Know Your Options

Epidural Steroid Shots

PROS

Temporary relief of pain
In minor cases, can temporarily reduce inflammation - allowing the body to heal itself

CONS

(According to a recent Bloomberg Article)

Lack of independent research to show that their variations lead to better outcomes than traditional surgery
Some experts warn that it is ineffective, expensive and potentially dangerous
The institute has had trouble recruiting academics to examine "Success Rates"
Charges $30,000 for each procedure (double the cost of traditional decompression surgeries)
Medicare Patients - $17,900 "Facility Fee"
Aetna & Cigna don't cover because of "lack of research to confirm safety and effectiveness"
Up to 2X the malpractice rates than national averages for surgeries (Zurich North America)
Has Doctor Investors - "increases surgeries performed by up to 87%" (Journal Health Affairs)

Medical doctors are saying failed back surgeries are occurring at an "alarming rate"
Many failed back surgeries will need up to 3 further surgeries; even successful surgeries may need future surgeries
Actual pain reduction from surgeries is shockingly low. 70% still experienced pain post-surgery in one study
Only 26% of patients who underwent back surgery returned to work, while 67% of who didn't choose back surgery did return to work
One study has shown a 41% increase in the use of painkillers after surgery
What surgeons consider a success in a surgery is very different then what a patient considers a success with their surgery
Almost half of ALL surgical patients are disappointed with the results after only 2 years.

Spinal Decompression - By itself has over 85% success rate. FDA approved for it's safety and effectiveness. Invented by a Medical Doctor. If your MD disapproves - they need to do more research!
ATM (Active Therapeutic Movement) Therapy - (can decrease pain or increase range of motion by up to 50% with just one treatment)
Doctor Grade Nutraceuticals - Repair and regrow damaged tissue such as joints, ligaments and cartilage!
Programs tailored to each individual

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