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Alexander Taghva, MD

949-388-7190

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  • Home
  • Services
    • Neurosurgical Conditions
      • Treatment Options for Neurosurgical Conditions
    • Neurosurgical Procedures
      • Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion
      • Cervical Disc Replacement
      • Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
      • Microdiscectomy
      • Minimally Invasive Laminotomy
      • Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
      • Revision Spine Surgery
      • Spinal Cord Stimulation
      • Spine Surgery
  • Meet Dr. Taghva
  • Reviews
  • For Patients
    • Education
    • Forms
    • Blog
  • Office Location

Debunking 4 Myths About Minimally-Invasive Spine Surgery

March 29, 2018 by Dr. Taghva

minimally-invasive spine surgery

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disease and Stroke, roughly 80% of adults will experience low back pain at some point in their lives. Although this is very unfortunate for those suffering, a neurosurgeon can help. Much of the time, back problems are due to spine disorders, whether it’s a bulging disc or scoliosis, and they can be treated with minimally-invasive spine surgery. There are some misconceptions about minimally-invasive spine surgery, and those are about to be debunked.

Myth 1: A long recovery is needed after minimally-invasive spine surgery

Traditional open spinal surgery typically requires a long incision in the back, which has a higher risk of complications. Minimally-invasive spine surgery involves only a very small incision, which means there is less bleeding, minimal scarring, and a much shorter recovery time. The area treated with minimally-invasive spine surgery is significantly reduced, so patients do not need extended stays in the hospital compared to traditional procedures. In fact, some patients even go home the same day as their surgery.

Myth 2: You’ll soon need another surgery

Some people think that additional surgical treatments will be needed after the initial spine surgery, but that is not the case. When the correct diagnosis and procedure is applied, additional surgery is very unlikely. Minimally-invasive spine surgery should significantly improve the patient’s condition, so no more surgery should be necessary.

Myth 3: My spine problems are too complicated

Some patients may believe that their spinal issues are too complicated to be solved by minimally-invasive surgery. They would be wrong. There are very few problems that are too complicated for minimally-invasive spine surgery. This is a surgical option that can cover the entire spectrum of spine conditions. When equal or better results can be seen over open surgery, it is used. 

Myth 4: Minimally-invasive surgery is always appropriate

While there are many benefits of minimally-invasive spine surgery, and it can be used in many situations, it is not always the best option. Traditional spine surgery is the best option for about 20% of cases that most spinal surgeons see. It is important to pick the correct procedure for a treatment as serious has a spinal surgery.

Minimally-invasive spine surgery is great for many patients. It has a quicker recovery time, covers most spinal problems, and is likely to be a one-and-done type of surgery. However, it is not always the best for everyone. For more information, give us a call today.

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Alexander Taghva, MD
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  • In September 2018, my ENT doctor sent me to see Dr. Taghva; as a result of the MRI taken after my ears were tested for possible hearing loss. It turned out that I had a brain tumor the size of a golf ball that needed to be removed; which most likely was the cause of some hearing loss. Both…

    • 5 stars
    • Jeannette P.
  • I recently had major surgery on my cervical spine. Work was done from C3 to T1. I was suffering from severe stenosis and losing the ability to use my left arm and hand.

    Dr. Taghva performed the surgery and was assisted by his nurse practitioner Vanessa Stroessner. It’s been a few months…

    • 5 stars
    • Pat B.
  • I had a trial stimulator put in two weeks ago since I have scoliosis and spinal stenosis and helped with my pain 100%. Yesterday he inserted permanent stimulator inside me. I am so happy and love Dr Tagvha. I highly recommend him and has a wonderful bedside manner. Best neurosurgeon. Dr.…

    • 5 stars
    • Christina C.
  • Dr. Taghva is my hero. I had a herniated disc and spinal stenosis with pressure on the upper spine area. After 3 hours of surgery I was up and walking pain free right away. My recovery in just 2-3 weeks had me walking without any walker or back brace and I am feeling terrific.

    Thank you…

    • 5 stars
    • Real patient
  • 5 years ago I was sent to Dr. Taghva by my pain management specialist. He had very thorough tests done. He told me that it was his opinion that I had RSD aka CRPS. After much discussion with my pain specialist, I had a spinal cord stimulator implanted. I loved the relief it gave me.

    A few…

    • 5 stars
    • Susan H.

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