Here you will find answers to many of the questions that we frequently encounter. If you do not find the answer to your question, or have additional questions that are not included on this list, please feel free to "Ask the Doctor" and we will be happy to reply promptly.

 

The average length of care with Lordex is from 4-6 weeks with a total of 30 individual procedure sessions. Some patients may only require 25 procedure sessions, while some may require as many as 45; however the average is 30.

Absolutely "YES". Our mission is to help you "take back your life" and we intend to succeed! Without your active involvement we won't. What sets the Lordex Spinal Stabilization program apart from other treatment approaches, is the Strength Restoration and Stretch Flex protocols that are unique to the Lordex program.

During the Strength Restoration portion of the Lordex protocol you will perform exercises on the RX1. You will also be required to perform the Stretch Flex protocol at home on a daily basis.

Once you have completed the Lordex program you will continue doing the Stretch Flex program at home, and your doctor may choose to prescribe the Lordex Spinal Hygiene Machine as well so that you may continue with Strength Restoration at home.

Generally speaking, most patients are seen in follow up within 30 days after completing the Lordex program. It's a good chance for the doctors to see how you are doing, and make any necessary adjustments to your home program. After that, on a case by case basis the doctor may ask to see you once more 30 days later. After that, you are on your own!

No. The Lordex Spine Institute will be happy to see you and help you "take back your life" if you contact the clinic directly. If you are currently under care with another physician, we welcome working closely with him/her, and will provide your doctor with a copy of our report at your request.

 

The only correct answer is "maybe". Each person's insurance is different, and the only way we can find out if your insurance will cover the costs of the Lordex procedure is for us to contact your insurance company and verify your coverage. We are happy to do this for you and will need information from your insurance card, so be sure to provide this to us!

Fortunately, less than 1% of spine patients require back surgery. In our opinion, the only time surgery is indicated for a back patient is either in cases of surgical emergency, such as cauda equina syndrome, or when all attempts at conservative treatment have failed and obvious nerve damage and muscle atropy (wasting) are  progressive. We are happy to discuss this with you should you have concerns.

A laminectomy is a surgical procedure that removes a portion of the vertebrae to expose the disc that is believed to be responsible for back pain. The word "lamina" describes the rear portion of the vertebrae that the surgeon removes to create a 'window' to access the disc. The surgeon can then remove the portion of the disc felt to be compressing the nerve fibers. We encourage you to view the video on Decompressive Lumbar Laminectomy.

In a small number of cases a spinal fusion may be necessary. In our experience these can usually be avoided. If your spinal specialist has recommended a fusion, we strongly recommend a second opinion before proceeding. We would be happy to review your records and make our recommendations. We encourage you to view the video on Lumbar instrumentation and fusion.

While this is a fear that many people have, it is not always the case. It is possible that some loss of flexibility may occur, but generally speaking if the fusion is properly performed you will still retain an adequate amount of flexibility.

Spinal fusion itself does not cause damage to adjacent areas. However, the spine column is made up of many different joints. When a fusion occurs at one or more levels, then the remaining joints must take over their function. This results in increased stress and may accelerate wear and tear on the adjacent discs and joints.

In general, the potential complications associated with spinal surgery include infection; excessive bleeding or blood clots; nerve injury; implant failure; failed fusion (pseudoarthrosis); dural leaks from tears to the membrane that contains the cerebrospinal fluid; adverse reaction to surgical materials used; aggravation of pre-existing injury; weakness; numbness; urinary tract infection; recurrent disc herniations; fusion non-unions; stroke; paralysis; death. The usual risks of anesthesia are also present.