Pinched nerves

Back pain that goes shooting down one or both legs is a telltale sign that your spinal nerve is getting pinched between two pieces of bone. The pain can be so bad that it makes walking impossible. Left untreated, it can have a myriad of side effects like muscle atrophy.

Traditional treatment for this sort of problem is a surgical procedure known as a laminectomy. However, it has a lower than average success rate, carries the risk of complications and requires a great deal of recovery time. Thankfully, there is new hope for patients suffering from this condition as a device nicknamed the X-Stop promises to provide a much easier alternative.

The X-Stop

Dr. Harold Hess from Menorah, Illinois has developed a device called the X-Stop that sits between the bones that are pinching the nerve and can alleviate the resulting pain. The device requires a much easier surgical procedure for implantation than a laminectomy and therefore has fewer complications and a much shorter recovery time.

Though it’s an FDA approved procedure, private insurers are still calling it “experimental” even though Medicare covers it.

Risks

There could be a problem with infection or with the device falling out, though Dr. Hess is very confident that the chances are small. Also, back pain can be caused due to a complex variety of factors and there is no guarantee that the procedure will result in the alleviation of pain. This is true for all back surgeries however, and there is no guarantee of a successful treatment even with conventional surgery.

Spinal Decompression

For those who are averse to even the smallest intrusive treatment, there is another alternative available that has helped a large number of people – spinal decompression. It consists of a series of traction movements against the spine performed under the guidance of a certified chiropractor. These movement cause a negative pressure between the bones of the spine alleviating the pressure on the nerve.

It is non invasive and its application has been successful on several occasions. Patients feel better almost immediately, and many have reported a complete cessation of pain after a few sessions. Use this website to find a chiropractor who suits your needs and your style. You can use our guide on how to choose a chiropractor in order to find one whom you are comfortable with.

Summary

There are several new and exciting developments in the field of back pain treatment. Spinal Decompression and the X-Stop are two of the latest techniques that demonstrate the level of innovation and options available to patients.