Will I Miss Work After Spinal Laser Surgery

Spinal laser surgery is a cutting-edge procedure that allows for the treatment of common spine conditions without invasive, open spine surgery. One of the biggest benefits of laser surgery is that it is associated with a much shorter recovery time than traditional spine surgery, allowing patients to return to work with a relatively short amount of time away.

Who Needs Spinal Laser Surgery 

Spinal laser surgery can be used to treat a number of common spine conditions, such as herniated discs and bulging discs. Not all people with spine conditions require surgery of any kind. In fact, it is preferable to use non-surgical treatments whenever possible. Methods like physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications can improve spinal alignment and bring down inflammation, which relieves symptoms in the long run. 

Instead, surgery is reserved for cases where non-surgical methods fail. It may also be used in cases where the symptoms are severe or getting progressively worse. Only a doctor can determine which treatment is right for your condition.

How Spinal Laser Surgery Works

During laser surgery, the patient is placed under local anesthesia and sedation in the outpatient surgical clinic. The doctor makes two small incisions along the spine, then inserts a camera and a laser probe into the spine. The camera produces a real-time video of the inside of the spine, and the laser probe is used to treat the condition. If necessary, additional tools can be used as well. 

After the procedure, patients are kept at the office for observation for several hours. Patients can return home the same day.

Recovery Time

There is some missed work associated with the recovery from spinal laser surgery. Most patients with desk jobs return to work within a week, although individual healing times vary. For patients with more physically strenuous positions, it may be necessary to take 6 weeks or longer away from work. 

In order to minimize the amount of time away from work, some patients time the surgery so that part of the recovery time will fall on a 3-day weekend. This can allow patients to get surgery they need while using less paid time off. 

Dr. Sukdeb Datta would be happy to meet with you about whether or not spinal laser surgery is right for you. To schedule a consultation today, please click below and enter your information or call the Datta Endoscopic Back Surgery and Pain Center at (212) 430-0312.