Laser back surgery can be a compelling alternative to an open back operation for a number of reasons. If you’re considering laser surgery, be sure to speak with your physician about whether or not you’re a candidate for the procedure. Also ask your physician about all of the risks associated with the procedure and make sure you’re completely comfortable with exposing yourself to those risks before you consent to the operation.

Candidacy

Before getting into the details about the advantages of laser back surgery over an open spine operation, it’s important to discuss the logistics of determining whether or not you’re a candidate for spine surgery. The vast majority of physicians will only recommend surgery to patients whose symptoms have persisted despite several weeks or months of conservative, nonsurgical treatment. This could include over-the-counter pain medications, physical therapy, lifestyle modifications (i.e. losing weight), and the application of heat and ice, among other treatment methods. If you’ve already utilized all of the nonsurgical treatments available to you and haven’t received the level of relief you require, then you may be a candidate for spine surgery.

Hospitalization

Many patients are attracted to laser back surgery because the procedure is performed on an outpatient basis. Recovering from the comfort of your home could help you return to feeling like your old self again more quickly than being laid up in a stark hospital room. Plus, patients who stay in the hospital are exposed to more germs and face higher risks for developing infections or secondary illnesses.

Degree of Invasiveness

Open back operations require very large incisions and the dissection of muscles. Laser spine surgeries, on the other hand, require very small incisions (they’re usually only about one inch long) and leave the muscles intact. Instead of dissecting the muscles, the surgeon moves the muscles aside by inserting a series of tubes that gradually increase in diameter. Because laser spine surgery is much less invasive than an open back operation, patients require less recovery time and face rehabilitations that are much less arduous.

Need for Spinal Fusion

During an open back operation, the surgeon removes an entire intervertebral disc and replaces it with an intervertebral cage and bone grafting material. The cage is attached to the surrounding vertebrae with bulky hardware, fusing the entire vertebral segment together, and rendering the patient unable to articulate that portion of their neck or back.

In the case of a laser back surgery, on the other hand, the affected intervertebral disc is often left in place. Instead, the surgeon removes only the portion of the disc that is causing neural compression. This eliminates the need for spinal fusion and the patient is able to maintain complete mobility in that area of their neck or back.

Other Advantages

Depending on the condition from which you’re suffering, your overall level of health, and other factors, laser back surgery could provide many other advantages over an open back operation. Consult with your physician to learn more and don’t forget to ask him or her about the risks associated with spine surgery.

Taylor Thomas is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Thomas is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to laser back surgery.

Taylor Thomas is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications and is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including laser back surgery. http://www.wfla.com/story/22642657/laser-surgery-proves-successful-for-patienst-with-back-problems-in-tampa-bay

Author Bio: Taylor Thomas is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Thomas is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to laser back surgery.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: laser back surgery