There are many innovative technologies in healthcare that have been approved for clinical use over the least five to ten years. These exciting medical breakthroughs offer patients safer, more effective alternatives to the procedures and treatments of the past. One such innovation is laser surgery for the treatment of spinal conditions. Previously, the only surgical treatment options available for individuals suffering from chronic spinal conditions were highly invasive operations like spinal fusion. While fusion is still considered a reliable, effective option for the treatment of severe spinal conditions, laser spine treatment now offers many patients a means of minimally invasive pain relief.

What Is Laser Spine Treatment?

Laser spine treatment is a minimally invasive means of alleviating the compression of a spinal nerve root or the spinal cord that causes pain. While some patients initially think of a “laser” as something that is completely noninvasive, the laser is actually funneled to the site of neural compression within the spine through an extremely small incision along with an very small camera called an endoscope. The laser is used to cut soft tissue, such as intervertebral disc material that has herniated or bulged into the spinal canal. The endoscope allows the surgeon to view the surgery on a large video monitor, thus precluding the need for a highly invasive open spine procedure.

What Conditions Does It Treat?

Laser spine treatment can treat neural compression caused by a variety of degenerative spine conditions and some spinal injuries, including:

– Herniated discs

– Bulging discs

– Bone spurs

– Sciatica

– Mild spondylolisthesis

Conditions like severe spondylolisthesis, scoliosis, or other spinal problems that compromise the stability of the spine may not be treatable with laser spine treatment. Fusion surgery is often necessary to permanently stabilize certain segments of the spine, but minimally invasive stabilization procedures are known being performed in a clinical setting.

How Is It Performed?

Laser spine surgery can take different forms based on the specific condition being treated, but for the most part all endoscopic procedures will involve the same basic components:

– Laser spine treatment is an outpatient procedure, which means no overnight hospitalization is necessary.

– A small incision (usually less than one inch in length) is made in the lower back or neck.

– The muscles, ligaments, and tendons of the spine are moved aside to make room for a series of telescoping tubes that is inserted through the incision.

– A light, an endoscope, irrigation tools, and a laser are funneled to the site of nerve compression or spine damage.

– The bone or tissue that is compressing a spinal nerve root is removed.

– The incision is closed and the patient is moved to a postoperative recovery area.

Is Laser Spine Treatment Right for Me?

If you are considering spine surgery, be sure that you research all of the options that are available to you before making a final decision. Not all patients will be candidates for laser spine treatment, and it is possible that a different type of procedure may offer you a better chance of pain relief. Talk to multiple spine specialists about what they feel is the right treatment choice for you, but make sure you trust your gut instinct above all else. You should also keep in mind that, although laser spine treatment is a minimally invasive procedure, it is still a form of surgery and should be considered extremely carefully. In the majority of cases, laser spine treatment is an elective procedure that should only be considered after a wide range of nonsurgical treatments have been attempted over the course of several months.

John Soland is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Soland is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to healthcare technologies.

John Soland is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Soland is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to healthcare technologies. http://www.marketwatch.com/story/laser-spine-institute-par

Author Bio: John Soland is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Soland is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to healthcare technologies.

Category: Medical Business
Keywords: Healthcare Technology, Medical Technology