Breakthrough For Back Pain Article 3 of 4 by William V. Zucker, Ph.D. with Brian W. Nelson, M.D.

In the last article I discussed what the MedX Lumbar Extension Machine, a breakthrough in low-back pain treatment is all about. This time, I'll tell you more about how the treatment is applied how long each treatment session takes, the average time for full treatment, and how much it costs.

A Reminder:

The root cause of low-back pain is weak musculature. In order to stop, or drastically lessen low-back pain now, and to prevent it in the future, you must conscientiously decide to strengthen your low back. There is no "free lunch" in that respect.

Is the equipment difficult to use, and is it comfortable?

The MedX Lumbar Extension Machine is operated for you and is completely comfortable to sit in. Almost regardless of your present strength or weakness in your lower back, sitting in the machine is not a problem. Your upper torso will be unrestrained, but your hips will be "locked" in place (as described in the last series) via a foot board that presses backward and downwards on your femur, immobilizing your pelvis By this technique, your lumbar muscles are isolated for meaningful exercise.

What happens on the first visit?

At the first visit, the therapist or doctor will show you the back and forward movements you will make, and will then let you get used to them, being cognizant of any pain that you may have. This first session is not, in general very discomforting, though you can have some short-lived initial soreness afterwards Follow-up sessions, because you are less tense, are usually pain free.

How long is each session?

The average session lasts only 5 to 10 minutes; in this short time your lumbar spine will be efficiently exercised by your own efforts in a specially designed machine that has been proven clinically to work as nothing else can.

How much weight will your lower back have to push against and how far will you push?

That is determined by your initial strength and range of motion. As you get stronger between sessions, these parameters should and will, change What is clearly obvious now is that as your lumbar spine strength increases, there is a marked decrease in perceived pain. This statement is corroborated by every clinical study that has ever been done at research universities and pain clinics all around the world That's why we call it a "breakthrough"

How long will the treatment last?

It varies depending on your own special conditions But, on average, patients receive great benefits within a few weeks with once or twice weekly sessions, and treatments usually continue for ten weeks or more until near-maximum low-back strength increases occur.

How much does the treatment cost?

Rates vary around the country, but on average a full treatment will cost in the range of $2,500. The treatment is now standard practice in many healthcare facilities, and is used by medical doctors, physical therapists, and chiropractors. Insurance companies should be contacted for payment schedules. Further information can be obtained from the MedX Corporation (phone (800) 876-6339), and from my book Breakthrough for Back Pain! (see below).

What's coming?

In the next article, I'll tell you how to maintain your new low-back strength to avoid future pain and other promising uses for this equipment.