Choosing a back surgeon in Dallas can feel overwhelming when pain or neurologic symptoms limit daily life. Learning what common procedures address specific problems and how those surgeries fit into a broader care plan may help you ask informed questions and feel more confident during consultations. The following guide explains the common procedures performed at Texas Neuro-Spine Surgery, how each procedure may help, who may be a candidate, and what to expect during recovery.
When Surgery Is Considered by Back Surgeons in Dallas
Surgical care is usually considered after a careful trial of nonoperative treatments has failed to provide lasting relief or when neurologic deficits develop. Goals for surgery include relieving nerve compression, stabilizing unstable spinal segments, and restoring function so that patients can return to meaningful daily activities. Conservative measures often include targeted physical therapy, medication strategies, and image-guided injections. If symptoms continue despite these efforts, imaging studies such as MRI or CT are used to identify a clear surgical target and guide decision-making.
Microdiscectomy and Discectomy for Herniated Discs
Microdiscectomy is a common procedure for patients who have a herniated disc that compresses a nerve root and causes persistent radiating pain, numbness, or weakness. The surgeon removes the portion of the disc pressing on the nerve through a small incision and uses focused instruments to limit tissue disruption. Outcomes may include a rapid reduction in leg or arm pain and an earlier return to activity compared with some larger exposures. Recovery often involves short hospital stays when needed and an early start to rehabilitation focused on gentle range-of-motion exercises and core strengthening.
Laminectomy and Decompression for Spinal Stenosis
When spinal canal narrowing causes leg pain, difficulty walking, or balance problems, decompression procedures such as a laminectomy can relieve pressure on nerves. The operation removes portions of bone or thickened ligament that crowd the spinal canal, potentially restoring space for nerve roots. Many patients who meet criteria for decompression report improved walking tolerance and reduced reliance on strong pain medications after recovery. Rehabilitation after decompression emphasizes progressive walking and strengthening to support long-term mobility.
Spinal Fusion and Stabilization Procedures
Spinal fusion is recommended when instability, significant deformity, or combined degenerative changes contribute to pain or neurologic compromise. The procedure joins two or more vertebrae using bone graft and implants to create a stable segment. Fusion techniques vary by approach and indication, including posterior, anterior, and interbody fusions. Patients may notice gradual improvement in pain related to instability once bone healing progresses, but fusion recovery often requires a longer timeline than decompression alone because bone healing and progressive strengthening take time.
Disc Replacement and Motion-Preserving Options
In selected patients, artificial disc replacement can preserve motion at a painful disc level while decompressing nerves. Motion-preserving options may be appropriate when degeneration is limited to a single level and the surrounding anatomy supports the use of a mechanical device. Outcomes and long-term durability depend on patient selection and implant type; candidacy should be carefully evaluated by a spine surgeon familiar with the procedure.
Minimally Invasive Techniques and How They Fit Into Care
Minimally invasive approaches use smaller incisions and focused access corridors to address many of the problems above with less disruption to surrounding muscles and soft tissues. For appropriate patients, minimally invasive techniques may reduce blood loss, result in smaller scars, and allow earlier participation in rehabilitation. Surgeon experience with the chosen method and careful patient selection are important factors that influence outcomes.
Who May be A Candidate for Each Procedure
Decision-making combines symptoms, neurologic findings, imaging results, and a patient’s overall health. Microdiscectomy is often suitable for patients with clear nerve root compression and concordant radicular symptoms. Decompression procedures target those with symptomatic spinal stenosis that limits walking or standing. Fusion is considered when instability or deformity contributes substantially to symptoms. Artificial disc replacement may be appropriate for a limited subset of patients with preserved facet joints and isolated disc disease. Overall medical fitness, smoking status, and control of chronic conditions are part of candidacy discussions because these elements influence healing and complication risk.
What to Expect During Recovery
Early mobilization is encouraged when possible. Most patients begin walking on the day of surgery or shortly after, under the care team’s guidance. Pain control plans combine medications and nonpharmacologic strategies to support participation in therapy while minimizing reliance on opioids. Physical therapy progresses from gentle range-of-motion exercises and walking to targeted strengthening and functional training. Fusion procedures typically require longer recovery and staged progression while bone healing occurs. Follow-up visits allow the surgeon to monitor incision healing, neurologic status, and functional improvements.
How to Choose A Back Surgeon in Dallas
Preparing focused questions prior to a consultation helps with comparison. Ask how the surgeon correlates your symptoms with imaging, what nonoperative options to try and for how long, why a particular operation is recommended, and what recovery will look like in practical terms. Inquire about the surgeon’s experience with the specific procedure and how postoperative care and rehabilitation are coordinated. Clear explanations and a collaborative plan often make recovery smoother and help patients feel supported at each step.
Taking the Next Step
When pain or neurologic symptoms affect daily life, scheduling an evaluation clarifies whether nonoperative care or surgical intervention is most appropriate. Texas Neuro-Spine Surgery offers patient-focused consultations that prioritize conservative care while explaining surgical options clearly when indicated. To learn more, contact us today.
Sources
Texas Neuro-Spine Surgery. “Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery.” https://texasneurospinesurgery.com/minimally-invasive-spine-surgery/
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. “Discectomy and Laminectomy.” https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/discectomy-and-laminectomy/
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. “Spinal Fusion.” https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/spinal-fusion/
Mayo Clinic. “Back Surgery: When is it a good idea?” https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/back-pain/in-depth/back-surgery/art-20048274
Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine. “Minimally Invasive versus Open Posterior Lumbar Fusion: Meta-analysis.” https://thejns.org/spine/view/journals/j-neurosurg-spine/24/3/article-p416.pdf
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice or a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency or other serious symptoms, call 911 immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.
Individual results may vary, and not all patients are candidates for minimally invasive spine surgery. Consult with Dr. Chris Michael or another qualified spine specialist to determine the best treatment plan for your specific needs.
