Best Frisco Spine Surgeons for Back Pain
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Back pain plagues many Texans. In fact, the CDC lists back pain and back problems as the number one cause of disability in the USA. Whether your pain comes and goes or is chronic, you should consider seeking treatment. Some back problems can deteriorate and become worse over time.
A trip to a spine clinic or spine surgeon may seem daunting. But at Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery Texas (or MINT), you are in good hands! This Frisco Spine Clinic is led by renowned Neurosurgeon Dr. Scott Kutz. Together with his team at MINT, they will run a series of diagnostic tests to discover the exact source of your back pain. Then they will create a treatment plan that works for you. Depending on your condition, they may suggest a treatment plan that includes Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery.
When is Back Surgery Helpful for Back Pain?
Lower back pain is one of the most common problems that doctors hear about. Oftentimes back pain does not need surgery and can be treated with other non-surgical methods. These include anti-inflammatory drugs, spinal injections, physical therapy, and hot/cold compresses.
Once these other options have been exhausted, it might be time to consider back surgery, especially if the pain is disabling or there is numbness present down the arms or legs.
The pain and numbness are often caused by nerve impingement in the spinal column. The critical nerves of our body run down the hollow lumen of our spinal vertebrae. Sometimes these nerves can become impinged, compressed, or pinched for a variety of reasons. Nerve impingement can be caused by an issue with the discs, which are the rubbery cushions that separate the spinal vertebrae. If they become herniated, the discs can press against spinal nerves. Another cause of nerve impingement in the spine is an overgrowth of bone or bone spurs caused by osteoarthritis. This can also happen in cases of spinal stenosis, which is the narrowing of the spinal column with age. These kinds of nerve impingements can be improved by Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery or MISS.
What is Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MISS)?
Traditional spine surgery is an “open” surgery, which means that a long incision must be made on the back and the muscles moved aside to access the spine. This causes inflammation in the surrounding tissues. The larger incision means more blood loss during surgery, potential infection, and longer healing times.
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery is a modern technique involving the use of nanomedical tools and guidance from tiny digital cameras. Unlike traditional surgery, the patient can remain conscious (but sedated) for the procedure as it does not involve large incisions. After a topical anesthetic is applied, a small incision less than an inch wide is made on the problematic area of the back. A dilator the size of a pencil is placed in this incision and gently moves aside muscle and other tissue to access the spinal damage. Nanotools are placed in the dilator to work on the nerve impingement. After this is complete, the tools and retractor are withdrawn, and the incision is closed with a single stitch. The best part of MISS is that it puts less stress on the body, which means a shorter recovery time. Some patients can even go home right after their observational period!
Different Types of MISS Spinal Surgeries to Alleviate Pain
Some of the most commonly performed minimally invasive back surgeries include Discectomy, which is the removal of the part of a herniated spinal disc that is impinging on the nerve. This can also involve the removal of parts of the vertebra in order to access the disc. Another common minimally invasive spinal surgery for pain is replacing damaged discs with artificial disks. These discs can improve movement and reduce pain caused by the damaged disc irritating the spine.
The procedure used to remove narrowing bone in the spinal canal caused by spinal stenosis is called a Laminectomy. A Laminectomy enlarges the spinal canal to relieve pressure on the nerves. Finally, MISS can sometimes be used for a spinal fusion– which permanently “glues” one vertebra to another. Spinal fusion can eliminate painful friction between vertebrae and improve stability, but flexibility will be lost in the process.
Spine Surgeon in Frisco TX
Are you a Texan experiencing back pain? Looking for the best Spine Surgeon in Frisco? Consider Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery Texas or MINT. Dr. Scott Kutz and his team can help you live a pain-free life!
