InHealth: Revolutionizing The Treatment Of Spinal Stenosis

By Fabian A. Ramos, M.D., DABA, DABPM, DABIPP, FIPP

Spinal Stenosis is the result of aging and “wear and tear” on the spine from everyday activities. These changes cause the spinal canal to narrow which can “pinch” the nerves in the lower back and may cause pain and or nerve damage. This is called Lumbar Spinal Stenosis (LSS). 

This natural degenerative process is highly prevalent in the general population aged 60 years and older and may continue to progress and worsen over time. Experts estimate that up to 80% of the population will experience lower back pain at some time in their lives.

When advanced, Spinal Stenosis diminishes the ability to walk straight, forcing the patient to walk bent forward, using a walker or shopping cart to achieve relief. Patients with this condition may also experience numbness, weakness, cramping and stiffness in the legs, buttocks or groin areas, even when walking short distances. When in a flexed position, the spine opens, and the degree of Spinal Stenosis immediately improves.  

Today, there is a new standard of care for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis. Interspinous Spacers are a revolutionary new indirect decompression system, offering a minimally invasive approach to treating mild to moderate LSS. This procedure fills a gap in the continuum between conservative care and invasive surgery. The spacers were developed to provide patients with a safe and effective alternative when conservative treatment has failed, and Laminectomy is too aggressive.

The implant, made of titanium, is placed between the spinous processes of the symptomatic levels. Once implanted, the spinal spacer acts as an extension blocker, relieving pressure on the affected nerves which are exacerbated by standing and walking. The spacer allows the segment involved to remain in a flexed position, opening the spinal canal, thus relieving pain and allowing the patient to stand straighter and walk further distances. 

Designed with patient safety and comfort in mind, the spacer is implanted through a small tube the size of a dime to reduce tissue damage and blood loss. Its anatomic design provides optimal fit and preserves a patient’s anatomy and ability to maintain motion. Available in multiple sizes to accommodate varying patient anatomy, the Interspinous Spacer ensures controlled movement and minimizes post-procedure complications. The minimally invasive delivery of the implant reduces the trauma to surrounding tissues and anatomical structures.

When life hands you painful Spinal Stenosis, consider this rapid (performed within 30 minutes), minimally invasive, completely reversable procedure to gain relief. 

Symptoms of LSS:

• Decreased endurance during physical activities 
• Weakness and/or loss of balance 
• Symptoms improve when you sit, lean forward, lie on your back, or sit with your feet raised 
• Numbness or a “tingling” feeling in your legs, calves, or buttocks 
• Aching, dull back pain radiating (spreading) to your legs 
• Neurogenic Claudication

Interspinous Spacer Benefits:
• Provides rapid improvement of symptoms 
• Outpatient procedure requiring no hospitalization 
• Patients will achieve the same relief they experience while in seated or flexed position 
• Completely reversible procedure 
• Small incision 
• Performed in less than 30 minutes

Fabian A. Ramos, M.D., DABA, DABPM, DABIPP, FIPP
Ramos Center
941.708.9555 | ramoscenter.com
100 3rd Avenue West, Suite 110, Bradenton FL
2540 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL
1370 E. Venice Avenue, Suite 104, Venice, FL