Understanding the Benefits of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Are you considering spine surgery? Chances are, your number one concern is how long it'll take to recover. Although healing time varies depending on the individual, and the type of surgery needed, it can take up to a year or more to fully recover from traditional spine surgery.

At Spine Group Beverly Hills, we understand the importance of returning to your normal life as safely and quickly as possible. That's why Dr. John Regan treats a variety of conditions with minimally invasive spine surgery. 

Faster recovery is just one of the many benefits of minimally invasive spine surgery. Keep reading to learn more, and whether it's a good option for you.

8 advantages of minimally invasive spine surgery

According to a 2019 study published in the Journal of Spine Surgery, the preference for minimally invasive spine surgery (over traditional surgery, when feasible) has become increasingly apparent among both doctors and patients. 

Here are eight benefits of minimally invasive spine surgery: 

1. Smaller incisions mean smaller scars
2. Reduced length of hospital stay (i.e., days instead of weeks)
3. Less post-op pain and discomfort
4. Shorter recovery and healing time 
5. Quicker return to your normal lifestyle and daily routines
6. Less blood loss during the procedures (compared to traditional surgery)
7. Reduced risk of infection (since the incisions are much smaller)
8. Ability to treat a range of issues

It’s easy to see why minimally invasive spine surgery is so alluring. The quicker you heal and recover, the sooner you can say goodbye to pain and discomfort.

What can minimally invasive spine surgery correct?

There isn’t just one type of minimally invasive spine surgery. The term "minimally invasive" doesn’t indicate what is being treated. Rather, it simply indicates this isn’t a traditional surgery.

For example, Dr. Regan offers discectomy surgeries and spinal fusion procedures. Both only require small incisions and don't cause additional trauma to your body.

Here are a few reasons why minimally invasive spine surgery is so effective:

• Requires only small incisions
• Allows surgeons to use small instruments to perform the surgery
• Uses endoscopes (thin telescopes attached to a camera) to allow visibility and improves accuracy  
• Reduces trauma to your muscles and other tissues (from larger incisions or larger instruments)

As a result, minimally invasive spine surgery can be used to treat a variety of spine conditions including scoliosis, degenerative discs, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and vertebral compression fractures.

When conservative treatments aren’t enough

Just because conservative treatments aren’t alleviating your back pain, doesn’t mean you need traditional surgery. For some, the thought of the long recovery period associated with traditional surgery can be daunting. Thankfully, we can help you explore all your options, including minimally invasive surgery.  

If back pain is preventing you from living your best life, we can help. Visit our website and schedule an appointment at our Beverly Hills or Santa Monica, California office today.