The MedX system is a programme for building up cervical and back muscles after accurate diagnosis and under strict guidance of a doctor and physiotherapist. 80% of chronic back pain cases are directly related to muscular weakness and atrophy. The more effort, the less pain, says Daniel Forte, doctor of the Reebok Sports Club, a Madrid sports centre which has this system.

The programme is based on the premise that rest, painkillers and muscle relaxants can reduce the pain, but they are not the way to get a definitive cure.

What does the MedX system consist of?
The programme includes an initial medical check up to make sure there is no reason to advise against the treatment. Then comes an assessment of lumbar or cervical extensor strength, or cervical rotation, as the case may be. The next step is to start on the 24 sessions of lumbar and cervical treatment, three per week, plus complementary sessions of physical exercise done on special machines for lumbar and cervical stretching and rotation, therapeutic swimming and hydrotherapy.�

Results�
The general aim of rehabilitation via specific exercise of the lumbar extensors is to increase the patient�s strength and the range of movement until both fall within a range that could be described as normal. Research shows that this treatment alleviates pain and improves functionality in the patient�s day to day life, claims doctor Daniel Forte.

The fact is that the benefits of MedX are instant. It reinforces the muscle mass, reduces pain and prevents contractures. It is recommended for cases of muscular weakness or atrophy, lumbago, mechanical neck pain, degenerative disorders of the disks and vertebrae, slipped disk and osteoporosis. It is also an excellent way to prevent injuries whether you have to make regular strenuous physical efforts or you are a sedentary person.

Difficulty
Minimal. Good professionals and highly sophisticated machines will do most of the work for you. You only need willpower and the perseverance to go three times a week to the centre and do all the exercises they tell you to.

Tip
Don�t miss out the initial medical, since it is important to rule out any possible contraindications which might prevent you from following the treatment, such as:
� A disorder involving a progressive motor/sensory neurological deficit.
� Cauda equina syndrome.
� Primary or metastatic malignancy of the spine.
� Bone infection, spina bifida or manifest osteoporosis.
� Aortic aneurism, serious cardiopulmonary disease.
� Fractures or recent abdominal surgery.

Where to get information
Reebok Sports Club. Tel. 91781 21 24. Web: www.reebokclub.com

An anecdote
Cycling and golf are perhaps the two sports which cause the most back pain. Of the two, golf is without a shadow of a doubt the sport which has the highest incidence of chronic back injury. The great speed of rotation the spine undergoes during the swing overloads the lumbar region, which can lead to the onset of severe back pain.

Jos� Mar�a Olaz�bal is a good example. The golfer from Fuenterrab�a began to suffer pains which spread down to his feet six years ago to such an extent that he was unable even to walk . The solution to his problems was provided by Hans M�ller-Wohlfahrt, a traumatologist from Munich who diagnosed a slightly herniated disk. The treatment consisted of strengthening the lower back muscles and a diet rich in iron and zinc. The recovery was amazing.