by Mary-Elizabeth Schurrer  

The Florida Suncoast is home to an abundant community of health and wellness practitioners, many of whom are at the forefront of innovation in their fields. Here at Natural Awakenings, we want to celebrate the strides these experts are making to increase awareness and accessibility around integrative or alternative modalities, while enhancing the quality of life for those who walk through their practice doors.  

So, in this month’s Community Spotlight, we are applauding the success of Dr. David Cifra, D.C., founder of Disc Centers of America/Sarasota, with offices here in Sarasota, Florida, and in Syracuse, New York. Dr. Cifra specializes in a technique called Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression. Recently, he was recognized by the Decompression Certification International Medical Advisory Board on Spinal Decompression (I.M.A.B.S.D.). 

This advanced training took place at the National Spinal Disc Disorders training facilities in North Palm Beach, and Dr. Cifra was presented his certification by Dr. Eric Kaplan, Co-Chairman of the I.M.A.B.S.D. On that note, let’s turn it over to Dr. Cifra for a more in-depth look at this accomplishment, as well the many benefits of Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression for treating a wide array of severe or chronic spine conditions.  

Natural Awakenings: Would you share what makes this certification such an important achievement in the field of Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression?  

Dr. David Cifra: Dr. Kaplan, who presents the certification, is one of the leading experts in the treatment of Spinal Disc Disorders. He is also the creator and lead instructor of the only university-based training in this healthcare field, known as the National Spinal Decompression Certification Program, held annually in South Florida. 

Moreover, the I.M.A.B.S.D. awards this recognition to practitioners who demonstrate excellence in both the diagnosis and treatment of Spinal Disc Disorders. The board itself is comprised of 10 medical physicians and 10 chiropractic physicians (including orthopedic surgeons, neuroradiologists and neurosurgeons) who have obtained national certification from the Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression University Program.  

NA: Congratulations, what an accomplishment! Will you explain to our readers what Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression is and what makes it beneficial?  

Dr. Cifra: Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression is a medical breakthrough technology that relieves pressure on pinched nerves of the spinal column without the use of medication or surgeries. Disc Centers of America sets the gold standard in both training and research of the latest, most effective options to treat and alleviate Spinal Disc Disorders, which often cause low back or neck pain, sciatica, numbness, tingles and more. 

While many conventional healthcare models focus on symptoms, I look for the root cause of those health issues. This whole-body approach to healthcare leads to a more accurate diagnosis and comprehensive treatment of the conditions my patients suffer from. Treating the cause, rather than just masking the symptoms, is paramount to achieving wellness.   

As such, Disc Centers of America/Sarasota offers the most beneficial, affordable options to treat Spinal Disc Disorders. Our state-of-the-art facilities provide state-of-the-art first class care to patients who often travel from long distances to seek out Dr. David Cifra who have made a commitment to help his patients avoid narcotics, epidural injections and unnecessary surgeries.  

Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression is a safe, gentle and effective source of relief for upwards of 90 percent of patients who qualify for care. To that end, my goal has been the same from day one: I want to help you experience a healthier tomorrow.  

Dr. David Cifra’s practice is located at 1215 S. East Ave., Ste. 210, Sarasota. He is currently accepting new patients on a limited basis, so if you contact his office within the next seven days, you will be given a priority appointment for a free consultation. For more information, call 941-358-2224 (mobile: 315-345-7390) or visit SarasotaDiscCenter.com.