Published on September 29, 2024
The spine is like a tree trunk and is the supporting structure of the entire body. This stack of vertebrae also houses the spinal cord, a bundle of nerves and fibers that extends from the brainstem to the lower back.
Over the years, vertebrae can wear down from overuse or injury and can even crack or lose alignment. The aging process can also cause damage to the spine. Arthritis, in particular, can cause the spine to narrow and compress nerves. This can cause the pain to worsen over time.
Low back pain may also extend to one or more legs. This feeling can be described as a feeling of numbness or a feeling of shock. Often, changing your position, such as standing (from sitting) or leaning forward, can reduce pain.
Linda, a patient of Dr. Jonathan Daitch for many years, always thought her bad back ran in her family.
“My mother had seven back surgeries and it didn’t do her any good,” she said. As back pain began to affect her ability to walk, Linda hoped to avoid surgery, even though she knew progress was being made. Her primary care physician referred her to Dr. Deitch for non-surgical relief.
To conservatively treat Linda’s pain, Dr. Deitch began a series of injections. These are performed under fluoroscopic guidance, allowing him to reach specific nerves without guesswork.
Linda shared that these injections meant “I was able to walk again.” However, the injections need to be repeated several times a year. “I was tired of injections, and Dr. Deitch discussed a new procedure with me. I was willing to try it,” she said.
Vertiflex is a minimally invasive procedure that inserts a small “spacer” to stop further narrowing of the spinal canal. Vertiflex also keeps the spinal canal stretched while standing. This can relieve pressure on the pinched nerve, significantly reducing pain and other troublesome symptoms.
“This can save many patients from frequent injections, which may only provide temporary pain relief,” explains Dr. Deitch. “The Vertiflex procedure is a longer-lasting, more effective option for patients who are not ready or unwilling to undergo an open procedure.” Alternative option for people undergoing spinal surgery.
In a 5-year study, Vertiflex reduced leg pain by up to 79% at 48 months and by up to 75% at 60 months. It is FDA approved and covered by Medicare and Medicare Supplement plans.
Vertiflex surgery is performed at the Park Center for Surgery (PCP), located on the first floor of the Advanced Pain Management and Spine Specialists facility. PCP is an accredited outpatient surgery center that provides sedation for the twilight sleep state. The entire process took less than an hour, and recovery was quick. Many patients notice improvements in comfort immediately, and most become more comfortable within a week.
Linda is now enjoying walks again, meeting her daily goals again, and looking forward to flea market outings! “I feel very different now,” Linda lamented. “This program does have a lot of benefits.”
Only 400 doctors in the United States are trained in the Vertiflex procedure. Dr. Deitch is one of the few people in Florida who has completed the rigorous training standards required by the developers of this advanced method of non-surgical treatment of back and leg pain.
