What Are My Options if I Need Surgery on My Spine

If you need spine surgery, it's understandable to want to explore your options as much as possible. Traditional spine surgery is a very invasive prospect, and doctors should avoid it except when absolutely necessary. Below, we'll explore some of the options patients have for spine surgery.

Traditional Spine Surgery

Traditional spine surgery, also known as open spine surgery, was the only spine surgery option for many years. During this procedure, your doctor places you under general anesthesia and creates a large incision on the spine. Through the incision, the spine condition is repaired. It's often necessary to perform major procedures like spinal fusion during this type of surgery.

Open spine surgery is an in-patient procedure with a lengthy, uncomfortable recovery period. Although the overall risk of side effects is low, the risk is higher than with minimally invasive surgery.

Despite its downsides, traditional spine surgery is still the necessary treatment in certain cases. Severe, rare, or extensive conditions like spinal tumors or kyphosis may require open spine surgery.

Minimally Invasive Options

There are now a number of minimally invasive spine surgeries available for the treatment of most common spine conditions, including herniated discs and bulging discs. Three of the most successful options are laser spine surgery, nerve stimulation, and stem cell therapy.

During laser spine surgery, the doctor makes just one or two small incisions along the spine. Through one incision, a camera is inserted, allowing the doctor to see the spine. Through the other incision, a laser probe is inserted. The laser is used to dissolve the affected portion of the disc, or other tissue.

Laser spine surgery is minimally invasive, and it can be performed in an outpatient setting. The recovery period is much shorter and more comfortable than with traditional surgery - most patients can return to work within a week. The risk of side effects, though not eliminated, is significantly lower than with traditional surgery, but the effectiveness of the procedure is the same.

To schedule a consultation about treatment for your spine condition, please click below and enter your information or call the Back Surgery & Pain Center at (212) 430-0312.