When you suffer from a back injury or chronic back pain, you might cringe at the thought of needing back surgery. Months of recovery and debilitating pain are the stories most people have to share after undergoing such a procedure. Today, for some patients, there is an alternative called minimal invasive spine surgery in NJ. Before you decide you are going to explore any type of procedure, you should take careful consideration.
Not the First Option
It is important to explore all your options before considering any type of surgery. Most doctors recommend a period of six to 12 months of other treatment options to see if something less extreme can help your back problem. Some degenerative back diseases will leave you no choice but to undergo a surgical procedure, but others, such as a ruptured or herniated disc, might be able to be treated in other ways.
Get the Tests
Before any decisions are made, your doctor will require medical imaging tests, such as a CAT scan or MRI. This gives your doctor a better look at your spine and exactly what needs to be done to help you feel better and gain more flexibility. It also enables the doctor to tailor your procedure to the exact area in need. Once the tests are completed, your doctor can help you determine if you are a good candidate for minimal invasive spine surgery in NJ. It is important to remember not everyone is a candidate.
Recovery
Recovery varies for each patient, just like any other surgery, but in general, hospital stays are cut in half. Some procedures even allow patients to go home that same day. The typical recovery time could last as long as six weeks, but every patient is different. For almost every patient, physical therapy will be recommended after the surgery to help you get back on your feet and back to a normal life in a short amount of time.
Back injuries can be detrimental to your everyday life. The chronic pain and limited mobility can make it difficult to work, do things around the house and even drive a car. If you have gone through six to 12 months of alternative treatments with no success, you can discuss the option of minimal invasive spine surgery in NJ with your doctor. If you are a candidate, this alternative procedure can help you eliminate your back pain and get back on your feet in a short amount of time.
