Maybe it starts with tingling fingers or a loss of feeling in your extremities, or with persistent back pain that increases over time. A diagnosis of a spinal tumor, infection, or instability can lead to talks about surgery that most people don’t want to hear.
However, technological advancements and procedural skills have brought forth minimally invasive spine surgery as a revolutionary technique. An open procedure may not be necessary, saving you time, money, and pain. Now, you just need the right care team, equipment, and minimally invasive spine surgeon in New Jersey.
The office of Grigory Goldberg, MD, helps our patients recover faster, leaving them stronger and ready to return to a new normal. Read more to learn what this process can do for you.
The Traditional Method or a Minimally Invasive Spine Surgeon?
Traditional open surgeries use a single, long incision through the length or part of the length of the back. A longer incision helps the surgeon see the surgical site, the musculature, and nearby soft tissues all around the spine very clearly.
However, this process damages said tissues and muscles, lengthening the necessary healing time and increasing infection risks. It also disrupts many nerves, causing more pain. A traditional spine surgery patient can expect to stay in the hospital for three to five days.
Minimally invasive spine surgery uses one or more smaller incisions in the skin and a small metal tube, called an endoscope. The surgeon uses the endoscope and water to see the spine through a tiny incision.
Fluoroscopic guidance, or real-time X-ray images of the patient’s spine, helps determine where to cut other small incisions. They then pass tubular retractors through those incisions to work on a smaller operating field, damaging fewer muscles, tissues, and nerves.
A 2013 study showed that minimally invasive surgery methods reduced infection risks by nearly six times the normal rates. Reduced infection risks mean less pain, reduced blood loss, faster recovery time, and more. Moreover, many minimally invasive surgeries are outpatient procedures, and other patients can expect to go home within a day or two.
Types of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
Minimally invasive spine surgery methods often take longer to master than traditional ones. Each type utilizes muscle-sparing techniques to reduce strength loss, healing time, and potential overreliance on pain medication. As such, a reasonable, patient-focused minimally invasive spine surgeon will usually emphasize pain management and non-surgical options first.
However, if the situation fails to improve with said intervention, we may use one of several types of minimally invasive surgeries, such as:
Discectomy
The spinal discs consist of elastic rings with soft tissue material that support your vertebrae. Different conditions and issues can weaken the rings, and the inner material can extrude beyond its usual space, pressing on nearby nerves. A discectomy involves trimming or removing a herniated disc.
Spinal Fusion
Chronic tingling, numbness, muscle pain, or weakness could indicate pressure on your spinal cord. In other cases, like a car accident or sports-based injury, a spine injury could lead to constant symptoms related to spinal disruption.
Surgical spinal fusion connects two or more vertebrae to reinforce the strength of a patient’s back, supporting their body and alleviating spinal cord pressure. Many types of spinal fusion exist, depending on the fusion location and method to access the area.
Spinal Decompression
Spinal stenosis refers to the narrowing of the vertebral canal, a common condition resulting in nerve compression. Symptoms include pain, muscle weakness, and numbness. Minimally invasive surgery can remove some of the bone and soft tissues causing the compression, if necessary.
Conditions Minimally Invasive Spine Surgeries Can Treat
As we’ve talked about types of surgery, we’ve also touched on a few of the conditions they treat, including spinal stenosis or herniated discs. Of course, that isn’t all we can work with. While not a completely exhaustive list, see if a condition you or a loved one might have is mentioned below.
If so, we may be able to discuss the future of your medical care through minimally invasive spine surgery:
- Scoliosis
- Kyphosis (when your spine curves outward more than it should)
- Spinal tumors
- Spinal infection
- Spinal instability
- Spondylolisthesis (when a vertebra slips forward)
- Cervical spondylosis (age-related wear and tear of discs in your neck)
- Vertebral compression fractures
Are You a Candidate? See Our Spine Surgeon in New Jersey
If we can pinpoint the exact cause of your pain, you are more likely to be a good candidate for minimally invasive spinal surgery. If you think we may be able to find it, if you don’t know it already, contact the office of Dr. Grigory Goldberg.
We focus on patient-first procedures and practices that focus on your care and wellness. In a country where, according to a 2021 study, 98% of all patients receive an opioid prescription post-surgery, we seek surgery-free options first. If we do operate, we aim to reduce as much of the pain as possible so you can live a fulfilling, healthy life.
Are you ready to review your new range of options? Contact our Clifton or Toms River locations to schedule your consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions
For more detailed questions, call our Clifton office at (844) 373-2772 or our Toms River office at (732) 908-8585.
How Much Does Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Cost?
Minimally invasive spine surgery costs may vary depending on several factors. More difficult or lengthy procedures may cost more due to the resources used. To avoid giving you a false number, we always suggest consulting your insurance for general cost estimates.
Do You Accept My Insurance?
Dr. Grigory Goldberg accepts most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection), and same-day appointments may be available. Call our office and schedule an appointment to check if we accept your insurance.
How Can I Prepare for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?
You can prepare for minimally invasive spine surgery by planning your route home and ensuring you have someone to care for you. You can also start practicing good spinal care habits, like good posture, improving your diet, and cutting out smoking.
