You know the feeling — you’re walking through the grocery store, but halfway down the aisle your legs start to ache, tingle, or feel weak. You stop, lean over the cart, and the relief is instant — but temporary. That classic pattern often points to lumbar spinal stenosis, a common but frustrating condition that slowly steals your mobility.
At SamWell Institute for Pain Management, Dr. Jay M. Shah, our double board-certified interventional pain specialist, leads an experienced team of physicians who understands how debilitating spinal stenosis can be. Our goal isn’t just to manage your pain — it’s to help you move again with confidence and comfort.
Spinal stenosis occurs when the open spaces in your spine narrow, putting pressure on your spinal cord or nearby nerves. In your lower back (the lumbar spine), this often causes pain, numbness, or weakness that worsens when standing or walking and eases when sitting or bending forward.
The condition usually develops gradually as part of the aging process. Over time, your spinal discs lose height, ligaments thicken, and the small joints in the spine enlarge — all of which crowd the spinal canal. Injury, arthritis, or prior spinal surgery can accelerate these changes.
If left untreated, spinal stenosis can make everyday activities — like walking, climbing stairs, or standing in line — increasingly difficult. That’s why early evaluation and a personalized treatment plan matter.
At SamWell, treatment always begins with the least invasive methods first. Dr. Shah takes time to understand your symptoms, review imaging, and customize care to your needs.
Initial treatments may include:
These conservative measures help many patients find relief. But if pain or leg weakness persists — especially if walking distance is limited — a minimally invasive option like Vertiflex® may be the next step.
The Vertiflex procedure uses a small titanium device called an interspinous spacer that gently separates the affected vertebrae, creating more room for the compressed nerves. This spacer mimics the position your spine naturally assumes when you bend forward — the position that usually brings relief.
Here’s how it works in simple terms:
During the outpatient procedure, Dr. Shah makes a small incision in your lower back. Using X-ray guidance, he places the Vertiflex spacer between the bony projections at the back of your spine. Once in place, it locks the vertebrae slightly apart, restoring space in the spinal canal and reducing nerve compression.
Because no bone or tissue is removed, Vertiflex preserves your spine’s motion and structure. Most patients go home the same day and resume light activities within days.
When you’re considering a procedure like Vertiflex, it’s important to know what the research actually shows — not just the marketing. Here’s what recent studies tell us:
A 2021 narrative review published in the Journal of Spine Surgery looked at interspinous process devices (including Vertiflex’s Superion®) in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis. That review found consistent improvements in patient-reported outcomes (such as leg pain and “walking tolerance”) in the short- to mid-term compared with nonoperative treatments.
In 2023, a study published in Neuromodulation specifically evaluated Vertiflex and showed meaningful gains in walking distance and pain relief in many patients, while maintaining a favorable complication profile.
This is great news for carefully selected patients with moderate stenosis who have tried conservative measures. It means that Vertiflex offers a minimally invasive alternative backed by growing data — not just a stopgap, but a viable path to improved function with less downtime.
Vertiflex is designed for people with moderate lumbar spinal stenosis who continue to experience pain, heaviness, or numbness in the legs despite conservative care. You might be a candidate if:
After a full evaluation, we determine whether Vertiflex fits your unique anatomy, health, and lifestyle goals. For many patients, it bridges the gap between temporary relief and surgical intervention — offering lasting mobility with minimal downtime.
Dr. Shah is known for combining precision techniques with compassionate care. He explains every step of your treatment, ensures your comfort during the procedure, and provides the follow-up care you need to regain strength and confidence.
At SamWell Institute for Pain Management, our mission is simple: to help you live without limits.
Ready to move freely again? Call to schedule a consultation at our Colonia, Livingston, or Englewood office today — or book your appointment online to discover whether Vertiflex is the right step toward lasting relief.
