Does Laser Spine Treatment Work on Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis, or a narrowing of the spinal canal, can occur as a result of a variety of spine conditions. Most spinal stenosis cases are relatively mild and respond well to conservative treatment. In some cases, spinal stenosis persists despite the use of conservative methods. In such cases, laser spine treatment is a very effective option.

Understanding Spinal Stenosis

The spine is made up of the spinal cord, vertebrae, and discs. The spinal cord passes through a spinal canal created by the vertebrae and discs. If part of the spine is diseased or damaged, the spinal canal may become more narrow than usual. For example, a damaged disc can press against the spinal cord or nerve roots, causing pain and other symptoms.

Causes of spinal stenosis include:

• Herniated discs
• Bulging discs
• Bone spurs
• Spondylolisthesis

Spinal stenosis causes similar symptoms regardless of the cause. Patients may experience pain, muscle weakness in the legs or arms, or numbness in the legs or arms. In some cases, symptoms may be severe or get progressively worse over time.

Laser Spine Treatment

Laser spine treatment is a cutting-edge alternative to traditional spine surgery, and can be used to treat most cases of spinal stenosis. During laser spine surgery, the doctor makes small incisions along the spine. A laser, a camera, and other tools are inserted through the incisions, which allows the doctor to operate on the spine without opening up. 

Laser spine surgery has marked advantages over traditional spine surgery, including:

• No hospital stay
• No general anesthesia
• No large scars
• Lower risk of bleeding
• Lower risk of blood clots
• Lower risk of infection
• Shorter recovery time
• High success rates

When Laser Surgery is Appropriate

Laser spine surgery can be appropriate for spinal stenosis, but not all cases of stenosis require any surgical intervention. It is preferable to treat spinal stenosis without the use of surgery whenever possible, since even minimally invasive surgery comes with risks and costs which must be taken into account. 

Surgery is used in cases where conservative treatments were administered without success. In addition, surgery may be considered earlier on if symptoms are severe or getting progressively worse, especially if the spinal stenosis is located in the neck.

Dr. Sukdeb Datta would be happy to meet with you about whether laser spine treatment is right for you. To schedule a consultation today, please contact the Datta Endoscopic Back Surgery and Pain Center by clicking below and entering your information or calling us at (212) 430-0312.