Blog

Even as more people are aware of laser spine surgeries, patients often still express misgivings about the idea. It's easy to see why - the spine is such an essential and delicate part of the body, as is made clear by the nature of the injuries that make surgery necessary. It's important that all patients are informed about the potential risks and benefits of a procedure before deciding to undergo it. In the case of laser spine surgery, there is a low risk of complications, and the risk of major complications is extremely low.

Potential Complications

The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body. It runs from the lower back, through the buttocks, and down the legs. It is responsible for sending many nerve signals to and from that area of the body. When the sciatic nerve becomes compressed or inflamed, the result is sciatica, a painful but treatable condition.

Signs & Symptoms

While only a doctor using medical imaging and physical examination can make a definitive diagnosis, sciatica symptoms include:
Shooting pain
Pain in the leg or behind, which may get worse when sitting

When you're suffering from spine pain, the last thing you want is an unreliable doctor - going to such a doctor can put you at risk for being on the "miss" side of a "hit and miss" record. Instead, you want to go to a doctor who has the knowledge and experience to give you treatment that works the first time around.

What to Look For

With so many doctors around, it can be hard to identify the features associated with a reliable spine doctor. As you research local doctors, ask yourself the following:

Herniated discs are one of the most common spine problems around, especially among older people. Many cases of back pain, sciatica, and other spine issues are caused by a disc herniation. Fortunately, there are a variety of treatment options available if you are diagnosed with a herniated disc. Indeed, the vast majority of patients make a full recovery.