The patients who appear to best benefit from the X STOP are those whose leg pains are relieved by bending forward slightly. An example would be an individual whose leg hurts while standing and walking in a grocery store then, while leaning forward and resting on the grocery cart for support, finds that the leg pain has improved. That resting forward mimics the action of the X STOP by opening the space for the nerve and relieving its pressure.

The X STOP is an important addition to a surgeon’s ability to treat his or her patients. With very severe stenosis or severe slippage of the spine patients may be better served with a more invasive surgery such as laminectomy or fusion. Patients should always discuss all aspects of their care fully with their treating physicians and specialists.