Vertiflex: An LSS Treatment that Really Works

Back pain is commonplace in our culture. For many, this is due to a condition called lumbar spinal stenosis or LSS. LSS causes not only back pain but can trigger pain that travels down the legs as well. LSS is characterized by a narrowing of the space in the lower part of the spine where nerves pass through. The narrower the space, the tighter the constriction on the nerve bundles in that area, the more pain signals sent to your brain.

Vertiflex is an FDA-approved procedure that involves placement of a small spacer inside the spine to create more room for the nerves and less friction in the space. The spacer insertion is done without removal of any nearby bone or tissue. This LSS treatment is minimally invasive and has been shown to provide long-term pain relief from lumbar spinal stenosis.

What causes LSS pain

Lumbar spinal stenosis develops over time and is most common in people over 60. It’s caused by normal wear and tear that leads to spinal canal narrowing and development of conditions such as osteoarthritis, degenerative disk disease, thickened ligaments, and bone diseases. 

LSS symptoms that develop often include:

• Leg weakness
• Pain when walking or standing
• Lack of physical endurance
• Tingling or numbness in legs, back or buttocks
• Desire to sit or lean over to relieve pain

People living with lumbar spinal stenosis may also experience problems with balance, mobility and functionality, and ability to perform daily activities. Without LSS treatment, you may experience permanent nerve damage due to long-term lumbar spinal stenosis. 

What to expect from Vertiflex LSS treatment

The way Vertiflex works for LSS pain is similar to how you find relief when you lean forward or sit down to feel relief from lumbar spinal stenosis. 

• A spacer, sized appropriately for your anatomy, is inserted inside the spine.
• Once the spacer has been inserted, the spacer’s “arms” open to create space for the constricted nerves.
• No bone or tissue is removed in the process, making the Vertiflex procedure one of the safest options for treatment of LSS. 

Vertiflex is an FDA-approved, minimally invasive, same-day procedure that requires very little down time. 

The Vertiflex LSS treatment is minimally invasive, requiring just a small incision for placement of the spacer followed by a quick recovery time. The treatment is done on an outpatient basis, meaning you can go home the same day of treatment. You will not need general anesthesia (you will not be put to sleep). Local anesthesia or numbing will alleviate any potential discomfort. It is recommended, however, that someone come with you the day of your appointment. 

After the procedure, which takes less than 45 minutes, your doctor will provide instructions for at-home care, such as:

• Keeping surgical site wounds clean and dry
• Avoiding scrubbing the surgical site for 72 hours
• Avoiding baths and excessive soaking of the surgical site
• Reporting any changes such as bleeding, redness or swelling (possible infection)
• Avoiding activity such as lifting, bending and strenuous activity for six week

You’ll generally have a follow-up appointment with your pain management doctor within two weeks following the Vertiflex procedure.

Vertiflex is covered by Medicare and some private insurance companies. Discuss your coverage options with your health care provider and be sure to consult with your insurance provider for coverage information.

Interested in Vertiflex LSS treatment?

Find out what’s next for your lumbar spinal stenosis pain. Talk to a pain management specialist today.