What Is the LIFT Procedure?

Lateral Interspinous Fusion Therapy (LIFT) is a minimally invasive spinal stabilization procedure designed to relieve chronic lower back pain caused by spinal instability, degeneration, or nerve compression. The procedure involves placing a specialized implant between the spinous processes (the small bones at the back of the spine) to provide stability, reduce pressure on affected nerves, and promote natural fusion of the spinal segment. LIFT is typically recommended when conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, chiropractic care, or spinal injections have not provided lasting relief.

Conditions Treated with LIFT

LIFT may help patients suffering from:

  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Lumbar spinal stenosis
  • Spondylolisthesis (mild to moderate)
  • Chronic lower back pain due to instability
  • Facet joint degeneration
  • Recurrent disc problems
  • Nerve compression causing leg pain (sciatica)
  • By stabilizing the affected spinal segment, LIFT helps reduce abnormal motion, decrease inflammation, and relieve nerve pressure.

How the LIFT Procedure Works

  1. Comprehensive Evaluation
    Imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans are used to confirm spinal instability or nerve compression.

  2. Minimally Invasive Approach
    The procedure is performed through a small incision using advanced surgical techniques. Muscles and surrounding tissues are preserved as much as possible.

  3. Interspinous Implant Placement
    A specially designed implant is positioned between the spinous processes to create stabilization and maintain proper spinal alignment.

  4. Fusion and Healing
    Over time, the treated spinal segment naturally fuses, providing long-term stability and pain relief.

The procedure is typically performed in an outpatient or short-stay surgical setting.

Benefits of LIFT

  • Minimally invasive technique
  • Smaller incision and reduced tissue disruption
  • Faster recovery compared to traditional open fusion surgery
  • Improved spinal stability
  • Reduced nerve compression
  • Long-term pain relief
  • May prevent progression of spinal degeneration

Many patients experience improvement in leg pain and back pain after recovery and rehabilitation.

How the LIFT Procedure Works

Recovery varies depending on the individual and the severity of the condition. Most patients:

  • Walk the same day or shortly after surgery
  • Resume light activities within a few weeks
  • Begin guided physical therapy to strengthen supporting muscles

Full fusion and healing may take several months.

Is LIFT Right for You?

The LIFT procedure may be appropriate if:

  • You have chronic lower back pain caused by spinal instability
  • Imaging confirms degenerative changes or nerve compression
  • Conservative treatments have failed
  • You want a minimally invasive alternative to traditional spinal fusion

A thorough consultation and diagnostic evaluation will determine whether LIFT is the right treatment option for your condition.