope, something I needed so badly. When I first started care I walked with a cane and was in so much pain. Today I no longer need the cane or the hydrocodone. I am getting back to being me. I am glad that I came here because Dr. Cifra is a caring doctor who just wants to help you get better. I am so much better than when I first came here. If another person was experiencing the same problems that I was, I would tell them to please give Dr. Cifra a call to see if he can help you. What I liked the most about coming here was that Dr. Cifra greets you with a smile and takes time to listen to whatever you have to say. The biggest difference between this office and other treatment options is that you aren’t rushed out. Surgery was my only choice until I found Disc Centers of America. I was tired of taking pain medications, and spending my days in a recliner. Thank you Dr. Cifra”

Darlene M.

“All my activities were limited including walking long distances.  I could not sit more than 15 minutes which made it hard to drive and work.  I was concerned that the problem was getting worse, and I was told that I would have to live with the problem or turn to drugs.

I saw an insert in the Sunday paper for the Cifra Disc Institute and the non- invasive treatment for chronic low back pain.  I made an appointment to come in for an evaluation and decided to start care which has been a very positive experience.

I recommend anyone with low back paint to see Dr. Cifra for an evaluation.  They gave me hope that things would get better and the did!  The best part was that it was all natural without any drugs.  They looked at all the different systems of the body and mind and designed a plan for healing to take place.”

“It got to the point that walking was very hard and I couldn’t do anything.  I was concerned that the problem was only getting worse.  I already had surgery and I didn’t want another surgery, as my condition was only worsening.  I did not want to rely on the drugs any longer to manage my pain.

My wife received a flyer in the paper about Cifra Disc Institute and the trademarked procedure as an alternative to surgery.  I decided to start care and my progress has been really good.

They helped reduce the pain so that I can now stand up straight.  I would recommend anyone with back problems to see Dr. Cifra.  The Doctor and staff were great to work with.  The best part about coming here were the results I obtained without medications.”

“A bulging disc and inflamed SI joint seriously limited my daily activities for 5 1/2 months.  It was at its worst from November 2011 to May 2012 and limited me from all work related and social activities.  It was extremely bad for months and I needed either surgery or some type of care to rectify it.  I was told that I needed to have shots and if that did not work I would need surgery.  I was taking medication for 7 months and under went Physical therapy for 5 weeks all of which did not help.

My daughter had a low back problem and a bulging disc and had decompression done in Naples, Florida.  It worked very well for her.  It was at this time that I received a flyer in the newspaper regarding Decompression and the Cifra Disc Institute here in Syracuse.  I began care and found it overall to be very good and beneficial.  I’m glad I started are because I feel 75% better than I have in the past 7 months.

I would recommend anyone with a disc injury to consider care with Dr. Cifra as an alternative to surgery.  The best part about coming to the Cifra Disc Institute was the professional level of care I received from Dr. Cifra and his team.  The program was non-invasive and it works!  The procedure is much better than any surgery as it repairs the body structure from the bottom to the top.”

“The problem was getting worse. I had to lie down for relieve and couldn’t do anything. I was told that I would have to live with the problem, or consider more drugs and surgery.

I was in constant severe pain when I received a flier in the newspaper regarding SpinalAid and non-surgical spinal decompression.

I had two surgeries prior to this with no relief, so I decided to give non-surgical decompression a try.

My experience with non-surgical spinal decompression has been great. My pain has decreased and it’s the only thing that has given me some relief. I would recommend anyone with chronic lower back pain to try non-surgical spinal decompression.

Dr. Cifra and his staff are very caring and take the time to explain everything. It’s the only thing that really has helped.”

Dear Dr. Cifra,

I want to tell you how much better I feel since I have had spinal decompression.

I’ll start by describing how I felt before- terrible! I had a lot of pain in my lower back from numerous lumbar disc problems. I had trouble walking down the driveway to get the newspaper. I was in almost constant pain. I had already been through physical therapy, pain medication, and discussions about surgery. The pain persisted and truly limited what I could do on a daily basis.

I don’t even remember where I first heard about spinal decompression. Perhaps from the internet. I did some research and thought I would investigate it further by making an appointment with you. Your explanation made sense, I thought about it, and decided to give it a try.  I most definitely did not want surgery.

Here I am, having completed the initial 20 sessions and I am back for 5 more sessions. My pain has been reduced from a 9-10 to a 2-3. I feel so much better and my quality of life has improved so much. It is remarkable what you can accomplish when you are not in severe pain 24/7.

The treatment works and your office is so welcoming.  What else could I ask for. I have recommended you to others and I hope they take advantage of what you can offer because IT DOES WORK !!

“The pain limited everything I did. My life and all my activities were not enjoyable. The problem was getting worse and I was told that surgery was in my future. I knew I didn’t want surgery.  When I saw an ad in Family Times about non-surgical spinal decompression, I made the call.

My experience with the Cifra Disc Institute has been wonderful because my back is finally healing. I would recommend anyone to try non-surgical spinal decompression with Dr. Cifra. The best part about coming here is that Dr. Cifra really cares about my health and well-being. He gave me personal attention and I was not just a number.”

“A football injury resulted in low back problems and a herniated disc. The problem was affecting my activates and greatly limiting my life. My problem was not getting any better. I was told that I should try other things before surgery.

My father received a flyer in the paper about the Cifra Disc Institute and the trademarked procedure that was an alternative to surgery. I am glad I came to the Cifra Disc Institute before trying something more invasive. Everyone there was very friendly as I underwent care.”

“With this problem I was reduced to doing nothing. I was in so much pain that I was given narcotic pain medication. The problem was only getting worse. I had 8 nerve blocks, acupuncture, and massage therapy with no relief. The neurosurgeon said that surgery wouldn’t help me and that I would have to live with pain. I was desperate, depressed, and in a bad place.  I heard about Dr. Cifra through my massage therapist who saw his ad in the newspaper and thought he could help me. The experience with the Cifra Disc Institute has been wonderful. The staff is so caring!! If you follow instructions and the treatment plan, it works you’ll get relief from pain like I did. My leg pain is gone!! The best part of coming here is that the staff is so caring, I’m not just a number, and I appreciate that. Compared to all the other treatment options, this provided the best results!”

Dear Dr. Cifra,

I want you to know that you and “the machine” turned my life around.  I am now able to do things I have not done in over 4 years.  I flew to Colorado to vist my daughter, went for a 65 mile motorcycle ride, garden, swim, etc.  I believe I finished my treatments in March and still do not need a “tune up”.

I hope you are doing well and others are seeing great results too.  Again, many, many thanks.”

“I was having difficulty walking and standing for an extended period of time.  I was concerned about a future disability and that things were getting progressively worse without care.  I previously had low back surgery but the pain continued.  I received a flyer in the newspaper regarding Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression and thought I would give it a try.  It was a good experience.  The doctor was most helpful and the staff was exceptional.

I would tell anybody experiencing chronic low back pain to give it a try.  I chose this office because it was close to home, comfortable, and well kept.”

“At the start of care I rated my pain at 8 out of 10 (10 being the worst).  Upon completion of Spinal Decompression with Dr. Cifra I now have reduced pain at a 1 out of 10.  I also have less low back pain overall with activities.

I am more relaxed and sleep better. I find it easier walking, standing and bending.  Dr. Cifra was very attentive to my lower back problem.”

“Before this treatment I had only enough strength throughout the day for one work shift.  I was always in pain, so I worked or stayed home.  I didn’t sleep a lot due to swollen ankles, knees, and leg cramps.  I was limited or could not walk at all by the end of each day.  I could not focus on a task let alone plan my future.

I knew at the rate that my mobility was depleting that I would not be able to keep my job another year.  Winter is extremely difficult and I feared I was in for my worst winter yet.  I was told by my doctor that if I worked only desk jobs and wore my insoles everyday that I would be able to avoid walking with a cane until I turned about 23.  I turn 24 this December and I felt as if my life was over.  I could not go out, could not paint or even focus to read.  I did not want pain killers or band-aids.  I wanted to feel like I am 23 and starting my life.

I heard about the Cifra Disc Institute on the radio while sitting in my car trying to muster the strength to drive home.  It sounded to good to be true, so I called.  The staff was helpful and enthusiastic on the phone and set me up with an appointment.  Everyone in the office has been wonderful.  Dr. Cifra made sure I understood the source of my pain and answered all my questions.  I have been looking for a place like this for years. I feel like my prayers were answered!

I would recommend the Cifra Disc Institute to anyone suffering from constant pain.  The staff is amazing.  They are compassionate and believe in the work that they do.  Dr. Cifra offers a solution to each individual’s specific needs and concerns.  He takes the time to be present and speak with you about treatment.”

“I found out I had herniated discs 7 years ago.  The pain has been getting progressively worse throughout the years. Towards the end of August 2011, the pain began to effect me at work.  I am a small engine repair mechanic that lifts snow mobiles, lawn mowers, mini bikes and so on.  I would come home and sitting my recliner, would try to get comfortable. I ended up staying in the recliner until the morning when I went back to work.  Life as I knew it came to a halt because of the pain.

I went to my family physician who told me after multiple x-rays that I had 2 herniated discs (which I knew from before) and 2 bulging discs.  My physician told me surgery was the only option for me.  There was no way someone was going to put a knife to my back.  I was living on pain medication that took the edge off the pain for a short while.

While my wife and I were picking our youngest daughter up from a party at the YMCA, I grabbed a magazine and began looking through it.  I saw an advertisement for a chiropractor, Dr. Cifra, that helped those with back pain overcome the pain with no surgery.  I entertained the idea for a few days, checked out spinal decompression on the web, and then called Dr. Cifra’s office.

That was the best phone call I have ever made!  After talking with Dr. Cifra and going through a series of x-rays and chiropractic tests, I was told spinal decompression was for me.

Everyone was so helpful at the office.  I knew every step of the way what was being done and how it was helping my back to improve.  After my first session I felt relief in my back immediately!  By my fifth session I was on the floor rolling around with the family dog, walking straight, sleeping in bed, and not taking any pain medication!  Unbelievable!  The treatment I received at Dr. Cifra’s office has given me back my life.”