Is Minimally Invasive Surgery Right for Your Back or Neck Pain?
If you’re dealing with ongoing back or neck pain, you might be wondering whether minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) is the right solution. It’s a popular option because it uses smaller incisions, causes less tissue damage, and often leads to quicker recovery times. But it’s not the best choice for everyone.
The first thing to know is that surgery—minimally invasive or not—is usually a last resort. Most doctors will recommend physical therapy, medication, or injections before considering surgical treatment. But if conservative options haven’t worked, MISS may be worth exploring.
You might be a good candidate if:
- Your pain is caused by a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or spondylolisthesis.
- Imaging clearly shows a structural problem pressing on a nerve or spinal cord.
- You’ve tried non-surgical treatments for at least six weeks without relief.
- You don’t have severe instability or widespread spinal degeneration.
- You want to avoid a long hospital stay and recover faster.
Minimally invasive surgery is done through small incisions using a camera and specialized instruments. It causes less disruption to muscle and tissue. Many people go home the same day and return to normal activity much sooner than with traditional open surgery.
However, it’s not always the right fit. Complex spine problems may still require a traditional approach. Your surgeon will consider your condition, overall health, and long-term goals before recommending a procedure.
The best way to know? Get an expert opinion. A spine specialist can review your imaging and symptoms to help you understand your options—and whether minimally invasive surgery is the right next step.
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.
