Low back pain is one of the most debilitating conditions in the world. One 2010 study found that low back pain was the leading cause of disability worldwide, with nearly 10 percent of all adults suffering from it.
While there are many sources of back pain, spinal stenosis is one of the most common causes. A narrowing of the space where the nerves move away from the spinal cord, spinal stenosis pinches the nerves, causing debilitating pain as well as numbness, tingling, loss of balance, or muscle weakness.
While spinal stenosis may take a physical toll, we don’t often think of its emotional toll. You wake up with pain, you go to bed with pain, and every moment in between is filled with trying to find relief or at least avoid more pain. When traditional pain relief methods fail and you are left with the choice between major surgery or a lifetime of back pain, what do you do?
Safe, Effective Pain Relief Therapy
While there are hundreds of relief options available to someone with chronic back pain, most are focused on temporary relief. Pain relieving medication is only meant to work for a few hours at a time. Other methods like epidural injections may offer relief, but their effects are temporary.
When low back pain, particularly pain that is associated with spinal stenosis, is chronic and debilitating, Superion therapy offers semi-permanent relief by addressing the problem at its source.
What is Superion therapy?
Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the passageway where the spinal cord passes through the spine. As this passage narrows, the spinal cord is compressed causing pain.
Superion therapy involves placing a small spacer into the spine. It acts as a place holder between the vertebrae, so they do not become compressed.
The procedure is minimally invasive and recovery is much shorter than traditional surgery for spinal stenosis. In fact, Superion therapy is complete in 30 to 60 minutes and is performed as an outpatient procedure.
What can I expect from Superion therapy?
During Superion therapy, you will be given medicine to make you comfortable during the procedure. The only thing cut is skin and the tissue just below it. The surgeon then places the spacer in between the bones you can feel in your spine. Once it is inserted into the space between the vertebrae, it is opened and locked into place.
Since the incision is very small and major muscle groups remain intact, recovery time is minimal. Most people resume their normal routines the next day with only minor adjustments like limiting bending, twisting or lifting for a few days to a few weeks.
Does it work?
Clinical studies have shown that Superion therapy has a 90 percent satisfaction rate and results last for five years or more. It is FDA approved and covered by Medicare as well as other health insurances. Superion therapy is ideal for patients who want to avoid major surgery and the long recovery times of traditional spinal stenosis treatment.
If you suffer from low back pain, call North Lakes Pain Consultants to see if you are a candidate for Superion therapy and start living a life of less pain.