Spinal Stenosis

What is spinal stenosis?

Spinal stenosis occurs when the space in your spine narrows and presses on the nerves leading to pain. The narrowing can occur in your lumbar or cervical spine.

Symptoms of spinal stenosis include:

• Neck or back pain
• Numbness or weakness in the hands, arms, feet, or legs
• Difficulty with walking or balance
• Pain in your legs after standing for a period of time

You may experience spinal stenosis as you get older when the cartilage that separates your joints wears away, causing the spine to narrow.

Treatment for spinal stenosis may include medication and physical therapy. But spinal stenosis tends to worsen with time and surgery may be recommended to create space in the spinal canal to reduce the pressure on your nerve and alleviate your symptoms.

What is Vertiflex Superion?

Vertiflex Superion is a revolutionary minimally invasive treatment for spinal stenosis that affects the lumbar spine. It serves as a treatment that fills in the gap between conservative care and invasive surgery.

Your specialist at Pacific Pain Physicians may recommend Vertiflex Superion if you’re experiencing:

• Leg, buttock, or groin pain
• Numbness or weakness in the legs or buttocks
• Trouble standing or walking, with pain relief when you sit down

The Vertiflex Superion is an outpatient procedure that helps to stabilize your spine and reduce your symptoms.

How does Vertiflex Superion work?

Vertiflex Superion is an indirect form of spinal decompression. During the minimally invasive procedure, your specialist makes a small incision in your back and places the Superion implant in between your vertebrae. Your specialist then opens the arms of the Superion implant to separate the vertebrae, provide stability to your spine, and relieve the pressure on your nerves. Then, your incision is closed.

What can I expect during recovery from Vertiflex Superion?

Because everyone’s recovery is different, your specialist at Pacific Pain Physicians provides specific guidelines for what you may expect during your recovery. You may be advised to not wash your surgical site for the first 72 hours. Your specialist may also provide recommendations on weight-bearing and activity restrictions, such as no lifting more than 10 pounds and no strenuous exercise, for up to six weeks after your procedure.

To learn more about Vertiflex and how it may help your lumbar spinal stenosis, call Pacific Pain Physicians today or request an appointment online.