How Long Does It Take to Recover from Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?

Patients who undergo minimally invasive spine surgery (also sometimes referred to as less invasive spine surgery) tend to recover much faster than those who have an open spine surgery. Many people who have undergone minimally invasive spine surgery will be able to return to normal activities in approximately six weeks. During the first six weeks post-surgery, most patients will need to restrict activities, though the degree to which activity is restricted will be determined by your spine surgeon, based on your overall health, and recovery process.

There are three main reasons that the recovery period is often shorter than with a traditional open spine surgery. First, the incision made is much smaller than in an open spine surgery. Unlike in an open surgery, where incisions are often 5-6 inches in length (in order for the surgeon to be able to remove the muscle attachments from the bone in order to access the spine), the incisions in a minimally invasive surgery may be less than half an inch. Smaller incisions require less time to heal.

Another reason that the recovery time from minimally invasive surgery is reduced when compared to traditional or open spine surgery, is due to the fact that the aforementioned muscles protecting the spine do not need to be unattached from the bone. Instead, the muscles can be pushed out of the way, rather than having to be attached and then reattached.

A third reason that most men and women recover from minimally invasive spine surgery faster than open spine surgeries is due to reduced postoperative pain. Because there is less irritation to the muscles and surrounding soft tissues, and there are smaller incision sites, men and women report much less pain following the surgery. Since the pain is less severe, most are able to begin their physical therapy and recovery program sooner than those who have had open spine surgery.

Benefits of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

In addition to faster recovery times, there are fewer overall risks associated with minimally invasive spine surgery when compared to open spine surgery. The smaller incisions reduce risk of infection and reduce scarring. The use of tiny instruments, and cameras help reduce the risk of blood loss or damage to surrounding muscles and tissue. Minimally invasive spine surgery also allows Dr. K. Rad Payman to focus precisely on where the problem in the spine is, thanks to microscopes and cameras. Minimally invasive surgery also frequently doesn't require an overnight stay in the hospital. Furthermore, less anesthesia is required, as the surgeries generally take less time to perform than a traditional open surgery. Finally, because of the reduction in pain, most patients require less narcotic pain reliever in the days following surgery.

Types of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

There a number of minimally invasive spine surgery techniques. But they all reduce damage to muscles because of the small incisions, and the specialized surgical instruments used. In general, minimally invasive surgery is used to achieve one of two goals: decompression or fusion. Decompression surgeries are designed to relieve pressure on spinal nerves, caused by herniated discs, fractures, stenosis, and other conditions. Spinal fusion surgeries are used when it is necessary to correct problems with the vertebrae in the spine.

If you're suffering from chronic neck or back pain, it's time to schedule an appointment with a top Los Angeles spine surgeon. A graduate of Johns Hopkins Medical School, Dr. K. Rad Payman has performed countless successful minimally invasive spine surgeries throughout his career.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. K. Rad Payman, please call 818-501-2001 today.