Treatment of Sciatic Nerve Pain with a Back Brace

I wanted to establish a forum for existing or prospective users of the DDS-300 (Disc Disease Solution) ambulatory spinal-air decompression belt. I don't trust testimonials posted on the provider's web site. I'm an age 76 male.

I have been diagnosed with spodylolisthesis, where the L5 vertebra presses the disc below and causes bulging which presses the spinal roots of the left leg sciatic nerve - causing chronic sciatica. I earlier had discectomy surgery with laminectomy in Oct. 2013, but it failed to help at all. That surgeon and a 2nd surgeon both said I would need spinal fusion surgery (expensive and dangerous!) to stabilize the L5 vertebra. I declined.

My sciatica involved unbearable left leg pain which began after standing or walking more than about 10 minutes. I had to either sit or lay down to get relief. I began wearing the $299 DDS-300 on 1/11/15, expecting I could trigger the 30-day money-back guarantee if it didn't help. On 2/8/15, I decided to keep it because it let me stand about 20 minutes without having to sit down. Further, I had suspended wearing it while washing and drying the belt on 2/4-6/15 and experienced serious pain while performing standing exercises. I resumed daily wearing on 2/7/15.

The DDS-300 web site claims that continued daily wearing will allow the diseased bulging disc to slowly heal to the point that the belt MAY no longer be needed. Meanwhile, I am having to live with chronic sciatica - though the pain is temporarily reduced with the DDS-300.

I hope this helps someone who has a similar problem.....................Kent