Lower back pain is a debilitating condition that affects most people over the age of 50. This, accompanied by leg and thigh pain, can make it very difficult to move around and pursue your day-to-day activities. People who face such back pain, most likely are suffering from Lumbar Spinal Stenosis (LSS). You must consult a good doctor and identify if you suffer from LSS. If you do, then you could be a good candidate for the Vertiflex procedure for LSS.
Prevent Lower Back Pain with the Vertiflex Procedure for LSS
What Exactly is Lumbar Spinal Stenosis?
Lumbar spinal stenosis, or LSS for short, is a condition where the spine is affected by aging. Over time, there is a gradual narrowing of the space in the spine where nerves pass through. When there is less space for nerves to pass through, some of these nerves get pinched under pressure. When this happens, people usually feel a dull, aching pain in their lower back, which also moves down to their buttocks and legs.
LSS is most commonly associated with aging, as the normal wear and tear of our bones and muscles lead to the weakening of the spine as well. LSS can also occur due to osteoarthritis, injuries, tumors in the spine, any disease that affects the bones, and other imbalances. Often, people develop LSS as an inherited condition, especially if they have a small spinal canal or a curved spine.
How To Tell if You Have Lumbar Spinal Stenosis?
When people suffer from LSS, they usually feel pain while walking or moving in their daily life. The pain is aggravated when the person bends forward or attempts to stand from a sitting position. Gradually, this pain moves to the rest of the body, and the person experiences numbness or a tingling sensation in their legs, calves, and buttocks. This leads to weakness, lowered endurance, and loss of balance. Cramps are also common in people suffering from LSS. Eventually, the person will have to use a walker or a cane to be able to move around comfortably.
What Happens if the Condition is Left Untreated?
If this condition is left untreated, the spinal canal will only narrow further. The nerves in the area can become even more constricted, leading to immense pain for the patient. As the condition worsens, the person may become bound to a wheelchair, as it becomes very tough to walk and move around freely.
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What Does the Vertiflex Procedure Do?
The Vertiflex procedure offered at Source Healthcare aims to improve the conditions associated with LSS and bring relief to the patient. The procedure uses the Superion® Indirect Decompression System implant, which is then placed inside the spine to widen the space between the bones when a person is standing or walking. An IPD procedure is one that requires an implant to be planted in the body. Vertiflex uses the Superion® implant, which acts as a spacer by lifting pressure off the nerves along the spine. Its use can make a significant difference to the wearer, as they will not feel excess lower back, leg, and buttock pain with long-term use.
The Superion® implant is a registered trademarked device of Vertiflex and is made of titanium alloy. After extensive research carried out by medical experts, it was concluded that this procedure is currently the best non-surgical option for LSS patients. It has been hailed as a better alternative to surgery as well.
How is the Vertiflex Procedure Performed?
When you come in for a consultation with our experts at Source Healthcare, you will have to undergo several physical assessment tests and imaging tests like MRI and X-ray to determine if you are suffering from LSS. Your medical history will be reviewed and our doctors will determine the cause of your condition as well.
Once our doctors determine if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure, a treatment date will be finalized. When you come in for the Vertiflex procedure, you will have to lie facing down, and a local or general anesthetic will be administered to you.
With the use of high-quality imaging technology, our specialists will make a small incision in your lower back and place the implant in the correct area of the spine. The incision is then closed. Overall, the procedure takes about 15 to 45 minutes to be completed. Sometimes, depending on the case, two implants may be used instead of one.
Once the procedure is completed, our doctors will brief you thoroughly regarding all the necessary aftercare and will give you instructions for your follow-up session. This typically takes place a week or two after the treatment.
You may feel a slight soreness in the treatment area, but this will subside soon. As a precautionary measure, you should avoid any type of strenuous activity for six weeks following the procedure. Ensure that any activity that applies pressure on the back or legs is avoided. This includes weight lifting, tennis, golf, running, swimming, and more. Consult with our specialist to know more about any lifestyle changes that need to be implemented.
Visit Us Today
We understand that LSS is a condition that can cut short the quality of your life and bring you lots of pain. Our experts at Source Healthcare in Santa Monica, California, have conducted thorough research on the Vertiflex procedure and completely vouch for its efficacy. If you are suffering from lower back and leg pain, it is best to visit us to receive an effective solution to your problem.
