Vertiflex Superior Spinal Spacer Procedure

What is lumbar spinal stenosis?

Lumbar spinal stenosis refers to a narrowing of your spinal canal. While the narrowing may be a congenital defect or develop after an injury, lumbar spinal stenosis most often develops due to the degenerative changes that occur in your spine as you get older. 

The narrowing compresses the nerves that travel through your spine, leading to various symptoms such as:

• Pain
• Numbness
• Tingling
• Leg muscle weakness
• Difficulty walking
• Frequent leg cramps that make it hard to walk long distances

In severe cases, lumbar spinal stenosis may also lead to loss of bladder or bowel control. 

What are the treatments for lumbar spinal stenosis?

Treatment for lumbar spinal stenosis may depend on the severity of your symptoms and your medical history. Dr. Shah initially recommends conservative treatment for lumbar spinal stenosis, which may include pain medication and physical therapy.

However, if you fail to get relief from your pain or your symptoms worsen, he may recommend more invasive treatments, such as mild® (minimally invasive lumbar decompression) by Vertos Medical, which is a surgical procedure that removes small amounts of bone and cartilage from your spine to reduce pressure. 

Dr. Shah also offers the Vertiflex Superion Spacer as a treatment option for your lumbar spinal stenosis.   

What is the Vertiflex Superion spinal spacer procedure?

The Vertiflex Superion Spacer is an implant device that Dr. Shah uses to improve the spacing in your spinal canal to relieve the pressure on the nerves and reduce your pain. 

The implant is the size of a dime and fits in between your spinous process, which are the bony projections that make up the back of your spinal canal. 

Am I a good candidate for the Superion Spacer?

Dr. Shah determines if you’re a good candidate for the Vertiflex Superion Spacer during a consultation. To be considered a good candidate you must have:

• Pain, numbness, and cramping in your legs
• Moderate low back pain
• Tried nonsurgical treatments for at least six months

If you’re a good candidate, Dr. Shah can perform the outpatient procedure. After placement, you may need to limit your activity for as long as six weeks and participate in physical therapy to assist in your recovery.

To learn more about your treatment options for lumbar spinal stenosis, call the SamWell Institute for Pain Management or schedule a consultation online today.