Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery: 3 Tips For A Better Experience
Read Time: 7 minutes Minimally invasive spine surgery involves fewer cuts, less pain, and lower complication rates. MIS may be a treatment for back pain.
What Is Minimally Invasive Surgery?
In the past, surgeons had one option: to make a large incision and perform open surgery. But with the advancement in minimally invasive techniques, today, there are more options. Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is a technique that involves small incisions and the use of tiny instruments to see inside the body and perform an operation. Minimally invasive spine surgery is associated with fewer cuts, less pain, and faster recovery. Here’s what to know about preparing for this procedure.
1. Improve your lifestyle habits
Before any surgery, improving lifestyle habits will boost the chances of a quicker, smoother recovery. People who are smokers should quit before surgery. Additionally, experts recommend exercising regularly, eating a nutritious diet, and getting 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
2. Ask about medications
Patients who are on blood thinner medications will need to quit taking these before the spine surgery. Even over-the-counter pain relievers can be blood thinners. Make sure to tell the surgeon about all medicines and supplements. Patients may need to stop taking these ahead of time.
3. Know what to expect
A crucial step in preparing for any surgery is having a recovery plan in place. After surgery, some patients can return home the same day. Others may need to recover in the hospital for a few days. Although MIS is associated with less pain, most people will still need help at home during the first part of recovery. To regain strength more quickly, many surgeons recommend that patients go through physical therapy. Specific exercises can teach patients about proper alignment and safe movement to prevent reinjury.
Reasons to get spine surgery
Not every condition requires surgery. However, if someone has been suffering from back pain and does not get relief from other treatment options, surgery may be the best route. Spine surgery is often a treatment for herniated discs, fractured vertebrae, spondylolysis, or spinal stenosis. Not every back surgery will be a minimally invasive procedure. However, talk to the surgeon about whether or not this is an option.
Are there any risks?
All surgery comes with some level of risk. As with any other procedure, MIS does have a chance of infection, blood loss, or post-operative blood clots. However, minimally invasive spine surgery is associated with lower rates of complication and has been determined to be very safe and effective for the right patients.
Speak with a spine surgeon
When possible, using minimally invasive surgery can bring significant results and relief. Patients with back pain can speak with a spine surgeon. These specialists can help determine if MIS is the right treatment option.