Spinal Decompression

When might I need minimally invasive pain relief?

Minimally invasive pain relief procedures can be the next step when initial treatments fail. If you’ve modified activities, rested, and tried medication, but you still have persistent pain, minimally invasive pain relief is a good option. Maybe you depend on narcotic medication to function every day and want to escape the medication without having to suffer. Minimally invasive pain relief can give you a safer and more dependable path to feeling better. You might need minimally invasive pain relief as a middle ground between conservative care and surgery. Or, you may try minimally invasive procedures as a way to delay or avoid major surgery like joint replacement. 

What kind of minimally invasive pain relief is available? 

At Hassan Spine & Sports Medicine, Dr. Hassan performs a very wide range of minimally invasive treatments for pain. Many treatments involve injections of steroids, anesthetics, biologics, or other substances using X-ray or ultrasound guidance for optimal placement. Dr.Hassan's expertise includes performing several kinds of injections that include, but aren't limited to: Epidural steroid injections, Medial branch blocks, Lumbar facet joint injections, Peripheral joint injections, Facet joint injections, Selective nerve root blocks, Sympathetic nerve blocks, Genicular nerve block and ablation, Trigger point injections, Sacroiliac joint injections, Nerve blocks, Hypogastric nerve blocks, Greater occipital nerve blocks for headaches, Viscosupplementation (hyaluronic acid injections), Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, Stem cell injections. 

While Injections are often the first minimally invasive approach, they can give you very impressive and long-lasting results (several months or longer, in most cases). That being said, you may need a procedure that can last for years or even permanently. In that case, Dr. Hassan may recommend advanced minimally invasive options such as: Spinal cord stimulator, Radiofrequency ablation, and Percutaneous kyphoplasty E

Spinal Decompression Q&A

What is spinal decompression?

Spinal decompression is a procedure that eases pressure on nerve roots within your spine. For this minimally invasive surgery, Dr. Hassan makes a very small incision and then uses an endoscope — a thin tube with a tiny camera and light — to see inside your spinal canal and then remove the small pieces of tissue or bone causing the pressure and pain. 

Why would I need spinal decompression?

There are a few reasons you may need spinal decompression:

Spinal stenosis

Spinal stenosis, which is typically an age-related problem, occurs when your spinal canal narrows. This can cause extra pressure on your spinal nerve roots, leading to back pain, leg pain, and other issues.

Herniated disc

A herniated disc is enlarged and protrudes from its normal spot between your vertebrae. This pushes on your spinal nerve roots and can lead to serious back and leg pain. In some cases, these conditions respond to other minimally invasive procedures, such as injections or radiofrequency ablation, or spinal cord stimulation. 

If your pain persists after trying other treatment options, however, Dr. Hassan may recommend minimally invasive spinal decompression as a permanent way to stop the pain.

What are the advantages of minimally invasive spinal decompression?

Minimally invasive approaches require small incisions, which means less bleeding and scarring. That also means reduced chance of infection, less pain, and quicker overall recovery time. Best of all, minimally invasive spinal decompression gives you permanent pain relief. With this type of surgery, Dr. Hassan uses very advanced techniques that spare your muscles. He only removes the tissue or bone that's causing problems, and the tiny amount he removes won't significantly change your spinal anatomy.

What is recovery after spinal decompression like?

In most cases, Dr. Hassan performs minimally invasive spinal decompression as an outpatient procedure. Total recovery time can vary with each patient, so Dr. Hassan explains what to expect and how you can maximize your rapid recovery. You'll participate in physical therapy and other noninvasive pain management treatments as you recover, ensuring a smooth and safe transition back to full activity. Book your appointment to learn more about spinal decompression now by clicking the provided link or calling Hassan Spine & Sports Medicine now.