Spine Health: When To Consider Minimally Invasive Spinal Fusion Surgery

A Pain In The Back Could Be Your Spine

Back pain is a common complaint, with 80% of adults experiencing the condition at some point, with 8% chronic cases. While many cases are simple strains or soreness, some are spinal-related. An underlying spine disease or injury can cause chronic pain, stiffness, and nerve-related symptoms. Over time, spine health can worsen, impacting mobility and requiring medical intervention. Some cases can benefit from minimally invasive spinal fusion surgery. This innovative technique can turn the tide on spine conditions. Knowing when to consider surgery can potentially improve the quality of life.

The spine conditions that can disrupt your life

The spine consists of strong bones called vertebrae that stack on each other, protecting the spinal cord. Facet joints connect these bones, and between the bones are fibrous discs that help with shock absorption and movement. Conditions involving bones, joints, or discs can lead to unpleasant symptoms and poor spine health. Disc conditions are the most common. Herniated discs occur when 1 or more discs shift out of place, pressing on nearby nerves. Degenerative discs are another issue that occurs when discs break down and can no longer cushion the spine. Sometimes, the bones break down, narrow, or move unnaturally in cases such as arthritis, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, or instability. These conditions need medical attention and consistent care to reduce symptoms and improve mobility.

Diagnosing spinal conditions

Spinal conditions can be easily confused with muscular soreness. A doctor or spinal surgeon must diagnose the condition using physical tests and imaging technology. The results are enough to diagnose degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, tumors, or other conditions. The appropriate diagnosis can help doctors recommend a treatment plan. Most cases, once diagnosed early, can benefit from conservative treatment. Pain medications and physical therapy can help with pain management and mobility. Advanced treatments include corticosteroid injections, nerve blocks, or radiofrequency ablation (RFA), a procedure that destroys nearby nerves to reduce pain. Most cases can improve over time with a combination of these treatments.

It's time for a fusion

Minimally invasive spinal fusion surgery is an innovative procedure used for improving severe symptoms of spinal conditions. The procedure fuses 2 or more vertebrae into a solid piece to stabilize the spine and relieve pain. Spinal fusions are ideal for severe degenerated discs, spinal stenosis, arthritis, or spinal instability. With spinal fusion, the surgeon will remove part or all of a disc. A cage containing a bone graft is inserted in the new space. The graft and nearby vertebrae are secured with metal plates and screws. Over several months, the bones grow and fuse into a solid, secure piece. With traditional surgery, a large incision is made along the back to access the spine. With minimally invasive surgery (MIS), small incisions allow the surgeon to perform the fusion, which provides additional benefits.

Benefits of minimally invasive surgery

Minimally invasive surgery has been used for decades in different types of procedures. The procedure uses incisions the size of buttonholes along with an arthroscope. This scope has a light and camera at the end that projects the surgical site on an external monitor. Smaller incisions mean less blood loss, smaller scars, and more efficient procedures. In most cases, the patient can leave on the same day, making recovery more comfortable. MIS can also speed up healing and recovery. With no large incisions, patients may experience less inflammation and fewer complications like infections.

Give me a sign that it's time for a fusion

The ideal patient for spinal fusion has had a spinal condition for several months or years that has not responded well to treatment. This patient should consider surgery as the symptoms worsen despite physical therapy, pain management, and other innovative options. Patients with severe instability or deformities of the spine can benefit from surgery. Along with reducing pain, a fusion may improve posture and mobility. Other patients with severe nerve compression from spinal stenosis or spinal damage that is not healing should consider a fusion. A doctor will discuss the benefits through consultation while performing tests to ensure the patient can endure the surgery.

Your spine, your decision

The spine is prone to progressive damage and conditions that impact health. The resulting pain, stiffness, numbness, and poor mobility can impact the quality of life. If most conservative efforts fail, doctors will recommend spinal fusion. MIS makes the procedure efficient and reduces pain. However, several months are needed for a full recovery, with 12-18 months required for a complete fusion. Surgery is also not without risk. Speak with the doctor about possible complications and management strategies. Seeing a physician and discussing spinal fusion is the first step to better spine health.