Advanced Pain Management & Spine Specialists

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/

02/26/2026

Often, chronic pain doesn’t just affect individuals; it affects the lives of whole families.

For loved ones, it can add greatly to daily schedules, energy levels and even the emotional well-being of everyone involved.

When open surgery is anticipated, common concerns are:
- Perception that treatment will be costly
- Fear that surgery will not work, and even worsen the problem
- Concerns of lengthy recovery time
- Feelings of job insecurity
- Being consigned to living in a debilitated state

When long periods of chronic pain lead to states of depression and feelings of “gloom and doom,” we may be able to turn things around through outpatient, minimally invasive pain management procedures. These can provide significant or total relief of pain with long term or even lasting results.

When is the last time you sought out the latest options for your pain?

If you haven’t investigated your options to minimize or eliminate your pain - without the need for open surgery - you may be uplifted by the vast array of advanced, safe and successful methods that are appropriate for your needs.

Begin by Advanced Pain Management & Spine Specialists calling 239-437-8000 for an appointment. Also, visit our website to learn more:
https://www.apmss.net/

02/24/2026

For people who live with chronic, debilitating pain that does not respond to conservative treatment or advanced minimally invasive options, a Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS) may be advised.

Spinal cord stimulation is a safe and effective means of blocking pain signals to the brain. Thus, the patient is able to resume life doing day-to-day tasks, taking walks and sleeping comfortably.

An SCS unit is a more aggressive approach designed to pain relief. It targets and improves communication between specific cells within the spinal cord, allowing for a higher level of pain control.

The newer SCS device used by Advanced Pain Management & Spine Specialists helps eliminate the tingling or pins-&-needles sensations associated with prior versions. Implantation occurs through one small incision.

Spinal cord stimulators may also be used to treat or manage:

• Back pain, including that related to Failed Back Surgery Syndrome
• Post-surgical pain
• Nerve-related pain
• Injuries to the spinal cord
• Arachnoiditis (a membrane that covers the brain and spinal cord)
• Peripheral vascular disease
• Complex regional pain syndrome
• Post amputation pain

Through an SCS device, the patient is able to resume life doing day-to-day tasks, taking walks and sleeping comfortably.

If you feel doomed to living with miserable pain, SCS may be a successful option. Call APMSS at 239-437-8000 or visit:

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

02/19/2026

LONG TERM PAIN RELIEF FOR THOSE WISHING TO AVOID OPEN SURGERY

For some patients a combination of procedures is the best course of treatment.

In this brief video, Dr. Jonathan S. Daitch chats with a patient after having the InSpan procedure and Facet Fuse at her two-week follow-up appointment.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQN7R5HpgL0

Sharon had low back that extended into her groin and down her leg. Dr. Daitch discussed two procedures to help her avoid invasive back fusion surgery and its lengthy recovery time.

• INSPAN is a minimally invasive option that combines nerve decompression with stabilization for long-term relief of back and leg pain. Performed through a small incision in the lower back, the INSPAN implant is securely anchored between the offending discs to create space and relieve nerve compression.

• FACETFUSE® provides stabilization and pain relief in a minimally invasive procedure that is unlike traditional multilevel “rods and screws fusion." An effective alternative to open surgery for traditional spinal fusion, FacetFuse offers shorter recovery times, fewer complications, and a quicker return to daily life.

Dr. Daitch has a widespread reputation for offering some of the most progressive techniques and technology in today's pain management field. Through proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning, he is often able to help patients enjoy long term relief or possible elimination of acute and chronic pain - without the rigors of open surgery.

Begin by calling 239-437-8000 for an appointment.

You can also learn more about the extensive selection of Advanced Pain Management & Spine Specialists' treatment options at:
https://www.apmss.net/treatments/

02/13/2026

Time to recognize all the sweethearts! And that's YOU!

02/10/2026

CHRONIC BACK PAIN

When conservative measures fail to provide a desirable level of comfort, procedures such as Intracept® are often the answer to long-term relief.

Through a minimally-invasive, non-implant procedure, Intracept® safely blocks pain signals causing chronic back pain.

Once blocked through the Intercept® procedure, this nerve does not grow back, leading to long term pain relief.

For people who prefer to avoid open surgery or continue with repetitive pain management treatments, Advanced Pain Management & Spine Specialists offers some of the most advanced options available in southwest Florida.

Learn more about the Intracept® procedure at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URqO8FCn0Hw

And hear a patient of Dr. Daitch’s share her experience at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pFhiJs-U2Q&t=22s

02/05/2026

HAVE YOU LOST HOPE OF EVER HAVING A LIFE WITHOUT PAIN?

At Advanced Pain Management & Spine Specialists, we often see patients who've endured painful conditions for years - and even decades. Many felt there was no hope, some being told the only solution was open surgery.

Add to this the experiences shared by others of failed surgeries, some that even made their problems worse.

Have you avoided seeking an updated opinion on progressive options that may minimize or eliminate your pain? Then PLEASE reconsider your options.

Through accurate diagnosis and targeted outpatient procedures, many of our patients are able to live lives of comfort and restored mobility.

The majority of today’s pain management procedures are performed through incisions of less than1-inch and in less than an hour. Recoveries are quick, some providing immediate relief.

Your life of pain may be changed in a matter of a few days to a few weeks — without open surgery or lengthy recovery times.

We believe no one has a hopeless situation. Make this the year you are open to the possibilities of life-changing options you may have been unaware were available.

Begin by calling 239-437-8000 to arrange an examination. And, visit our web site to learn more about our immense array of progressive treatment options.
https://www.apmss.net/

01/30/2026

The SACROILIAC (SI) JOINTS link the pelvis and lower spine. These joints support the weight of the upper body when standing.

When the SI joints become inflamed, commonly caused by osteoarthritis or trauma from an accident or injury. Typical symptoms are:

• A persistent dull ache in the lower back, buttock, or groin.
• A sharp or stabbing pain that occurs suddenly, often with movement.
• Feeling weakness or imbalance in the hips or legs.
• A burning sensation in the pelvis or lower back.
• Pain that travels from the buttock down the back of the thigh or into the leg.
• Tightness in the lower back or hips, particularly in the morning or after inactivity.
• Difficulty going from a sitting position to standing.

At Advanced Pain Management & Spine Specialists, treatment for SI joint pain may include:

- Sacroiliac Injection – Steroid and local anesthetic are injected to diagnose and alleviate the pain.

- Sacroiliac (SI) Fusion – For long-term relief of pain emanating from the SI joints, SI Fusion is a minimally-invasive procedure performed in about 20 minutes with an incision that is less than an inch. Most patients experience marked relief in the first week with full anticipated relief in 2 – 3 months.

If you are experiencing the symptoms listed above, call 239-437-8000 for an examination. At Advanced Pain Management & Spine Specialists, board certified interventional pain management physician Jonathan S. Daitch, MD is known for accurate diagnosis and treatment recommendations that can eliminate or greatly minimize many painful conditions.

01/27/2026

Dr. Daitch's "GOOD TO KNOW" on Shingles