Common Conditions Treated With Minimally Invasive Surgery

Minimally invasive spine surgery isn’t just for one specific diagnosis. It’s a modern approach used to treat a range of back and neck issues that affect how you move, feel, and function.

These procedures use small incisions and specialized tools to access the spine without cutting through large muscles. The result? Less pain after surgery, faster recovery, and lower risk of complications.

Here are some of the most common conditions that respond well to this type of surgery:

Herniated disc

If disc material presses on a nearby nerve, it can cause pain, numbness, or weakness. A microdiscectomy removes the problem portion of the disc with minimal disruption to the rest of your spine.

Spinal stenosis

When the spinal canal narrows, it can put pressure on the nerves. This can lead to leg pain, cramping, or balance issues. Minimally invasive decompression widens the canal to relieve pressure.

Degenerative disc disease

As discs wear down over time, they can lose height and hydration. Surgery may be used to stabilize the spine and reduce chronic pain.

Spondylolisthesis

This condition occurs when one vertebra slips forward over another. It can cause nerve compression and instability. Fusion or other stabilization techniques may be done with a minimally invasive approach.

Spine fractures

In some cases, compression fractures from osteoporosis or trauma can be treated with procedures like vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty to restore height and reduce pain.

Not every patient with these conditions needs surgery. But when conservative treatments fail, a minimally invasive option can offer real relief without the long recovery tied to traditional open surgery.

Your spine is complex, but solutions don’t always have to be. A specialist can help determine whether your condition qualifies and walk you through what to expect.

Virginia Spine Specialists is an award-winning, minimally invasive spinal care practice with locations in Fredericksburg, VA and Manassas, VA. We also serve these Northern and Central Virginia locations: Haymarket, Gainesville, Culpepper, Front Royal, Spotsylvania, Stafford, Colonial Beach, Tappahannock and Lake Anna.