Laser Spine Surgery
What is Laser Spine Surgery?
Over the last few decades, there have been profound advances in the surgical options available to treat many conditions of the spine. This has ultimately led to better surgical outcomes and lasting pain relief for longtime sufferers of debilitating back pain. Minimally invasive procedures allow for smaller incisions, less scarring or pain, same-day procedures, and faster recovery times. One of the procedures at the forefront of these life-changing techniques is Laser Spine Surgery.
The term “Laser” is an acronym for “Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation”. But what exactly does that mean for the patient? Laser Spine Surgery uses a heat-emitting light to shrink or remove symptomatic tissues and nerves. This targeted approach uses precise tubing and instrumentation to treat the afflicted tissues spot-on, while leaving surrounding muscles and tissues unharmed.
Laser spine surgery is an effective technique to address the painful symptoms of pinched nerves. Conditions such as bone spurs, bulging or herniated discs, narrowing of the spinal canal or foramen, degenerative disc disease, and facet joint disease can all lead to pinched nerves and the resulting symptoms of pain and radiculopathy. This procedure works by targeting the affected tissues, and using different strengths of heated light to either demolish or shrink the problematic portion of bone that is placing pressure on a nerve. Called “nerve-ablation”, damaged nerves may never heal, and although pressure from protruding disc or bones may be removed, the nerves can continue to be painful due to permanent damage and scarring. Laser nerve ablation can remove these damaged nerves completely, inducing lasting pain relief.
Used independently or in conjunction with other surgical techniques, Laser Spine Surgery is a successful option for a minimally invasive treatment that has less side effects than traditional procedures. Dr. Frazier has over 20 years of experience with state-of-the-art minimally invasive procedures, including Laser Spine Surgery. He is world-renowned for his research and development in the field of orthopedic surgery. With the multitude of possibilities for spinal procedures, you can trust Dr. Frazier’s knowledge and expertise to resolve your neck or back pain.
What are the Benefits of Laser Spine Surgery?
Like many other minimally invasive procedures, Laser Spine Surgery affords many benefits to the patient—both on the day of surgery, as well as for the prospect of long-term recovery. Some of the benefits include:
- Smaller Incisions: A small incision indicates less blood loss, less scarring, less possibility for infection, and a shorter, less painful recovery period.
- Less Trauma to the Body: Small incisions and little to no damage to surrounding tissues means less trauma to the body and less painful scarring and side effects.
- Shorter Hospital Stays: Laser Spine Surgery typically allows for outpatient surgery, enabling you to return home on the same day as the procedure.
- Less Recovery Time:Because of the small incisions and little to no damage to surrounding tissues, Laser Spine Surgery allows for faster recovery times and a speedier return to regular life.
The advantages of Laser Spine Surgery speak for themselves and have already benefited numerous patients. Dr. Frazier of NYC Spine is ready to work with you closely to ensure that you are one of those patients to experience the success of minimally invasive spine surgery. Through years of commitment to coursework, labs, and practical experience, the team at NYC Spine is well-versed in a multitude of surgical and nonsurgical options to help you heal.
Do I Qualify for Laser Spine Surgery?
If you are suffering from nerve pain induced by narrowing in the spinal canal (spinal stenosis), bone spurs, or bulging/herniated discs, then Laser Spine Surgery may be able to provide you relief. For those whom traditional discectomy and fusion surgeries are contraindicated, then Laser Spine surgery may be able to provide you with reprieve. Laser Spine Surgery is for anyone who has a qualifying condition and would like to experience healing through one of the most state-of-the-art procedures in orthopedic medicine.
There are certain situations and medical conditions that may, however, disqualify someone from receiving this treatment. For those experiencing complicated conditions that involve more than one vertebrae that requires reconstruction, then Laser Spine Surgery may not be sufficient to provide the long-term relief that you desire. Laser Spine Surgery is effective in removing damaged tissues and pain-inducing scarring, but it is not necessarily as helpful in rebuilding when spinal instability is present.
If you are wondering if Laser Spine Surgery may be able to relieve your back pain, contact our team at NYC Spine today to have your questions answered. Dr. Frazier and his team of professionals are ready to work with you. Whether Laser Spine Surgery is the answer—or another minimally invasive procedure may be a better fit—don’t wait any longer to find liberation from debilitating back pain.
Meet Dr. Daveed Frazier
Dr. Frazier is a Harvard-trained, board certified orthopedic spine surgeon. He’s held an academic appointment at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and New York’s SUNY Downstate. Dr. Frazier is also a respected lecturer, accomplished researcher, published author on spine disorders and treatment, and a consultant for several international spine companies.
After completing his undergraduate education at Brown University, Dr. Frazier attended Harvard Medical School, where he graduated cum laude. He completed a Harvard internship based at the New England Deaconess Hospital in Boston, MA, followed by a Harvard combined residency before becoming chief resident at Massachusetts General Hospital.