Minimally Invasive Spine Procedures

What are minimally invasive spine procedures?

Minimally invasive spine procedures are minor surgical procedures that repair injuries or abnormalities in the spine to relieve chronic pain. The specialists at SamWell Institute for Pain Management offer state-of-the-art procedures that eliminate ruptured spinal discs or reduce pressure within your spine.

What are the benefits of minimally invasive spine procedures?

Some of the many benefits associated with minimally invasive surgery include:

• Smaller incisions
• Less pain
• Short recovery times
• Less scarring
• Lower risk of complications
• Less bleeding

Minimally invasive spine procedures can reduce pain in your neck, upper back, lower back, or legs if other pain-management treatments haven’t worked.

What are the different minimally invasive spine procedures?

If you experience back pain from a spine abnormality, ruptured disc, or pinched nerve, your pain specialist might recommend one of the following minimally invasive spine surgeries:

Endoscopic discectomy

Endoscopic discectomy is a procedure in which your provider removes herniated disc material from your spine using a tiny incision and a small endoscopic probe. 

Endoscopic rhizotomy

Endoscopic rhizotomy is a procedure that destroys targeted nerves and disrupts pain signals produced by them.

Percutaneous discectomy 

During percutaneous discectomy, your specialist uses a needle puncture to remove part of a herniated disc responsible for nerve irritation.

Minimally invasive lumbar decompression

Minimally invasive lumbar decompression (MILD® procedure) is a surgery in which your provider uses a tiny incision to remove overgrown ligaments and bone in a narrowed part of your spine.

Vertiflex Superion® procedures

During a Vertiflex Superion procedure, your pain specialist inserts an FDA-approved device to restore normal spacing between your vertebrae (disc space) for back pain relief.

What should I expect during my surgery?

Follow your pain management specialist’s pre-surgery instructions. They might ask you to stop taking certain medications or avoid eating or drinking anything the morning of your surgery. You should make arrangements for someone to drive you home after your procedure. 

Your provider uses local anesthesia or general anesthesia to help you avoid discomfort. They make a tiny incision or needle puncture near your spine to repair, alter, or remove targeted tissues or insert a pain management device. After closing the incisions, they monitor you in a recovery area for a short time.

You can usually go home the same day as your procedure but follow all post-surgery instructions. Get plenty of rest, take medications as directed, and avoid strenuous activity until your specialist gives you the okay.

Don’t live with chronic pain when minimally invasive spine procedures at SamWell Institute for Pain Management offer relief. Call the office for an appointment or book online today.