An endoscopy is an invasive procedure and usually involves some preparation so that you are as ready as you can be for your procedure.

Listen to pronunciation. (in-VAY-siv proh-SEE-jer) A medical procedure that invades (enters) the body, usually by cutting or puncturing the skin or by inserting instruments into the body.

A thorough knowledge of the human anatomy and techniques of injection are the important prerequisites in order to achieve success in the use of this tool. Although it is a minimally invasive procedure, it is not totally safe or innocuous.

Surgery that is done using small incisions (cuts) and few stitches. During minimally invasive surgery, one or more small incisions may be made in the body. A laparoscope (thin, tube-like instrument with a light and a lens for viewing) is inserted through one opening to guide the surgery.

The benefits of endoscopic surgical procedures can include:

• Small incisions, few incisions, or no incision.
• Less pain.
• Low risk of infection.
• Short hospital stay.
• Quick recovery time.
• Less scarring.
• Reduced blood loss.

Minimally invasive dentistry (MID) is an evidence-based approach that aims to arrest caries and preserve as much tooth structure as possible when managing early and moderate caries lesions.

Minimally invasive surgery uses smaller surgical incisions, and it’s generally less risky than traditional surgery. But even with minimally invasive surgery, there are risks of complications with anesthesia, bleeding and infection.

Comparing minimally invasive spine surgery success rates with that of traditional surgery, research shows that minimally invasive spine surgery “MIS” has over 90% of success rate. You will be surprised to know that the success rate of traditional or open surgery is over 95%.

During surgery, the following factors may lead to failed back surgery syndrome: Failing to create enough space around spinal nerves/spinal cord (inadequate decompression) Creating too much space around nerves, which may lead to spinal instability (excessive decompression)

After a minor (decompressive) laminectomy, you are usually able to return to light activity (desk work and light housekeeping) within a few days to a few weeks. If you also had spinal fusion with your laminectomy, your recovery time will likely be longer — from two to four months.

Discectomy is the most common surgical treatment for a herniated disc, which often occurs as a result of degenerative disc disease. It involves removing the injured part of the disc, relieving pressure on the affected nerve.

Acetaminophen is available without a prescription and is generally considered to be one of the more effective pain relievers for treating painful flare-ups caused by degenerative disc disease.

Over time, a degenerating disc may break down completely and leave no space between vertebrae, which can result in impaired movement, pain, and nerve damage.

The Different Stages of Degenerative Disc Disease

• Stage 1. In the beginning, the spine may lose its normal balance or curvature. During this time, the discs, nerves and your posture may suffer.
• Stage 2. At this stage, your postural changes may be greater as the degeneration is greater.
• Stage 3. Further posture issues occur at this stage.

Abnormal micro-motion instability. These micro-motions can cause tension and irritation in the surrounding muscles, joints, and/or nerve roots as the spinal segment becomes progressively more unstable, causing intermittent episodes of more intense pain.

While it is true that disc degeneration is likely to progress over time, the pain from degenerative disc disease usually does not get worse and in fact usually feels better given enough time.

“Drinking plenty of water is so important for everyone, but especially if you have degenerative disc disease,” says Dearing. She adds that staying hydrated can help your spine in other ways, not just by maintaining the water content of the spinal discs.

Degenerative disc disease Sleeping on the stomach is typically preferred, as this position can relieve pressure on the disc space. People with degenerative disc disease may feel most comfortable using a relatively firm mattress while placing a flat pillow under the stomach and hips.

Degenerative disc diseases (DJD) can damage the connective tissues as well. Adequate dietary protein, along with vitamins A, B6, C, E and minerals such as zinc and copper are essential for maintaining strong and healthy connective tissue.