Vertiflex

Centers for Pain Control and Vein Care

Pain Management Physicians & Vein Specialists located across Northwest Indiana

When spinal stenosis causes your chronic lower back pain, you can get the symptom relief you need with the Vertiflex® Superion® Indirect Decompression System. The team at Centers for Pain Control and Vein Care in Hobart, LaPorte, Merrillville, Munster, and Valparaiso, Indiana, perform a minimally invasive procedure to implant the Vertiflex, effectively decompressing pinched spinal nerves and alleviating your symptoms. If you have questions about the Vertiflex or you would like to schedule an appointment, call or use the online booking feature.

Vertiflex Q & A

What is Vertiflex?

Vertiflex is the company that developed the Superion Indirect Decompression System. The Vertiflex Superion is an advanced device designed to treat lumbar spinal stenosis by decompressing the spine and taking pressure off the pinched nerves.

When conservative treatments such as medication, activity modification, and physical therapy fail to relieve your symptoms, Vertiflex is a safe and effective alternative to surgery.

What is lumbar spinal stenosis?

Lumbar spinal stenosis occurs when a medical condition narrows the space in the spinal canal in your lower back (lumbar spine). The narrowing develops as degenerative changes cause problems such as a herniated disc, thickened ligaments, and bone spurs that develop due to arthritis.

These conditions protrude into the spinal canal, reducing the amount of space and compressing the nerves. As a result of the pinched nerve, you develop lower back pain and pain radiating down your leg. You may also experience numbness in the areas served by the pinched nerve.

How does the Vertiflex work?

Each vertebra has a projection that sticks out from the back of the bone called the spinous process. The Vertiflex, by design, fits between the spinous processes of two adjoining vertebrae.

After your provider inserts the device, they deploy two wing-like attachments on the Vertiflex. Each wing fits around one of the spinous processes above and below the Vertiflex. This allows the device to slightly separate the two vertebrae, which decompresses the nerves.

What happens during a Vertiflex procedure?

Your provider at Centers for Pain Control and Vein Care performs a minimally invasive outpatient procedure, inserting the Vertiflex using X-ray imaging to see the spine and place the device in the proper location.

They make a small incision and then insert a tubular retractor that gently separates the muscle fibers. The retractor creates a small opening that accommodates the surgical tool without cutting the muscles or connective tissues.

When the opening is large enough, the Vertiflex is inserted through a hollow tube and positioned between two spinous processes.

As soon as the Vertiflex is in place, your provider removes the surgical tool and retractor, and the muscles return to their normal state. Since the procedure is done without making a large open incision or cutting the muscle, you experience less postoperative pain and your recovery is quicker.

To learn if you’re a good candidate for the Vertiflex, call Centers for Pain Control and Vein Care, or book an appointment online.