Interspinous Spacers

Even the most mild back or neck pain can stop a person from being able to perform their intended daily functions. So when that back or neck pain turns into chronic pain, quality of life becomes drastically altered. Back pain itself can be problematic to treat, but when it comes to spinal stenosis, it can become even more difficult. Thankfully interspinous spacers have proven helpful in helping patients who suffer from a narrowing of the spinal canal finally find relief. The Nevada Advanced Pain Specialists in the Reno, Sparks and Carson City areas are capable of both properly diagnosing and treating pain related to spinal stenosis with the goal to finally provide their family of patients with necessary pain relief. 

What are Interspinous Spacers?

As the name might imply, an interspinous spacer is just that: a spacer. These spacers are small devices that are placed between the spinous processes of the vertebrae in the lower spine to treat spinal stenosis. Spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal canal narrows, which compresses and places pressure on the nerves in the spine. Not only does this cause feelings of pain, it can also lead to numbness, tingling and even muscle weakness that could intensify with time and lack of treatment.  

The spinous process is a small, wing-like projection of bone that extends outward from each vertebrae in the spine. The interspinous spacers increase the space between each spinous process, thereby relieving the pressure that has been placed on the nerves and the pain associated with that pressure. 

What is Spinal Stenosis?

Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of one or more spaces in your spinal canal. The spinal canal contains your spinal cord and runs through each vertebrae in your back. Less space in the canal than anatomically intended can lead to pressure and irritation on the spinal cord and the nerve roots, which are the nerves that branch off of the spinal cord. This leads to back and neck pain, as well as other nerve issues, such as sciatica. While spinal stenosis can affect anyone, it is most often seen in people who are 50 years old or older who suffer from degenerative changes in the spine. 

Spinal stenosis most commonly affects two areas of the spine, which are: 

• The lower back: known as lumbar spinal stenosis, the lumbar spine consists of five vertebrae in the lower back, which are also the largest in the spine
• The neck: known as cervical spinal stenosis, this form of spinal stenosis affects the seven vertebrae in the neck

There are two main groups of spinal stenosis, which are acquired (developing after birth), or congenital (from birth). While it is possible to be born with a narrowed spinal canal, the most common cause of spinal stenosis is osteoarthritis, which is a “wear and tear” arthritis that causes the cartilage in the joints to break down and the underlying bone structure to change. 

Additional reasons why a spinal canal might narrow include: 

• Herniated discs
• Thickened ligaments that can bulge into the spinal canal, often from arthritis
• Spinal fractures and injuries or trauma
• Abnormal spinal growths, cysts and tumors
• Surplus of bone growth or bone spurs

What Does Spinal Stenosis Feel Like?

Specific symptoms of spinal stenosis vary depending on where the narrowing occurs and the specific nerves that are affected. The most common symptoms include pain, weakness, numbness and tingling in the neck, back, arms, legs, hands or feet. Some patients describe the pain as a dull ache or that they have feelings of tenderness. Others report a stabbing or burning sensation. Pain can either be persistent or can come and go, depending on the activity and specific posture. 

Spinal stenosis can also lead to problems with walking and balance, as issues with the spine can lead to overall issues with the body’s posture and mobility (or lack thereof). In some extreme cases, patients might also experience an inability to control their bladder or bowel. 

What Does Interspinous Spacer Treatment Involve?

The placement of an interspinous spacer in a minimally-invasive and outpatient procedure that has proven to provide low back and neck pain for patients who have been diagnosed with spinal stenosis. In addition to providing pain relief, the major benefit of the spacer is that it requires no additional hardware to be implanted. This reduces the complications and risks associated with other surgical options, as well as preserves the spine’s natural function and structure. 

The best way to determine if an interspinous spacer is the best course of treatment is to partner with a pain management specialist who can accurately diagnose the specific cause of back or neck pain. With the help of imaging techniques, your provider will be able to assess the extent of the damage to the spine and where the placement of the spacers might prove to be most helpful. 

If deemed the best course of treatment, the patient will be scheduled for a quick outpatient procedure in the provider’s office, which means the patient is able to return home the same day. The entire procedure usually takes around 30 minutes and involves one small incision where the spacer is to be placed in between the targeted spinous processes. The spacer helps to keep the vertebrae apart, which allows for more space for the nerves to not be compressed and irritated. Because the spacer itself is the only device used, there is a lower risk of infection, better preservation of the function of the spinal column, and reduced chance of blood loss during the procedure, which makes it an overall safe option for patients with a lessened rehabilitative period. 

Patients are encouraged to rest for the next few days after treatment, and can expect to resume normal activity levels within a few weeks. It’s often recommended to take advantage of physical therapy options to improve muscle strength and flexibility during the healing process. 

If you are suffering from spinal stenosis and the chronic back and neck pain associated with the condition, we’d love to help you find the relief you need. Please schedule an appointment today with the Nevada Advanced Pain Specialists in the Reno, Sparks and Carson City areas so that we may accurately determine the best course of treatment that will help to improve your quality of life.