The spine or backbone is vital for our body’s upright posture and flexible motion to support our daily activities. A healthy spine is essential for regular activities like sitting, standing, bending, twisting, and walking easily.

Unfortunately, most of the problems related to the spine lead to painful restricted movements and make it difficult to perform day-to-day activities. Therefore, people must be aware of healthy habits to maintain good spinal health, including managing healthy weight, physically active life, routinely engaging in exercise and stretches, proper bending technique and lifting weights, and adequate rest.

Speaking on the topic, Dr. Mohana Rao Patibandla, Neurosurgeon and Founder, Dr Rao’s Hospital, Guntur stated, “There are many misconceptions and fears in the mindset of Indian patients regarding spine pathologies, especially those about surgical treatments. These myths may date back to 2-3 decades when there was the inaccessibility of advanced technologies and equipment resulting in displeasing surgery outcomes.”

Adding further, Dr. Mohana Rao Patibandla said, “Nowadays spine pathologies are better understood and approached for treatment in a more systematic approach. While many are addressed conservatively, some still require surgical treatment. Of late, the availability of advanced equipment, superior technology, and treatment protocol guidelines has led to much better results in spine treatments. Minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) is a breakthrough advance in the field, where surgery is carried out through small skin incisions, thus diminishing muscle injury for rapid recovery, less postoperative pain, shortened hospital stay, and better cosmetic appearance.”

Compared with the standard spine surgery, in MISS, the surgeon makes a smaller incision. Then, with the help of a device called a tubular retractor, they create a tunnel to reach the problem area of the spine. Using devices like a microscope and endoscope, the surgeon works on the spine to rectify the problem. MISS can be used for certain types of spine surgery, such as lumbar discectomy, laminectomy, and spinal fusion. People can avoid unnecessary fear clouding spine problems and related treatments to lead a healthy life with proper expert opinion.