6 Benefits of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

The idea of needing back surgery can feel overwhelming, and in years past, it was a big deal. It meant long hospital stays, large incisions, and months of recovery. And, there was no guarantee it would even work. Thankfully, spine surgery has changed for the better. 

In Atlanta, Georgia, Max Steuer, MD, and physician assistant Carter Cooper, PA-C, use minimally invasive techniques that have transformed what surgery looks like if you're dealing with a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, back pain, or pinched nerves. 

If you've put off getting help because surgery sounds too intense, read on as they share six reasons it might not be what you imagine.

1. Smaller incisions

Traditional open spine surgery requires a long incision to reach the spine, disturbing the surrounding muscles and tissue. With minimally invasive surgery, Dr. Steuer uses a small incision and specialized instruments to access your spine without much tissue disruption.

2. Less pain

Something many of our patients notice after minimally invasive spine surgery is that their postoperative pain is more manageable than they expected. 

Because the surgery doesn’t disturb the surrounding muscles, you don’t have to deal with the soreness and stiffness that typically follow open surgery. That makes recovery a much more comfortable experience.

3. Faster recovery

With our state-of-the-art, minimally invasive services, you should be up and moving much sooner than if you'd had traditional spine surgery. Depending on the procedure, many of our patients can go home the same day. 

We work to help you return to your daily routine and the things you enjoy as quickly as possible.

4. Reduced risk of complications

Any surgical procedure carries risk, but, according to research and our experience, minimally invasive surgery has fewer complications compared to open surgery.

There's less blood loss during the procedure, a lower risk of infection at the incision site, and reduced risk of damage to nearby nerves and tissue. It's a more precise approach, and that precision is necessary when it comes to your spine.

5. Less scarring

Because the incisions are small, the resulting scars are too. That’s a bonus you may not think much about beforehand but will really appreciate in the years after your procedure. There's no long surgical scar running down your back, just a discreet incision site that fades over time.

6. Long-lasting relief

We saved the best for last: Minimally invasive spine surgery works. 

It addresses the structural problems causing your pain (compressed nerve, collapsed disc) and does so extremely well. If you’ve exhausted other efforts, such as injections, medications, and physical therapy, you can find real relief with this innovative procedure.

Is minimally invasive spine surgery right for you?

Not every spine condition requires surgery, and Dr. Steuer always takes a conservative approach first. But if you've tried nonsurgical options and you're still in pain, minimally invasive surgery may be the next best step.

Call our office at 404-303-8280 or request an appointment online today.