where their bodies are
in space said Mintz. "I
look at the whole kid,
the whole picture, to
determine what kind of
therapy is best:'
She uses a variety of
techniques, sometimes
in combination, that
include integrated lis-
tening systems, balance
and movement exer-
cises, and craniosacral
therapy, which works
with the tissue and
fluids surrounding the
central nervous system
to help create balance
and improve performance.
Dr. Eric Mintz of Gentle Touch
Family Chiropractic in West
Bloomfield uses a neurofeedback
system called BrainCore Therapy to
treat children and
adults with ADHD
and other disorders.
According to Mintz,
who is Michelle's
husband, research
shows those with
ADHD had higher
than average levels
Dr. Eric Mintz
of delta and theta
brainwaves, which
are normally associ-
ated with sleep. Some of the outward
manifestations of this include lack of
attention and hyperactivity.
"By helping the brain through
BrainCore Therapy to retrain dys-
regulated brainwave patterns, we can
transform an unhealthy brainwave
imbalance into a normal, healthy,
organized pattern:' Mintz said. "The
best thing is that it's non-invasive and
no drugs are utilized:'
While BrainCore Therapy is a pro-
prietary system, other local practitio-
ners offer neurofeedback-based treat-
ment for the purpose of brain wave
regulation. One such psychologist
is Michael Morris of Novi, who uses
interactive light therapy to relieve
symptoms of ADHD, anxiety, depres-
sion and other conditions.
Mintz said that, in some cases,
BrainCore Therapy can minimize
and sometimes replace the need for
medication. "I've seen children go
from getting C's and D's in school to
As and B's, sleeping better, improv-
ing behavior, handling stress better,
no longer forgetting things," he said.
"Most often what I hear from patients
is an overall improvement in ability
to focus and pay attention:'
As a fourth-grader in Lake Orion,
Jacob Lasher was experiencing a
decrease in grades and an increase in
confrontational behavior, hyperactiv-

The
"41 St. Joe's
Experience

Karate trai

has helped

Bradburn w

ADHD, say

mother, Cr'

Hall.

ity and insomnia. While research-
ing treatment options for his son's
ADHD, his father, Anthony Lasher,
came across information about neu-
rofeedback and BrainCore Therapy.
Although he was skeptical at first,
Lahser decided to give it a try. After
20 sessions over a 10-week period,
Jacob began to exhibit significant
improvement in several areas.
"Jacob's insomnia began to disap-
pear ... no longer was I finding a rest-
less, exhausted, frustrated child each
morning:' said Lahser, who received
feedback from several adults who
noticed that his son appeared visibly
calmer and more focused. "Finally,
at the conclusion of his fourth-grade
school year, Jacob brought home a
report card of straight As in academ-
ics and significant improvements in
behavior-related markings:'
Music is another tool that can be
used to improve concentration in
children with ADHD. A research
study at Brigham Young University
found that when a group of kids
ages 7-17 with ADHD listened to
three 40-minute recordings of classi-
cal music a week, their brain waves
moved to higher levels that allowed
them to focus more on tasks while
they listened.
For very young children, giving
directions in a rhythmic sing-song
manner can help improve attention
because rhythm is perceived differ-
ently by the brain.
Martial arts, such as karate, have
been shown to help children with
ADHD by promoting self-discipline
and improving physical dexterity and
confidence.
At Mann's suggestion, Cristene Hall
signed Jakeb up for karate lessons,
which she says have helped develop
his coordination as well as his self-
esteem.
"A lot of people look at it [ADHD]
as an excuse for a 'bad kid; but I
think he'll do better than I did as a
child:' Hall said.

❑

Minimally Invasive Procedure Helps
Relieve Your Aching Back

Low back pain can interfere with your
daily activities. Sometimes, a pain reliever
will help. But when it doesn't, surgery
may be required, depending on the cause
of the pain. St. Joseph Mercy Oakland
(SJMO) offers a spine fusion procedure
to reduce low back pain and restore your
quality of life.
The procedure, Axial Lumbar Interbody Fusion or AxiaLIF, is a minimally
invasive approach to spine fusion surgery. Performed by neurosurgeon
Steven Rapp, MD, the procedure begins with a one-inch incision near
the tailbone, as opposed to traditional surgery, when the surgeon entered
through the abdomen to access the spine. Surgery is typically indicated
when the pain is due to degenerative spine disease, spinal stenosis
(narrowing of the spinal canal), or a disc rupture.
During the procedure, the center of the degenerated disc is removed
and bone growth stimulating material using the patient's
own bone is inserted in its place. The material helps
bone growth over time so that the spine will be fused.
The fusion is augmented by a small implant to stabilize
the vertebrae while fusion occurs. During this insertion,
the surgeon can restore disc height and alignment. The
procedure is only performed on the two lowest discs of
the spine.
This alternative approach has many benefits for
the patient, according to Dr. Rapp. "There is minimal
Steven Rapp, MD
blood loss, less discomfort, less chance of injury to the
central nervous system, shorter hospital stay and a faster
recovery time." For the surgeon, "with an AxiaLIF, you
minimize exposing the spinal cord to potential injury, scarring and adhesions.
There's less risk of damaging vital nerves, blood vessels and muscles."
There are no special preparations required for the surgery (except for
a bowel prep), which is performed on an outpatient basis. Patients may go
home the same day or require an overnight hospital stay. Generally, patients
are able to be mobile more quickly and return to work in a couple of weeks.
"Patients are feeling very good in seven to 10 days," adds Dr. Rapp. The
success rate is about 85-90 percent.
Post-surgery, the patient will not have to make any major lifestyle
changes. For the first three months, however, patients are restricted to lifting
no more than 20 pounds.
St. Joe's is proud of its accomplishments in the area of spine surgery. We
have been designated as a Blue Distinction Center+ by Blue Cross and Blue
Shield of Michigan and as an Aetna Institute of Quality.
Dr. Rapp says that anyone who has "indications for open surgery" is a
good candidate for the procedure. "If you're appropriate for an open (spine)
fusion, you should consider this as an alternative."
Patients should consult with their physician to determine which procedure
is right for them.

By
Jack Weiner,
President and CEO
St. Joseph Mercy
Oakland

For a referral to a St. Joe physician, call 800-372-6094.

DISCOVER REMARKABLE

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