Microdecompression Spinal Treatments in Beverly Hills

Microdecompression is a minimally invasive procedure used to relieve pressure on damaged nerves in the spine. A lot of the time, this damage is caused by spine conditions like bone spurs, spinal degeneration, or herniated discs.

People with sciatica (pain down the leg), radiculopathy (pain caused by irritated spinal nerves), or spinal stenosis (narrowed spinal canal) may especially benefit from this procedure.

Dr. Melamed’s microdecompression procedure is designed with the patient in mind.

Before the Procedure

First, your surgeon will perform an evaluation using techniques such as MRI scans, blood tests, and X-rays.

Prior to the procedure, you must report any allergies, as well as any medications, vitamins, or supplements you are taking. Blood thinners, anti-inflammatory drugs, and aspirin should be stopped 1-2 weeks before surgery.

You should also avoid alcohol and tobacco for 1 week before surgery, and for 2 weeks afterward.

The night before your procedure, you’ll need to fast for at least 8 hours. You may be placed on a special diet and be given laxatives. Showering with an antibacterial soap the night before can help lower your risk of infection.

You will need to have someone drive you home the day of your procedure, so make sure to arrange this beforehand. Signing an informed consent form before the procedure is a requirement.

During the Procedure

Microdecompression surgery generally takes about 30-60 minutes to complete. However, expect to be in the recovery room for about 2 hours because of the anesthesia you will be given.

For the procedure, you will first be put under anesthesia.

After seeing where the affected area is, the surgeon will carefully remove the small piece of bone or disc that’s pressing against the spinal nerve. This will relieve pressure on the spine.

After Surgery

To relieve any pain during recovery, most patients take over-the-counter pain medications and may find that cold and heat therapy reduces inflammation. You may also be prescribed antibiotics to reduce the chance of infection.

Refrain from smoking and lifting (during the first 6 weeks) to give your body a chance to heal.

Your diet will begin with liquids after surgery, and you can slowly progress to normal, solid foods, as tolerated.

Light activities like walking are encouraged when healing to prevent blood clots, and physical therapy is part of the recovery process. A gradual return to work and daily life routines usually happens over 2-3 weeks, but you should refrain from driving until your doctor says it’s okay.

There are many benefits to choosing microdecompression surgery. The precise and minimally invasive (small incision) technique makes it an attractive alternative to traditional surgery.

Since advanced magnification tools are used, the surgeon only removes the damaged portion of the bone or disc. This means that the surrounding area of the spine is preserved.

Quick Pain Relief

Since microdecompression surgery targets the root cause of the pain and removes only the damaged portion, the surgeon is able to know exactly where the pain occurs. By ensuring that the correct area is removed, it’s likely that patients will notice pain reduction in the arms or legs quickly.

Minimally Invasive Technique

A small incision is used in microdecompression surgery, which means there is usually less blood loss, muscle damage, and scarring, and reduced postoperative pain.