Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery: 3 Myths Debunked

Back pain is one of the most common health-related problems in the United States. It can present anywhere from a dull, constant ache to a sudden, sharp pain that may radiate down the arm or leg, depending on the cause.

The pain may come on suddenly, such as from an accident, a fall, or lifting something that’s too heavy. Or, it may develop slowly due to age-related degenerative changes in the spine, such as degenerative disc disease, vertebral compression fractures, or osteoarthritis. 

Interventional pain medicine physician Dr. James Stephens at Interventional Pain Center in Legacy Office Park, Norman, Oklahoma, offers minimally invasive spine surgery (MSS) to his patients whose pain doesn’t respond to conservative treatments to restore normal functioning and improve their quality of life.

Unfortunately, there are numerous myths and misconceptions surrounding MSS that make it challenging to determine the best course of action. Here, the doctor looks at three of those myths and debunks them with facts.

Common causes of back/spine pain

You can develop back pain due to mechanical or structural problems that occur in the spinal vertebrae; intervertebral discs; muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the back; or structures that compress nerves or nerve roots. Some common reasons for the pain include:

Sprains

These are injuries to the ligaments supporting the spine, whose function is to connect bone to bone. They often occur from twisting or lifting improperly.

Strains

These are injuries to a muscle or tendon.

Degenerative disc disease (DDD)

DDD isn’t a disease, but it’s the result of an aging spine. The cushiony discs between the vertebrae lose moisture and flatten. This can lead to bone-on-bone grinding, the development of bone spurs, or compression of a nerve or nerve root.

Herniated or ruptured discs

A disc consists of a hard outer shell and a gel-like interior. Over time, the shell can crack, allowing the disc to bulge or the inner material to herniate through the opening. This material can then press on nerves in the spinal canal.

Spondylolisthesis

This condition occurs when a spinal vertebra gradually moves out of alignment.

Spinal stenosis

This narrowing of the spinal canal puts pressure on the spinal cord and the nerves that branch off of it.

Fractured vertebrae

If you have the bone-thinning disease osteoporosis, your vertebrae can lose mass and suffer from compression fractures. Dr. Stephens uses kyphoplasty to restore the vertebral height and stabilize the spine.

Spinal pain can also result from inflammatory conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis or osteoarthritis.

3 common myths about MSS and the facts that debunk them

Here are three common myths about minimally invasive spine surgery and the facts that prove them wrong.

Myth #1: You must recover for a long time in bed

FACT: While traditional, open surgical techniques require long recovery times, minimally invasive techniques, with their very small incisions, shorten your recovery tremendously. Smaller incisions lead to less bleeding, less risk of infection, and faster healing. Many people don’t need a long hospital stay; they can go home the same day as the procedure.

Additionally, doctors have learned over the years that moving soon after the procedure can aid in healing and regaining range of motion. While rest is an important part of recovery, staying in bed for long periods can actually make your back more painful and stiff.

Myth #2: My MRI shows herniated discs; that makes me a good candidate for MSS

FACT: Most people with bulging or herniated discs, even if there are a number of them, are asymptomatic. That means they don’t experience any pain or other symptoms from the problem. In these cases, surgery simply isn’t necessary. In fact, you might not need treatment at all, unless you start developing pain.

Myth #3: Spinal surgery just leads to more pain

FACT: Spinal surgery is designed to relieve pain, not cause it. That said, for a small percentage of people, even surgery isn’t effective at relieving their pain. This group tends to be very vocal about the problem, which is why the myth has become so prevalent. 

Procedures like a laminectomy and foraminotomy, which widen the spinal canal or the holes through which nerves exit the canal, respectively, are designed to create more space for compressed nerves, relieving pain from any impingement.

If you have persistent back pain, visit the Interventional Pain Center for an evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment plan that may include MMS. 

To learn more or schedule a consultation with Dr. Stephens, call the office at 405-759-8407, or use our online booking tool today.