The physical symptoms of spine and neck conditions can be debilitating \u2013 and the mental side effects can be worse. As pain increases, everyday tasks such as walking or picking up a fork look more like mountains to climb. Spine pain sufferers feel more than physical hurt. The frustration of not being able to do what you want, combined with the agony of a spine condition is a perfect storm for a poor quality of life.<\/p>\n
But it doesn\u2019t have to be that way.<\/p>\n
The neurosurgeons at Michigan Head and Spine Institute can answer all your questions about what procedure is right for you and how minimally invasive neurosurgery can speed your recovery. Additionally, it\u2019s important for you to understand why choosing a neurosurgeon over an orthopedic surgeon could result in an overall better outcome.<\/p>\n
The spinal column and neck house the main route for our nervous system. It\u2019s where all your pain and pleasure sensations transmit to the brain. Doing surgery in this area is, naturally, very sensitive. When considering minimally invasive spine surgery, consider this: Neurosurgeons are the only medical specialists highly trained in understanding the entire nervous system \u2013 from the brain, neck, extremities and the entire spine to the nerves into the legs.<\/p>\n
In the operating room, you want your procedure to be the least disruptive to the nerves and spinal structure as possible. That\u2019s where minimally invasive techniques come in, to reduce damage and post-surgical pain.<\/p>\n
Karol, a patient at MHSI, was in severe pain. She would frequently come home from work in tears as pain radiated from her lower back to her feet.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere was absolutely no comfortable position to sleep in,\u201d Karol recalled.<\/p>\n
She had bone-on-bone pressure in her spine, which was pushing on her spinal column. After a minimally invasive surgery to realign her vertebrae and relieve the pinched nerves, Karol feels amazing.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy recovery was phenomenal,\u201d she said. \u201cI was begging to go back to work actually. When people go to an orthopedic surgeon they say, \u2018I can\u2019t wait until I feel better.\u2019 When people go to a neurosurgeon and have their back done, they say, \u2018I can\u2019t believe I feel this good.\u2019 It\u2019s just life changing.\u201d<\/p>\n
Also a patient at MHSI, Andrew had two minimally invasive surgeries on his neck and his back.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was in so much pain. For me not to be able to even lift a pencil, I knew I was in trouble,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
A minimally invasive laminectomy, in addition to another procedure, has Andrew feeling much better.<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery bit of it was worth it,\u201d he said. \u201cThis is a new chapter in my life. The pain and the problems I had are in the rearview mirror.<\/p>\n
Luckily, the neurosurgeons at MHSI are specialists in minimally invasive spine using absolute precision to create the smallest incisions possible. The result is a huge benefit to a quicker recovery.<\/p>\n
If you or a loved one is seeking treatment for neck or spine conditions or would like a second opinion on a previous diagnosis, schedule an appointment<\/a> online or contact MHSI at 248-784-3667<\/a>.<\/p>\n Watch Karol’s and Andrew’s stories in their own words<\/strong><\/p>\n