Frisco Spine Center – Spinal Decompression
Image sourced from Freepik
Are you looking for a Frisco TX Spinal Center? If so, you are probably suffering from spinal pain, and looking for a solution. Medical science has made great strides in the field of spinal health and surgical technology, and those changes can benefit you. Read on to learn more about spinal decompression, and how a procedure from Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery Texas can help you live a life free from spine pain.
What is a Spinal Decompression?
Our spine is a hollow tube of bone that houses a bundle of critical nerves or our “spinal column.” Various conditions including slipped discs, osteoporosis, bone spurs, or old age can cause this hollow tube of bone to put pressure on those spinal cord nerves. This can be extremely painful. Spinal decompression refers to the surgical procedure used to relieve pressure on the spinal cord, which can lessen pain caused by those impinged nerves.
What spinal conditions could a Spinal Decompression procedure treat?
There are several spine conditions that could cause impingement or “compression” on nerves. These include a rupture or herniation of the rubbery discs between vertebrae. If these discs are ruptured, herniated, or torn it can lead to nerve impingement. Other conditions that lead to nerve compression include spinal stenosis, which is the narrowing of the bone foramen that contains the nerves. This can cause pain in the neck, arms, and down the back of the legs. Commonly done spinal decompression treatments in Frisco TX include Minimally invasive lumbar discectomy and others.
Can spinal decompression be a minimally invasive procedure?
Yes! Traditional spinal surgery involves large incisions to reach the portion of the spine that needs treatment. These large incisions can cause greater surgical blood loss, and increase the risk of infection. In addition, traditional spinal surgery is a large procedure that requires complete anesthesia and a long recovery time.
Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery has the same goals as traditional spinal surgery, but less of unpleasant side effects.
How does a Minimally Invasive Spinal Decompression surgery work?
If your doctor or Neurosurgeon decides that Minimally Invasive Spinal Decompression surgery is right for you, the procedure will be fairly straightforward. First, the patient is brought to the surgical center and given a mild sedative and local anesthesia. Most patients do not need full anesthesia for minimally invasive spinal surgery.
After the local anesthetic kicks in, the Neurosurgeon will create a small incision near the affected area of the spine, less than a quarter inch long. They will then insert a dilator– which is a hollow metal tube about the size of a pencil. The dilator gently pushes aside tissue and muscle to access the spinal cord. Through this dilator, your Neurosurgeon, led by a camera, will pilot nanotools. These tools will work to repair the damaged portion of the spine. After the surgery is complete, the dilator and nanotools will be removed, and the incision will be closed with a single stitch. Most minimally invasive spinal procedures are outpatient, meaning that the patient can recover at home after a short observation period.
Is Spinal Decompression surgery my only option for back pain?
Many people don’t want to go to a Neurosurgeon for their back pain because they fear getting surgery. But the majority of patients seeking relief from back pain do not need surgery at all, and can instead find relief from less invasive methods. These methods include physical therapy, pain management, anti-inflammatory drugs, and even spinal injections. Surgery, even minimally invasive surgery, is considered a last resort option for spinal care.
What kind of risks and side effects does spinal decompression surgery have?
Like all surgery, spinal decompression surgery has potential risks and side effects, depending on the success of the procedure and the overall health of the patient. These can include infection, nerve damage, surgical blood loss, blood clots, and bowel and bladder issues. These risks come with anesthesia as well as the surgery itself. Make sure you talk to your doctor or Neurosurgeon if you have concerns.
How do know if you are a good candidate for Minimally Invasive Spinal Decompression Surgery
Do you want to know if you are a good candidate for spinal decompression surgery? Head over to Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery Texas to see if you are a good candidate for spinal surgery. Dr. Scott Kutz is a board-certified Neurosurgeon and his team has proudly served Frisco Texas for years. If you are struggling with spinal pain, give us a call or check out our website today to learn if you are a good candidate for Spinal decompression surgery.
