LESS INVASIVE

Traditionally, surgery was used to correct spinal stenosis when neither medicine nor therapy helps relieve the pain. The X-Stop, a relatively new procedure being done in the United States, offers an alternative that is much less invasive and allows patients to return to a normal life much more quickly than surgery.

"There is typically six to eight weeks recovery time (from surgery)," Herzog said. "The X-Stop is much less invasive, much safer, and recovery is much faster. And results appear to be as good or better than surgery."

Bedore did admit that she was in some discomfort following the procedure, but she was out of the hospital within a couple of days, and the change in her ability to do just about anything was remarkable, she said.

"Within two weeks of the procedure, I drove all the way to Maine," she said, explaining that she had originally planned to cancel vacation plans because of the pain but had no problem with the trip following the operation.

"This was the best thing I could have done," she added. "I haven't felt this well in a very long time. I've got so much energy, and I can enjoy spending time with my students again.

"It's given me back my life again."

PAIN FREE

Bedore, 55, praised Herzog and his abilities as well.

The X-Spot, developed in the states by Kyphon Inc., is a metallic spacer that fits snugly between vertebrae. The Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of up to two spacers for each patient undergoing the procedure.

The procedure typically takes 45 to 90 minutes using local anesthesia.

"If anyone has pain like I had, I'd highly recommend looking into this," Bedore said. "It's been two years, and I have had no problems with back pain since then."

jmeyers@pressrepublican.com