does laser back surgery work

Millions of Americans experience back pain every year; it is one of the most common reasons for seeing the doctor. While most back pain is treatable without surgery, or resolves on its own, some people have back conditions which eventually require surgical treatment.

Many people have a preconception that surgery must be invasive, lengthy, and even dangerous to be truly effective. However, with modern techniques, nothing could be further from the truth. Minimally invasive procedures are reducing the occurrence of major surgery in all fields, from cardiology - where stents reign supreme over open heart surgery - to orthopedics, where laser back surgery is quickly supplanting open back surgery. For most people who need a spinal operation, laser back surgery is an effective, safe alternative to traditional open back surgery.

How it Works

In traditional open back surgery, the doctor uses scalpels to make a large incision in order to reach the spine. The wound is several inches long, and the surgeon must peel muscle and connective tissue away from the spine, and even remove bone from the vertebrae to reach the spinal cord. All this is merely to access the small part of the spine or spinal cord which is treated. In the end, the patient is left with a large, painful scar. It takes weeks for the wound to heal and months for the patient to recovery fully.

While invasive, open back surgery is an effective form of treatment. For patients with rare or serious spine conditions, it may be the only option available, and in those cases it can be life-changing or even life-saving. However, for most patients who only need routine back surgery, there is no need to suffer such an extreme procedure.

Laser back surgery allows the surgeon to perform many of the same procedures as in open back surgery, without the invasiveness. Lasers are carefully calibrated by an experienced surgeon to cut through precise amounts of soft tissue, such as herniated disc material or irritated nerves. This eliminates the need for a large, open wound.

Depending on the procedure, usually only one or two small needles or tubes are inserted into the spine. The surgeon is then able to apply laser or radiofrequency energy when needed. In addition, the surgeon uses endoscopic cameras to see the area without creating a large incision. There is no need for the removal of vertebral bone, unlike in many open spine surgeries. Special tools can be inserted through the tube to perform tasks if necessary.

Minimally invasive surgeries such as laser back surgery are ideal because they minimize some of the risks of traditional surgery - for example, the chance of infection is much lower after laser back surgery. Patients avoid going under general anesthesia and there is no need for a stay at the hospital. Instead, patients return home the same day, and many people can return to work after only a week.

Eligible Conditions

Regardless of your condition, in most cases your doctor will recommend non-surgical treatments before recommending surgery. These treatments are aimed at either reducing inflammation, or reducing the amount of weight carried by the spine. If this is ineffective, surgery may be indicated.

Only a doctor can tell you whether your condition can be treated with laser back surgery. In general, though, laser back surgery can be used to treat a variety of common back problems:

• Herniated discs
• Sciatica
• Bone spurs
• Pinched nerves
• Foraminal or spinal stenosis
• Spinal arthritis

For these conditions, laser back surgery is just as effective as traditional surgery, but with only a fraction of the downtime and risks. Patients usually feel better as the surgery is taking place, and walk out of the office with their symptoms relieved.

With any surgery, it's important to put yourself into the hands of a doctor you trust. To schedule a consultation with a leading expert in laser back surgery, please call the please call the Datta Endoscopic Back Surgery and Pain Center at 347-380-9138.