According to the Global Spine Journal, approximately 266 million individuals worldwide are diagnosed with lumbar degenerative spine disease annually, representing 3.63% of the global population. If you’re experiencing persistent discomfort and limited mobility due to degenerative disc disease, you may be wondering about your surgical options.
The advancement of surgical techniques has revolutionized degenerative disc disease surgery, offering new hope for those suffering from chronic back pain. Learn about minimally invasive surgery for degenerative disc disease and how you can connect with a qualified spine specialist for a degenerative disc in New Jersey.
Understanding Modern Surgical Approaches for Spine Conditions
Back pain from degenerative disc disease can significantly impact your quality of life. According to Scientific Reports, the overall prevalence of diagnosed spinal degenerative disease is 27.3%, with the likelihood increasing with age. This condition occurs when the cushioning discs between your vertebrae begin to wear down, leading to pain, numbness, and decreased mobility.
What surgery is done for degenerative disc disease? While traditional open surgery was once the only option, minimally invasive surgical techniques by experienced spine surgeons in New Jersey now offer promising alternatives with less tissue damage and faster recovery times.
Research published in the European Spine Journal shows that minimally invasive spine surgery is associated with reduced blood loss, shorter hospitalization times, fewer complications, and decreased surgical costs compared to traditional open surgeries.
Modern minimally invasive approaches include several surgical options based on your specific condition. Spinal fusion permanently joins vertebrae to eliminate painful motion, while artificial disc replacement preserves natural movement by replacing damaged discs with prosthetic ones. These advanced techniques utilize specialized instruments and real-time imaging to ensure precise placement and optimal outcomes.
Common Minimally Invasive Procedures for Degenerative Disc Disease
Visit a spine surgeon in New Jersey and you’ll hear about various minimally invasive techniques for degenerative disc disease surgery, including:
- Minimally invasive discectomy: Surgeons remove the damaged disc material pressing on nerve roots or the spinal cord using micro-instruments through a small tube.
- Advanced laminectomy: This procedure creates additional space in the spinal canal by carefully removing specific portions of bone and ligament through small incisions, helping to relieve pressure on nerves while maintaining spinal stability.
- Modern spinal fusion: Doctors join vertebrae using specialized hardware and bone graft material while preserving surrounding tissues, utilizing computer-guided navigation systems to ensure precise placement and optimal alignment.
- Artificial disc replacement: You’ll receive a prosthetic disc through a small anterior incision to maintain natural spine movement, offering an alternative to fusion that helps preserve a range of motion and reduce strain.
- Precise nerve decompression: This procedure relieves pressure on compressed nerves using specialized instruments and microscopic visualization, allowing surgeons to target specific areas of compression.
What Happens During Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?
When you undergo minimally invasive surgery for degenerative disc disease, your surgeon will use advanced imaging guidance to precisely locate the problem area. Through small incisions, they’ll insert specialized tools called tubular retractors that create a tunnel to the surgical site while protecting surrounding muscles and tissues.
According to the Osteoarthritis and Cartilage Journal, over 90% of individuals aged over 50 exhibit some degree of intervertebral disc degeneration, making these advanced surgical techniques increasingly important.
The surgeon then uses microscopic visualization and specialized instruments to perform the necessary repairs through these small channels. This targeted approach minimizes damage to healthy tissue and helps reduce post-operative pain and recovery time compared to traditional open surgery. Advanced computer navigation systems help ensure the precise placement of any necessary implants or hardware.
How To Prepare for Surgery for Degenerative Disc Disease
A successful outcome begins with proper preparation for your degenerative disc disease surgery. You’ll have to undergo the following steps:
- Comprehensive medical evaluations require completing thorough cardiovascular and respiratory assessments to ensure surgery safety, including detailed blood work, EKG testing, and pulmonary function studies.
- Detailed medication reviews involve working with your healthcare team to adjust current medications and supplements, identifying which ones should be temporarily stopped and which are essential to continue through surgery.
- Important lifestyle modifications focus on stopping smoking at least six weeks before surgery, optimizing nutrition through a balanced diet rich in proteins and vitamins, and maintaining appropriate physical activity levels as recommended by your surgeon.
- Thorough home preparation includes arranging post-operative care support, modifying your living space to accommodate limited mobility, and setting up a recovery area on the main floor to avoid stairs during your initial healing.
- Essential pre-operative testing encompasses completing necessary imaging studies, including MRIs and CT scans, comprehensive laboratory work, and any additional specialized tests your surgeon recommends.
Begin Your Recovery With Grigory Goldberg, MD – The Spine Specialist New Jersey Locals Trust
Understanding disc replacement surgery and knowing your surgical options is crucial for making informed healthcare decisions and preparing for your procedure and recovery. At our practice, we utilize state-of-the-art minimally invasive techniques and provide comprehensive care throughout your surgical journey.
Our team specializes in treating spine conditions with the latest advanced surgical methods, ensuring desirable outcomes. Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available.
Contact Grigory Goldberg, MD, at 1-877-465-7360 to schedule a consultation with an experienced spine surgeon in Clifton, Barnegat, Freehold, Holmdel, Monroe, and Ocean, New Jersey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about minimally invasive spine surgery and recovery.
What Surgery Is Done for Degenerative Disc Disease?
Minimally invasive spinal fusion or artificial disc replacement surgeries treat degenerative disc disease.
What Is the Success Rate of Minimally Invasive Back Surgery?
Clinical studies show high success rates for appropriately selected patients, with most reporting significant improvement in pain and function.
How Long Does It Take To Recover From Degenerative Disc Disease Surgery?
Full recovery typically occurs within three to six months, with many patients returning to normal activities gradually during this period.
What Can You Expect After Spine Surgery?
After spinal surgery, you’ll receive detailed post-operative care instructions, including activity restrictions, physical therapy guidelines, and follow-up appointment schedules.
