What is Minimally Invasive Spine Decompression?

Have you been told you’re a candidate for minimally invasive spine surgery, but aren’t quite sure what it is? Are you wondering if minimally invasive surgery is right for you? Read below to learn a bit about it and how minimally invasive spine decompression surgery can be a benefit to you.

In the world of spinal surgeries, minimally invasive procedures are quickly becoming the norm. Minimally invasive surgery is a real benefit to the patient, with its lower risks, decreased downtime and shorter recovery period. There are now numerous spinal surgeries that can be completed with less invasive techniques compared to traditional surgery. It’s an easier and safer route.

SPINAL DECOMPRESSION EXPLAINED

One of the most common minimally invasive spine procedures involves opening or decompressing areas of the spine that are too narrow. These small or pinched areas occur as a result of trauma, injury, repetitive forces, or wear and tear. When the spine or the nerves within it are compressed, surgery can open or decompress the area. Compressed spinal nerves can be painful, so providing relief to the patient is top priority. At Integrity Spine and Orthopedics, we value the benefits associated with minimally invasive procedures. If you’re a good fit and have failed non-surgical measures, we may recommend a minimally invasive procedure to decompress the pinched nerves in your spine. Common injuries and conditions like a herniated disc and spinal stenosis often result in compression. Here are some typical minimally invasive spinal decompression surgical procedures to remedy these and other similar injuries.

Laminectomy/Laminotomy

• A Laminectomy/Laminotomy involves removing most or part of the lamina. The lamina is the posterior back of the vertebra that cover your spinal canal. When the canal is compressed, this is a way to relieve pressure and remedy the pain associated with nerve compression. Pressure within the canal can be caused by many different things, like bone spurs, herniated discs, sickened or diseased tissue for example.

Foraminotomy

• A foraminotomy involves widening the area formed with two vertebrae or. When there’s not enough space present at these boney openings, it can result in compressed nerves. The pain experienced with these conditions are variable from patient to patient and can include back, neck, arm and leg pain. Pain associated with pinch areas of the spine can include pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, clumsiness, trouble walking, and even bowel or bladder problems. These symptoms can occur from the back or neck and also effect the arm and leg.

Offices that perform minimally invasive spine decompression surgery, like Integrity Spine and Orthopedics, are at the forefront of the minimally invasive spine revolution. Overall, these types of procedures have proven to offer exceptional results to patients without the risks or longer recovery of traditional surgery.

For more information on minimally invasive spine surgery, please contact Integrity Spine and Orthopedics today at 904-456-0017.