Image sourced from Freepik

If you are considering spine surgery for your debilitating, stubborn back pain, know that you are not alone. Over eight percent of Americans suffer from chronic back pain, and the CDC lists chronic back problems as one of the biggest causes of disability in the world.

You may be concerned about finding a good spine surgeon in Frisco TX, but you do not have to be. MINT, Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery Texas, is here to help you in your time of need. Their qualified team, led by renowned Neurosurgeon Dr. Scott Kutz, will be happy to answer any questions you may have and work to find a treatment plan to get you back to a pain-free life.

What Kind Of Spinal Conditions Require Surgery?

Many people do not seek help for their spinal conditions because they fear that a trip to a Neurosurgeon automatically means they will get surgery. It is simply untrue. While Neurosurgeons perform surgery, that is far from the only thing they do. A good spinal surgeon, such as the one MINT, will begin by running diagnostic tests and X-rays to determine the exact location of your pain. After diagnostic tests, the medical team at MINT will work with you to determine what the best treatment plan is. Most back problems don’t require surgery and instead are treated with medication, physical therapy, etc. If surgery improves your condition greatly, they may suggest it. But most spinal centers will want to exhaust all other options first.

What Is Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery is a cutting-edge surgical technique using micro tools and digital cameras to locate and repair damaged portions of the spine. The end goal of almost all spinal surgeries is to stabilize and support the spinal column and relieve pressure on any pinched or compressed nerves in the spinal column.

Instead of traditional “open” surgery, minimally invasive spine surgery does not require a large incision. The entire operation can be done through an incision less than an inch long, and most procedures do not even require full anesthesia. With minimally invasive spine surgery, you can correct your spinal problems in a simple outpatient procedure, allowing you to recover at home!

How Is Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Different From Traditional Spine Surgery?

Traditional Spinal Surgery is considered “open” surgery and requires a large incision on the patient’s back to access the portion of the spine causing problems. It also requires a full anesthetic for the patient and a long recovery time. In contrast, minimally invasive spine surgery is performed through an incision on the back less than an inch long. After the patient has received a local anesthetic and is comfortable, the Neurosurgeon places a dilator the size of a pencil into the incision. The micro-tools and digital camera fit through the dilator as the Neurosurgeon works to resolve the issue. After the procedure is complete, the Neurosurgeon will remove their tools and the dilator, closing the incision with a single stitch. The patient will then be monitored and sent home with a designated driver.

There are numerous benefits to minimally invasive spine surgery as opposed to traditional surgery. Minimally invasive spinal surgery has less recovery time, less blood loss during surgery, and less risk of infection. In addition, minimally invasive spinal surgery involves less impact on the muscles around the injury, shortening the recovery time and speeding healing.

What Kind Of Conditions Can Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Treat?

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MISS) can be used for various conditions. It can treat the narrowing of the spinal column, also called spinal stenosis, and remove pressure on pain-causing nerves. MISS can also be used to treat bone spurs and replace damaged spinal discs with artificial discs. In some cases, minimally invasive spine surgery can also be used for spinal fusion, which is the “gluing together” of two unstable vertebrae to bring more stability to the spine. However, spinal fusion is usually considered a last resort for spinal injuries, as it can impact flexibility.

Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery of Texas

Looking for a Spine Surgeon in Frisco TX? Give Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery of Texas, or MINT, a call today or visit our website! MINT accepts most major insurance plans and even offers telehealth visits for the convenience of their patients. If you are living with debilitating back pain in Texas, give MINT a call, and begin your journey to a pain-free life!