News | June 10, 2008

Riverside Medical Center Proudly Announces A New Approach For Lower Back Pain

Chicago, IL - Riverside Medical Center is proud to announce a new approach for relief from lower back pain. Juan C. Jimenez, MD, of Neurosurgery Consultants at Riverside Medical Center, is the first neurosurgeon in the Kankakee area to perform a minimally invasive back pain relief procedure for treatment of symptoms due to lumbar spinal stenois (LSS) or lower back pain.

LSS is a common spinal problem mainly affecting people over the age of 50 and often associated with back and leg pain. A relatively new approach to treating pain involves implanting a titanium alloy device, the X-STOP Interspinous Process Decompression (IPD), between the spinous processes. The device acts as a wedge to increase the area of the spinal canal, decompress nerves and maintain the spine in a neutral or slightly flexed position. Dr. Jimenez explains, "The X-STOP implant has proven to be safe and effective for alleviating the symptoms of LSS. It preserves the integrity of the spine and maintains the patient's mobility or natural movement. The procedure takes less than one hour to complete under sedation or general anesthetic, the patient recovery time is quick and there is a very low rate of complications."

William Cox, a 76 year old retiree in Kanakee, suffered with severe lower back, leg and buttock pain. After hearing about the procedure, Cox made an appointment with Dr. Jimenez. Cox states, "Dr. Jimenez explained the procedure and my options very thoroughly. I said, 'Let's do it,' and that was it. It has been one of the best decisions I have ever made."

In November 2005, the implant procedure was approved in the US. By February 2008, 11,500 patients underwent the outpatient surgery. Dr. Jimenez explains, "Until three years ago, there was no minimally invasive treatment available for relieving the symptoms associated with LSS that didn't require removing bone from the spine. In most cases, laminectomy was recommended to relieve the pain. This bridges the gap between non-surgical alternatives and major surgery in the continuum of care for the natural degenerative process that occurs in the spine."

Dr. Jimenez will hold a free presentation about the X-STOP on Wednesday, June 11 at 6:30 pm in Johnson Lecture Hall at Riverside Medical Center. For reservations, call Riversource toll-free at 1-866-269-6866.

SOURCE: Riverside Medical Center