Back pain is one of the most debilitating types of pain a person can endure. It affects far more than the body. When your back hurts at a deep level, it interferes with sleep, limits movement, disrupts focus, and makes daily responsibilities harder to manage. Many people reach a point where pain controls their routine instead of the other way around. Because of that, spinal surgery often feels like one’s only hope.
That being said, concerns about large incisions, long recovery periods, and unpredictable results cause many patients to delay care. Thankfully, spine surgery has changed a lot over the past decade. Robotic spine surgery offers a modern approach that allows surgeons to work with enhanced surgical precision while protecting surrounding tissue.
In this blog post, you’ll learn how degenerative myelopathy affects the spinal cord, why surgical treatment becomes necessary in many cases, and how robotic spine surgery changes the way surgeons treat this condition. You’ll also learn who may qualify for this approach and what separates robotic spine surgery from traditional methods.
If you’re dealing with worsening symptoms and want clear answers about your options, contact the Modern Spine Institute to schedule a consultation with one of the most experienced spine surgeons in New Jersey.
What Is Degenerative Myelopathy?
According to Canadian Family Physician, degenerative cervical myelopathy is the most common cause of spinal cord dysfunction in adults. This condition develops when age-related changes narrow the cervical spinal canal and place ongoing pressure on the spinal cord. That compression interferes with nerve signals that control movement, sensation, and coordination.
Age plays a major role, but degenerative myelopathy doesn’t affect every patient the same way. Several structural changes and prior issues contribute to spinal cord compression, including:
- Bone spurs that reduce the space within the spinal canal
- Herniated cervical discs that press against the spinal cord
- Thickened ligaments that restrict spinal movement
- Prior neck injuries that alter spinal alignment
- Arthritis affecting the cervical joints
If you have a history of these injuries or conditions, contact the Modern Spine Institute to learn about your recovery options.
What Is a Robotic Spine Surgeon?
When most people hear robotic spine surgeon, they usually picture a humanoid robot performing surgery on its own. That image comes from science fiction. However, if someone had heard 50 years ago that surgeons would rely on robotic systems to guide micro incisions, they would have dismissed the idea entirely. Today, that concept represents standard practice in advanced spine care.
Robots do not operate independently. Surgeons control every step while robotic systems provide surgical navigation technology, 3D imaging guidance, and detailed planning tools. This combined approach allows surgeons to operate with enhanced surgical precision while maintaining direct control throughout the procedure.
Traditional Spine Surgery vs. Robotic-Assisted Spine Surgery
When patients hear about robotic-assisted spine surgery, they often ask how it compares to traditional spine surgery. Both approaches aim to relieve spinal cord compression and protect nerve function. The difference lies in how surgeons access the spine and place hardware.
Traditional Spine Surgery
Traditional spine surgery relies on visual landmarks and manual alignment. According to Barrow Neurological Institute, spinal surgery began developing in earnest in the late 19th century and became more organized in the early 20th century. Surgeons achieved meaningful results, but the process involved broader exposure and greater variability. A traditional approach for degenerative cervical myelopathy often includes:
- A larger incision to access spinal structures
- Retraction of muscle and tissue for visibility
- Manual placement of screws or rods
- Periodic imaging to confirm positioning
- Closure that requires extended recovery
These procedures address spinal cord compression but involve greater disruption to surrounding structures.
Robotic Spine Surgery
Robotic-assisted spine surgery uses advanced planning and minimally invasive spinal procedures to guide each step. Surgeons follow a structured process that prioritizes spinal instrumentation accuracy and consistency:
- Preoperative planning using 3D imaging guidance to map anatomy
- Robotic alignment that defines precise surgical pathways
- Smaller incisions that limit tissue disruption
- Continuous surgical navigation technology for real-time confirmation
- Controlled hardware placement that improves consistency
This process allows surgeons to work with greater confidence while protecting critical anatomy.
Which One Is Right for You?
Many patients request robotic-assisted spine surgery for degenerative myelopathy. However, not every patient qualifies. Severe deformities, advanced instability, and certain anatomical factors may require alternative approaches. Bone density, overall health, and surgical goals also influence eligibility.
A detailed evaluation helps determine which option aligns with your condition and long-term needs.
How Robotic-Assisted Spine Surgery Helps Other Spinal Conditions and Injuries
Robotic-assisted spine surgery isn’t just for treating degenerative myelopathy. Surgeons also use this technology for several other spinal conditions and injuries, including:
- Cervical and lumbar spinal stenosis
- Herniated discs
- Degenerative disc disease
- Spinal instability
- Spondylolisthesis
- Revision spine surgery
Robotic guidance allows surgeons to adapt surgical plans to individual anatomy across a wide range of spinal issues.
Contact the Modern Spine Institute for More Information on Robotic-Assisted Spine Surgery
Back pain is one of the most debilitating conditions humans experience. A study led by Dr. Emiko Petrosky from the U.S. National Center for Injury Prevention and Control analyzed over 123,000 suicides and found that approximately 8.8% involved evidence of chronic back pain.
Chronic pain affects mental health, relationships, and independence. Nobody deserves to live with that level of suffering. Contact the Modern Spine Institute today to schedule a consultation with Grigory Goldberg, MD. If you’re still having trouble understanding robotic spine surgery or want guidance for your specific condition, the team is ready to help. Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does a Spine Surgeon in New Jersey Use Robotics To Perform Surgery?
Robotic-assisted spine surgery uses surgical navigation technology and 3D imaging guidance to help surgeons plan and execute procedures with improved spinal instrumentation accuracy.
Does Robotic-Assisted Spine Surgery Involve Smaller Incisions?
Yes. Many robotic spine surgery procedures rely on minimally invasive spinal procedures that reduce disruption to surrounding tissue.
Does a Robot Perform the Surgery Alone?
No. A trained spine surgeon performs every step while robotic systems provide guidance and accuracy support.
