Compared to open surgery, minimally invasive spine surgery can get you back on your feet faster with less pain and minimal scars. However, it isn’t right for everyone.
At The Spine Institute of Southeast Texas, board-certified orthopedic surgeon Thomas Jones II, MD, carefully evaluates each patient’s spinal condition before recommending the most appropriate treatment approach. If you’re living with chronic, severe back pain that disrupts your daily life, you may be a candidate for minimally invasive spine surgery.
The majority of American adults will experience at least one episode of neck or back pain at some point in their life. For most people, these episodes are mild and resolve with conservative treatment. Persistent and severe neck and back pain is often the result of conditions like herniated discs, arthritis, or bone spurs.
The goal of minimally invasive spine surgery is to stabilize the bones or joints of the spine and relieve pressure on the spinal nerves with the least amount of disruption to the body. Cutting edge technology allows surgeons to provide precise, effective treatment while protecting the body’s structural integrity.
Traditional spine surgery requires large incisions and extensive disruption to muscles. This results in longer recovery times.
Dr. Jones specializes in minimally invasive spine surgery, which benefits from advanced techniques and technologies such as robot assistance. Specialized tools provide access through small incisions, minimizing tissue disruption. This approach results in less pain, fewer complications, and faster recovery.
Before surgery, Dr. Jones uses imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans to carefully plan the procedure and identify the exact source of your symptoms. During the procedure, he inserts a tiny camera and specialized surgical instruments through small incisions — the camera projects detailed images onto a monitor, allowing him to clearly see the treatment area without the need for a large incision.
Minimally invasive spine surgery has expanded the range of treatment options available for people living with chronic back and neck pain. Advances in surgical technology now allow surgeons to treat many spinal conditions through smaller incisions and highly precise techniques.
While traditional open surgery may still be the most appropriate choice in certain situations, many patients with common spinal conditions may be candidates for a minimally invasive approach.
There are several types of spine surgeries. Minimally invasive spine approaches may be used to treat spine conditions such as:
In some cases, minimally invasive techniques can also help preserve spinal motion and function.
Having a collaborative conversation with your surgeon and setting clear expectations and goals contributes to optimal results. This includes discussing which symptoms need to be treated and whether surgery can help achieve those goals. Dr. Jones discusses any surgical alternatives available with each patient.
If persistent neck or back pain is interfering with your well-being and quality of life, and nonsurgical treatments have failed to provide adequate relief, seek an evaluation from a spine specialist.
Dr. Jones can explain your treatment options, determine whether you're a candidate for the minimally invasive spine surgery, and help you make an informed decision about the best way to achieve long-term pain relief and improved function.
To schedule your initial consultation, contact us today in Pearland, Lake Jackson, or Houston, Texas. Start your path to lasting relief from neck and back pain.
