Living with spinal stenosis can be debilitating, especially when conservative measures aren’t helpful. The next step has to be surgery, right? That’s not always true, especially with the cutting-edge and minimally invasive Vertiflex® procedure available.
At the Delmarva Pain and Spine Center, Dr. Schachi Patel and her team provide the Vertiflex®, MILD®, and Intracept® procedures for back issues like spinal stenosis.
She’s an experienced anesthesia and pain management specialist giving people the tools and treatments to beat back pain for good.
Spinal stenosis is a degenerative spinal condition that occurs when the spinal canal, which houses the spinal cord, narrows. When the canal narrows, it puts pressure on surrounding tissues and nerves, which leads to various symptoms that include:
Spinal stenosis can develop in any area of the spine, but it’s most prevalent in the lumbar and cervical areas. It develops over time, especially with issues like degenerative disc disease, bone spurs, and thickened spinal ligaments.
The procedure is minimally invasive and involves placing a metal spacer between the vertebrae’s spinous processes. The spacer forces the spinous processes open, preventing them from compressing and putting pressure on the nerves.
The Vertiflex procedure is specifically for those with lumbar spinal stenosis. The FDA-approved Superion® Interspinous Spacer is made of titanium alloy and creates more room in the spinal canal without us removing any tissue or bone.
The procedure only requires a tiny incision in the lower back. We utilize a specialized X-ray called fluoroscopy to ensure the spacer is in the correct spot. Once we deploy the spacer, we close the tiny incision, and the procedure is over.
After the Vertiflex procedure, most people experience significant relief from spinal stenosis without the recovery period of a more invasive spine operation.
The best candidates for the Vertiflex procedure are those with moderate symptoms from lumbar spinal stenosis(LSS). We also recommend trying conservative treatments first, such as physical therapy or injections, before deciding on the Vertiflex procedure.
However, if conservative treatments don’t work after six months, we discuss the procedure with you as a viable option.
You may also be a candidate if you have neurogenic claudication from LSS. That means your pain worsens with walking or standing and improves with sitting or bending forward.
The Vertiflex procedure is a great option for many people with moderate spinal stenosis. If you’ve tried conservative treatments without significant relief, consider the Vertiflex procedure for its many benefits that include:
It’s an excellent option to relieve spinal stenosis pain without undergoing invasive spine surgery. Dr. Patel discusses all the benefits and risks during your appointment to provide the information you need to make the best decision for your spine.
To learn more about the Vertiflex procedure for spinal stenosis, schedule an appointment with Dr. Patel, call our Newark, Delaware office, or visit our website today.
