Laser surgery sounds appealing because it generally means lower recovery time and less pain. However, laser surgery is not effective for every back condition. Before deciding which treatment best addresses your back condition, it’s essential to consult an experienced spine specialist. They will have an in-depth understanding of traditional, minimally invasive, and laser spine surgery. After closely reviewing your condition, they can determine whether laser spine surgery is the treatment course to follow.
Understanding Laser Spine Surgery
Laser spine surgery is performed without making a large incision. Instead, laser spine surgery involves a small incision. The laser device can heat, vaporize, and coagulate soft tissue structures that may be compressing nerves. Spine surgeons have the precision to remove soft tissue structures, including herniated discs and scar tissue.
Laser spine surgery sounds appealing because it’s not as invasive as traditional surgery. However, it cannot treat every spine condition. The doctor must be able to pinpoint the precise root location of the pain before they can address the issue using laser spine surgery. Some conditions that may be treated with laser spine surgery include:
- Spinal cord tumors
- Pinched nerves
- Herniated discs
- Spinal stenosis
- Sciatica
These are a few conditions in which laser spine surgery might be the best treatment plan. However, determining the best treatment plan for back pain is not always straightforward. While laser surgery can be used for these conditions and many others, it does not guarantee laser spine surgery is right for your condition. A spine surgeon who understands traditional, minimally invasive, and laser surgery can determine the best route for your back pain.
Benefits of Laser Spine Surgery
Laser spine surgery is a less invasive procedure that has many benefits. Apart from lower recovery time and less pain, additional benefits include:
- Less risk of infection
- Shorter hospital time
- Less anesthesia and radiation exposure
- Less scarring
- Less postoperative pain
- Reduced blood loss during surgery
With laser back surgery, there’s no need to cut through muscle, bone, and other tissues. Instead, a doctor can make one or two small incisions near the affected area of the spine. Your healthcare provider may advise spine surgery if your back pain has not been resolved with at-home treatments and over-the-counter medication. Whether they recommend laser spine surgery will depend on the root cause of your back pain and the best treatment plan for you.
Who is Eligible for Laser Spine Surgery?
Many individuals may be eligible patients for laser spine surgery, including those with chronic pain, someone who has tried other medical solutions, and anyone who wants solutions that will work. While not everyone will be eligible for laser spine surgery treatments, many people will be.
To determine if you are eligible, we recommend you speak with your doctor for their opinion and an assessment. You can also work with a surgeon from NJ Spine & Orthopedic to assess your situation and whether you could benefit from laser spine surgery. Our team can help you determine your other options and if we can treat any issues you might have.
What Can You Expect From the Laser Spine Surgery Process?
Before, during, and after the laser spine surgery process is relatively straightforward. These surgeries will generally only involve a small incision in the affected area, meaning recovery is simple and fast in most circumstances. However, there is a small risk that you may need to undergo additional procedures to maintain the benefits. This is because the process may not give you permanent pain relief.
Before your surgery, you will likely have an assessment with an experienced surgeon to determine whether the surgery will benefit you. This is an excellent opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the procedure, risks, and other related topics.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor before Laser Spine Surgery
To ensure laser spine surgery is the best treatment for you, make sure you do your homework. It’s important to be proactive about your health to ensure you get the best treatment possible. Some questions to ask your doctor when they recommend laser spine surgery include:
- What does the operation entail?
- Why is minimally invasive a better approach than traditional surgery?
- What alternative options are available?
- What are potential complications and complication rates?
- What’s your experience with this procedure?
While we trust our doctors to know best, it’s also essential to stay informed and aware of our health. Asking questions doesn’t mean you don’t trust your doctor; it just means you are taking charge of your health and making sure you receive the best treatment possible.
Contact Our Laser Spine Surgery Specialists at NJ Spine & Orthopedics
At NJ Spine & Orthopedics, we are dedicated to delivering minimally invasive laser spine surgeries to eliminate the pain, discomfort, and dysfunction of numerous spine conditions. Our award-wing team of neurologists, neurosurgeons, orthopedic specialists, and physicians work together to provide personalized treatment to each of our patients.
We offer the latest research, technology, and treatments for pain management and minimally invasive surgery to help ensure you receive the best treatment possible. At NJSO, our priority is to treat your condition with the least invasive procedure to get you back to the quality of life you are accustomed to living. Contact us today to schedule your appointment with one of our spine specialists. Call (866) 272-9271 or fill out our contact form.