Laser Spine Treatment Options For Severe Back Pain

Severe back pain can be extremely difficult to deal with. Pain can interfere with your ability to work, engage with your family and loved ones, and do the activities you love. If pain is left untreated, many patients develop further complications such as decreased immune response, insomnia, and depression. Getting treatment is essential. Fortunately, there are a number of effective treatments for severe back pain, including laser spine treatment.

Severe Back Pain Causes

Severe back pain can be caused by a number of issues. Some of the most common causes include: 

• Herniated discs
• Bulging discs
• Degenerative disc disease
• Fractured vertebrae
• Spinal arthritis
• Bone spurs

There are also a number of less common causes of back pain, like spinal tumors and scoliosis. 

Non-Surgical Treatments

The majority of cases of back pain can be managed non-surgically, although in severe cases, surgery will typically be considered earlier than if symptoms were more mild. 

The goal of non-surgical treatment is to bring down inflammation and to improve the alignment of the spine. Together, these improvements can control current symptoms and prevent the recurrence of symptoms in the future.

Physical therapy is often a cornerstone of treatment. It strengthens the muscles that support the spine and improves flexibility, thus improving alignment. Physical therapy is usually used even when surgery is also required.

Drugs, especially non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Aleve and Advil, are commonly used in the treatment of back pain. Injectable steroid drugs may also be used.

Laser Spine Treatment

When surgery is necessary, laser spine surgery is an option for treating many common spine problems, including herniated discs and bulging discs. While traditional spine surgery requires the doctor to open up the spine to operate on it, with laser spine surgery requires only a few small incisions. Through those incisions, the doctor inserts a laser probe and camera. 

Laser spine treatment has numerous benefits:

• Rapid relief from symptoms - many people leave the office with their symptoms relieved
• Performed in an outpatient setting, with no need for a hospital stay
• Only local anesthesia and sedation are needed, no general anesthesia
• Most patients can return to work within about a week
• Most patients make a full recovery within about 6 weeks
• Lower risk of side effects like infection and bleeding

Dr. Datta would be happy to meet with you about treatment for your severe back pain. To schedule a consultation today, please click below and enter your information or give us a call at (212) 430-0312.