If you’re dealing with chronic back pain, you probably remember the first day it hit. At this point, you may worry that you’ll never experience a day without that pain. Minimally invasive back surgery may be just what you need. Let’s explore the five reasons you should consider minimally invasive spine surgery.

 

Reasons You Should Consider Minimally Invasive Back Surgery

 

1. Remove Your Chronic Back Pain for Good

This is the best and most obvious way minimally invasive spine surgery can change your life. Procedures like minimally invasive discectomy, minimally invasive laminectomy, and minimally invasive spinal fusions are performed through very small incisions; Some of them don’t even require sutures, or hospitalization, for that matter. The tiny incisions, the shorter procedures, and the reduced blood loss can make these types of procedures easier to tolerate. Allow yourself a path to a pain-free life faster than you may have imagined.

 

2. Provide A Quicker Recovery

Speaking of the quick recovery, “As opposed to open spine surgery, minimally invasive surgical approaches can be faster, safer and require less recovery time,” said the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS). “Because of the reduced trauma to the muscles and soft tissues (compared to open procedures),” the potential benefits include: “Better cosmetic results; reduced risk of muscle damage, since less or no cutting of the muscle is required; reduced risk of infection and postoperative pain; and diminished reliance on pain medications after surgery. Also, some MIS surgeries are performed as outpatient procedures and utilize only local anesthesia—so there is less risk for an adverse reaction to general anesthesia.”

 

3. Restore Doctor Patient Trust

The doctor-patient relationship is critical. Listen to your gut when meeting with potential surgeons, and don’t forget to get a second opinion. Spinal centers like DISC Spine Institute will often do a free MRI review. Pick the right doctor and you’ll be amazed how satisfying the experience can be. It’s not just about the results, although that’s the most important thing. It’s also about how you feel along the way. In some places, you may be treated like a number or even pushed into a surgical procedure you’re not comfortable with—remember that the majority of surgeons today still ONLY do open or traditional procedures because they lack training in minimally invasive spinal surgery. If that sounds like what you’re dealing with—or what you’d like to avoid—remember that you have options.

If surgery is needed, it’s important to choose a surgeon who is qualified to do the type of procedure you want. The pros at DISC Spine Institute have a unique skill set that is shared by only a small percentage of spine surgeons. In fact, only 10 percent of today’s spine surgeons have the specialized experience and technical skill to perform minimally invasive procedures like kyphoplasty, direct lateral minimally invasive anterior fusion (XLIF), and minimally invasive endoscopic lumbar fusion (TLIF).

 

4. Improve Your Quality of Life

The possibility of getting back to an active life that includes favorite pastimes is what drives many people toward minimally invasive back surgery. It’s true that, for some, a more conservative route can fix the problem and provide relief, but others need to move to the next step. There are many variables at play in determining when and if minimally invasive surgery is needed, and what that recovery will look like, including the age, overall health, and fitness level of the patient, the type of injury or disorder, and how involved the recommended surgical procedure is. The first step is talking to a surgeon you can trust, who can lead you in the right direction.

 

5. Improve Your Future Outlook

Your back pain may have stalled your plans and dreams, but once it’s gone, it’s “Hello freedom!” Go back to school, get a new job, start a new hobby, or simply get back to the things you love with new gusto. Without that nagging chronic pain holding you back, you get to enjoy life again. Start a new career, start a new family, go back to school, the sky’s the limit!

 

Ready for Minimally Invasive Back Surgery?

Today’s minimally invasive procedures include outpatient treatments and easier surgical treatments with small incisions and a quicker recovery time instead of a long hospital stay. When you are ready to seek treatment for your chronic back pain or if you are looking for more information about minimally invasive spine surgery, contact the DISC Spine Institute, experts in minimally invasive procedures, the most effective medical treatments to treat and eliminate chronic back pain.