NYC Laser Spine Treatment Options

Laser spine treatment is a cutting-edge procedure that can be used to treat a variety of spine conditions. Below, we'll explore laser spine surgery and other spine treatment options. Although only a doctor can tell you whether you're a candidate for a particular treatment, it can be useful to have a basic understanding of some of the most commonly used treatments.

Spine Conditions

A wide variety of spine conditions may cause issues like pain, numbness, and muscle weakness. The type of spine condition and how severe the symptoms are will weigh heavily into the treatment choice. Some common spine conditions include: 

• Spondylolisthesis - One vertebrae slips past the other, resulting in issues such as instability, inflammation, and pinched nerves.
• Herniated disc - A disc ruptures, allowing the inner material to come out of its normal boundaries and press against nearby structures.
• Bulging disc - A bulging disc is similar to a herniated disc, except that the disc, though misshapen, remains intact.
• Bone spurs - Abnormal deposits of bone can cause pain, inflammation, and other issues.
• Fracture - One or more vertebrae may be fractured due to trauma or repetitive stress.
• Abnormal curvature - Issues like lordosis, kyphosis, and scoliosis are all examples of abnormal curvature, in which the shape of the spine as a whole is abnormal.

Treatment Options

The options for treatment are as nearly varied as the causes of spine problems. In general, it's preferable to use non-invasive methods as the first course of treatment, because non-invasive methods are more affordable, do not have downtime, and have very low risks. Surgical methods might be considered if the condition is severe, if it's getting worse as time goes on, or if symptoms persist even after conservative treatments. 

Some of the most commonly used treatments for spine conditions include: 

• Medication - Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen and other oral medications can be used to relieve inflammation and other symptoms.
• Physical therapy - Physical therapy helps strengthen the core, align the spine, improve flexibility, and relieve inflammation. It is often an essential part of treatment even when other methods are also used.
• Laser spine treatment - Laser spine surgery is a minimally invasive, effective method that can be used for a number of common spine conditions. We'll explore laser spine treatment in more detail below.
• Chiropractic treatment - Chiropractic adjustments and treatments, when used alongside medical care from an M.D., may be beneficial in certain situations.
• Minimally invasive spine surgery - Minimally invasive methods like stem cell therapy, nerve stimulation, and endoscopic spine surgery are revolutionizing the treatment of spine conditions, allowing doctors to treat conditions with a growing arsenal of minimally invasive methods.
• Open spine surgery - Open spine surgery is invasive, but necessary in certain situations. For example, extensive conditions like abnormal curvature, as well as rare conditions like spinal tumors, often require open spine surgery.

About Laser Spine Treatment

Laser spine surgery is a minimally invasive alternative to traditional spine surgery. It is increasingly preferred by both doctors and patients thanks to the fact that it achieves great results without many of the downsides associated with open spine surgery. It can be used for herniated discs, bulging discs, and other spine conditions that have not responded to non-invasive treatment.

During laser spine treatment, the physician makes two small incisions along the spine. Through one incision, the doctor inserts a camera, which creates a high-quality, real-time video of the spine. Through the other incision, the doctor inserts a laser probe. The laser is used to dissolve part of the disc, allowing it to return to its normal shape, or to treat other parts of the spine.

Advantages of laser spine surgery include: 

• Performed in an outpatient setting
• No general anesthesia
• Return to work within a week
• Make a full recovery within 6 weeks
• No large scar
• Lower risk of bleeding, infection, and other side effects

Only a doctor can tell you which treatment is right for you, a decision that will be made based on your unique clinical situation. Dr. Sukdeb Datta would be happy to meet with you about whether laser spine surgery is right for you. To schedule your consultation today, please click below and enter your information or give us a call at (212) 430-0312.