When Is Minimally Invasive Treatment Needed?

Spinal stenosis, generative disc disease, and other vertebral conditions can be exceptionally painful, disruptive, and even debilitating. At Pain Zero, our expert team of intervention orthopedic and pain management specialists is dedicated to helping patients regain function and find rapid, reliable relief from pain using the most innovative and effective tools and technologies available in Central Ohio today. Below, we’ll explore the benefits of minimally invasive spine surgery and explain when (and why) this approach may be the most appropriate option for certain patients. 

What is minimally invasive spine surgery?  

Also referred to as minimally invasive spine treatment, minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) is a collective term for treatments and procedures designed to correct a wide range of vertebral issues in a less invasive and more convenient way than open spine surgery is able to. Some of the minimally invasive spinal surgeries performed by the orthopedic experts at Pain Zero include:   

• Endoscopic discectomy  
• Endoscopic rhizotomy 
• Endoscopic annuloplasty  
• Endoscopic nucleoplasty  
• Interspinous spacer (ISS)
• Interspinous fixation device (IFD) 
• Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) fusion 

Who needs minimally invasive spine surgery?  

Before considering spinal surgery of any kind, nonsurgical and minimally invasive treatment approaches will be undertaken (if safe and appropriate to do so). If these therapies fail to provide adequate relief or repair, and/or if the patient is not a candidate for open spine surgery, minimally invasive spine surgery may be recommended. Before recommending spinal surgery (including minimally invasive treatments), our dedicated team will explore all available nonsurgical treatment options that may be effective for you. 

Some of the most common symptoms and conditions that can be addressed with minimally invasive spine treatment include:   

• Spinal stenosis  
• Herniated disc (bulging disc)  
• Degenerative disc disease  
• Scoliosis  
• Vertebral compression fracture  
• Infection  
• Tumor  
• Kyphosis  
• Cancer

How does minimally invasive spine surgery work?  

Minimally invasive spine surgery at Pain Zero in New Albany, OH, or Westerville, OH is performed as an outpatient procedure. Each procedure is customized to meet the specific needs of the patient and the details of the case and condition. Generally speaking, a series of small incisions are made near the treatment site, and endoscopic instruments are used to make the necessary modifications to discs and other structures. 

What are the benefits of minimally invasive spine surgery?  

Compared with traditional spine surgery, minimally invasive spine treatment offers a number of compelling benefits, including:   

• Smaller incisions  
• Less visible scarring  
• Shorter recovery period  
• Less intra-operative blood loss  
• Lower surgical risks  
• Less post-treatment pain  
• Less need for prescription pain medication following treatment 

What treatments are considered before spine surgery?  

Prior to minimally invasive spine surgery, there are a number of nonsurgical treatments that may be explored. Available and appropriate treatments will vary from patient to patient depending on their condition, symptoms, and other factors and may include:   

• Physical therapy  
• Injection therapy  
• Medication  
• Neuromodulation

If nonsurgical methods have failed to provide adequate pain relief and/or correct a vertebral condition, minimally invasive spine treatment may be a fitting solution for you. 

When other therapies have proven ineffective, it may be time to consider minimally invasive spine surgery in Central Ohio 

Just because noninvasive back pain management tactics haven’t been effective doesn’t mean you have to live with the symptoms of your vertebral condition. Avoid surgeries with large incisions and long recoveries when appropriate. To learn more about if minimally invasive spine treatment may be appropriate and effective for you, call Pain Zero – with convenient locations in New Albany, OH and Westerville, OH – to schedule your private consultation with one of our orthopedic intervention and pain management specialists today.