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Minimally Invasive Decompression

Minimally invasive decompression is one of our most common procedures. It relieves a compressed nerve in the neck or back, the source of both local and radiating pain, through an incision of less than one inch. Our procedures are performed in outpatient surgery centers, so most patients go home the same day.

What Is Minimally Invasive Decompression?

Through an incision of less than one inch, the surgeon reaches the site of the spine condition, whether in the neck or back, and removes the area of bone or disc that is compressing a nerve. Once the nerve is decompressed, the incision is closed and the patient moves to the recovery room.
 
Living with chronic neck or back pain can cause you to miss out on life. Our minimally invasive spine surgery is an alternative to traditional open neck or back surgery, with excellent patient satisfaction and no lengthy recovery for most patients.

Conditions Decompression Treats

Nerve compression is usually the result of one of the following spine conditions that we treat:

Spinal stenosisNarrowing of the spinal canal. Herniated discsDisc material pressing on a nerve. Bulging discsA bulging disc compressing a nerve. Pinched nervesA compressed nerve root. Foraminal stenosisBone spurs narrowing the nerve openings. SpondylolisthesisA slipped vertebra crowding the nerves.
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Am I A Candidate?

If you are suffering from chronic neck or back pain and have not found lasting relief with conservative treatments such as steroid injections or physical therapy, minimally invasive decompression may be an option. Imaging must show a clear source of nerve compression.
 
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Surgeon's gloved hands holding an endoscope during surgery

Types Of Decompression Surgery

The procedure is matched to the source of compression:

Endoscopic decompressionA camera-guided approach through a sub-centimeter incision. DiscectomyRemoves the portion of disc pressing on a nerve. LaminotomyOpens a window in the lamina to relieve the canal. ForaminotomyWidens the opening where a nerve exits. mild procedureRemoves thickened ligament in lumbar stenosis. Decompression with fusionAdds stabilization when a segment is unstable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is minimally invasive decompression surgery?

It is a procedure that removes the portion of bone or disc compressing a nerve in the spine, performed through an incision of less than one inch rather than a large open exposure.

What conditions does decompression treat?

Nerve compression from spinal stenosis, herniated or bulging discs, pinched nerves, bone spurs, foraminal stenosis, and spondylolisthesis.

What types of decompression are there?

Depending on the cause, decompression may be a laminotomy, foraminotomy, discectomy, or endoscopic decompression. Your surgeon matches the procedure to the source of compression.

Is decompression surgery outpatient?

Yes. Our minimally invasive decompression procedures are performed in outpatient surgery centers, so most patients leave the same day.

How long is recovery?

Most patients have no lengthy recovery. Many walk the same day and return to light activity within days to a few weeks.

How is it different from open back surgery?

Open surgery uses a long incision and cuts through muscle. Minimally invasive decompression works through a small incision, moving muscle aside, which typically means less pain, less blood loss, and a faster recovery.

Will I need a fusion?

Usually not. Decompression removes only what is pressing on the nerve. Fusion is added only when a segment is unstable.

Am I a candidate?

If you have chronic neck or back pain from nerve compression that has not improved with conservative care, request a free MRI review or call (321) 499-4646.

Benefits Of Minimally Invasive Decompression

Compared with traditional open surgery, minimally invasive decompression offers:

  • A less than 1-inch incision and a smaller scar.
  • Muscle-sparing access that supports a quicker recovery.
  • Same-day discharge from an outpatient surgery center.
  • Less blood loss and a lower risk of infection.
  • No lengthy recovery for most patients.
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Related Treatments

Laminotomy

A laminotomy procedure is designed to relieve a compressed nerve in the back of the spinal cord. Your spine consists of several vertebra stacked on top of each other, with cushiony discs in between each vertebra to let the spine move freely.

Foraminotomy

A foraminotomy procedure is a minimally invasive decompression surgery that relieves the pain associated with foraminal stenosis.

Endoscopic Spine Surgery

Our minimally invasive discectomy procedure offers relief from chronic pain caused by a herniated disc or bulging disc.

MILD Procedure

Chronic lower back pain, particularly due to lumbar spinal stenosis, significantly affects the daily lives of millions, limiting mobility and diminishing quality of life.

Discectomy

Our minimally invasive discectomy procedure offers relief from chronic pain caused by a herniated disc or bulging disc.

ACDF – Spinal Fusion

Patients suffering from a cervical (neck) spine condition may experience chronic neck pain or shooting pain in the head, arm, and/or fingers. This continual pain can become debilitating and cause a decrease in activity and quality of life.

Cervical Disc Replacement

Patients who have a deteriorated disc in the cervical (neck) spine may experience pain, numbness or tingling in the neck, arm and fingers. This continual pain, if left untreated, could result in a restriction of activity and quality of life.

Lumbar Disc Replacement

Chronic lower back pain affects millions globally, significantly diminishing their quality of life. Traditional treatments often involve medication, physical therapy, or invasive surgeries like spinal fusion.

TLIF – Spinal Fusion

Patients who suffer from a spine condition in the lumbar (lower back region) often experience chronic pain and limited mobility.

Minimally Invasive Vs. Open Surgery

The Minimally Invasive Advantage

How ultra-minimally invasive and endoscopic procedures compare with traditional open surgery, and why most patients recover faster.

Traditional open surgeryMinimally invasive / endoscopicOur specialty at Total Spine
IncisionA lengthy incision is required to expose the spine.A tiny incision, smaller than a dime, is used.
Muscle and soft tissueMuscle is cut and dissected to reach the spine.Muscle is preserved and gently moved aside, supporting a quicker recovery.
Hospital stayTypically an overnight or multi-day hospital stay.A same-day procedure; most patients return home within hours.
Blood loss and infection riskGreater blood loss and a higher risk of infection.Minimal blood loss and a lower risk of infection.
Postoperative painMore pain, often requiring stronger medication for longer.Markedly less pain for most patients, with lighter use of pain medication.
Return to daily activityA lengthy recovery, often weeks to months before normal activity.A faster recovery; many patients resume light activity within days.
ScarringLeaves a larger, more noticeable scar.Leaves only a small scar.

Minimally invasive decompression relieves the nerve through a small incision, with no lengthy recovery for most patients.

Our Patients Stories

Hear our patients share their experience with us, All in their own words.

Why Choose Total Spine and Orthopedics

Expert, ultra-minimally invasive spine and orthopedic care, close to home.

  • Ultra-minimally invasive and endoscopic techniques

    We specialize in procedures performed through incisions smaller than a dime, sparing muscle and supporting a faster recovery.

  • Same-day, outpatient procedures

    Most patients walk in and return home within hours, rather than facing an overnight hospital stay.

  • Board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeons

    Our team includes early leaders in endoscopic spine surgery.

  • A complimentary MRI review

    Understand your diagnosis and options from a board-certified specialist before committing to any treatment.

  • Trusted by our community

    More than 1,100 patient reviews at a 4.6-star average, and over 50,000 patients treated.

  • Outpatient surgery centers

    Our decompression procedures are performed in outpatient surgery centers, so most patients leave the same day.

  • Comprehensive spine and orthopedic care

    From injections to advanced procedures, your full continuum of care is handled in one place.

  • Convenient locations across the Space Coast and Orlando

    Care close to home in Melbourne, Orlando (Lake Nona), and Titusville.

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