Posted on January 23, 2020
The link below will take you to a brief video that shows just what patients enjoy AFTER the Superion procedure.
In the meantime, see if YOUR story may be similar…
Like the trunk of a tree, the spinal column is the supporting structure of the entire body. This stack of vertebra also houses the spinal cord, a bundle of nerves and fibers that extend from the brain stem to the lower back.
Over the years, arthritis and degeneration of the spine, in particular, can lead to narrowing of the spinal column and put pressure on nerves. This leads to pain of “spinal stenosis” that can intensify over time. Stenosis refers to a narrowing of the spinal canal, which typically results in pressure on the spinal nerves.
In spinal stenosis, the low back pain can also extend down one or more legs. The sensation may be described as a numb feeling, sciatic or even a pressure sensation. Walking can worsen the pain. Often, changing positions, like leaning forward with a walker or while pushing a shopping cart lessens the pain.
Linda, a patient of Dr. Jonathan Daitch’s for several years, had always felt her bad back was a family trait. “My mother had 7 back surgeries that didn’t do her any good,” she states. As back pain began to interfere with her ability to walk, Linda wanted to avoid surgery even though she knew advancements had been made. Her primary care doctor referred her to Dr. Daitch for a non-surgical approach to relief.
To conservatively treat Linda’s spinal stenosis pain, Dr. Daitch began a series of injections. These were administered under fluoroscopic guidance, enabling Dr. Daitch to reach specific nerves with precision.
These injections meant “I was able to get back to walking again,” Linda shares. However, repeat injections were necessary several times a year. “I was getting tired of the shots and Dr. Daitch discussed a new procedure with me. I was willing to give it a try,” she says.
Superion® is a minimally-invasive procedure that inserts a small “spacer” to halt the spinal canal from narrowing further. Superion also acts to keep the spinal canal extended when standing. This relieves pressure on compressed nerves, significantly decreasing pain and other troublesome symptoms.
Dr. Daitch explains, “This can save many patients from frequent injections, which may only provide relief from pain for brief periods. The Superion procedure serves as a longer lasting, more effective option and an alternative for those who are not ready or willing to have open spine surgery.”
In a 5-year study, Superion provided up to 79 percent leg pain reduction at 48 months, and up to 75 percent at 60 months. It is FDA approved and covered by Medicare and Medicare Supplement plans.
The Superion procedure is performed at Park Center for Procedures (PCP), which is housed on the first level of the Advanced Pain Management & Spine Specialists’ facility. PCP is an accredited outpatient surgical center and offers sedation for a twilight sleep state. The procedure takes less than an hour and has a quick recovery. Many patients notice improved comfort immediately with most being more comfortable within a week.
Linda is now enjoying walking again, building back up to her daily goal and looking forward to flea market outings! “I feel very different now,” Linda exclaims. “This procedure really does a lot of good.”
Only 400 physicians in the U.S. have been trained in the Superion procedure. In Lee County, Florida, Dr. Daitch and Dr. Ivan Samcam, also of Advanced Pain Management & Spine Specialists, are the only two who have completed the stringent training criteria required by the developer of this advanced approach to treat back and leg pain non-surgically.
To inquire about Superion, ask your doctor at your next visit or hear another patient’s story at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xscbq66g5XQ&feature=youtu.be