Sport shortly after back surgery is now possible for everyone thanks to the right surgical method

With a minimally invasive spine operation by the appropriate specialists, sports and competitive sports are possible again after just a few weeks. The internationally recognized experts at the Apex-Spine spine clinic in Munich have already proven this several times. dr medical Michael D. Schubert, Chief Physician of the Apex-Spine Spine Center and expert in minimally invasive spinal surgery, not only performs operations in this field himself, but is also actively involved in research and development.

"The most important thing is that the patients feel good again after an operation and can live their lives without pain," says the specialist. "In many cases, this also means that you can do sports again."

Of course, it's important to listen to your body after surgery and not overdo it. "In consultation with the surgeon, patients can often return to their favorite sport after just a few weeks or even days," says Schubert. "Obviously it's important to start slow and gradually increase the intensity"

Competitive sport after an intervertebral disc operation

Apex-Spine has already successfully treated numerous top athletes from various disciplines, including the ski racer Maria Höfl-Riesch and the rower Matthias Schönmann-Finck. Maria Höfl-Riesch underwent an endoscopic operation on the intervertebral disc under local anesthesia and was able to get back into top shape shortly after the successful back operation in the Apex-Spine Spine Center.

Rower Matthias Schönmann-Finck also made a successful comeback after his operation in the apex spine. He was in the midst of preparing for a competition when his career was abruptly cut short, and it seemed his successful competitive career would be halted by a severe last-stage disc herniation.

Of course, conventional methods were tried, as was rehab, but nothing helped, so Dr. Schubert from the Apex Spine Center was his last hope. dr Schubert used the method for which he gained international fame: the endoscopic, minimally invasive nucleotomy. The name sounds complicated, and in fact this procedure requires a high level of expertise and a great deal of experience. There is hardly anything better for the patient if the surgeon knows his trade.

Minimally invasive disc surgery - the most modern method

Instead of the usual open procedure with a more or less large wound, the surgeon only makes a small puncture and inserts an almost 8mm thick working tube there. All mini instruments are then inserted through this tube to repair the damage to the intervertebral disc. It is easy to understand that such a "small" intervention is also overcome much faster. In the case of the rower, it was possible that he was able to leave the recovery room just two hours after the procedure – on his own feet.

After he had spent the night in the clinic to be on the safe side, he left the clinic the very next day, completely free of symptoms. A short time later he got back into his training. Both athletes were able to return to and even improve on their former high levels of performance. This is a great testament to the exceptional quality of treatment at Apex-Spine. The minimally invasive procedure is now so mature that Dr. Schubert even uses it on the cervical spine, the most delicate area of all; he has already helped 550 patients in this way.

The development of minimally invasive surgical techniques has revolutionized medicine. In the past, many procedures were performed through more or less large incisions, which often involved significant blood loss, pain and scarring. Today, minimally invasive surgery allows surgeons to operate through tiny incisions using special instruments. This results in less pain, blood loss and scarring for the patient.

A particular type of minimally invasive surgery that has been developed is minimally invasive disc surgery. This procedure is used to treat herniated or torn discs. It is a significantly less invasive alternative to traditional open spine surgery, which often involves making a large incision in the back to remove the damaged disc.

As the name suggests, minimally invasive disc surgery is performed through a very small incision. Access to the damaged intervertebral disc is created with special instruments. The herniated or torn disc is then removed and the surrounding tissue is repaired. dr Schubert from the Apex-Spine Spine Center has significantly further developed this surgical method and has been exclusively performing endoscopic spine operations for over 20 years.

This type of surgery has many benefits for patients. It leads to less pain, blood loss and scarring. In addition, the convalescence - the recovery time - is significantly shorter than with traditional open spine surgery. Patients who undergo minimally invasive disc surgery at the Munich Spine Center can usually return to their normal activities after a relatively short time.

If you're considering minimally invasive disc surgery, you should talk to your doctor about whether it's right for you.

Regardless of whether you are a competitive athlete or a recreational athlete, before you undergo spinal surgery, you should definitely consult the international experts at the Munich specialist clinic. A second opinion and an additional diagnosis is definitely appropriate, especially with such a sensitive topic.