Making The Decision To Have Spine Surgery

The decision to have surgery is a big one. However, many surgical options can provide highly effective treatment for chronic back pain. And, fortunately, minimally invasive surgery options make recovery smoother, quicker, and get patients home faster. Patients who have arthritis, a slipped disc, or cervical radiculopathy may want to discuss spine surgery options with an orthopedic surgeon.

3 Things to Know Before Your FESS surgery

1. Arthritis surgery options

Surgery is not the first recommended treatment for arthritis. However, in some patients, noninvasive treatment options fail to provide symptom relief. In these cases, patients with osteoarthritis may consider a vertebral fusion or laminectomy.
During a vertebral fusion, the surgeon places a bone graft between two spinal vertebrae. Typically, within 3-6 months, the bones then grow together, creating a spinal fusion. This can help eliminate the friction between vertebrae that causes arthritic pain. In a laminectomy, the surgeon removes part of the vertebrae to create more space. This procedure is also called decompression surgery and, in some patients, provides significant symptom relief.

2. Repairing slipped discs

A slipped disc is one that moves out of place and presses against the spinal column. In some patients, this condition does not cause many symptoms. However, if a patient experiences a herniated disc at specific locations along the spine, the patient may experience pain, numbness, or tingling in the arms or legs.
One of the most common procedures to treat a herniated disc is the microdiscectomy. In this operation, the surgeon removes the portion of the disc that is putting pressure on the spine. Microdiscectomies use smaller incisions and are less invasive. In some cases, the procedure can even be performed on an outpatient basis, meaning patients can return home the same day.

3. Treatment for cervical radiculopathy

Cervical radiculopathy is a condition in which a nerve root in the spine becomes inflamed or damaged. This can lead to numbness, tingling, or pain anywhere in the arms and legs. The condition can also cause neurological changes such as weakness or decreased reflexes.
The most common procedure for cervical radiculopathy is the anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). The goal of this surgery is to stabilize the spine, reduce pain, and restore alignment. During the procedure, the surgeon removes the disc that is causing pain and then performs a spinal fusion to stabilize the spine. Though this can take away some flexibility, ACDF surgery is an effective treatment for chronic pain for many patients.

When is surgery the best treatment?

Surgery is not typically the first recommended treatment. However, in patients who have tried less invasive treatment options without relief, having spine surgery may be the best option. Speak with an orthopedic surgeon to find out more about the risks and benefits of spine surgery for arthritis, slipped discs, or cervical radiculopathy.

Recent Posts

“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”

“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”

“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”

“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”

“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”
“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”

“All staff were wonderful.”

“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”

“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”
“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”

“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”

“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”

“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”

“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”

“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”

“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”

“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”

“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”

“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”

“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”

“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”

“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”

“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”

“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”

“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”

“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”

“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”

“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”

“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”

“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”

“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”

“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”

“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”

“All staff were wonderful.”

CONTACT US TODAY!

Please contact us with any questions about your treatment at The Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery.

Recent Posts