Top 10 Things to Know About Laser Neck Surgery

If you are in the process of getting treatment for your neck condition, you may have already started to hear about laser neck surgery, the cutting-edge treatment for common spine conditions. Below, we'll explore the most important facts to know about laser neck surgery.

It's minimally invasive. While traditional neck surgery requires the doctor to open up the entire neck, laser surgery requires only a couple of small incisions.
How it works. During laser spine surgery, excess or misplaced tissue is removed with a laser probe, thus relieving pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots.
The downtime. Laser back surgery patients must be away from work for about a week, and away from physically strenuous activities for about 6 weeks. This is approximately 1/4 of the downtime associated with traditional neck surgery.
It's covered by insurance. Most people who need laser spine surgery are able to afford treatment with the help of insurance.
It takes skill. Laser neck surgery is a delicate procedure and it requires a doctor with a great deal of expertise to be effective. Be sure to research your doctor in advance.
Risk of side effects. The risk of side effects with laser surgery is lower than with traditional surgery, but it is still a risk that all patients should be aware of.
It's not always needed. Because of the downtime and risk of side effects, non-invasive options are still preferable whenever possible.
Most conditions respond to it. Although issues like spinal tumors and kyphosis require traditional surgery, conditions like herniated discs and bone spurs respond well to laser surgery.
You'll still need other treatments. Medication, physical therapy, and long-term lifestyle changes usually accompany surgical treatment.
It can be life-changing. Chronic neck pain can drastically impact quality of life, and severe or progressive neck problems have the potential to cause major health issues like paralysis. Freedom from pain and the potential for major complications is important.