The Vertiflex Procedure: A minimally invasive treatment with maximum relief from the pain of spinal stenosis

A man is experiencing back pain.

At The Hemlock Pain Center, our teams in Macon, Warner Robins, Dublin, and Milledgeville, Georgia, provide an array of minimally invasive treatments that can have maximum impact on the management of your chronic pain. You can achieve dramatic improvements without invasive or aggressive procedures, as well as the recovery, risks of complications, and side effects associated with some surgical or earlier-generation treatments. As such, the Vertiflex Procedure is a great fit at our specialty practice and is also setting a new standard for treating lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS).

What is LSS?

LSS is defined as a narrowing of the space in the lower/lumbar spine. Nerves pass through this area. When this space is narrow, it causes the nerves to constrict. You may experience persistent back pain and discomfort that extends down your legs. The pain may feel worse whenever you stand or walk. It is considered to be a degenerative condition that most commonly affects adults aged 60 and older. It is important to get effective and prompt treatment, as without it, complications are severe and include significant and permanent damage. It can take a real toll on your life, affecting your balance and ability to complete activities of daily living.

How does the Vertiflex work to treat LSS?

Vertiflex is a novel procedure that involves creating more space or correcting the spacing between the vertebrae. It involves inserting a special implant or small “spacer” into the spine. By correcting imbalances in spacing, Vertiflex lifts the pressure on the nerves.

How is the spacer inserted?

Treatment can be completed in under an hour. As a minimally invasive procedure, the spacer is introduced to the spine without the removal of any neighboring bone or tissues. Once inserted, the spacer is “activated” by conforming around the spine. In doing so, the device opens up sufficient space for the involved nerves. By preserving space within the spine, the nerves are no longer “pinched,” and there is no longer excessive pressure placed on the nerves that contributes to chronic leg and back pain. You enjoy sustained relief and can painlessly go about your activities without difficulty when standing or walking.

A happy man after undergoing vertiflex treatment.
A happy couple after undergoing vertiflex treatment.

What can I expect after treatment?

After your procedure, you must follow any instructions provided by our Board-certified anesthesiologists and pain management specialists, Drs. Stephen N. Tafor and Sandeep Datta. We will review how to care for the treatment site and when to incorporate certain movements and activities back into your life. For instance, it is important not to take on too much too soon. Avoid lifting any weight over 10 pounds or strenuous physical activities at first. Before you know it, you will be enjoying your life to the fullest and without pain! In fact, in a clinical study, the makers of Vertiflex reported that 9 out of 10 patients were satisfied with their pain relief and increased physical activity post-treatment.

Additionally, general anesthesia is not required due to the less invasive nature of Vertiflex treatment. The healing and recovery associated with this process are also minimal when compared to traditional treatments for LSS. You can go home the same day as your procedure and begin to heal from the comfort of home. To find out more about Vertiflex and to begin the process of scheduling your one-on-one evaluation, contact our patient care coordinators in Macon, GA (478) 475-2385, Warner Robins (478) 997-6444, Dublin (478) 800-3745, or Milledgeville (478) 280-4670 today.