Minimally Invasive Spine Procedures in Oakland, CA
Instagram Facebook-f Tiktok
Instagram Facebook-f Tiktok
Minimally Invasive Spine Procedures
Fewer Risks. Faster Recovery. Alleviated Pain.
  • Experience less pain and scarring than traditional surgery
  • Lower your risk of infection
  • Shorten your hospital stay
  • Alleviate spinal pain
  • Get back on your feet with a quicker recovery
BOOK NOW

Minimally Invasive Spine Procedures

Relieve Your Pain and Recover Faster Than Traditional Surgery

Spinal pain can make walking, bending over, or even sleeping difficult. Fortunately, minimally invasive procedures may help treat your spinal pain. Using real-time imaging and small incisions, these treatments provide a less invasive alternative to traditional surgeries. As a result, you have fewer risks, less scarring, and a faster recovery time. At Total Spine Institute, our surgeons can determine if a minimally invasive spine procedure is an appropriate choice for you. Call us at (818) 616-4429 to schedule an obligation-free consultation. We’re proud to serve Northern California, Southern California and Arizona.
Schedule a Consultation
Minimally Invasive Spine Procedures

*By submitting this form, I consent to be contacted by Total Spine Institute via phone, text, email, or mail. Message and data rates may apply. Consent is not a condition of purchase. I agree to the Terms of Service and acknowledge the Privacy Policy. Reply STOP to opt out.

What Are Minimally Invasive Spine Procedures?

Minimally invasive spine procedures use modern surgical techniques to treat neck and back problems. They are performed through small incisions rather than an open surgery. Instead of creating a large incision, surgeons use modern, specialized instruments and imaging to work through tiny openings.

Common Spine Procedures

At Total Spine Institute, we offer a range of minimally invasive spine procedures that may provide the relief you need with a shorter recovery time compared to traditional surgery. Utilizing the latest advancements, the following treatments may help you.

Posterior Interspinous Process Spacers

Posterior interspinous process spacers are used to treat spinal stenosis. With this condition, the spaces in your spine narrow, putting pressure on the nerves. During this procedure, the surgeon places a small device, which is called a spacer, between the bony projections at the back of your vertebrae. The spacer keeps the spine slightly separated, creating more room for compressed nerves. This procedure is performed through a small incision in your back and usually takes less than an hour.
Most patients can walk the same day and return home within 24 hours.

Posterior Image-Guided Microdiscectomy

Posterior image-guided microdiscectomy addresses herniated or “slipped discs.” When these discs press on spinal nerves, they can cause back pain, leg pain, weakness, or numbness.

Using real-time imaging techniques such as X-rays or CT scans, the surgeon makes a small incision in your back and uses a microscope to visualize the problem area. Then, they remove the part of the disc that is pressing on the nerve, while leaving the rest intact. Advanced imaging aids in guiding this procedure, enabling it to be performed with great precision.

This surgery usually takes 30-60 minutes. Most patients experience quick relief from leg pain, but back pain generally takes longer to resolve. Many people go home the same day or the next day.

Vertebral Augmentation (Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty)

Vertebral augmentation helps people with painful vertebral compression fractures, which are typically caused by osteoporosis, cancer, or injury. These fractures can lead to severe back pain and a hunched-over posture.
There are two main types:
  • Vertebroplasty: The surgeon injects medical cement directly into the fractured vertebra, using a small needle. This procedure stabilizes the bone and reduces pain.
  • Kyphoplasty: For this procedure, the surgeon inserts a small balloon into the fractured vertebra and inflates it to restore some of the bone’s original shape. Then, the surgeon removes the balloon and injects cement into the space.
Both procedures are usually done as outpatient surgeries under local anesthesia with sedation. Most patients notice significant pain relief within 1-2 days. The cement hardens quickly, providing immediate stability to the fractured bone.

Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression (MILD)

This procedure targets lumbar spinal stenosis, a condition in which the nerve pathways in the lower spine become narrowed. Stenosis can cause numbness, pain, and cramping in the legs.

It is performed through a tiny incision (about 5 mm) with real-time imaging guidance. Using a special device, the surgeon removes small pieces of bone and excess ligament tissue that are compressing the spinal nerves. This process adds space in the spinal canal, allowing you to walk longer distances with little to no pain.

MILD is usually done as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia and takes less than an hour. Most patients can return to normal activities within a few days or a week.

Man streching to treat neck & back pain

Who Might Benefit From These Spine Procedures?

You might be a candidate if you have:
  • Chronic back or leg pain that hasn’t improved with conservative treatments
  • Herniated discs causing nerve pain
  • Spinal stenosis limiting your ability to walk or stand
  • Vertebral compression fractures from osteoporosis
  • Difficulty with common activities due to spine-related pain.

Recovery And Expectations

The recovery time depends on the procedure you have and your overall health. However, minimally invasive techniques usually offer:
  • Same-day or overnight hospital stays
  • Return to light activities within days to weeks
  • Fully recovery in weeks rather than months
  • Physical therapy to strengthen surrounding muscles
  • Gradual return to normal routine as healing continues
Your spine surgeon will work with you to determine which procedure, if any, is appropriate for your specific condition.
A man playong golf to maintain healthy lifestyle
A old man performing streching

Why Choose Total Spine Institute

As a respected provider of spinal care, the Total Spine Institute can treat your spinal condition with fewer risks, less scarring, and shorter downtime compared to traditional surgery. Our board-certified physicians have over two decades of combined experience and utilize the latest technological advances to perform safe, minimally invasive procedures. We can help you restore your quality of life with less spinal pain and a faster recovery.

Our
Providers

With over 50 years of experience, our team includes specialists in pain management, physical medicine and rehabilitation, minimally invasive procedures, and complex spine surgery. Each provider is committed to working collaboratively to deliver personalized, effective treatment plans tailored to your unique needs.

Andrew Fox, M.D.

Neuro Spine Surgeon

Ryan Derby, M.D.

Interventional Pain Management

Ryan Mattie, M.D.

Interventional Pain Management

Cheri Geist, PA-C, MPAP, FAAPA

Physician Assistant

John Michael Holmes, DO, JD

Interventional Pain Management

James Silverthorn, D.O.

Neuro Spine Surgeon

David Pilkington, DO

Interventional Pain Management

Pouriya Ghayoumi, M.D.

Orthopedic Spine Surgeon

Vlad Gendelman, M.D.

Orthopedic Surgeon

What our patients say

Just want to say thank you to Total Spine Institute for all your care that I have received. Dr Mattie and Dr Fox are real heroes that really help and listen to their patients. That is the service that I received and would definitely recommend them to anyone and everyone.
– Steve L.
Dr. Fox truly made my visits a breeze! From calming my nerves before surgery to providing comforting reassurance afterward, he went above and beyond to ensure I felt at ease throughout the entire process. Along with his incredibly accommodating staff, scheduling appointments was a breeze. The best part? I experienced minimal pain post-surgery and I’m absolutely thrilled to share that my procedure was an outstanding success. A heartfelt thank you to you, Dr. Fox!
– Nicole P.
Dr. Fox and his Team of Friendly, Courteous Professionals are the very best you can get! I am a critical care RN, so I am always censoring the care I receive and can easily see the difference.
– Yvonne
Foot numbness and leg and back pain had been increasingly limiting my mobility, and activity level. Dr. Fox cleaned up scar tissue that was putting pressure on the spinal nerve. I’ve regained feeling and am working on re-strengthening the leg. I was in and out of surgery the same day and the surgical site has healed well with no complication. Should have done this sooner!
– Claudio C.
Dr. Fox and his team are extremely professional and caring. They had our total and complete trust from day 1. We are so grateful!
– Amanda B.
Highly recommend this office and Dr.Fox! Everyone I ever spoke with was very polite and kind. Dr.Fox has a great bedside manner. He feels more like a caring, trustworthy, friend. Being in pain is horrible, but knowing your Dr. Has your best interest at heart makes you feel more at ease. I trust and respect Dr.Fox and his colleagues very much!
– Vanessa M.

Request An Appointment With A Spine Specialist

If you’re ready to alleviate your spinal pain, call (818) 616-4429 today to schedule an obligation-free consultation with one of our specialists. Total Spine Institute has locations in Northern California, Southern California and Arizona.
BOOK NOW

Minimally Invasive Spine Procedures FAQs

These procedures can treat a variety of spinal conditions, including herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, and spinal stenosis.

When an experienced surgeon performs these procedures, they are safe and have fewer risks than traditional surgeries. Bleeding, infection, nerve damage, and reactions to anesthesia are some of the common risks.

You may be a good candidate if you have a spinal condition that has not been alleviated through medication and other traditional treatments. When you schedule a consultation with our team, we’ll let you know if one of these procedures is appropriate for you.

Schedule a Consultation
Minimally Invasive Spine Procedures

*By submitting this form, I consent to be contacted by Total Spine Institute via phone, text, email, or mail. Message and data rates may apply. Consent is not a condition of purchase. I agree to the Terms of Service and acknowledge the Privacy Policy. Reply STOP to opt out.

DISCLAIMER
*You agree to be contacted by Total Spine Institute by submitting this form; regarding marketing messages by text, phone, or email. We commit to respecting and protecting your private information. At any time you, are able to unsubscribe from these messages. For more information regarding our Privacy Policy, please review here.