![]() That said, the advancements described above are just one of several reasons to have a minimally invasive spine procedure (our expert team is another!) The risks are lower than they were 20 or 30 years ago for most patients, the recovery times from these newer procedures can be much faster and the ultimate results can be much better.Įven if you put all of that aside, the bottom line is that few if any things are more debilitating than ongoing, severe back pain. From the perspective of the patient, there are no “minor” or “routine” procedures, as everyday people simply do not experience this sort of thing every day. Why Having Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery in Arizona MattersĮvery decision regarding whether or not to have surgery is a big one. In some cases, once the troublesome nerves are identified, radiofrequency rhizotomy may be used to permanently disable them. Injections for pain management such as medial branch blocks and epidural injections help identify and treat the nerve or nerves that are causing pain. Lateral access involves surgically entering through the side of the body rather than the back or front, which greatly reduces damage and risk to soft tissues and also allows for the placement of very large interbody implants that restore space between vertebrae. Endoscopic spine surgery allows the surgeon to access and treat damaged vertebrae through a small incision using dilating tubes, guidewires and moving X-ray imaging (fluoroscopy).Ī less invasive form of spinal fusion surgery is lateral access spinal fusion surgery. Always consult with your doctor about the particular risks and benefits of your treatment.Types of minimally-invasive spine proceduresĬertain spine procedures can now be done endoscopically. This material is intended to give the patient an overview of surgical procedures and treatments and is not intended to replace the advice and guidance of a physician. The risks involved with surgery are common - infection, blood loss, damage to nerves and spine - and some specific to your treatment. ![]() Surgical measures for advanced cases may give relief from extremity pain. Risks and Benefitsįailure to take preventive measures for any spinal condition may result in a further aggravated condition. Surgery is not often needed for a herniated disc, but if a patient doesn't respond to rest, physical therapy and medications over a long period of time, surgery may be recommended. Medications like anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics and muscle relaxants may be prescribed to help with pressure and pain. Rest, medication and physical therapy are usually successful when treating a herniated disc. CT scans are also helpful for providing better images of the source of pressure if a nerve root is being pressed upon by the herniated disc. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is often used to diagnose a herniated disc. Walking will often be painful, with patients attempting to alter their gait by straightening the affected leg to avoid putting too much weight on it. There is often a limited range of motion present in patients with herniated discs, and patients will often lean to one side when bending over. This sensation may be attributed to the annulus fibrosis suddenly tearing. Pain onset may occur suddenly, or be preceded by a snapping or tearing sensation in the spine. The main symptom of a herniated disc is sharp and acute pain, often described as a "deep pain," which increases in severity as it moves down the affected leg. That pain may spread to a different area of the body if the now protruding disc is putting pressure on a spinal nerve. The tear in the annulus fibrosis created by this bulging of the inner core causes back pain. When the inner core pushes through the annulus fibrosis, it's called a herniated disc. ![]() This bulging disc may press against nerves and cause pain. If the annulus degenerates or tears, the nucleus can seep into the annulus and cause the disc to bulge and protrude. Theses discs contain an inner core, called the nucleus pulposus, and an outer wall, called the annulus fibrosis. ![]() In between the vertebrae of the spine are cushions called discs.
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