When nonsurgical treatments fail to alleviate your neck or back pain, you may need spine surgery. Experienced spine surgeon Timothy Spencer, DO, at Greater Michigan Spine & Neurosurgery understands the fears and apprehension you may feel when you’re in need of spine surgery. To help you get the relief you need with less risk and a faster recovery, he specializes in minimally invasive spine surgery. Schedule a consultation by calling the office in or Battle Creek, Michigan today.

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Why do I need spine surgery?

Spine surgery is major surgery and usually the last recommended treatment for your neck or back condition. However, if conservative measures fail to alleviate your symptoms or your symptoms worsen, then spine surgery may be recommended. 

Spine surgery may be performed if you’re suffering from neck or back pain due to:

  • A herniated disc
  • Spinal stenosis
  • Spinal deformities
  • A vertebral compression fracture

However, spine surgery is only recommended if the exact cause of your pain is known. 

What can I expect during a spine surgery consultation?

Dr. Spencer is an experienced spine surgeon, and he conducts a comprehensive evaluation when you come to the office for a surgical consultation. During your evaluation, he asks detailed questions about your symptoms, medical and surgical history, and the various therapies you’ve already tried to get relief from your pain.

To better understand the underlying cause of your discomfort and pinpoint the source, Dr. Spencer may request diagnostic imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs. Bloodwork may also be acquired to assess your general health.

What are minimally invasive spine surgery techniques?

Dr. Spencer specializes in minimally invasive spine surgery and uses the most advanced tools and techniques so you get the best possible outcome. Some of the techniques he uses include robotic and laser surgery.

Robotic minimally invasive spine surgery

Robotic minimally invasive spine surgery is the most advanced surgical technique available. It combines cutting-edge robotic technology with minimally invasive surgical techniques that allows Dr. Spencer to perform your spine surgery using very small incisions with greater accuracy. 

He uses robotic minimally invasive spine surgery to perform many procedures, including microdiscectomy, lumbar laminectomy, and cervical laminoforaminotomy. 

Laser spine surgery

Dr. Spencer also specializes in laser spine surgery. With this minimally invasive surgical technique, he uses an advanced laser tool to remove soft tissue that’s compressing a nerve. You may benefit from laser spine surgery if you suffer from a herniated disc or have a pinched nerve.

How long does it take to recover from spine surgery?

Recovery from spine surgery depends on the type of procedure performed and your overall health. At your presurgery visit, Dr. Spencer reviews the details of what you might expect during recovery. 

Your post-surgical recovery plan may include activity modification and physical therapy. To support your body’s natural healing processes, Dr. Spencer also offers regenerative medicine, which may result in a faster recovery.

To discuss your spine surgery options with an experienced spine surgeon, contact Greater Michigan Spine & Neurosurgery by phone today.