Laser Spine Surgery Info
Why a Surgical Bulging Disc Procedure Might Become an Option
A surgical bulging disc procedure can be an effective way to alleviate symptoms associated with nerve compression that arises when a portion of an intervertebral disc "bulges" out of its normal boundary. However, in the vast majority of cases, the symptoms of spinal nerve compression - localized pain, swelling, radiating pain, tingling, numbness, and muscle weakness in the extremities - can be managed without surgery. Most people suffering from bulging disc symptoms are able to find relief using a combination of conservative treatment methods, including anti-inflammatory drugs, exercise, gentle stretching, corticosteroid injections, and others. In fact, these nonsurgical types of treatments are effective about 90 percent of the time. But what about the other 10 percent? For this relatively small group, it might be time to consider surgery.
Recovering from a Minimally Invasive Slipped Disc Procedure
A slipped disc procedure is a way to surgically alleviate symptoms caused by spinal nerve compression associated with a herniated or bulging disc. ”Slipped disc” is a general, colloquial term used to refer to the symptoms that can arise when a portion of an intervertebral disc’s outer wall “slips” out of its normal boundary, or when the gel-like inner material of a disc extrudes through a tear in the wall. These symptoms can include localized pain, swelling, radiating pain, loss of sensation in the extremities, and/or weakness in muscle groups innervated by the affected nerve. In most cases, conservative, nonsurgical treatment will suffice. However, if chronic symptoms remain debilitating after several weeks or months of conservative treatment, surgery might become an option.
Can a Minimally Invasive Procedure Help Spondylolisthesis Patients?
A surgical spondylolisthesis procedure generally is not required during the condition's early stages, when vertebral slippage is measured at 50 percent or less. Yet, even if the slippage is of a lower grade, spinal nerve roots may be vulnerable to compression. Spondylolisthesis is found most often in the lower back, where the vertebrae and other anatomical components of the spine are under the most pressure related to movement and body weight. The lower back is also where the sciatic nerve originates and, as this is the largest nerve in the body, any sort of anatomical abnormality in that region places the sciatic nerve at risk of being irritated or compressed. While exercise and gentle stretching are often effective ways to manage spinal nerve compression symptoms, there are cases in which conservative treatment proves inefficient. In these cases, surgery might become an option.
Contrasts Between an Open Back Surgery and a Minimally Invasive Sciatica Procedure
A surgical sciatica procedure is intended to remove pressure from the sciatic nerve, but sciatic nerve compression can be caused by a number of anatomical abnormalities. The course of treatment and, if necessary, the type of surgery recommended by a doctor will depend largely on the physical cause of the sciatic nerve compression. It can arise as a result of spinal bone spurs, vertebral slippage (spondylolisthesis), a herniated disc, and other age- or injury-related conditions. No matter what the cause, symptoms of sciatic nerve compression often include radiating pain, tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness in the lower extremities. In most cases, these symptoms can be managed without surgery. However, if chronic sciatica persists after several weeks or months of conservative treatment, surgery might become an option.
How Soon Can You Travel After a Minimally Invasive Facet Disease Procedure?
Before undergoing a minimally invasive facet disease procedure, you'll naturally want to know how soon you'll be able to return to normal activity after surgery. This may be particularly true if you have scheduled an important trip not too long after surgery, or if you have traveled a significant distance to reach your surgical center. To understand why long-distance travel is best avoided in the immediate aftermath of any kind of spine surgery, it is important to have a basic understanding of the anatomy behind facet disease.
When to Consider a Minimally Invasive Spinal Arthritis Procedure
A surgical spinal arthritis procedure is usually the last resort for people suffering from debilitating pain and other symptoms associated with the condition. Spinal arthritis, or osteoarthritis, can cause pain, swelling, and reduced mobility due to the gradual wearing away of smooth, protective cartilage that lines the joints. If the deterioration of the cartilage lining spinal joints becomes severe enough, it can lead to the irritation of local nerves within the joints, as well as compression of adjacent nerve roots. The set of symptoms caused by nerve root or spinal cord compression, called radiculopathy, can include radiating pain, tingling, numbness, and muscle weakness in the extremities. Chronic arthritis and nerve compression symptoms normally can be managed using conservative, nonsurgical techniques such as anti-inflammatory drugs and gentle exercise. However, if symptoms persist for several weeks or months, surgery might become a viable option.
When is it Safe to Resume Normal Activity after a Minimally Invasive Annular Tear Procedure?
Because no two patients or cases are alike, there is no way to generalize the amount of recovery time necessary following a minimally invasive annular tear procedure. Everyone heals at a different rate, and much depends on the age of the patient, as well as the type of procedure performed. An annular tear does not normally require surgery, but if it does, it typically means the patient has been experiencing chronic, debilitating pain caused by spinal nerve compression. Most people are able to manage the resulting pain, tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness with conservative, nonsurgical treatment methods. However, if that treatment regimen fails to provide relief after several weeks or months, surgery might become an option. Naturally, one of the biggest concerns for those who undergo spine surgery is the amount of time lost at work in the aftermath of the procedure.
Recovering from a Minimally Invasive Herniated Disc Procedure
One of the major benefits of an endoscopic herniated disc procedure is the relatively short recovery period, as contrasted with the many months it usually takes to recuperate from open back or neck surgery. One reason an endoscopic procedure requires a shorter period of recuperation is the size of the incision - typically no more than an inch. And unlike patients who undergo open back surgery, which usually requires spinal fusion (the removal of a significant portion of spinal anatomy and, in its place, the insertion of an artificial disc, stabilizing hardware, and/or bone graft material), patients who undergo endoscopic procedures don't have to worry about spinal fusion. This means they also don’t have to worry about the physical limitations that come with spinal fusion, nor worry about hardware failure or bone graft rejection that are always a possibility after spinal fusion has been performed.
The Benefits of an Endoscopic Spinal Stenosis Procedure
A surgical spinal stenosis procedure is almost always considered the last resort for patients who suffer from symptoms related to anatomical stenosis (narrowing) within the spinal column. That's because in most cases, the pain, tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness caused by spinal stenosis normally can be managed using conservative treatment methods. However, if anti-inflammatory drugs, exercise, stretching, and other conservative methods prove ineffective over the course of several weeks or months, surgery might become an option. Before consenting to any type of surgery, however, thorough research is necessary.
What to do Before Consenting a Minimally Invasive Spinal Pinched Nerve Procedure
A minimally invasive spinal pinched nerve procedure is far less daunting than highly invasive surgery, such as spinal fusion or disc replacement. However, even though minimally invasive procedures are typically performed on an outpatient basis, they still are surgery. That means it is vitally important to become as informed as possible about what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.
An Effective, Minimally Invasive Procedure for Spinal Bone Spurs
Far more often than not, bone spurs in the spine do not require a surgical procedure to manage related symptoms. Discomfort such as pain, tingling, numbness, and muscle weakness in the extremities associated with spinal nerve compression caused by bone spurs usually responds well to conservative treatment. Conservative, or nonsurgical, treatment might include anti-inflammatory drugs, exercise, and other nonsurgical methods, depending on the nature of the case, the location of the nerve compression, and the overall health of the patient. However, if nerve compression symptoms remain debilitating after all conservative treatment options have been exhausted, a minimally invasive, endoscopic procedure might be worth exploring.
Arthritis of the Spine
Arthritis of the spine - or more accurately, osteoarthritis of the spine - occurs when the cartilage that surrounds the facet joints, which are the points where adjacent vertebrae meet and articulate, begins to deteriorate. Osteoarthritis can occur on almost any joint in the body and is often called wear-and-tear arthritis. This condition is different from rheumatoid arthritis, an inflammatory autoimmune disease that involves the body attacking its own healthy synovial lining on joints. Spinal osteoarthritis usually occurs as a result of the natural aging process, and many individuals won’t experience symptoms that are any more severe than the normal aches and pains associated with getting older.
Understanding Spinal Bone Spurs
Bone spurs aren't uncommon. In fact, you may have bone spurs, also called osteophytes, somewhere in your body right now and not even know it. If you dance, jog, or wear tightly fitting shoes every day, you may have bone spurs on your heels or toes, and athletes like tennis players and volleyball players often develop shoulder osteophytes due to the constant repetitive motion in these jointed areas. The spine is another jointed region of the body that is extremely prone to these extra growths of smooth bone, especially when facet disease, a form of osteoarthritis, sets in and causes the cartilage around the facet joints to deteriorate.
Understanding Failed Back Surgery Syndrom
Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) is not really a syndrome per se, but a term used to describe the problems associated with an unsuccessful spine surgery. In some cases, this occurs if the spine condition was incorrectly diagnosed in the first place, or if the surgery was performed at the wrong level of the spine. In the case of highly invasive surgeries such as spinal fusion, FBSS may occur if the body rejects the implanted hardware or the bone graft. Nerve damage or problematic scar tissue formation are other reasons that a back or neck surgery may be considered ineffective.
The Anatomy of a Slipped Disc
If you are diagnosed with a slipped disc, you may at first think that the condition involves, as the name implies, an intervertebral disc that has slipped out of place. However, this is not exactly the case. A slipped disc actually occurs when a tear develops in the tough outer layers of the disc’s wall (annulus fibrosus). The gel-like inner disc fluid (nucleus pulposus) may seep out of this rupture or stay contained despite the tear. A slipped disc likely began as a bulging disc, in which the nucleus pulposus exerts pressure on a weakened portion of the disc wall, causing it to balloon out to one side.
The Anatomy of Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis describes the forward or backward slippage of one of the vertebrae in the spinal column. Most commonly, a vertebra will slip forward and come to rest on the vertebra directly beneath it, though this can occur in varying degrees of severity. Mild spondylolisthesis may involve such slight vertebral displacement that the condition remains asymptomatic, but severe forms of spondylolisthesis can be extremely debilitating, sometimes even affecting an individual’s ability to walk properly. This condition primarily occurs in the lumbar spine (lower back), as this spinal region endures the stress of supporting most of the body’s weight and facilitating multidirectional movement. Eventually, the pressures of weight and movement can cause spinal elements, such as vertebrae, to give way and shift out of place.
The Truth about Sciatica
Sciatica is often the default diagnosis for any type of pain in the lower back or legs. However, sciatica is actually a term used to classify a specific set of symptoms that arise when the sciatic nerve is compressed by some sort of anatomical abnormality. These symptoms can travel the length of the sciatic nerve, which stretches from the lower back all the way to the toes. Symptoms usually include pain, tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness that affect the lower back, buttocks, hips, legs, feet, and/or toes - typically on one side of the body. Getting diagnosed for sciatica by a doctor is extremely important, especially since other conditions, such as strained muscles or sprained ligaments, are often mistakenly labeled as sciatica.
Understanding Facet Disease
Facet disease, a form of osteoarthritis, is the gradual deterioration of the protective cartilage that lines the vertebral facet joints. This degenerative process happens naturally as we get older, and most people won’t experience symptoms or ever realize they have the condition. However, sometimes facet disease becomes severe and may lead to joint pain, instability, weakness, or stiffness. Medial branch nerves that innervate the facet joints can become irritated and painful when the smooth layer of cartilage that normally protects the joint is gone. The cartilage may also wear away to the point that the vertebral bones grind against each other, which may cause bone spurs, or osteophytes, to develop. If these growths of extra bone press on the spinal nerves that pass through the intervertebral foramen, or the spinal nerve roots themselves, a host of other symptoms can develop.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative disc disease, DDD, is not actually a disease. Rather, it is a condition that affects the intervertebral discs, which cushion and connect the stacked vertebrae along the spine. If it is not a disease, then what is it? It is actually a natural result of wear and tear endured every day by the cartilaginous discs and the adjacent spinal anatomy. As people age, the centers of the pad-like discs begin to lose water content, while the layered outer walls of the discs begin to lose elasticity. As the outer wall weakens, the disc loses its height. This can cause the disc to bulge or herniate, which in itself is not a major concern. However, if extruded disc material comes into contact with nerve roots or the spinal cord, painful symptoms can arise.
Spinal Arthritis
Spinal arthritis, or more specifically, spinal osteoarthritis, is the deterioration of the soft, smooth cartilage that lines the joints where vertebrae meet and articulate. There are many types of arthritis, any of which can affect the joints of the spine. Two of the most well-known forms of arthritis are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Although the symptoms of both are similar, there are stark differences between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. The main difference is that rheumatoid is an autoimmune disease, meaning the body’s healthy tissue (in this case the synovium, a thin membrane that covers joints) is attacked by the immune system. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease, characterized by the aforementioned cartilage degeneration, usually associated with the aging process. Neither form is considered curable, although the symptoms can be managed by most afflicted people.
Annular Tear
An annular tear is a rupture in the outer wall (annulus fibrosus) of one of the intervertebral discs located between vertebrae along the spine. An intervertebral disc is a sponge-like cushion that aids in spinal flexibility and stability. It consists of the outer wall and an inner core of gel-like fluid called the nucleus pulposus. As people age, daily wear and tear begins to take a toll on the discs. The nucleus gradually loses water content, the outer wall becomes brittle and weak, and the disc begins to lose height. Excess pressure on the brittle layers of the outer wall can produce protrusions, or bulges, which can develop fissures. This allows the gel-like core material to leak, a condition known as a herniated disc.
Back Surgery
Elective back surgery should only be considered if chronic, debilitating pain or other symptoms persist after several weeks or months of conservative treatment. Age-related degenerative spine conditions such as osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease can produce symptoms such as local pain, radiating or shooting pain, tingling, numbness, and/or muscle weakness in the body’s extremities. These symptoms, known as radiculopathy, are a result of nerve compression, usually brought on by an anatomical anomaly such as an osteophyte or bulging disc. Conservative treatment such as anti-inflammatory drugs, exercise, stretching, physical therapy, behavior modification, corticosteroid injections, and other methods usually are effective ways to manage symptoms. Only when these forms of treatment are attempted and proven ineffective will a doctor normally suggest that you begin to consider surgery.
Herniated Disc
A herniated disc occurs when the nucleus pulposus (gel-like inner material) of an intervertebral disc is expelled through a rupture in the disc's annulus fibrosus (outer layer). This can be a result of injury, or can occur as part of the aging process. Age-related disc degeneration does not always have symptoms. Only when the extruded nucleus material comes into contact with the central nervous system (nerve roots, the spinal cord) will a herniated disc produce localized pain, radiating pain, tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness.
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is a term used to describe the narrowing, or constriction, of the nerve passageways within the spine. Two types of passages, in particular, may be involved when stenosis is diagnosed: the intervertebral foramina and the spinal canal itself. The foramina are located on either side of individual vertebrae and are the passageways for nerve roots to and from the spinal cord. Narrowing with the foramina is known as foraminal stenosis. The spinal canal extends from the base of the skull to the lower-mid back, where the thoracic region transitions to the lumbar (lower back) region. Either of these passages can become constricted as a result of a traumatic injury or an age-related degenerative spine condition.
Pinched Nerve
Pinched nerve is a colloquial term used to describe the irritation or compression of a spinal nerve root. The term can be confusing, because people who suffer the occasional strained neck or back muscle or sprained ligament might say they have a “pinched nerve.” This is not correct usage, although the pain of a muscle strain or ligament sprain can resemble that of an actual compressed nerve. However, in addition to localized pain, spinal nerve compression can also cause radiating pain, tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness in the extremities. This set of symptoms is referred to as radiculopathy.
Bulging Disc
A bulging disc is a spine condition wherein a portion of an intervertebral disc has extended beyond its normal boundary. A disc bulge is one of the most common causes of neck or back pain among people in their 30s and older. Its causes include traumatic spine injury, as well as a number of degenerative spine conditions. These conditions, which often are age-related, include degenerative disc disease and osteoarthritis. Bulging discs do not always cause symptoms, and might remain undetected unless the protruding portion of the disc makes contact with a nerve root or the spinal cord.
Laser Spine Procedure
A laser spine procedure is a less-invasive alternative to open back or neck surgery. Laser spine surgery has enabled many people suffering from back or neck pain related to a degenerative spine condition to find relief without the potential risks and side effects associated with highly invasive spinal fusion and other open spine surgeries. Many spine procedures involving the use of a laser are performed through an endoscope on an outpatient basis, using only local anesthesia and deep IV sedation, rather than general anesthesia. This is only one of the many stark contrasts between endoscopic spine surgery and other types of spine procedures
Laser Spine Surgery
Laser Spine Institute, performed as an endoscopic procedure, is a minimally invasive alternative to highly invasive open back or neck surgery. Both types of procedures are used to treat symptoms of nerve compression related to degenerative spine conditions, and both are generally accepted as effective by a broad segment of the medical community. This is where the similarities end, however.
Herniated Disc
Also known as a torn or ruptured disc, herniated disc occurs when the thick outer layer of an intervertebral disc splits. This allows the soft, jelly-like interior layer to escape and in some cases push upon a nearby nerve root or the spinal cord. This pressure can cause pain and other symptoms to manifest, which in severe cases can be debilitating. Surgical Herniated Disc Treatment
Spinal Stenosis Causes
Spinal stenosis is a term that describes a narrowing or constricting in the spine, specifically of the spinal canal and/or foramen in the vertebrae through which nerve roots pass. This narrowing, when it becomes severe enough, can put pressure on the spinal cord itself as well as nerve roots exiting the spinal canal through the foramen. Although in many cases this condition does not cause any symptoms, and many people don’t even realize they have it, when it becomes severe enough, it can result in pain, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and more in the back, arms, torso, legs, and/or feet.
Spinal stenosis causes can include:
Spinal Stenosis Surgery
Reserved for only the most severe cases, spinal stenosis surgery is a last-resort treatment for the condition that aims to physically widen the affected area of the spinal canal by removing the offending tissue. In some cases, this may include removing a bone spur, intervertebral disc tissue, a swollen ligament, or something else that has protruded into the spinal canal. However, many people find surgery to be too risky or simply aren’t healthy enough for the procedure, since open back and neck surgeries – the only form of surgical treatment traditionally offered – require a hospital stay of several days, involve the use of general anesthesia, and have very long recovery times.
Spinal Stenosis Symptoms
Spinal Stenosis Symptoms are a rarity for those who have this condition. In fact, most people who are afflicted by spinal stenosis aren't even aware that they have it. Symptoms only develop when the narrowing in the spine becomes so severe that a nerve root or the spinal cord is impinged upon. However, when this does occur, the symptoms can be extremely severe and can make even once–simple tasks like taking a walk seem impossible, impeding a person from living a fulfilling life.
Spinal stenosis symptoms can include:
The Back Surgeons at Laser Spine Institute
If you’re looking for back surgeons who know how to provide relief, then Laser Spine Institute (LSI) is the place to turn. Our expert staff includes several award-winning surgeons specializing exclusively in treating back pain with endoscopic surgery, as well as dozens of doctors and medical professionals to assist throughout the process.
Back Pain Doctors
When searching for a way to relieve back pain, there are many doctors that can help. But, how do you know which one - or ones - to choose? Before you can determine which is best for you, it’s important to understand the different services each offer, and how that could change your treatment plan.
Laser Back Surgery from Laser Spine Institute Can Provide Permanent Relief from Back and Neck Pain
With award-winning, board-certified surgeons and a dedicated staff, Laser Spine Institute (LSI) provides laser back surgery to treat a variety of conditions. Our facility utilizes gentle, endoscopic techniques to minimize recovery time, and we’re dedicated to providing the best treatment and patient experience possible. We have successfully treated patients suffering from herniated disc, sciatica, bulging disc, bone spurs, degenerative disc, spinal stenosis, pinched nerve and more.
A Laser Surgery Center Dedicated to Your Successful Treatment and Recovery
At Laser Spine Institute (LSI), we’re not just dedicated to maintaining our incredible success rate; we’re 100% committed to ensuring that each and every one of our patients receives the best care and has the best experience possible before, during, and after the procedure.
How to Pick a Laser Spine Center
At Laser Spine Institute (LSI), we understand that choosing a laser spine center to perform your surgery is a big decision, and we want you to be as informed as possible so you can make the right choice.
Laser Spine Institute Offers Safe and Effective Surgeries to Those Living with Back Pain
Since opening in January 2005, Laser Spine Institute has helped thousands of people worldwide find relief from neck and back pain. The staff of highly trained surgeons at LSI accomplishes this by using advanced endoscopic techniques that target spinal problems while causing only very minimal trauma to the surrounding tissue. The medical team at the spine institute has perfected this process under the leadership of founder and chief surgeon Dr. James St. Louis. Today, he and his fellow surgeons perform more than 400 endoscopic procedures a month at LSI’s three surgical centers in Tampa, Scottsdale, and Philadelphia. That’s more surgeries than any other facility nationwide.
Only a Spine Doctor or Other Medical Professional Can Properly Diagnose Your Condition
In the age of the Internet, it can be tempting to run to the computer at the first sign of pain in an effort to self-diagnose the problem. That can be especially enticing when you have back or neck problems because there is so much information available on the subject—much of it from medical institutions. However, it’s important to remember that serious health problems, including chronic back or neck pain, need a proper diagnosis from a medical professional like a spine doctor. In most cases of back and neck pain, the spine doctor you’re looking for is technically called an orthopedist. These doctors specialize in the body’s musculoskeletal system, to which the spine is central. Generally, you’ll get a referral to one of these doctors after visiting your regular physician, and they deem a visit to the specialist necessary. Once you’re at the spine doctor, they’ll examine you, ask you questions about your pain and activities, and potentially order some diagnostic tests like an MRI or CT scan. Once these things are done, the doctor can make a diagnosis.
Laser Spinal Surgery - A Viable Alternative for Those Suffering with Failed Back Surger…
The road to back pain relief can be long and arduous. From your first visit to the doctor to the day you finally feel better can take years. For those who need surgery, the major procedure can seem like a saving grace. But for an unfortunate few, there is still no relief after a long recovery from the procedure. Fortunately there is hope for those with Failed Back Surgery Syndrome: laser spinal surgery. This type of procedure can right the wrongs created or missed altogether during the original surgery. At Laser Spine Institute we begin addressing FBSS with an accurate diagnosis of your problem. Occasionally FBSS occurs because the wrong condition or not all of the painful conditions in a patient’s back and neck are repaired. Other times, the condition occurs because a new problem is formed as a result of the original surgery.
Help for an Aching Spine with Laser Surgery
When you have back or neck problems that don’t resolve on their own in a short time, or they cause pain that radiates down your limbs, the problem is probably with your spine. Laser surgery—the use of a laser and other small tools to repair tissue—is a great way to address those problems when more conservative treatments haven’t worked. Its nimble precision allows a surgeon to target the problem without causing any damage to the vital spinal cord. And because endoscopy—the use of a small tube to access the surgery site—is used in conjunction with the laser, minimal damage is sustained by the skin, muscle, bone and other tissue that protects the spinal cord.
Laser Spine Surgery is a Safe and Effective Treatment for Neck or Back Pain
Laser spine surgery, like what’s offered at Laser Spine Institute, is becoming a more popular treatment in the world of neck and back pain as people become more aware of it. And there are plenty of reasons why. This type of procedure has many advantages over traditional open-back surgery, not least of which is its superior effectiveness. More than 85% of LSI’s patients report that they feel relief from their symptoms within three months of surgery. Traditional surgery is only effective for about 60% of patients. Beyond that, the minimally invasive nature of laser spine surgery also makes it safer by reducing the likelihood of infection and other complications.
Laser Spine Surgery - Helping Thousands Find Back Pain Relief in 5 Days at Laser Spine…
If you suffer from any sort of chronic back pain, whether it’s caused by a bulging disc, spinal stenosis, or another common condition, you’ll want to consider laser spine surgery. Not only is it often more effective than traditional back surgery, but it can also get you on the road to relief much faster. Most patients that get laser spine surgery at LSI are back to their normal activities in two weeks. More than 85% report improved quality of life within three months of the surgery. And, many have reported significant pain relief before they were even off the operating table. Traditional back surgery takes longer to relieve pain in most cases, and the recovery time can be long, arduous, and marked by pain and frequent visits to the doctor. But, laser spine surgery at LSI is different. It takes just 5 days from the initial consultation to discharge, and as mentioned, recovery is quick and less painful.
Laser Spine Surgery Is a Faster & Safer Alternative to Other Procedures
When conservative treatments do not relieve the pain of your bulging disc, spinal stenosis, spinal arthritis, or other spinal condition, your doctor may tell you there is only one choice left - open back surgery. Unfortunately, open back surgery is an invasive procedure that may leave you with months of painful recovery time and potentially dangerous complications.
Laser Spine Surgery Is a Gentle Outpatient Procedure with Successful Outcomes
Anyone who has experienced a herniated disc, bulging disc, pinched nerve, or similar back problems will try just about anything to stop the unrelenting pain and discomfort these conditions cause. Treatment often begins with a long course of medications, chiropractic care, massages, and acupuncture. Once all conservative options are exhausted, a patient might consider open back surgery - a potentially risky procedure - or an orthopedic surgeon may say there’s no hope at all. Luckily, however, there is hope with laser spine surgery, a gentle outpatient procedure that has been shown to relieve symptoms in more than 80% of patients within 3 months.
Laser Spine Surgery Treats Many Different Spinal Conditions
Have you been experiencing numbness and weakness in your legs because of a herniated disc? Are you confined to a life of pain because of a pinched nerve in your back? Or, has spinal arthritis left you unable to enjoy the simple pleasures of life, such as gardening or walking your dog? If you suffer from one or more spinal conditions and you feel like you’re at the end of your rope, laser spine surgery may be the solution you’ve been searching for.
Spinal Stenosis Surgery
One of the most common types of spinal stenosis surgery is a Decompressive Laminectomy. This procedure relieves pressure on the spinal cord or the nerve roots in the spine.
A laminectomy removes bone and tissue that have thickened causing a narrowing in the spinal canal.
Laser Surgery
It is only within the last ten years that laser surgery made a breakthrough in the medical field. This has provided patients with the choice of exploring alternative methods of treatment. These procedures continue to improve in what has already had a very successful outcome.
Laser Spine Surgery
It was not that long ago that back surgery was performed through conventional medical procedures. The recovery from this procedure was an extended period of time and in fact depending on the overall health of the patient, it could take many months before returning to normal day to day activities. In addition to the extended recovery period, there were lengthy hospital stays after back surgery. The risks for conventional back surgery were much greater versus those of laser back surgery.
Exercises After Back Surgery
It is important to realize the impact conservative back surgery will have on you and the extent of rehabilitation required to resume your regular day to day routine and activities.
Back Surgery Recovery Time
Understanding back pain is key to determining treatment, the recovery process and long term affects and prevention from future occurrences.
There are different types of back pain depending on the area of the back affected and if more than one area is suffering from any type of damage. The damage can be as minor as a pinched nerve to a ruptured or herniated disc in any of the three spinal areas. These areas are the cervical, thoracic and lumbar regions. The damage may be to a disc, nerve, nerve root, vertebrae or the base of the spine, known as the sacrum.
Facet Thermal Ablation
When considering undergoing spine surgery there are a few choices out there and one of them could be a Facet Thermal Ablation. Unlike conventional back surgery, this laser spine surgery procedure is minimally invasive helping the patient heal faster and get on with life!
Foraminotomy
A foraminotomy is a laser spine surgery used to relieve certain specific spinal conditions. It uses an arthroscopic approach to open the foramen without any need of general anesthesia.
Laminotomy
A laminotomy uses an arthroscopic approach to opening the spinal canal for laser spine surgery. With no need for general anesthesia laser spine surgery can be performed in an outpatient surgical setting.
Percutaneous Endoscopic Discectomy
When Herniated disc or bulging disc material presses on a nerve root or directly on the spinal cord, laser spine surgery can be performed to remove the portion on the disc that is causing pain.
Spinal Fusion Alternative
Laser spine surgery has become a viable alternative to having a spinal fusion when combating back pain. During spinal fusion back surgery the main goal achieved is the fusion of one or more vertebrae of the spine. This process is achieved by taking bone grafts from other parts of the body, most often the hip, or through a bone donor and using screws and plates to help stabilize the fusion. A spine fusion heals much like a fractured bone and takes several months.