Spinal stenosis is the top reason people end up needing spine surgery. But whatever you do, don’t take that step until you meet with the team at Pain Care Boise in downtown Boise, Idaho. William Binegar, MD, and Christopher Vaughan, MD, specialize in several minimally invasive procedures that can relieve your pain and restore your mobility without surgery. If you struggle with back pain caused by spinal stenosis, call the office today or request an appointment using the online booking feature.
Spinal stenosis refers to a narrowed area in your spinal canal that compresses (pinches) the nerves. The spinal canal is created by openings in your vertebrae that form a passageway for your spinal cord. The area inside the canal can get smaller if you have:
A slipped vertebra narrows the canal by throwing the spine out of alignment. The other conditions cause stenosis because they protrude into the spinal canal.
Spinal stenosis most often affects the lower back but can also show up in your neck. You can experience symptoms like :
Compressed (pinched) nerves cause pain and tingling that extend down an arm or leg.
The team at Pain Care Boise specializes in three treatments that ease your pain, improve your mobility, and help you avoid surgery.
The Vertiflex system was developed by Boston Scientific®. It treats spinal stenosis in your lower back by decompressing the nerves. You’re a candidate for Vertiflex if an MRI shows that you only have mild spinal instability.
Each vertebra has a spinous process, a piece of bone that sticks out from the back of the vertebra. The Vertiflex device is made to fit between the spinous processes of two adjoining vertebrae.
During a minimally invasive procedure using one small incision, your provider at Pain Care Boise inserts the Vertiflex. Once the device is in place, they release two winglike pieces that fit around the spinous processes. The wings take pressure off the nerves by holding the two vertebrae apart. Learn more at vertiflex.com
The Minuteman treatment from Spinal Simplicity® works for patients with more spinal instability because it decompresses the nerves and restores stability by fusing two vertebrae together.
The team often recommends Minuteman to relieve pain caused by degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, and traumatic injuries.
Your provider uses a minimally invasive approach that avoids nerve roots and blood vessels. They also leave muscles and ligaments intact.
After they insert the Minuteman device, it takes pressure off the nerves by separating the bones. Then the two adjoining vertebrae grow over the device, fusing into one strong bone that stabilizes your spine. Learn more at spinalsimplicity.com
Your provider recommends the MILD procedure when thickened ligaments cause your spinal stenosis. MILD is a safe, outpatient, fluoroscopically guided procedure. It doesn’t require a general anesthetic, and you don’t need stitches.
After making a tiny incision, the doctor removes the excess part of the ligament. Trimming the ligament decompresses the nerves, relieves your pain, and restores your mobility. Most patients get back to their usual activities in a few days. Learn more at mildprocedure.com
If you have been diagnosed with lumbar spinal stenosis, your back and legs easily get tired with standing/walking and relieved with sitting, then call Pain Care Boise or schedule an appointment online.
