Back pain can come from many different causes, whether due to strain and tension in the soft tissues or a condition in the spine itself. Some of these injuries or conditions cause compression in the spinal cord and put increased pressure on the nerves, which can lead to ongoing, chronic, and severe pain. This condition is known as spinal stenosis, and while this condition is painful and restricting, the good news is that there are a number of minimally invasive methods of reducing or eliminating this pain through surgery.
Spinal stenosis is first treated using conservative approaches like medication and physical therapy, but if these methods fail then it may be time to talk to your doctor about different surgical options, including percutaneous image-guided lumbar decompression, or PILD.
What Is Percutaneous Image-guided Lumbar Decompression?
Percutaneous image-guided lumbar decompression is a surgical method to decompress the spine in order to alleviate pain. There are a number of ways that this decompression can be achieved, but PILD is a newer technique that is both minimally invasive and highly advantageous for many patients suffering from chronic back pain due to compression.
In this surgery, a surgeon uses a small needle instead of large incisions or surgical instruments and removes a portion of the problematic lamina that is putting pressure on the nerves. Laminae are common culprits of back pain in cases of spinal stenosis as the plate no longer sits as it should.
Is PILD Right For You?
There are many advantages to choosing percutaneous image-guided lumbar decompression to help alleviate compression issues in your back. They include the fact that this minimally invasive procedure does not involve incisions that can lead to scarification and infection or long and painful recovery processes. Of course, rest and a recovery plan are essential aftercare treatments to ensure that your PILD surgery is as successful as possible. But the recovery is nowhere near as complex and uncomfortable as traditional surgeries.
There are many different minimally invasive methods that orthopedic surgeons use to help alleviate back pain successfully. PILD is just one of many options that you may discuss with your doctor as you look for solutions beyond physical therapy and medication.
PILD Safety
Percutaneous image-guided lumbar decompression is a safe procedure due to the fact that it is so minimally invasive, but as with any procedure, there will always be associated risks. These risks include possibilities like infection, damage to nerves in the area of the procedure, blood or spinal fluid loss, or additional herniation to discs. Working closely with your doctor to follow a recovery plan after the procedure is one of the best ways to mitigate these risks and get back to a pain-free life as soon as possible. 1-800-Injured is an attorney and medical referral service that can connect you with an experienced and certified professional in your area.