Can the SR 500 Belt help Herniated, or Bulging discs?

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:   A bulge is when the inner nucleus of the disc becomes disrupted and partially pushes toward the periphery of the disc, making it bulge.  This in turn can press on nerve tissue.  A herniation is when the nuclear material pushes clear through and past the periphery of the disc and into the spinal canal, which can also press on nerve tissue.  Both of these conditions are referred to as “space-occupying lesions” in that they occupy space in the spinal canal and/or the intervertebral foramina that may displace or put pressure on the nerve tissue that also occupies that space.

ANSWER:  Yes, the SR 500 Belt can help patients with herniated or bulging discs.  The SR 500 Belt decompresses the disc, thereby decreasing gravitational weight-bearing stress to the disc.  This usually results in less disc bulge or herniation.  The SR 500 Belt also increases disc height and as a result increases the available space for the nerve tissue (spinal cord, cauda equine or peripheral nerve roots) in that region, which in turn decreases the pressure that the disc bulge or herniation can impart to the nerve tissue.  Decompression of the disc helps to minimize further disc damage and by increasing imbibitions of fluids allowing re-hydration and nutrients into the disc as well as the disc reforming its natural shape, resulting in increased disc health.

Can the SR 500 Belt help Spondylosis and Spondylolisthesis?

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:  Spondylosis is another name for arthritis.  This arthritis may consist of arthritic spurs above and below each disc, each spur growing toward the other, or it may be arthritic changes of the lumbar facet joints between the vertebrae.  There are facet joints on the left and on the right, with the vertebra above and with the vertebra below.

ANSWER:  Yes.  By reducing weight-bearing stress to the joints of the lumbar spine, the SR 500 Belt can be very helpful for this condition. 

Can the SR 500 Belt help Lateral Recess Stenosis?

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:  Lateral Recess Stenosis is a condition brought on and caused by arthritic changes in the bone adjacent to where nerve tissue exits the spinal canal to form the peripheral nerves.  The arthritic changes forms new bony material next to the nerves and crowds the nerve tissue, placing pressure on the nerves which may result in pain and decreased nerve function.

ANSWER:  The SR 500 Belt might help Lateral Recess Stenosis depending upon exactly where the stenosis is located and how much pressure upon the nerve may be contributed by thinning disc space and/or disc bulge.  By increasing the disc space and increasing the space between the facet joints as well, this may result in enough additional space for the nerves affected by lateral recess stenosis to achieve some measure of symptomatic relief.  This will of course not treat the cause of the stenosis, which will probably continue to progress and May eventually require surgery.  However, it is possible for the SR 500 Belt to “buy time” and provide some relief for the patient until such time as surgery becomes unavoidable.

Can the SR 500 Belt help Facet Joint Hypertrophy (Facet Joint Arthritis, Facet Joint Degeneration)?

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:  The lumbar facet joints are located behind the vertebral bodies.  Each vertebra has a total of four facet joints.  Two joints connecting it with the vertebra above, and two joints connecting it with the vertebra below.  Two joints are on the left (one above and one below) and two joints are on the right (one above and one below). These joints are adjacent to the peripheral nerves where they exit the spinal canal and pass through the intervertebral foramina (a hole through which the peripheral nerves pass.  And part of each facet joint helps to form a portion of this foramina.  For that reason, arthritic changes to this portion of the facet joint can encroach upon the foraminal space and place pressure on the exiting nerve root.  In addition, arthritic changes in the facet joint can cause arthritic pain in the joint itself.

ANSWER:  By reducing pressure on the facet joint surfaces, the SR 500 Belt can help to alleviate facet joint pain; just like reducing pressure on any arthritic joint can help to relieve the pain of the joint. Without the continued pressure as an irritant to the joint, it is more likely that the joint would respond favorably to anti-inflammatory nutriceuticals or medications, and possibly no longer require medication.

Can the SR 500 Belt help patients with Failed Low Back Surgery Syndrome?

ANSWER:  Depending upon what is the cause of the patient’s pain, and the reason why low back surgery has failed, the SR 500 Belt may be helpful and should be tried prior to risking another surgery.

Can the SR 500 Belt help those with Sciatica?

ANSWER:  It depends upon what is causing the Sciatica.  Many conditions that cause Sciatica can benefit from use of the SR 500 Belt, however there are a few causes of sciatica that may not respond favorably to the SR 500 Belt.

Can the SR 500 Belt help low back, hip or leg pain caused by Piriformis Syndrome?

ANSWER:  No.

Can the SR 500 Belt help low back, hip or leg pain caused by Greater Trochanteric Bursitis?

ANSWER:  No.

Can the SR 500 Belt help low back conditions caused by a Spinal Cord Tumor?

ANSWER:  No.

Can the SR 500 Belt help low back pain that results from a Compression Fracture?

ANSWER:  By reducing the weight bearing forces, the SR 500 Belt may be able to help patients that have suffered a compression fracture in the lumbar region.

Can the SR 500 Belt help patients with bone cancer that has metastasized to the lumbar spine?

ANSWER:  This SR 500 Belt is not intended to treat cancer.  However, if prescribed by and under the direct supervision of a patient’s treating physician, the SR 500 Belt may provide some benefit.

Can the SR 500 Belt be used by pregnant patients?

ANSWER:  No.  The SR 500 Belt should not be worn by pregnant patients at any time during their pregnancy. 

Can the SR 500 Belt worsen any conditions?

ANSWER:  No.  There are no conditions that can be made worse by the SR 500 Belt, since the SR 500 Belt only serves to reduce the effects of gravitational weight bearing forces.  Some patients can experience a muscle spasm reaction from the removal of the SR 500 Belt.  This reaction can generally be avoided by instructing the patient to time the use of the SR 500 Belt such that it’s removal occurs immediately prior to laying down for rest or to sleep.

How long should patients wear the SR 500 Belt each day?

Answer:  In order to benefit from a lasting therapeutic effect, it is generally advisable to wear the SR 500 Belt for approximately 4-6 hours per day.  A noticeable benefit is generally evident after 3 days of wearing the SR 500 Belt 4-6 hours per day.

Can patients wear the SR 500 Belt longer than 4-6 hours each day?

Answer:  Yes.  Although most patients experience adequate relief by wearing the SR 500 Belt for 4-6 hours per day, some patients may need to wear the SR 500 Belt longer order to obtain maximum relief of symptoms.

Are there any adverse effects from wearing the SR 500 Belt longer than the recommended 4-6 hours per day?

ANSWER:  The only adverse effect that can occur from wearing the SR 500 Belt longer than the recommended 4-6 hours per day is that with prolonged use, the back and abdominal muscles that support the spine can get weak and dependant upon the SR 500 Belt for adequate spinal support.  However, usually using the SR 500 Belt allows the individual to become more physically active, which would counteract this effect.  To help insure that individuals do not become dependant upon the SR 500 Belt, it is advisable to engage in daily spinal stabilization exercises, especially if the individual is wearing the SR 500 Belt longer than 4-6 hours per day. Individuals should consult with their treating physician for recommendations of which exercises would be most appropriate for their particular situation.

I’ve been wearing my SR 500 Belt for awhile now and its working great, however, it is getting dirty now.  Can I wash it?

ANSWER:  Yes.  The SR 500 Belt can be washed in the washing machine by placing the SR 500 belt into the mesh bag that is provided and washed on the “gentle” cycle with a mild detergent such as WOOLITE and warm water.  Make sure that the air valve is in the closed position before placing the SR 500 Belt in the washing machine.  After completing the wash cycle, the SR 500 Belt should be air-dried in the shade (keep away from direct sunlight).

How should the SR 500 Belt be positioned on my body?

ANSWER:  Your physician is the best one to advise you of the exact positioning of the SR 500 Belt.  However, in general terms, the SR 500 Belt should be positioned so that the SPINAL REHAB SOLUTIONS patch is centered and lined up with your navel, and that the lower edge of the SR 500 Belt is as far above the upper part of the hip bones as the upper edge of the SR 500 Belt is below the lowest part of the ribs.  As the SR 500 Belt is inflated, the lower edge expands downward to anchor itself against the upper part of the hip bones and the upper edge expands upwards to anchor itself against the lower portion of the ribs. Once this anchoring occurs, further expansion of the SR 500 Belt results in positive traction to the lumbar spine.

How much air should I inflate into the SR 500 Belt?

ANSWER:  Inflate the SR 500 Belt until the needle within the air pressure gauge of the hand air pump moves into the green-orange areas (10-14 psi). Only use the hand air pump that is provided with the SR 500 belt.  Do not use other pumps or methods to inflate the SR 500 Belt.  Doing so may damage the air valve and will void the warranty of the SR 500 belt.

My SR 500 Belt won’t stay inflated.  What do I do?

ANSWER:  First, close the valve on the SR 500 Belt all the way by rotating it clockwise.  With the valve in the closed position, attach the air pump and inflate to the desired pressure. Disconnect the air pump. If the SR 500 belt is still not holding air then contact Spinal Rehab Solutions, Inc. regarding warranty information.

How long will the SR 500 Belt last?

ANSWER:  With proper use and care the SR 500 Belt will last for many years before it wears out and needs to be replaced.

What if I loose or gain weight?

ANSWER:  If you gain or lose more than several pounds, you may need to buy the next size larger or smaller SR 500 Belt in order for the SR 500 Belt to fit properly.