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Neurosurgery can be very intimidating, especially to someone who has never had surgery before. Historically spine surgery is an in-depth and invasive procedure, but medical technology has advanced in amazing ways. Modern spinal procedures and Neurosurgery provide solutions to stubborn back pain that get you back to living a pain-free lifestyle in no time! One of the modern Neurosurgical techniques used in Frisco Texas, is Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MISS.) As opposed to traditional surgery involving large surgical incisions, Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery uses nano-tools to perform neurosurgery on the Spine. This means smaller incisions, less blood loss, and less recovery time. Read on to learn more about when to see a Neurosurgeon and what conditions they can treat with Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery.

 

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When to see a Neurosurgeon

Lower back pain is as common in Frisco Texas, as it is in the rest of the world. In fact, back and lower back pain is considered to be one of the major causes of disability worldwide. A small amount of lower back stiffness is normal with age, but if you experience persistent, severe back pain, especially when doing normal activities like walking or lying down, consider seeing a neurosurgeon. Doing this will help you examine any underlying illnesses.

When it comes to back pain, the sooner you can get it resolved, the better. Many spinal conditions get worse over time if left untreated. However, treatment doesn’t always mean surgery– most of the treatments for back conditions are non-surgical. Treatments such as physical therapy, pain-relieving injections, or medication are all considered before surgery in the treatment of many back problems.

If you are looking for a spine surgeon in Frisco, you are in luck. Consider Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery Texas or MINT. Led by board-certified surgeon Dr. Scott Kutz, MINT is a spinal clinic that will take care of you. From diagnostic exams and tests to state-of-the-art procedures, MINT can help you begin a new pain-free life.

Spinal Conditions that can be treated by Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery

Minimally invasive spinal surgery can be used to treat a wide variety of conditions that impact the nerves of the Spine. These nerves run through the hollow center of our vertebrae. A variety of spinal conditions can cause these nerves to become pinched and pressurized, which can cause everything from pain to numbness and tingling down the back of the legs. MISS can be used to relieve pressure and reduce pain. Read on to learn about the different spinal conditions that MISS can be used to treat.

Degenerative disc diseases

The vertebrae of the Spine are connected by rubbery cartilage discs. These discs serve to add flexibility to the Spine, reduce friction between the bones and prevent the nerves from becoming pinched and damaged. Over time these discs can start to break down, either by disease or old age. Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery can be used to replace these damaged discs with artificial ones, decompressing the pressure on the nerves of the Spine.

Bulging or herniated discs

Sometimes the rubbery discs between vertebrae can slip out of place, causing pressure on the nerves. This is called a herniated disc, and it can happen through injury or old age. Bulging discs are similar and can put pressure on the nerves of the Spine, causing debilitating lower back pain.

Vertebral fractures

Sometimes vertebrae can get hairline fractures caused by osteoporosis or injury. This leads to pain, bone spurs, and spinal instability. MISS can be used to “glue” the hairline fracture, giving the Spine more stability. In extreme cases, Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery can be used to do a spinal “fusion,” which is the “knitting” of two vertebrae together to minimize painful friction between bones and create more stability. However, spinal fusion is usually considered the last option.

Spinal instability

Spinal instability of any cause can be improved by minimally invasive spine surgery. Either by artificial disc replacement or, in extreme cases, spinal fusions.

Spinal Stenosis

Spinal Stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal over time, caused by the walls of the Spine becoming thicker due to age. The narrowing puts pressure on the nerves, causing pain. Minimally Invasive Surgery can be used to “shave away” the parts of the spinal canal that are putting pressure on the nerves.

Abnormal curvature of the Spine

The Spine does have natural curves to it. However, minimally invasive spine surgery can be used to correct extreme spine curves, such as scoliosis or kyphosis.