Spinal bone spurs are a common problem for many seniors and one that can ruin their retirement and their later life. Thankfully, treatment methods are available to help decrease the pain caused by these spurs. For example, minimally invasive spine surgery can help provide long-lasting relief. These options provide relief that is both long-lasting and easier for most seniors to tolerate.
Spinal Bone Spurs Can Ruin Retirement
Bone spurs are small and hard bumps of extra bone that can grow throughout the body but often end up growing on the spine. When they occur here, they will cause problems such as joint inflammation, compression of nerves, and impact damage on the spinal cord. Unfortunately, all of these effects can cause significant pain and a lack of mobility in many seniors and make their life more difficult.
Even worse, these problems can come and go as the bone spur changes shape or grows in many different ways. Therefore, seniors with this problem must find a treatment method that meets their needs. Surgery is often the best option because it can get rid of these extra bits of bone. And minimally invasive treatment options often help minimize the risk of side effects for most seniors.
Ways Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Helps
Minimally invasive spine surgery (MIS) uses smaller incisions and careful manipulation to produce a fast, safe, and effective treatment option for bone spurs. Surgeons who use this technique can carefully identify the location of bone spurs and utilize various treatment options — such as laser and scalpels — to carefully remove these painful areas and restore a person's back and spinal cord to better health and increased strength and mobility.
This process helps to reduce blood loss and muscle damage, which can be very hard for some senors to tolerate. Just as importantly, MIS also helps to reduce the risk of infection and pain and reduces rehabilitation time. As a result, seniors won't experience as much long-lasting recuperation times as they would with other types of spinal surgery. That means they can enjoy life to its fullest.
All seniors interested in this process should talk to their doctor about the screening process for getting accepted. Typically, they must be checked for conditions that could complicate their procedure. Thankfully, most types of MIS don't cause many side effects and are usually more comfortable for seniors to tolerate when compared to more invasive options.