The human spine is one of the core structural components of the body. The spine not only provides structure but also contains nerve fibers that provide the body with reflexive action – the body’s instantaneous reaction mechanism.
Due to the sedentary lifestyle of the modern age, the human spine develops a plethora of issues that can cause severe pain and discomfort while sitting or even walking. To alleviate these issues, an orthopedic doctor might suggest a minimally invasive spine surgery.
What Is Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?
Minimally invasive spine surgery is a surgical procedure that was developed in the 1980s to treat back and neck injuries with fewer disruptions to the muscles for faster recovery times. The procedure has been through rapid advances in techniques, equipment, and safety throughout the years.
It is usually done to alleviate problems such as degenerative disc disease, disc herniation, fractures, tumors, infections, and deformities. The new process also allows for surgery to be done on patients who were considered vulnerable due to past medical records or failing health.
What Are the Benefits of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?
Minimally invasive spine surgery has a large number of potential benefits. A few examples of these are:
- Smaller skin incisions – Smaller skin incisions provide less post-surgical marks and heal much faster than traditional incisions.
- Minimal blood loss – Most surgical procedures have a certain probability of blood loss. Due to the use of smaller incisions, minimal amounts of blood may leak, thereby reducing the chance of acute blood loss.
- Minimal muscle damage – Traditional open-ended surgeries had the probability of muscle damage, due to the muscles being cut on the back. The muscles attached around the spine are some of the most delicate muscles that take nearly the entire weight of the head and the torso while standing upright.
- Less discomfort after the operation – Since minimally invasive spine surgeries have a small incision, the body will have a much more pleasant reaction, and hence the discomfort felt is significantly less when compared to other procedures. In addition to less discomfort, you’ll also have less need for any pain medications.
What Are the Spinal Issues That Can Be Treated by Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery?
Advancements to minimally invasive spinal surgery are being made every day with improved techniques and equipment. Some of the most common spinal issues can be treated with minimally invasive spinal surgeries such as:
Discectomy
Discectomy is the surgical treatment of a herniated spinal cord. The spine contains spinal discs within an elastic ring that are soft cushion-like material to protect the bones of the vertebrae. If these rings become weak, the soft tissue can extrude of these rings, compressing the nerves around the disc to cause pain.
If surgery is recommended, the process can be done by a minimally invasive procedure, using an endoscope coupled with a tubular dilator.
Spinal Decompression
Spinal decompression is the narrowing of the vertebral column, a common condition caused by the onset of old age, which puts pressure on the nerves, causing pain, muscle weakness and a feeling of numbness. Using the minimally invasive spinal surgical procedure, bone and soft tissue can be easily removed using tubular dilators and an endoscope.
For Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery, it is best to consult a doctor who will be able to tell you whether your specific problem requires the traditional open-view surgery or the modern minimally invasive one. Do keep in mind that certain ailments cannot be treated with this procedure, and it is best to follow the doctor’s prescribed mode of surgery.
Contact Our Office
Having excessive back pain can ruin every aspect of your daily life. If you have experienced pain in your back or neck that won’t go away, you should contact our office today. Dr. Kevin James, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, will assess your body and develop a plan to help you find relief.
