Back pain can change everything about your daily life—how you move, sleep, and even the activities you enjoy. When nonsurgical treatments such as physical therapy, medications, or injections no longer bring relief, surgery may be the next step.
For many patients, minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) offers a way to treat the root of the problem while reducing the impact on surrounding tissues. At Prime Surgical Suites in Granite Falls, NC, we provide a private outpatient environment for select spine procedures, performed only after referral from your physician.
Less disruption, less downtime—here’s what patients should know before considering minimally invasive spine surgery.
Traditional open spine surgery requires large incisions and extensive muscle retraction to access the spinal column. By contrast, MISS relies on smaller incisions—often less than one inch—specialized instruments, and advanced imaging guidance to target the problem area with precision.
Conditions that may be treated with minimally invasive techniques include:
By minimizing disruption to muscles and ligaments, MISS aims to relieve pain, restore mobility, and shorten overall recovery times.
Learn how minimally invasive techniques differ from open spine surgery from the American Association of Neurological Surgeons.
The biggest advantage of MISS is reduced impact on the body compared to traditional surgery. Patients often experience:
For the right candidates, this approach can mean returning to work, exercise, or everyday activities weeks sooner than with open surgery.
Explore the types of spine procedures performed at our Granite Falls outpatient surgery center.
Not every patient is a candidate for MISS. Typically, your provider may recommend surgery when:
In some cases, like complex deformities or multi-level spinal problems, traditional open surgery may still be required. That decision is made by your surgeon during consultation and referral.
At Prime Surgical Suites, minimally invasive spine surgery is performed in a fully equipped, licensed outpatient surgical center. Patients benefit from:
This outpatient model blends advanced technology with comfort, giving patients a specialized alternative for certain procedures.
See how our modern surgical suites are designed for patient comfort and recovery.
While recovery varies by procedure, most patients are able to resume light activities within just a few days. Normal routines and exercise often follow within weeks rather than months. Your provider may also recommend post-operative physical therapy to rebuild strength and flexibility.
It’s important to set realistic expectations—relief can begin within days, but full healing may take time depending on your condition and overall health.
The Cleveland Clinic outlines typical recovery timelines after minimally invasive spine surgery.
No. Prime Surgical Suites only accepts patients through physician referrals to ensure you are the right candidate for outpatient care.
MISS is generally performed under general anesthesia or light sedation. Your anesthesia team will review all options with you.
Many patients notice improvement within days, though full recovery can take several weeks or months.
Not always. Some spinal conditions require traditional approaches for safety and effectiveness. Your surgeon will determine the best option for you.
If you’ve been living with persistent back pain, minimally invasive spine surgery in NC may offer a path to relief with less downtime. At Prime Surgical Suites in Granite Falls, we provide a modern outpatient environment for spine procedures, ensuring safety, comfort, and efficiency every step of the way.
Talk to your provider about whether you’re a candidate for referral to Prime Surgical Suites for outpatient spine surgery.