Alternatives to Traditional Back Surgery

Alternatives to Traditional Back Surgery

This content was medically reviewed by Baher S. Yanni, MD, on January 4th, 2019.

When you need something more than conservative treatment for your low back pain, your doctor may recommend surgery. Traditional back surgery methods involve large cuts into the bone and tissue. As a result, recovery can take a long time. Fortunately, patients with certain back conditions have another option. Minimally invasive spine procedures accomplish many of the goals of traditional surgeries with shorter recovery times. Learn more about alternative back surgeries by reading this guide.

Endoscopic Spine Procedures

An endoscopic spine operation is one of the least invasive procedures available to patients.

Medical professionals perform endoscopic surgery using a tool called an endoscope. The endoscope enters the body through a small incision and displays the inside of the back on a screen. Once the surgeon sees the affected area, they use a few more small incisions to operate with small instruments.

Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression (MILD)

Patients with certain cases of spinal stenosis find relief in minimally invasive lumbar decompression (MILD).

Spinal stenosis narrows the bones surrounding a patient’s spinal cord. MILD allows the surgeon to decompress the affected areas of the spine by addressing bone spurs or boney lamina. By lowering the pressure put on the spinal cord, the procedure reduces nerve pain.

Vertiflex Interspinous Spacer Implantation

A patient with spinal stenosis may also receive a vertiflex interspinous spacer implant.

A vertiflex interspinous spacer implant releases small arms that hook onto the spine and secure it in place. The spacer is placed between the vertebrae to make room for the nerves that pass through the spine. As a result, the vertebrae no longer put pressure on the spinal cord nerves, reducing the patient’s symptoms.

Neuromodulation Devices

Neuromodulation treatments involve stimulating nerves with an electrical current. They include therapies for low back pain such as spinal cord stimulation and peripheral nerve stimulation.

Patients who choose neuromodulation receive a device that sends electricity to the affected nerves. They’ll first use a test device to see if the therapy will relieve their symptoms. If they like the results, they can request a permanent neuromodulation device that goes under their skin.

Regenerative Medicine

Regenerative medicine treatment enhances the body’s healing abilities.

Prolotherapy and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections trigger inflammation to repair tissue. These therapies involve injection and don’t require surgery.

Consult a Doctor About Alternatives to Back Surgery

Everyone has a different body and back issues. Because these alternatives to back surgery won’t work for every patient, we recommend consulting your doctor before seeking treatment. The physician can also discuss more treatment options that could relieve your symptoms.

Patients in New Jersey and the surrounding area may get advice from the professionals at Spine INA. We excel at creating personalized treatment plans and performing least-invasive procedures. Schedule an appointment at one of our three locations by completing our online form today.

This content was medically reviewed by Baher Yanni, M.D, on January 4th, 2019.