Minimally Invasive Spine Surgeons in New York

If you are suffering from neck or back pain, your doctor may recommend spine surgery. While open spine surgery is a major procedure with a significant recovery time, you may be able to avoid it by choosing a minimally invasive operation.

Minimally invasive spine surgeons from NJ Spine & Orthopedic have decades of experience with laser and endoscopic procedures that improve patients’ quality of life. When scheduling a consultation with one of our medical professionals or Concierge Team in New York, we will work with you to create a treatment plan for your pain and other symptoms.

Types of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgeries in New York

Minimally invasive spine surgeries can address a wide variety of conditions, including spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, herniated disc, pinched nerve, and many others.

One of the most common minimally invasive spine surgeries is a laminotomy. This procedure helps patients who live with lumbar spinal stenosis and don’t respond to non-invasive treatment options. This condition occurs when the spinal canal becomes narrow and puts pressure on the spinal cord and the surrounding nerves. A laminotomy reduces this pressure to relieve pain.

Another minimally invasive spine surgery is a foraminotomy. It can treat conditions such as foraminal stenosis, herniated discs, pinched nerves, or sciatica. During the procedure, the surgeon widens the small openings in the spinal column where the nerve roots leave the spinal cord. The goal is to relieve the pressure that’s caused by the narrowing of these openings.

Discectomy is another minimally invasive procedure aimed at removing a portion of a herniated disc. Fragments of a herniated disc put pressure on the nerves and cause lower back or neck pain, leg pain, and tingling in the extremities.

What Happens During Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?

Unlike open spine surgery which requires general anesthesia, the majority of minimally invasive procedures can be done with a local anesthetic. Once the surgeon administers anesthesia, they use a scalpel to make a small incision.

To figure out where to cut, the surgeon uses a portable X-ray device that transmits a real-time image of the spine during the surgery. Once the incision is made, the surgical team guides the endoscope through the incision to get a good view of your spine from the inside.

Next, the surgeon passes small instruments through the endoscope or through tubular retractors and performs surgery. After the operation, the surgeon removes the surgical instruments, takes out the retractors and endoscopes, and applies stitches. If you are having laser spine surgery, the procedure is very similar.

Benefits of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

When performed by an experienced minimally invasive spine surgeon, this type of operation can be highly beneficial. Besides offering relief for pain and other symptoms associated with your spine condition, a minimally invasive surgery has a much shorter recovery time than an open surgery. You can resume normal activities in just a few weeks compared to a few months after a traditional surgical procedure.

Since the majority of minimally invasive spine surgeries don’t require general anesthesia, these procedures can be performed on an outpatient basis. You can often leave several hours after the operation. In some situations, you may need to stay overnight, which is still much more convenient than spending several days in the hospital.

Since the minimally invasive procedure only involves a small incision, the risks of infection and excessive bleeding are much lower than with open surgery. The pain, discomfort, and scarring associated with healing are also much less significant.

Good Candidates for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Only a qualified minimally invasive spine surgeon can confirm your candidacy for this procedure. The most suitable candidates:

• Have a diagnosed spine condition that will respond well to the minimally invasive approach
• Haven’t responded well to more conservative treatment options
• Suffer from back and neck pain that reduces their quality of life

If you believe that you are a candidate for a minimally invasive spine surgery in New York, speak to your doctor about the possibilities. If conservative treatment doesn’t bring relief, you may be able to benefit from an outpatient procedure that carries low risks and allows for a quick recovery time.

Not all people with back and neck pain can benefit from a minimally invasive spine surgery. Common contraindications are extensive epidural scarring, severe osteoporosis, active spinal infection, and a calcified disc. 

Contact Experienced Minimally Invasive Spine Surgeons in New York Today

A minimally invasive spine surgery can be a highly effective way to treat your spine condition and eliminate neck and back pain. By working with an experienced minimally invasive spine surgeon in New York, you are maximizing the chances of improving your quality of life.

At NJ Spine & Orthopedic, we have a qualified team of surgeons who perform a wide variety of minimally invasive procedures aimed at pain relief. To schedule a consultation with a surgeon, please call us at (866) 553-0612 or fill out an online form today.