Spine Conditions that Respond Well to Minimally Invasive Procedures

If you’re struggling with a spinal condition, you might feel like surgery is your only option. This isn’t necessarily the case. A trained doctor can use minimally invasive procedures instead, negating the need for surgical intervention.

Not all spine conditions can be treated using minimally invasive procedures, but they do provide a viable option for many looking to avoid the complications and downtime associated with spinal surgery. 

At The Spine and Sports Center in Sugar Land, the Willowbrook/Cy-Fair area, and The Galleria in Houston, Texas, our team provides care to those suffering from spinal and sports injuries. If your condition could benefit from a minimally invasive procedure, we can help you avoid surgery and get the care you need. 

Minimally invasive treatments

There are several common spine conditions, including herniated discs and vertebral compression fractures, that respond well to minimally invasive treatment. Procedures like percutaneous discectomy and vertebroplasty can often relieve the issue and mitigate pain. 

In some cases, surgery can be postponed indefinitely. In others, continued degeneration of the spine may require eventual surgery down the road.

Herniated discs

Herniated discs, also referred to as bulging, slipped, or ruptured discs, can cause low back and leg pain. Discs sit between the bones of your spine, keeping them apart from each other and absorbing the shock of sitting, standing, and walking. 

When a disc is compressed, shifted, or a break occurs in the outer layer, the gel inside the discs can squish out between the spinal bones and press on or pinch the nerves in your back. The spine must be decompressed to relieve the pressure.

We can help decompress herniated discs using a minimally invasive procedure known as a percutaneous discectomy. It requires no incision; we simply insert a small cannula into the spine under the guidance of an imaging machine to complete the procedure. 

Vertebral compression fractures

A vertebral compression fracture describes what happens when the bone breaks. A spine bone can fracture under pressure if it is weakened by osteoporosis or trauma. Broken spinal bones can cause intense back pain and even immobilize you, forcing you to remain in bed.

The treatment for vertebral compression fractures is similar to that for disc treatment. We use X-ray imaging guidance to insert a small, hollow needle into the treatment area. We quickly repair the fractured vertebra with medical-grade bone cement, restoring the stability of your spine. 

Do you suffer from back pain but are afraid of having surgery? Minimally invasive options can help. Contact our nearest location or book a visit online today.