Advanced Pain Management & Spine Specialists

04/27/2026

Living with back pain can be miserable and debilitating.

Rather than rely on pills that only mask the pain, resolve it - without surgery!

Check out the many options available through Advanced Pain Management & Spine Specialists.

https://www.apmss.net/treatments/

04/22/2026

Older adults experiencing osteoporosis are at risk for developing Lumbar Spinal Stenosis (LSS).LSS is a narrowing of the spinal canal that compresses nerves that run through the lower back and into (typically) one leg. This can cause:

• Pain, weakness or numbness in the legs, calves or buttocks • Cramping in the calves with walking, requiring frequent short rests• Pain radiating into one or both thighs and legs, similar to sciatica• Pain relief when bending forward, sitting or lying down If the effectiveness of injections wanes, an option for long term relief, for many LSS sufferers, is MILD.

MILD® (Minimally-Invasive Lumbar Decompression) is an outpatient procedure that has provided long-term results. It relieves pressure in the spinal canal by removing excess ligament tissue through an incision that is less than 1-inch.

In a 30-minute procedure, results can provide:
- Reduction in pain - Restored mobility - Increased standing time of up to an hour - Increased walking distance

At Advanced Pain Management & Spine Specialists, interventional pain management physician Jonathan S. Daitch, MD provides access to some of SW Florida’s most advanced technology in the country.Call 239-437-8000 to learn more. Or, visit: https://www.apmss.net/treatments/

You are also invited to hear one MILD patient share his experience at:
https://youtu.be/I0oNh_7HFhA?si=THBSp2PXFDH1AD2w

7 likes. "Dr. Daitch discusses MILD results with patient"

04/16/2026

Interventional pain management physician JONATHAN S. DAITCH, MD is a well-known speaker in the medical community, especially on topics related to new technologies and advancements in pain management.

On May 9, Dr. Daitch will participate in a roundtable on Spinal Cord Stimulation, which will take place in Charlotte NC. The session is being held by Boston Scientific, a major medical innovator and manufacturer of advanced medical solutions, including Facet Fuse®. Facet Fuse® offers a less disruptive alternative to spinal fusion surgery, providing effective stabilization and pain relief with a faster return to normal activities.

Additionally, Dr. Daitch will be speaking on minimally invasive spine applications using recent cases to illustrate these. This will be held on June 24 by KIC Ventures, a progressive company developing new products and technology. Dr. Daitch is recognized by KIC Ventures as a Key Opinion Leader.

04/09/2026

Dr. Daitch's "GOOD TO KNOW"

WHEN SCIATICA ISN’T REALLY SCIATICA

Most adults assume that any pain that radiates down the back of the leg is sciatica, or nerve root pain. However, many conditions can mimic nerve-related pain, causing pain down the leg. These conditions are called pseudo-sciatica (false sciatica).

Most cases of true sciatica come from nerve root irritation that originates in the spine. It can result from a herniated disk, or from a disk that merely bulges or protrudes. It can also be caused by nerve root irritation from age-related narrowing of the spinal canal, or “spinal stenosis”.

If the pain is not true sciatica, what conditions can so closely duplicate this leg or back pain? Pseudo-sciatica conditions are most often related to pain originating in specific joints, muscles and ligaments, as well as hip arthritis, sciatic nerve irritation, and inflammation associated with bursitis.

A common culprit that often mimics sciatica is Sacroiliac pain. The sacroiliac joint attaches the pelvis to the spine. While pain from this joint typically radiates into the buttock and low back, it can also send pain into the hamstring, leg, foot, and groin. Those who suffer from this pain often sit to one side to take pressure off the sacroiliac joint.

Sacroiliac pain can be aggravated by hip problems on the opposite side, a short leg, or after low-back fusion surgery. This pain usually resolves with treatment of steroid injections to the affected joint combined with physical therapy. In some cases, the joint must be denervated or fused for complete relief.

Spasm or shortening of one particular buttock muscle is known as Piriformis syndrome. This condition is often associated with sacroiliac pain. The shortened piriformis muscle often irritates the sciatic nerve, sending pain down the leg along the path of the sciatic nerve.

Treatment consists of injections of Botox (botulinum toxin) to relax the muscle irritating the sciatic nerve as well as physical therapy to reverse the shortening.

Also similar to sciatica pain is pain from hip joint arthritis, which may be accompanied by a limp. Usually located in the groin, it can involve the buttock muscle and run down the side of the leg.

Treatment may consist of anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy. Steroid injections can be helpful, with joint replacement necessary in severe conditions.

Then, there are those who experience pain over the upper lateral thigh and find it painful to sleep on the affected side. This often indicates a form of hip bursitis that sends pain down the side of the leg. The inflammation from bursitis often responds well to injections of steroid into the affected hip area.

Finally, hip, buttock, and low back muscles can cause radiation of pain into the leg and buttocks. This is known as myofascial pain and can be diagnosed by careful examination. It also responds well to injections and physical therapy.

If you have been diagnosed with sciatica and have not improved from the usual treatment of epidural injections or surgery, it is possible you have one of these pseudosciatica conditions as the actual cause of your pain.

An evaluation by a pain management physician to analyze your pain source could be the first step in achieving complete relief.

Arrange an appointment with one of our Board Certified pain management physicians by calling 239-437-8000. Or, learn more by visiting:
https://www.apmss.net/

04/06/2026

Feeling doomed to needing open surgery for a HERNIATED DISC?

Good news! Major surgery is not always required for relief of pain caused by a herniated disc. A highly effective alternative to eliminate associated back or leg pain is DISC FX.

Spinal discs are shock absorbers to protect the vertebrae. Because of injury or age, the outer layer (annulus) and inner section (nucleus) can be damaged, leading to what’s known as a protruding or herniated disc.

Up to 50% of low back pain can be due to damaged discs with tears or protrusions.

Rather than endure the rigors of major surgery, Advanced Pain Management & Spine Specialists offers the outpatient DISC FX procedure to restore comfort and mobility. This minimally invasive option takes only 20-30 minutes to decompress the disc and seal tears.

An incision of only 1-inch is made on the side of the lower back. Going through mainly soft tissue, the procedure does not involve cutting any bone or muscles. No staples or stitches are placed internally.

To determine if you are a candidate, call 239-437-8000 to schedule an initial appointment. You are also invited to learn more by visiting:
https://www.apmss.net/

A brochure on the DISC FX procedure is also available at:
https://www.elliquence.com/.../Patient-Brochure-Single

04/03/2026

04/02/2026

Dr. Daitch's "GOOD TO KNOW"

RADIOFREQUENCY ABLATION
Pain caused by the friction of spinal joints rubbing together can lead to a severe, deep ache that worsens with standing, walking, bending or leaning backwards. Twisting, lifting, or performing everyday tasks can further aggravate the pain.

Typically age-related, this pain occurs when the soft tissues between the spinal joints thins, causing them to wear down. When conservative measures fail to provide adequate relief, RADIOFREQUENCY ABLATION may be recommended.

RADIOFREQUENCY ABLATION essentially “short circuits” the offending joint’s nerve. About 80% of patients experience pain relief for up to 2 years. And, the procedure can be repeated if the pain returns.

Get back to an active, comfortable life. Call 239-437-8000 for an appointment or learn more at: https://www.apmss.net/treatments/

03/26/2026

With age, SPINAL DEGENERATION can lead to conditions like spinal stenosis, causing spine slippage and instability. This can result in:
• chronic back pain
• sciatic leg discomfort
• difficulty standing
• very limited walking distance

For those seeking relief, facing a highly invasive hospital surgery (like a multilevel laminectomy or pedicle screw fusion) can disrupt normal spinal anatomy and require lengthy recovery.

A possible alternative?

INSPAN® is a minimally invasive procedure that combines nerve decompression with stabilization for long-term relief of back and leg pain.

It requires only a small incision and creates space to relieve nerve compression while preventing abnormal vertebral motion. The procedure takes about 30 minutes while the patient relaxes in a “twilight sleep” sedation. Most patients experience pain relief within days and can resume light activities soon after.

To learn more about INSPAN®, call Advanced Pain Management & Spine Specialists at 239-437-8000 or visit:

Advanced Pain Management & Spine Specialists in Ft Myers the first pain medicine/pain management clinic in SW Florida.

03/17/2026

Has spinal stenosis decreased your quality of life?

Deterioration of the lumbar spine can cause:
- Limited ability to walk or stand
- Leg and/or buttock pain
- Leg cramps or spasms
- Needing to sleep in a fetal position or in a recliner

Through a minimally invasive procedure offered at Advanced Pain Management & Spine Specialists (APMSS), board certified interventional pain management physician JONATHAN S. DAITCH, MD is able to relieve the associated discomfort and restore people to a higher quality of life.

Through a 1-inch incision in the lower back, the MINUTEMAN procedure is performed in about 30-45 minutes while the patient is sedated in a “twilight sleep” state.

The outpatient procedure, performed in the ASC accredited Park Center for Procedures (located on the APMSS first level) does not involve cutting through any muscles or bone. Thus, recovery is more comfortable and shorter.

MINUTEMAN decompresses and stabilizes the spine through a permanent implant, which is removable if needed for further treatment.

For spinal stenosis patients who desire an outpatient procedure versus an open surgery and lengthy recovery time, MINUTEMAN is an excellent alternative for long term or even lasting relief.

Dr. Daitch and his team have performed nearly 200 of these procedures. He is the most experienced physician in Florida with the MINUTEMAN procedure.

Listen to Dr. Daitch discuss the MINUTEMAN procedure with one patient at his 2-week follow-up appointment at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=McUS4G8LE00&t=69s

Also, learn about the many options for relief of all types of acute and chronic pain at the APMSS Treatments page:
https://www.apmss.net/treatments/

In this brief video, Interventional Pain Management physician Jonathan S. Daitch, MD of Advanced Pain Management & Spine Specialists discusses the Minuteman ...

03/11/2026

When people with back pain hear the term “spinal fusion,” many cringe at its mere mention. Fusion of two vertebrae together does not always fully resolve back pain. Some who’ve had it say it even made things worse.

Traditional spinal fusion welds two or more vertebrae together to eliminate painful motion, correct deformities, or stabilize the spine. In most cases, it is performed for:
• Degenerative disc disease
• Spinal fractures, deformities (such as scoliosis), or certain tumors
• Spondylolisthesis

The surgery for spinal fusion is a major surgery, requiring a hospital stay and lengthy recovery time. Recovery can take 6–12 months with outcomes that aren’t always ideal. While success rates vary, it’s the invasive procedure and undependable outcomes that cause people to avoid proceeding, leaving the patient burdened with pain.

Methods and success rates have improved over the years, however. While some people are good candidates for spinal fusion, others may have other options - options that are less invasive and offer excellent outcome potential.

For those with chronic low back pain, spinal stenosis, or persistent sciatica, they may be excellent candidates for a procedure known as FacetFuse®.

With shorter recovery times, fewer complications, and a quicker return to daily life, FacetFuse® is redefining the way spinal fusion is performed.

The procedure takes less than an hour, performed under anesthesia. Through small incisions, one or two screws are placed to stabilize the spine.

Studies show that facet screws are equally as strong as 2 regular rods and 4 traditional spine screws. However, compared to regular rod and screw fusions, there is much less chance of adjacent segment spine deterioration years later.

After the FacetFuse® procedure, patients may have 7 - 10 days of moderate pain. A back brace is worn for the first six weeks with limitations on heavy lifting. However, patients are able to stand and walk more each day. Physical therapy begins after six weeks to restore muscle strength.

If you fear spinal fusion is your only option for back pain, call 239-437-8000 to schedule a consultation with one of our board certified Pain Physicians. Your journey toward relief through a minimally invasive procedure can begin soon!

Hear one patient’s journey to pain relief through FacetFuse® at her two week follow up appointment:

In this video, interventional pain management physician Jonathan S. Daitch, MD discusses the FacetFuse® procedure with a patient at her two-month follow-up a...

03/06/2026

Don't forget!

03/04/2026

If you are suffering with…

• Low back pain;
• Pain, weakness or numbness in the legs or buttocks;
• Cramping in the calves with walking, requiring frequent short rests;
• Pain radiating into one or both thighs and legs; and
• Pain relief when bending forward, sitting or lying down.

They may be caused by Lumbar Spinal Stenosis (LSS), which is typically the result of spinal structure bone loss due to osteoporosis.

In some cases, the pain management physicians at Advanced Pain Management & Spine Specialists are able to provide long term relief for patients through MILD® (Minimally-Invasive Lumbar Decompression).

MILD® is an outpatient procedure that is performed in about 30 minutes. It relieves pressure in the spinal canal by removing excess ligament tissue through an incision that is less than one inch.

Within a few days, patients:
- Have noticeably less pain
- Have more mobility
- Are able to comfortably stand up to an hour
- Can walk a much greater distance without

Learn more about the MILD® procedure! Call 239-437-8000. Also, listen to recovered patients of Dr. Jonathan S. Daitch’s through brief videos on the “Hear What Patients Say” column on our website’s Treatment page:

https://www.apmss.net/treatments/