Medically reviewed by Dr. Scheid
What is Minimally-Invasive Spine Surgery?
Minimally-invasive spine (MIS) surgery, offered by NeuroSpine Plus, is a modern approach to spinal surgery that utilizes smaller incisions, resulting in minimal damage to surrounding muscles and tissues. This technique enables faster recovery and reduced post-operative pain.
Unlike open surgery, which involves an extended incision and the need to move muscles and tissues, MIS employs our signature microscopic technique with access to the spine through a small incision. Using specialized instrumentation, our surgeons create a pathway to the affected area of the spine, gently displacing the muscles and tissues. Using specialized tools and real-time X-ray imaging with the aid of a microscope, Dr. Scheid performs various spinal procedures with minimal residual scarring or postoperative pain.
Considered appropriate for various spine surgeries, including lumbar discectomy, laminectomy, and spinal fusion, MIS at NeuroSpine Plus ensures optimal outcomes while minimizing the impact on the patient’s overall well-being.
What symptoms are treated using a minimally-invasive spine surgery?
Most individuals experiencing back pain find that surgical intervention is not necessary. However, if your back problem persists despite alternative treatments like medication or physical therapy, your healthcare provider may recommend spine surgery as a potential solution. It is important to note that spine surgery is not a universal remedy for all types of back issues. Your healthcare provider will only suggest spine surgery if it is deemed beneficial for your specific condition. These are conditions that could potentially be treated with a Minimally-Invasive Spine Surgery:
- Herniated disc
- Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
- Spinal deformities (such as scoliosis)
- Spinal instability
- Spondylolysis (defect in lower vertebrae)
- Fractured vertebra
- Tumor removal in the spine
- Lumbar radiculopathy
- Revision lumbar fusion
- Compression fracture
- Neurogenic claudication
If you are considering spine surgery, consult with a neurosurgeon at NeuroSpine Plus to see if a minimally-invasive spine surgery (MIS) is an appropriate option for you.
How is a Minimally-Invasive Spine Surgery performed?
Before undergoing any spinal surgery at NeuroSpine Plus, our surgeons and team of experienced providers fully explain and brief you on the procedure addressing all of your concerns.
Before your surgery, your doctor will provide you with instructions to include but are not limited to:
- No eating or drinking after midnight
- Stop taking certain medications such as anti-inflammatories or blood thinners
- Wash the surgical area with antibacterial soap the night before, and the morning of, your procedure
If you have been considered a candidate for a minimally invasive spine surgery, your surgeon may suggest other measures first such as stopping smoking or maintaining a healthy body weight to promote postoperative healing.
On the day of surgery, you will be given general anesthesia by a trained anesthesiologist. You will be completely asleep before the procedure begins.
Exact surgical details may vary from what is outlined below depending on multiple factors including your past medical and surgical history, preoperative imaging findings, and the complexity of your individualized procedure.
- A small incision(s) will be made on your back to access the spine.
- The size of the incision will depend on the type of procedure you are undergoing
- A small piece of bone will be removed to access the affected exiting nerve root
- Compressive disc, or bone, material will be removed, freeing the nerve root and spinal cord
- Accompanying procedures may be performed to ensure adequate pain relief and sustainability, such as the insertion of a disc spacer and/or stabilizing instrumentation
- The incision(s) will be closed with multiple layers of dissolvable sutures and covered with a dry, sterile dressing
At NeuroSpine Plus, we prioritize the highest standards of care and personalized treatment, ensuring optimal outcomes for each patient undergoing MIS.
What to expect following a Minimally-Invasive Spine Surgery
Your postoperative healing progress will be closely overseen by our team of providers, ensuring a routine recovery. A member of our team will contact you within the first 48 hours of your procedure to monitor your progress. Your initial post operative appointment will be scheduled within two weeks of your surgical date. A member of our team is always available to answer questions or address your concerns during your recovery period. General postoperative recommendations include, but are not limited to the following:
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Use of postoperative pain medications as prescribed
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Over-the-counter Tylenol for pain
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Advance your diet as tolerated as discussed with your team; ensure regular bowel movements.
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Avoid bending/twisting/ lifting
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Do not lift greater than 10 pounds
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Do not smoke
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Do not drink alcohol
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Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments
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Do not use NSAIDs until cleared by your surgeon (Advil, Ibuprofen, Motrin, Aleve, etc)
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Incision care to include washing your incision with gentle antibacterial soap 48 hours after your procedure. No scrubbing, submerging, or soaking the incision(s). No lotions, creams, oils, or ointments atop the incision(s).
When to contact your doctors office
If you have concerns during your postoperative period to include, but not limited to the following:
- High fever greater than 100.4F
- Change in urinary or bowel habits
- Swelling or discoloration of one or both calves
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Palpitations
- Lightheadedness
- Incisional compromise
- Loss of strength in your arms or legs
If you have a question regarding your initial postoperative period, a member of our team is always available to answer and address your concerns at 201-399-3388.
Minimally-Invasive Spine Surgery FAQs:
The post-operative discomfort is typically reduced with NeuroSpine Plus’s Minimally-Invasive Spine Surgery (MIS) due to smaller incisions and minimal soft tissue damage. However, pain tolerance varies between individuals and can be challenging to predict. At NeuroSpine Plus, we prioritize your postoperative comfort and employ optimal medical measures to manage and alleviate any discomfort you may experience.
The timing for beginning postoperative physical therapy sessions will depend on your specific physical condition and the expert judgment of your neurosurgeon at NeuroSpine Plus. Your postoperative period is monitored closely by our team, ensuring a routine recovery and resolution of your discomfort.
Benefits typically include smaller incisions (often less than an inch), less blood loss, reduced muscle and tissue damage, lower risk of infection, less post-operative pain, shorter hospital stays, faster recovery times, and reduced scarring. Many patients can return to normal activities much sooner than with traditional open procedures.
Dr. Scheid performs a wide range of minimally invasive procedures including microdiscectomy (for herniated discs), laminectomy/laminotomy (for spinal stenosis), minimally invasive spinal fusion, vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty (for compression fractures), endoscopic spine procedures, and artificial disc replacement, among others.
Candidacy depends on your specific condition, its severity, your overall health, and other factors. Not all spine conditions can be treated minimally invasively. Dr. Scheid will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine if minimally invasive techniques are appropriate for your situation or if a traditional approach would be more beneficial.
Recovery varies depending on the specific procedure but is typically much faster than with traditional surgery. Many patients go home the same day or after a short hospital stay. You may be able to return to light activities within days to weeks. Physical therapy often begins within a few weeks, with a gradual return to normal activities over 4-12 weeks, depending on the procedure.
Results vary based on the condition treated and individual factors. Many patients experience long-term relief, but some degenerative conditions may continue to progress over time. Maintaining spine health through proper exercise, weight management, and good body mechanics can help extend the benefits of surgery.
All surgical procedures have an inherent level of risk associated with them. With the MIS procedure performed by our board-certified neurosurgeons, the risks are rare. All risks and benefits associated with undergoing any surgery at NeuroSpine Plus are discussed at length with our board-certified neurosurgeons prior to proceeding with your procedure.
If you believe you may be a candidate for a minimally invasive spine surgery, call our office today to book your consultation at 201-399-3388.
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Medically Reviewed by Dr. Scheid & The Team at NeuroSpine Plus
Last updated: June 3, 2026The team at NeuroSpine Plus is led by Dr. Edward Scheid, a board-certified neurosurgeon with over 20 years of experience and 8,000+ successful surgeries. Along with his dedicated team of physician assistants and medical professionals, NeuroSpine Plus specializes in minimally invasive spine surgery and comprehensive spine care across six convenient locations in New Jersey. Our clinical expertise in treating complex spine conditions ensures all content is medically accurate and based on proven treatment approaches we use daily in our practice.