One of the most common procedures using endoscopic spine surgery in NJ is for the treatment of degenerative disc disease. Degenerative disc disease can occur as a person ages but it often associated with some type of injury to the back that may have happened years ago.
What Degenerative Disc Disease Feels Like
There are several stages that occur in the condition which results in symptoms most commonly noted with the disease. These symptoms can include back pain that is mild to severe, numbness and tingling in the lower limbs and problems with movement and flexibility of the spine. For most people sitting or standing for long periods or lots of movement of the back increases the severity of the symptoms that can seem to come and go over a period of time.
Structural Damage
The initial damage to the disc, the soft cushion like material between the vertebrae, causes small ruptures or tears. These can be mildly to significantly painful for the individual. Over time these tears heal but they leave a weak scar tissue that is very likely to become damaged again. The cushioning ability of the disc decreases and eventually the disc will completely collapse.
Once the disc collapses the bones of the vertebrae are no longer properly aligned. The bones rub and twist, resulting in increased damage and the chance of a bone spur forming. This bone spur, if it grows inward, will press against the nerves of the spinal cord and cause extreme pain.
Endoscopic Surgery as a Treatment Option
Endoscopic spine surgery in NJ allows the specialist to look at the condition of the spine in the area that is painful. With just a very small incision the doctor can view the injury and, using laser technology, correct the problem. This can include removing the bone spur with the laser or shaping the vertebrae to sit correctly in alignment.
The result of minimally invasive endoscopic spine surgery in NJ clinics can mean a life without the chronic pain of degenerative disc disease. If you have been diagnosed and are looking for options for pain management and treatment talk to your doctor about endoscopic surgery. While it is not the only option and not for every patient the results can be life changing for a significant number of individuals with the condition.
