Spinal stenosis is a common degenerative condition that affects 250,000-500,000 Americans. When left untreated, spinal stenosis can cause chronic back pain and disability. At Philadelphia Smart Pain & Wellness, with offices in Northeast Philadelphia, Bala Cynwyd, and Allentown, Pennsylvania, pain management specialist Samuel Grodofsky, MD, specializes in spinal stenosis surgery. He offers minimally invasive decompression procedures, including mild® and Vertiflex™. To see if you can benefit, book an appointment online, or call the nearest office today.

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What is spinal stenosis?

Spinal stenosis causes the interior of your spinal column to narrow due to general wear-and-tear. Over time, this narrowing puts pressure on the nerves in your spine, resulting in pain, tingling, and muscle weakness. Anyone can experience spinal stenosis, but it’s especially common in people who have osteoarthritis.

What are the symptoms of spinal stenosis?

Common symptoms of spinal stenosis include:

  • Back pain
  • Pain with walking
  • Muscle weakness
  • Numbness
  • Tingling sensations
  • Walking bent over

As spinal stenosis gets worse, you can also have problems controlling your bowel or bladder.

What is spinal stenosis surgery?

Spinal stenosis surgery refers to several minimally invasive procedures that open up your spinal canal. It’s a safe and effective way to relieve pain caused by arthritis, bone spurs, and other problems. Increasing the width of your spinal canal takes the excess pressure off your nerves, giving you long-term pain relief.

What are the types of spinal stenosis surgery?

Dr. Grodofsky offers several minimally invasive spinal stenosis surgeries, including:

Minimally invasive lumbar decompression (mild)

Mild is a quick, low-trauma procedure from Vertos Medical Inc. that typically takes less than 30 minutes. During mild, you lie face down on an operating table. An anesthesiologist administers an anesthetic that puts you to sleep.

Once you’re unconscious, he makes a tiny incision, smaller than a dime, directly over the narrow portion of your spine. He inserts small, specialized instruments into the incision and carefully removes pieces of bone and soft tissue. No stitches are needed with this procedure. Afterward, he moves you to an observation room for recovery.

Vertiflex

During the Vertiflex procedure, Dr. Grodofsky implants a Superion™ device made of titanium alloy into the area of your spine that’s narrowing. The device eases pressure on the nerves in your spine while you sit, walk, or lie down. It relieves back and leg pain, allowing you to exercise and do routine tasks.

What type of spinal stenosis surgery will benefit me?

To determine the type of spinal stenosis surgery you’ll most benefit from, Dr. Grodofsky reviews your medical history, does a physical exam, and asks about your symptoms and lifestyle. He reviews a recent lumbar MRI to pinpoint the area of your spine that’s narrowing.

After gathering this information, Dr. Grodofsky develops a custom surgical plan to fit your needs.

To request your spinal stenosis surgery consultation, contact Philadelphia Smart Pain & Wellness. Book an appointment online, or call the nearest office today.