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Spinal Decompression Specialist

Advanced Pain Management Center -  - Interventional Pain Management Physician

Advanced Pain Management Center

Interventional Pain Management Physician & Regenerative Orthopedics Specialists located in Portland, OR

Does it ache if you stand up straight? Do you find relief only when you flex your back? You might be one of up to 500,000 Americans who have spinal stenosis. This degenerative disease worsens the longer you leave it untreated. Advanced Pain Management Center in Portland, Oregon, has an experienced team led by interventional pain management physician Vladimir Fiks, MD. They practice both direct and indirect spinal decompression. Both of these techniques are minimally invasive treatments that’s successful in treating spinal stenosis. Call the practice today to make an appointment or book through the website, also serving the surrounding areas of Aloha, Hillsboro, Beaverton, Tigard & Lake Oswego.

Spinal Decompression Q&A

What is direct spinal decompression?

Direct spinal decompression is accomplished by removing some of the tissues around the spine, those may include some of the surrounding bone and/or ligament to increase the capaciousness of the spinal canal. This can be accomplished by minimally invasive spinal decompression MILD or open surgical decompression.

MILD is an early treatment option to consider if more conservative therapies, such as physical therapy or pain medications, are not providing adequate relief. The mild® Procedure addresses a major root cause of LSS by removing excess ligament tissue to restore space in the spinal canal. The procedure typically takes less than an hour and requires no implants, stitches, general anesthesia, steroids, or opioids. Patients typically resume normal activity within 24 hours with no restrictions.

MILD is nationally covered by Medicare (all ages, all plan types) nationwide.

 

What is indirect spinal decompression?

Indirect spinal decompression treats lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). Spinal stenosis is the abnormal narrowing or pinching of the spinal canal when you stand straight. It results in pressure on the spinal cord nerves, causing numbness and pain. Often, the only way someone with stenosis can find relief is by leaning forward or sitting.

What are common symptoms of lumbar spinal stenosis?

Lumbar spinal stenosis is often the result of wear and tear on the spine from everyday activities. It occurs when the spinal canal narrows, causing pain and discomfort in the legs and back. People with stenosis experience symptoms that include:

  • Sciatica pain
  • Loss of endurance
  • Dull, aching pain around the legs, groin, and buttocks
  • Numbness or tingling in the calves, thighs, and buttocks
  • Loss of balance

To treat lumbar spinal stenosis, Dr. Fiks uses the Superion® device in an innovative, minimally invasive procedure to relieve pressure on the affected nerves.

How does indirect spinal decompression work?

Dr. Fiks puts his patient’s comfort and safety at the forefront of all his treatments, which is why he favors the Superion indirect spinal decompression system. It works by holding the spinal vertebrae apart even when standing, which prevents pinching and relieves pressure on the nerves. Usually, you’d need to sit down or take a flexed position to achieve this, which is severely limiting.

Indirect spinal decompression is an effective next step for people who have had no success with conservative treatment but for whom traditional spinal surgery is too aggressive. It lasts for up to five years.

If you have any questions about your suitability for the procedure, Dr. Fiks can provide you with expert guidance.

What happens during indirect spinal decompression treatment?

Spinal decompression is a straightforward procedure that takes around 30 minutes, and you can go home just a few hours later. During surgery, Dr. Fiks makes a small incision in the lower back, and then he places the Superion device using a dime-sized tube. The bone and tissue remain intact, and there’s next to no blood loss. Because of the minimally invasive nature, recovery time is swift, and the spine remains stable.

Dr. Fiks welcomes patients who have received a diagnosis of lumbar spinal stenosis. He works with you to provide comprehensive pain management services. Call Advanced Pain Management Center today to make an appointment or book it over the phone.