Generally, spine surgery (or any other kind of surgery) is never ideal since it presents several risks. Fortunately, thanks to the advancements in the world of technology, there are now various minimally invasive options for spinal surgery. Minimally invasive spine surgery is a popular option among patients because of the many benefits and fewer risks involved. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of Spinal Fusion over traditional spine surgery.
What is Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery?
Minimally invasive spinal surgery basically entails your surgeon performing spinal surgery by making two very small incisions instead of one huge, open incision on your back. At the University Pain Medicine Center, our well-trained physicians often use cutting-edge surgical instruments placed in narrow tubes that easily fit through the tiny incisions made during surgery. The endoscope, one of these instruments, has a camera and lighting that transfers enlarged images of your spine to a monitor.
Examples of Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery
At the University Pain Medicine Center, our team of experienced physicians provides a wide array of minimally invasive spinal surgery procedures including:
- Spinal fusion surgery
- Radiofrequency neurotomy
- Foraminotomy
- Surgical implantation of intrathecal pumps
- Lumbar discectomy and microdiscectomy
- Surgical implantation of spinal cord stimulators
- Cervical discectomy and microdiscectomy
- Percutaneous laser discectomy
- Balloon vertebroplasty (Kyphoplasty)
Furthermore, these procedures can be used to treat several neck and back conditions, such as compressed spinal nerves, kyphosis, failed back surgery, herniated disc, and degenerative disc disease.
Why Should You Opt for Minimally Invasive Surgery?
Below are some of the key benefits of minimally invasive spine surgery:
1. Fewer Risks
Unlike traditional surgery, minimally invasive surgery is a low risk due to the use of tiny incisions in place of large openings made on your neck and back. With limited intrusion, blood loss is low, the risk of infection is greatly reduced, and the occurrence of muscle damage is drastically low. Minimally invasive surgeries also use less amount of anesthesia, which lowers the risk of anesthesia-related issues during surgery and recovery.
2. Faster Recovery
Compared to traditional surgery, most of the minimally invasive surgeries can be performed outpatient with minimal downtime. This contributes to a less restrictive recovery, due to the familiarity of the immediate environment.
3. Aesthetically Pleasing Results
In addition to the evident health benefits, minimally invasive surgery is a favorite procedure due to its cosmetic benefits. Minimally invasive spine surgery leaves little to no scarring, hence an ideal option for people who are worried about developing multiple scars on their bodies after a surgical procedure.
4. Less Pain
Most traditional surgeries are associated with tremendous pain, but with minimally invasive surgeries, less pain is involved since tiny incisions are made, and there is minimal muscle damage.
Conclusion
Are you still experiencing neck or back pain despite receiving conservative medical treatment? Then you should consider consulting our experienced physicians at the University Pain Medicine Center. With their wealth of experience in performing minimally invasive procedures, you will be guaranteed a fast recovery and an effective solution to your chronic pain. You can book a consultation online or call our office in Somerset, Monroe Township, Englewood Cliffs, Freehold, or Clark, New Jersey.