Herniated discs can cause severe pain and discomfort, which can often have a significant negative impact on your quality of life. When conservative treatments fail to provide adequate relief, spine surgery can become a potential treatment path. In recent years, minimally invasive spine surgery has emerged as a generally superior alternative to traditional open surgery for herniated discs. In this post, we will do a deep dive into some of the reasons why minimally invasive spine surgery is often considered one of the best surgical options for treating herniated discs.

1. Smaller Incisions Mean Less Tissue Damage:

One of the primary advantages of minimally invasive spine surgery is the significantly smaller incisions required compared to traditional open surgery. Minimally invasive techniques utilize advanced technology, such as endoscopes and specialized instruments, allowing surgeons to access the affected area with precision. As a result, there is minimal disruption to surrounding tissues, muscles, and ligaments. This reduced tissue damage contributes to a smoother recovery and reduced post-operative pain.

2. Faster Recovery and Reduced Hospital Stay:

Minimally invasive spine surgery offers a quicker recovery period compared to traditional open surgery. With smaller incisions and less tissue trauma, patients experience less pain and require fewer pain medications after the procedure. Additionally, the minimally invasive techniques reduced risk of infection and complications typically allows for a shorter hospital stay. In many cases, patients can return home on the same day or within a day or two after surgery. This faster recovery time enables patients to resume their daily activities and return to work much more quickly than would be needed with traditional open surgery.

3. Minimized Scarring:

The smaller incisions used in minimally invasive spine surgery can also help by creating only minimal scarring. Unlike traditional open surgery, which often leaves large scars, the tiny incisions in minimally invasive procedures can heal with barely noticeable or even no scarring.

4. Lower Risk of Infection and Complications:

Minimally invasive spine surgery also reduces the risk of post-operative infections and complications. The smaller incisions and minimized tissue trauma result in reduced exposure of the surgical site to external contaminants, allowing for lower infection rates. Additionally, the advanced imaging technology utilized during these procedures decreases the chances of accidental nerve damage or other complications during surgery.

5. Positive Surgical Outcomes:

Studies and research have shown that minimally invasive spine surgery done by an experienced physician typically results in positive outcomes and increased patient satisfaction. Patients often experience significant relief from symptoms, including reduced pain, improved mobility, and restored nerve function. Some of the advanced surgical techniques allow for targeted removal of the herniated disc material, relieving pressure on the affected nerves and promoting faster healing.

If you're considering traditional surgery for a herniated disc, it may be a good idea to consult with a qualified spine surgeon to explore the potential benefits of minimally invasive spine surgery and determine the best treatment approach for your specific condition.

Total Spine's team of doctors has decades of experience treating herniated discs, chronic pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, and many other symptoms in the neck, back leg, or arms. We will work with you to develop a customized treatment plan to get you back to living life without the worry of constant pain. You can request an appointment or more information today by filling out the form below or by giving us a call at (321) 499-4646. If you've already had an MRI done, we also offer a free MRI review where our physicians will review your images and answer any questions that you have.