Spinal stenosis is the gradual result of aging and "wear and tear" on the spine from everyday activities which cause the spine to compress on the nerves, creating severe back pain. Those suffering from spinal stenosis usually feel pain that starts in the back and radiates down the leg; numbness in the legs, calves or buttocks; weakness or a loss of balance and a decreased endurance for physical activities.

"Most patients can relieve their pain by sitting, bending over, leaning forward or lying down," said spine surgeon Ardavan Aslie, M.D. "That’s because these different positions relieve pressure on the nerves. However, the pain infringes on their quality of life."

"On a scale of one to 10, my pain was a 10," said Colusa resident Virginia Hopkins. "The pain interfered with all of my activities and I had to stop my favorite pastimes of gardening and swimming."

Hopkins experienced back pain for several years and tried many treatments to help relieve the pain. Nearly bedridden Hopkins underwent the implant surgery. "I’m glad I had the surgery," she said. "It was quick and went very well, and I experienced relief right away. I even went home the same day."

Non-surgical treatments include medications such as non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce swelling and pain; corticosteroid injections to reduce swelling and treat pain that radiates to the hips or down the leg; rest or restricted activity and physical therapy or exercises to help stabilize the spine, build endurance and increase flexibility.

However, when non-surgical treatments stop providing pain relief, surgery may be required. Traditional surgery for severe cases of stenosis consists of a decompressive laminectory, in which bone parts of the vertebrae and/or thickened tissue, that is narrowing the spinal canal and squeezing the spinal cord and nerves, are surgically removed. In some cases a spinal fusion may also be done at the same time to help stabilize the spine.

"The implant procedure is much easier for the patient," said Dr. Aslie. "It’s one of the easiest spine procedures that a patient can have."

The implant procedure, which is done on an out-patient basis, uses local anesthesia. The surgeon makes a small incision in the skin of the back and using X-ray guidance inserts the implant. The implant acts as a wedge to keep the vertebrae away from the nerves. The implant is designed to remain safely and permanently in place without attaching to the bone or ligaments in the back.This surgery typically takes 45 to 90 minutes.

"While the implant procedure is not for everyone—it is strictly for mild stenosis sufferers—it is a great alternative to the traditional surgery," said Dr. Aslie. "Patients experience immediate pain relief."