Vertiflex Interspinous Spacer Specialist in Rapid City, SD

At Rapid City Interventional Pain, we specialize in innovative, minimally invasive treatments to help our patients effectively manage and reduce chronic pain, including pain caused by lumbar spinal stenosis. One advanced solution we offer is the Vertiflex Spacer, a minimally invasive medical device specifically designed to relieve symptoms of lumbar spinal stenosis—an increasingly common condition among patients experiencing chronic lower back and leg pain.

Lumbar spinal stenosis occurs when narrowing within the spinal canal compresses nerves, leading to symptoms such as pain, numbness, weakness, or tingling sensations, particularly when standing or walking. Our experienced specialists utilize the Vertiflex procedure (also known as the Superion Interspinous Spacer) to help restore mobility and significantly reduce pain for eligible patients.

The Vertiflex Spacer is carefully inserted between the spinous processes—the small, bony projections at the back of the spine. This gently separates the vertebral segments, creating additional space within the spinal canal and relieving pressure on the compressed nerves. This minimally invasive technique avoids the need for complex open surgery, allowing our patients to experience quicker recovery, minimal tissue disruption, and reduced postoperative discomfort.

Performed conveniently in our outpatient setting under local anesthesia with sedation, the Vertiflex procedure enables you to return home the same day, often experiencing immediate relief and improvement in mobility. Patients typically report significant reductions in lower back and leg pain, improved mobility, and a higher quality of life.

Although many individuals with lumbar spinal stenosis are excellent candidates for this procedure, it is essential to receive a thorough evaluation by one of our spine specialists.

If you’re experiencing chronic lower back and leg pain due to lumbar spinal stenosis, schedule a consultation with the specialists at Rapid City Interventional Pain to determine if the Vertiflex Spacer could be the right solution for you.

Recovery after Interspinous Spacer surgery typically varies based on individual factors such as your overall health, age, and the specific spinal condition being addressed. Most of our patients begin noticing significant pain relief and improved mobility within a few weeks following their procedure. Generally, you can expect to resume normal daily activities approximately two to six weeks after surgery. However, strenuous physical activities, heavy lifting, or intense exercise may need to be avoided for a longer period, as recommended by our specialists.

At Rapid City Interventional Pain, our goal is to help you achieve lasting relief and return to your favorite activities as safely and comfortably as possible. It is normal to experience mild discomfort or soreness at the incision site during the initial recovery stage. To support optimal healing and strengthen the muscles around your spine, our team may prescribe physical therapy or specific therapeutic exercises tailored to your unique needs.

Regular follow-up appointments at our clinic are essential throughout your recovery process. These visits allow our providers to monitor your healing progress, evaluate the effectiveness of the Interspinous Spacer, and make adjustments to your personalized treatment plan if necessary. While many patients return to routine activities within a few weeks, achieving maximum benefit and complete recovery may take several months.

For the best possible outcome, we encourage you to closely follow your provider’s instructions and promptly communicate any concerns or unusual symptoms to the expert team here at Rapid City Interventional Pain. Our specialists are committed to supporting you throughout your entire recovery journey, helping you return to a more active, pain-free lifestyle.

At Rapid City Interventional Pain, we specialize in providing advanced, minimally invasive treatments to effectively manage chronic pain conditions, including lumbar spinal stenosis. One such innovative procedure we offer is the implantation of interspinous spacers.

Interspinous Spacers are minimally invasive spinal implants specifically designed to alleviate symptoms associated with spinal stenosis, such as neurogenic claudication, leg discomfort, and chronic lower back pain. We carefully evaluate each patient to ensure optimal outcomes. The success of Interspinous Spacer procedures depends significantly on patient selection, stenosis severity, procedural techniques, and your overall health and lifestyle.

While Interspinous Spacers can provide substantial relief, it’s essential to understand their long-term effectiveness. Studies indicate that symptom relief is usually most prominent within the first few years after implantation, though satisfaction and functional improvement may slightly decrease over time. A small proportion of patients may experience limited relief or may require additional interventions if symptoms recur or worsen.

We emphasize careful patient selection and thorough evaluations to ensure each patient receives the most appropriate treatment. Ideal candidates for Interspinous Spacers typically have mild to moderate lumbar spinal stenosis and have not experienced sufficient relief from conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, or injections. Patients with severe spinal instability or advanced degenerative spinal conditions may benefit more from alternative treatment approaches, and our specialists will guide you toward the best possible solution for your condition.

Interspinous Spacers represent a valuable treatment option, offering meaningful symptom relief and improved function for properly selected patients. We invite you to schedule a consultation with our experienced spinal specialists to discuss your individual condition, evaluate your eligibility for interspinous spacers, and thoroughly review potential benefits, risks, and expectations for long-term outcomes.

At Rapid City Interventional Pain, we specialize in minimally invasive procedures like Vertiflex to relieve pain and symptoms associated with lumbar spinal stenosis. Our dedicated specialists thoroughly evaluate each patient to determine the most effective and safest treatment plan tailored to individual needs.

While Vertiflex has proven highly effective for many, it is important to understand that not all patients are suitable candidates. Individuals with severe osteoporosis or compromised bone quality may not qualify for this procedure, as their bone structure may not adequately support the Vertiflex implant. Similarly, patients experiencing significant spinal instability, fractures, or current infections in the spinal region generally are not considered appropriate candidates for this treatment.

Additionally, patients with known allergies or sensitivities to titanium or titanium alloys—materials typically used in Vertiflex implants—may experience adverse reactions and thus may not be suitable for this approach. Those with severe spinal deformities or previous extensive spinal surgeries may have anatomical complexities that could complicate implant placement, making Vertiflex less appropriate.

Patients with certain medical conditions that significantly raise surgical risks, such as uncontrolled bleeding disorders, severe cardiac issues, or active malignancy, may also be excluded from consideration.

At Rapid City Interventional Pain, our specialists prioritize patient safety and effective outcomes. We perform comprehensive assessments, reviewing each patient’s medical history, health status, and spinal anatomy to determine the optimal treatment option. We encourage you to schedule a consultation with our skilled pain management specialists to discuss whether Vertiflex is the right choice for your specific condition and needs. For more information, contact us to book an appointment. We are conveniently located at 101 E Minnesota St. Suite 301 Rapid City, SD 57701. We serve patients from Rapid City SD, Rapid Valley SD, Black Hawk SD, Box Elder SD, Sturgis SD, and surrounding areas.