Minimally Invasive Spine Procedures

What are minimally invasive spine procedures?

Minimally invasive spine procedures are treatment techniques for various conditions originating in the spine, many of which cause pain, numbness, burning, and other uncomfortable sensations.

Some common minimally invasive spine procedures are:

• Epidural injections
• Radiofrequency nerve ablation
• Kyphoplasty
• Vertebroplasty
• Trigger point injections
• Facet joint injections
• Sacroiliac joint injections
• Intracept

Although there are a few noteworthy minimally invasive spine procedures that widely differ in their techniques, they’re all similar in that they don’t use large incisions or require general anesthesia like conventional surgeries.

To be as precise as possible while performing minimally invasive spine procedures, Dr. Oliver often uses imaging techniques like ultrasound imaging or a live x-ray machine.

What are the benefits of minimally invasive spine procedures?

Minimally invasive spine procedures can help you avoid or postpone much more intensive treatments like open surgery. In general, they’re safer because they’re less invasive and involve less tissue damage and manipulation. Additionally, because they don’t require general anesthesia, you can avoid the possible complications that come with their use.

Some benefits of minimally invasive spine procedures to consider are:

• Less postoperative pain
• Less bleeding
• Shorter recovery
• No hospital stay
• Little or no scarring
• Less stress on your body

Dr. Oliver may recommend other treatments to aid in your recovery after minimally invasive spine procedures, such as physical therapy or assistive devices.

Who should get minimally invasive spine procedures?

Minimally invasive spine procedures benefit patients who experience back or neck pain from a complication in the spine. You might also benefit from minimally invasive spine procedures if you experience referred pain from nerve root compression due to a structural problem within the spine.

A few examples of conditions that may need minimally invasive spine procedures are:

• Degenerative disc disease
• Herniated disc
• Spondylolisthesis
• Spinal stenosis
• Compression fractures

Back pain and neck pain are not the only symptoms of these conditions. You might experience neurological symptoms associated with nerve compression and irritation, such as numbness or tingling. Compression fractures can cause changes in your posture or even your height.

Dr. Oliver begins every treatment plan with conservative and nonsurgical options first. She progresses to more invasive treatments if noninvasive options don’t provide adequate relief.

To learn more about minimally invasive spine procedures and how they treat back and neck pain, call Alturas Pain and Spine Specialists, or book an appointment online today.