Posted on August 21, 2022
Like the trunk of a tree, the spinal column is the supporting structure of the entire body. This stack of vertebra also houses the spinal cord, a bundle of nerves and fibers that extend from the brain stem to the lower back.
Over the years, vertebrae can wear down and even crack or move out of alignment from bearing the brunt of overuse or in juries. The aging process can also take a toll on the spine. Arthritis, in particular, can cause narrowing of the spinal column, pressing on nerves. This leads to pain that can in tensify over time.
Low back pain can also extend down one or more legs. The sensation may be described as a numb feeling or shocking sensation. Often, changing positions, such as standing (from sitting) or leaning forward lessens the pain.
Linda, a patient of Dr. Jonathan Daitch’s for several years, had always felt her bad back was a family trait. “My mother had 7 back surgeries that didn’t do her any good,” she states. As back pain began to interfere with her ability to walk, Linda wanted to avoid surgery even though she knew advancements had been made. Her primary care doctor referred her to Dr. Daitch for a non-surgical approach to relief.
To conservatively treat Linda’s pain, Dr. Daitch began a series of injections. These were administered under fluoro scopic guidance, enabling him to reach specific nerves without guesswork. These injections meant “I was able to get back to walking again,” Linda shares. However, repeat injections were necessary several times a year. “I was getting tired of the shots and Dr. Daitch discussed a new procedure with me. I was willing to give it a try,” she says.
Vertiflex is a minimally-invasive procedure that inserts a small “spacer” to halt the spinal canal from narrowing further. Vertiflex also acts to keep the spinal canal extended when standing. This relieves pressure on compressed nerves, significantly decreasing pain and other troublesome symptoms.
Dr. Daitch explains, “This can save many patients from frequent injections, which may only provide relief from pain for brief periods. The Vertiflex procedure serves as a longer lasting, more effective option and an alternative for those who are not ready or willing to have open spine surgery.”
In a 5-year study, Vertiflex provided up to 79 percent leg pain reduction at 48 months, and up to 75 percent at 60 months. It is FDA approved and covered by Medicare and Medicare Supplement plans.
The Vertiflex procedure is performed at Park Center for Procedures (PCP), which is housed on the first level of the Advanced Pain Management & Spine Specialists’ facility. PCP is an accredited outpatient surgical center and of fers sedation for a twilight sleep state. The procedure takes less than an hour and has a quick recovery. Many patients notice improved comfort immediately with most being more comfortable within a week.
Linda is now enjoying walking again, building back up to her daily goal and looking forward to flea market outings! “I feel very different now,” Linda exclaims. “This procedure really does a lot of good.”
Only 400 physicians in the U.S. have been trained in the Vertiflex procedure. In Florida, Dr. Daitch is one of a few who have completed the stringent training criteria required by the developer of this advanced approach to treat back and leg pain non-surgically.