1. Available Minimally Invasive Spine
Surgery Procedures

2. One of the most exciting advances in modern medicine has
been the advent of minimally invasive spine surgery
procedures. Traditionally, if a person needed to spine surgery
to address a degenerative spine condition, such as a herniated
disc, facet disease, spondylolisthesis, or spinal stenosis, the
only real option was intrusive open spine surgery. While these
surgical procedures still have their utility and are
recommended in certain instances, there are also minimally
invasive alternatives that are used to treat many of the same
spinal conditions. For selected individuals, these treatments
are preferable because they are conducted on an outpatient
basis and don’t come with as many of the inherent risks and
limitations that are associated with major surgery.

3. The Purpose of Minimally Invasive
Spine Surgery
Minimally invasive spine procedures take advantage of advancements
in the same endoscopic technologies that have revolutionized knee
surgery. Where open spine surgery usually results in the permanent
loss of mobility – in exchange for permanent stability – endoscopic
procedures are designed to make small changes in order to alleviate
pain. For instance, if an individual suffers from chronic back pain as a
result of a herniated intervertebral disc, an endoscopic procedure
might remove the herniated disc material that is causing the
compression, rather than completely excising the disc itself. Yet, it is
also important to understand that not everyone will be a candidate for
minimally invasive spine surgery procedures. In instances where the
spine has severely deteriorated and the overall stability and structural
integrity of the spinal column is at risk, fusion surgery will be required.
That said, endoscopic procedures provide a compelling alternative for
a select, qualified segment of the population.

4. The Purpose of Spinal Fusion
The most common open spine surgery is known as spinal fusion.
During this operation, the patient is admitted into the hospital and
placed under general anesthesia. Once the patient is sedated, the
surgeon makes a large incision in the neck or back, muscles, ligaments,
and tendons are incised, and access to the spinal column is achieved.
Once in position, the intervertebral disc that separates adjacent
vertebra is carefully removed and usually replaced with a graft. The
spinal column is stabilized with surgical hardware, including rods or
screws, and movement at that level of the spine is permanently
inhibited.
As you can tell, this is major spine surgery that will require significant
recovery and rehabilitation to get back to full strength. Furthermore,
you need to consider the risks associated with this type of procedure,
namely Failed Back Surgery Syndrome, the chance of infection,
hemorrhaging, and other limitations.

5. Surgery Isn’t Always the Answer
It should also be noted that even
as minimally invasive spine
surgery procedures have grown in
popularity, spine surgery isn’t
always the only option. In most
cases, the symptoms of spinal
degeneration can be sufficiently
managed with a regimen of
conservative, noninvasive
techniques. The use of
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs, physical therapy, and
hot/cold therapy are usually
effective means of managing
chronic back or neck pain.

6. Other Options
Additionally, many individuals turn to alternative or complementary
medicine in lieu of surgery. While the overall efficacy of acupuncture,
aromatherapy, and other similar methodologies is somewhat uncertain
within the medical community, many individuals are emphatic that
these techniques are especially helpful.
The important thing is to do your homework and research all of the
treatment options available to you and never self-diagnose. A medical
professional can help you develop a treatment plan that affords you
the best chance at overcoming your discomfort. And, if surgery is
thought to be your only option, research both minimally invasive and
open spine surgery to ensure that you are taking the right approach to
your condition.