Lower Back | Lumbar & Sacrum Procedures

Lower Back Spine Procedures and Treatment

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Spine Procedures for Lower Back (Lumbar and Sacrum) Conditions in New Jersey

Lower back pain can impact a person’s daily life and ability to be active. Fortunately, patients experiencing lower back pain can find relief at NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute. Dr. Branko Skovrlj employs a comprehensive approach to lower back surgery, using advanced techniques to relieve conditions that have resisted conservative treatments at locations throughout New Jersey. By prioritizing minimally invasive spine surgery procedures, he effectively minimizes muscle damage and reduces recovery time, allowing patients a faster return to normal activities.

What Are the Lumbar and Sacrum Parts of the Spine?

The lumbar spine refers to the five lowest vertebrae in the spine. Labeled L1 through L5, these vertebrae begin at the bottom of the ribcage. They end at the sacrum, a triangular bone that joins the spine to the pelvis. This section of the spine bears the most weight. It also provides flexibility, enabling a range of everyday movements. As a result, lumbar conditions can significantly impact a person’s mobility.

What Problems Cause Pain Issues in the Lower Back?

Lower back pain may stem from a variety of conditions. While the lumbar region is sturdy, modern lifestyles often involve prolonged sitting, obesity, and lack of exercise. This can increase stress on the lower back, contributing to back problems. Traumatic or repetitive stress injuries may also play a part. NU-Spine offers treatment for any back condition, including:

Herniated discs
Spinal stenosis
Spondylolisthesis
Degenerative disc disease
Traumatic injuries
Age-related degeneration
Sciatica

Patients struggling with these conditions can seek treatment at NU-Spine for lasting relief.

What Lower Back Surgeries Does NU-Spine Offer Near You?

NU-Spine’s leading neurosurgeon, Dr. Skovrlj, is an expert in a wide variety of lower back surgeries. Lumbar procedures he performs include:

Lumbar Rhizotomy Surgery

Lumbar rhizotomy is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat nerve pain. It involves using surgical cutting, chemical ablation, or radiofrequency ablation to damage certain nerves. This eliminates the body’s ability to send pain signals, effectively relieving chronic pain or muscle spasms.

Lumbar Laminectomy Surgery

During a lumber laminectomy, the surgeon removes all or most of a vertebrae’s lamina. This is a section of bone located at the posterior of the vertebrae, supporting the spinal cord. Removing it allows the surgeon to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or access a difficult-to-reach structure, like a herniated disc.

Lumbar Hemilaminectomy Surgery

A hemilaminectomy means a partial laminectomy. This procedure is performed similarly to a standard laminectomy but removes half as much bone. This leaves more of the lamina intact, potentially allowing for a faster and easier recovery than is possible with a standard laminectomy.

Lumbar Foraminotomy Surgery

A lumbar foraminotomy is performed to widen the foramen, a narrow hole that allows nerves to pass between two vertebrae. By enlarging this hole, the surgeon relieves pressure on the nerves. This procedure is effective in treating a wide variety of nerve compression symptoms.

Lumbar Decompression Surgery

Lumbar decompression is another name for lumbar laminectomy. This procedure involves removing the lamina, or the posterior section of a vertebra, and any bone spurs found on the vertebra. This reduces pressure on the spinal cord and branching nerves, treating symptoms of compression.

Lumbar Spine Reconstruction Surgery

Spine reconstruction is used to treat scoliosis, other spinal deformities, and spine injuries. During this procedure, the surgeon uses a combination of techniques to correct the spine’s shape. This relieves pain and restores function and mobility, allowing the patient to live normally.

Lumbar Spine Revision Surgery

Spine revision is performed to correct the results of a prior surgery. If a past procedure has failed to provide relief, or if scar tissue or failed hardware has resulted in complications, NU-Spine offers spine revision surgery to resolve the issues and provide long-term relief.

Lumbar Disc Replacement Surgery

A lumbar disc replacement is performed when a spinal disc has slipped or torn. The surgeon removes the damaged disc using a discectomy or microdiscectomy procedure. He then replaces it with an artificial pad made of metal and plastic, which will perform the same role as the original.

Lumbar Discectomy Surgery

Lumbar discectomy is performed to treat a slipped or herniated disc. The procedure involves removing all parts of the damaged disc. Spinal fusion may also be used to stabilize the vertebrae surrounding where the damaged disc had been.

Lumbar Microdiscectomy Surgery

A lumbar microdiscectomy is a less invasive form of discectomy. The process, goal, and results are the same as for a traditional discectomy. Rather than an open incision, however, the surgeon uses a tiny camera to monitor his work. This lets him work through a smaller incision without sacrificing precision.

Sacroiliac Fusion Surgery

Sacroiliac fusion is performed to stabilize the sacroiliac joint. This is the joint where the lower back meets the pelvis. The surgeon uses titanium hardware and bone grafts to fuse the lower vertebrae and pelvis together, eliminating their movement to relieve joint pain.

Lumbar Spinal Fusion Surgery

During lumbar spinal fusion, the surgeon uses a bone graft to permanently fuse two or more vertebrae together. This permanently eliminates any flexibility in the vertebrae but provides them with better support. It is an effective means of relieving many forms of back pain at the cost of some mobility. NU-Spine also offers minimally invasive options in the form of TLIF and XLIF surgery.

Getting Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Near You is an Option

NU-Spine emphasizes minimally invasive spine surgery wherever possible. Minimally invasive approaches use a smaller incision site, which minimizes damage to muscles, nerves, and surrounding structures. This provides enormous benefits to the patient, including:

Shorter recovery times
Faster results
Decreased blood loss
Reduced post-surgical pain
Fewer complications

Minimally invasive surgery may also let the patient go home the same day as their surgery. This allows them to recover at home, where they are most comfortable.

Get Lower Back Pain Relief at NU-Spine

Though it may feel as if there is no relief to back pain, there are many treatments available. Patients struggling with pain can transform their lives with a touch of care at NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute. They can experience the cutting edge in minimally invasive lower back surgery at locations across New Jersey. Contact us today to learn more or schedule an appointment at one of our New Jersey locations near you.

Frequently Asked Questions on Lower Back Surgery Procedures

What conditions does NU-Spine treat?

NU-Spine treats a full range of cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spinal conditions.

Who performs surgeries at NU-Spine?

Lower back surgeries are performed by Dr. Branko Skovrlj, a world-renowned neurosurgeon. He is one of the few neurosurgeons in New Jersey to focus exclusively on the spine.

What are the advantages of minimally invasive surgery?

Minimally invasive procedures reduce damage to the back, allowing for faster recoveries with less pain and fewer complications.

When is lower back surgery necessary?

Surgery is recommended when other methods have failed to provide relief. Patients can talk with a NU-Spine doctor to find out whether surgery is the right step for them.

Ask About Spine Surgery at NU-Spine

Are you struggling with back or neck pain? Don’t wait to transform your life with a touch of care. Access cutting-edge, minimally invasive spine treatments at NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute.

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