Minimally-Invasive Endoscopic Discectomy in Paramus, NJ

Minimally-invasive endoscopic discectomy is a surgery used to treat spinal disc herniation. It’s recommended for patients who have not responded to conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medication, or steroid injections. Individuals experiencing numbness, weakness, and radiating pain on one side of their body may have a herniated disc in the neck or lower back.

An endoscopic discectomy surgery in Paramus can help. The technique has several advantages, such as smaller postoperative incisions, minimal blood loss, a reduced likelihood of infection, and faster recovery times. Patients who undergo this procedure can often return to normal activities within a few weeks, compared to several months following open surgery. Our skilled surgeons and Concierge Team at NJ Spine & Orthopedic can help you get the care and help you need.

Types of Spine Diseases That Can Be Managed With a Paramus Minimally-Invasive Endoscopic Discectomy

Although a minimally-invasive endoscopic discectomy procedure commonly treats herniated discs, the surgery may also be employed to manage diseases that bring about pain and discomfort in the back or neck. Some common diseases that the procedure can help with include:

• Bulging Discs: These appear when the spinal disc protrudes beyond its normal boundary due to aging or injury. The discs press against spinal cord nerves (similar to herniated discs), leading to pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the affected area.
• Spinal Stenosis: This is a condition that commonly affects the lower back and neck due to wear and tear in the spine caused by arthritis. Insufficient space inside the backbone puts undue strain on the spine and nerves, ending up in pain, tingling, numbness, and muscle weakness.
• Degenerative Disc Disease: This can result in spinal discs losing their cushioning and becoming less flexible over time, culminating in pain and discomfort.
• Sciatica: This is nerve pain due to compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back to the legs.

A Paramus minimally-invasive endoscopic discectomy surgery helps relieve the pain associated with these conditions, typically by making a small incision in the affected area and removing the damaged disc material to relieve pressure on the distressed nerves.

Surgical Technique During a Minimally-Invasive Endoscopic Discectomy in Paramus

During surgery, an incision will be made in the individual’s back, and a tube is inserted through the muscles and soft tissues. This tube serves as a path for the endoscope, a thin tube with a camera and light at the end. The surgeon uses the endoscope to visualize the area around the spine and identify the damaged disc.

A small tool is then inserted through the tube to remove the damaged disc material, relieving pressure on the spinal nerves and reducing pain. The recovery time for this procedure is normally shorter than traditional open-back operation, as the small incision leaves little to no muscle or tissue damage.

After the surgery, expect some soreness or stiffness, which should subside within a few days. If you’re looking for a safe and effective way to treat herniated or bulging discs that are causing you chronic back pain, consider minimally-invasive endoscopic discectomy. It is considered safer, faster, and easier to recover from, resulting in:

• Less blood loss during surgery
• Minimal risks of muscle damage
• Lower risk of infection and postoperative pain
• Reduced reliance on pain medication post-surgery
• Better cosmetic outcomes thanks to smaller incisions and less scarring

Surgeons have shifted toward minimally-invasive spine procedures in recent years to shorten recovery time, enhance patient outcomes, and mitigate complications. 

Postoperative Care Following Minimally-Invasive Endoscopic Discectomy Surgery

The duration of recovery and long-term outcomes following a minimally-invasive endoscopic discectomy surgery is determined by the patient’s general health, the surgery’s extent, and the treatment’s success. Although interventions like ice and heat therapy, relaxation techniques, and massage are beneficial, a surgeon may also prescribe pain medication. Physical therapy after the surgery is recommended to help patients regain mobility and strengthen their back muscles.

This procedure is considered safe, yet it does come with complications like infection, nerve damage, and blood clots. However, this is nothing a seasoned spine specialist cannot handle. The probability of recurrence varies, but the procedure has been shown to be effective in treating cases of herniated discs. As such, patients need to schedule follow-up appointments to monitor their recovery and overall spine health.

Talk to a Spine Specialist at NJ Spine & Orthopedic in Paramus, NJ Today

Minimally-invasive endoscopic discectomy has shown excellent outcomes in treating herniated discs. It eliminates the need for making large incisions, effectively minimizing damage to surrounding tissues and minimizing the risks of complications, such as infection and bleeding. The procedure makes for a quicker recovery and a shorter hospital stay compared to traditional open-back surgeries.

If you’re exhibiting herniated disc symptoms, such as a sharp pain or numbness along one side of the body, we can evaluate you and recommend a proactive approach to get you back to a pain-free life. Schedule an appointment with our skilled spine specialists at NJ Spine & Orthopedic in Paramus, NJ today by calling (866) 553-0612 or filling out our online contact form.