Should I undergo spine surgery?
Surgery is always the last option when treating spinal conditions. If non-operative treatments like medication and physical therapy fail to alleviate the back pain, only then will the doctor suggest surgical treatment for specific conditions like sciatica, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis or degenerative scoliosis. A patient’s individualized condition, symptoms and level of function are the basis for the doctor’s decision.
Can I undergo minimally invasive spine surgery?
As the field of minimally invasive spine surgery continues to grow alongside modern technology, more and more surgical procedures today can be treated with a certain degree of minimal invasiveness. However, there are still some conditions that still need standard open surgery procedures such as high-degree scoliosis, tumor and various infections. The right approach is always based on a patient’s diagnosis. Spine Center of Texas chooses the type of treatment that is best suited for a patient’s overall condition.
Do I need to get an MRI, Xray or CAT scan before a minimally invasive spine surgery?
MISS surgery often requires radialogic procedures and scanning that is customized to fit each operation.
How long will I be confined?
Minimally invasive surgery generally cuts hospital confinement by half. Surgery for endoscopic discectomy and patient release can be done on the same day. For lumbar fusion surgeries, 2-3 days is enough as compared to the previous 5-7 days. What’s more, less pain is experienced during the post-operative period when minimally invasive techniques are used.
Can I return to work right after my surgery?
Work resumption will depend on the patient’s specific condition as well as his type of occupation. If a patient has a sedentary job, he may be allowed to return to work within 1-2 weeks. It may take 4-6 weeks for larger surgeries like fusion. But overall, return to work is still much faster with minimally invasive surgery as compared to standard open surgery.
How long is the recovery period?
Every surgery yields different recovery time. Some patients may return to their normal day to day activity in 6 weeks, while some may need more time. Spine Center of Texas encourages those who will undergo this type of procedure to look into a physical therapy program to encourage faster recovery.
