How Effective is Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?

It can be impossible to ignore back pain. In many cases, without treatment, the condition is sure to escalate from a slight ache to chronic pain, especially if it is caused by a problem with your spine, such as a herniated disc or sciatica.

In severe cases, routine treatments, such as physical therapy or medications, rarely provide long-term relief. Although surgery is the most effective option in these cases, traditional surgery results in large incisions, muscle damage, and a long, painful recovery.

Minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS), on the other hand, uses smaller incisions and advanced tools to treat spine problems, resulting in less damage to the surrounding muscles, quicker recovery, and less post-surgical pain. It is ideal for treating conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, and certain types of fractures.

If you’ve already tried nonsurgical treatments and are still experiencing significant pain, minimally invasive spine surgery might be the next recourse. At NeuroSpine Center in Tampa, Florida, Dr. Phillip Henkin, an experienced neurosurgeon, is an expert in minimally invasive spine surgery. He helps you determine if it’s the right choice for you. 

What is minimally invasive spine surgery?

Minimally invasive spine surgery is a modern technique designed to treat spinal issues while causing as little damage as possible to the surrounding muscles and tissues. Traditional spine surgery requires large incisions and often involves cutting through muscles to reach the problem area, which means more pain and a longer recovery time. 

MISS, on the other hand, uses much smaller incisions and advanced technology to access the spine with precision, reducing the trauma to your body. It’s commonly used to treat herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease. 

Benefits of minimally invasive spine surgery

Since there’s less disruption to the muscles around your spine, you’ll experience less pain after surgery and can return to your routine faster. In contrast, traditional surgery often requires larger, significant cuts, which can result in a more uncomfortable and slower healing process.

Another plus is the shorter hospital stay. In many cases, you can go home the same day or in a few days, while traditional surgeries might require you to be in the hospital for several days as you recover. Shorter hospital stays also reduce exposure to hospital-related infections and allow you to heal in the comfort of your home.

With MISS, there’s usually much less blood loss, and the scars are smaller and hardly noticeable once you’ve healed. Many people also need less pain medication afterward, which makes recovery more straightforward and quicker.

How effective is minimally invasive spine surgery?

Minimally invasive spine surgery is effective for many conditions. It gives you the same results as traditional surgery but with fewer drawbacks, like less pain and a shorter recovery time. Many people who choose MISS find they can return to normal activities faster and are more satisfied with their overall recovery.

MISS has been particularly effective for conditions like lumbar spinal stenosis, where studies show that patients experience significantly less post-operative pain compared to those who undergo traditional open surgery. 

It’s important to remember that not every spine condition can be treated with MISS. A consultation with Dr. Henkin determines if this surgery is right for you. At NeuroSpine Center, our skilled surgeons use the latest minimally invasive techniques to ensure the best treatment for your needs.

If you’re considering spine surgery and want to explore minimally invasive options, use our online scheduler to book a consultation with Dr. Henkin at NeuroSpine Center or call 813-651-3300.