Back pain can be really debilitating and make it hard to do daily activities. If you deal with this kind of pain, you know how tough it can be.
Fortunately, there’s a new way to help with back pain called minimally invasive spine surgery. This modern surgery can relieve back pain without the long recovery time and complications of traditional surgery.
In this blog, we’ll talk about what this surgery is, how it works, and why it could be the right choice for your back pain.
What is Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?
Minimally invasive spinal surgery (MISS) is a new way to fix spine problems using smaller incisions. Unlike traditional spine surgery that requires big incisions and a lot of muscle cutting, MISS tries to keep tissue damage to a minimum.
Spine doctors use special tools to reach the spine without hurting the muscles around it too much. This means you can get better faster and have less pain after the surgery.
Benefits of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
There are many good things about MISS compared to regular spine surgery. The smaller incisions mean you lose less blood during the surgery. You also have less pain and discomfort afterward, so you can start moving around and doing daily activities sooner.
Plus, the chance of getting an infection or other problems is much lower with MISS, making it safer for many people.
How Does Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery Work?
Understanding how minimally invasive spinal surgery (MISS) works can help you feel less worried before the procedure.
Getting Ready for Surgery
Before the surgery, your spine doctor will check to make sure you can have MISS. This might include taking pictures of your spine using MRI or CT scans to see exactly where the problem is. You’ll also talk about your medical history, any medicines you take, and any allergies you have.
During the Surgery
During the surgery, the spine doctor makes one or more small cuts near the problem area of your spine. They use special tools, including a small tube and a camera.
The tube makes a tiny tunnel so the spine surgeon can reach your spine, and the camera lets them see what they are doing on a screen.
The surgeon uses these tools to fix or remove the damaged parts of your spine. Once they’re done, they take out the tools and close the cuts with stitches or medical glue.
The whole process usually takes less time than traditional surgery, so you won’t need to be asleep for as long.
Recovering After Surgery
Recovery after minimally invasive spinal surgery is usually faster and less painful than traditional spine surgery. Most people can go home the same day or within 24 hours of MISS.
You’ll get instructions on how to care for your cuts, manage pain, and slowly get back to your normal activities. Physical therapy might be suggested to help make your back stronger and improve your movement.
Common Conditions Treated with Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery
Minimally invasive spinal surgery (MISS) can help fix various spine problems. Here are some common issues that can be treated with MISS:
Herniated Discs
A herniated disc happens when the soft inside part of a spinal disc pushes through a tear in the outer layer, causing pain. MISS can remove the part that’s sticking out, which takes the pressure off the nerves and reduces pain.
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is when the spinal canal gets too narrow, squeezing the spinal cord and nerves. Minimally invasive spinal surgery can make the spinal canal wider again, which helps reduce pain and improve movement.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative disc disease is when the spinal discs lose their cushioning over time, leading to pain and stiffness. Minimally invasive spine surgery can help by removing or fixing damaged discs, making the spine more stable.
Scoliosis
Scoliosis is when the spine curves abnormally, causing pain and discomfort. MISS can straighten the spine and make it more stable, reducing pain and improving alignment.
The Role of Technology in MISS
Technology has greatly improved the success of minimally invasive spinal surgery. Here are some important technological advancements that have made MISS possible:
Advanced Imaging Techniques
High-resolution imaging techniques like MRI and CT scans help doctors accurately diagnose spine problems and plan the surgery. These images give a detailed view of the spine, helping surgeons target the problem areas and avoid damaging other tissues.
Endoscopic Equipment
Endoscopic equipment, such as tubular retractors and endoscopes, allows surgeons to perform complex spine surgeries through small cuts. The endoscope provides a clear view of the surgery area, helping surgeons work precisely and reduce complications.
Robotic-Assisted Surgery
Robotic-assisted surgery is another important advancement in MISS. Robotic systems, like the da Vinci Surgical System, give surgeons greater precision and control during surgery.
This technology helps doctors perform complex tasks more accurately, leading to better results and quicker recovery times.
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery in Aurora, Colorado
Are you tired of living with chronic back pain? Minimally invasive spinal surgery at Front Range Spine and Neurosurgery could be the solution you’ve been looking for. Our team of expert surgeons is dedicated to providing personalized, cutting-edge spine care to help you reclaim your life.
For more information about minimally invasive spine surgery or to schedule a consultation with our spine surgeon, call our staff today at (303) 790-1800 or use our simple request form to arrange a consultation. We look forward to serving you!
