Facts to consider before consulting a laser spine surgery doctor

Patients of all ages in the country widely complain of back pain as one of the most common health issues. It is also one of the most common reasons for people missing school, work, and social events. A study conducted by Statistia – The Statistics Portal revealed that more than 50% of adults surveyed suffered from back pain for more than 5 years.

Back pain develops due to several reasons. It may, sometimes, come on suddenly (acute) and last for less than a month-and-a-half, and have a direct cause. Alternatively, it may be chronic, lasting for more than 3 months, with no immediate discernible cause. Activities such as sudden jerks, heavy lifting, and other accidents may cause acute pain. Muscle/ligament strain, bulging or ruptured discs, osteoporosis, arthritis, and abnormal skeletal conditions are some of the reasons for chronic pain.

What are the reasons for spine surgery?

• There are times of the sole option for pain relief being mobility, or exercise, or correction of misalignment .
• Disk herniation or spinal stenosis, where nerves located in the spinal column become compressed, causes pain, numbness, tingling, muscle-weakness, and restricted movement.
• Surgery is needed when the spinal column loses stability and is unable to maintain its natural form and support spinal ligaments, muscles, disks, and bone, causing severe back and leg pain, and neurological problems arising from nerve compression.
• Surgery prevents further worsening of the condition.
• Realignment of crooked/malformed spine.
• Surgeons can fuse these weak parts together and arrest further deterioration.

What is laser spine surgery?

• Laser spine surgery doctors use minimally invasive techniques and lasers.
• It involves a minor incision of 1-2 inches, involving less tissue and muscles.
• An endoscope with an attached micro video-camera is inserted into the incision, and a laser beam is used to conduct the surgery.
• Different techniques are used to remove the nerve sensitivity and pain sources.
• The ends of discs are laser cut to relieve pressure.
• Ablation and laminotomy are the two main techniques.
• These techniques are the most useful in conditions such as bone-spurs, bulging discs, and spinal stenosis.
• It may, however, not be recommended in case of persistent back pain or back pain caused by impact injury.

What are the benefits?

• There’s no drilling or hospitalization, and it involves minimal cutting and bleeding.
• Laser spine surgery doctors conduct this as an outpatient surgery, with a small incision, which results in a quicker and less complicated healing.
• More targeted and precise.
• Creates space for disc to heal spontaneously.
• Less damage to the surrounding bone and tissue.
• Certain procedures like laminectomy and microdiscectomy are conducted specifically for pain relief, numbness, and tingling in arms and legs.
• It addresses issues like inability to walk or stand for long periods.
• It helps you continue a normal lifestyle, career, and sports.

How much is the cost of laser spine surgery?

• Costs are based on procedure, type of condition, complexity, area of spine, and the geographical location of the facility where the surgery is conducted.
• Your insurance coverage and also, the facility’s contract with insurers affect costs.
• Some health-care insurers don’t cover all costs associated with laser spine surgeries, as it’s considered to be in its experimental stages.
• The average cost of a laser spine surgery can range from $1000 to $15,000.
• Patients can also avail employer payment plans or third-party financing.
• This technique is less expensive than traditional surgery, because it uses less time and resources.
• Factor in the additional costs like post-operative check-ups, and OTC pain-relief that add to overall costs.

What’s the best place for laser spine surgery near me?

• The best place for laser spine surgery can be chosen through recommendations from your regular health-care provider, doctor, orthopedic surgeon, or spine specialist.
• It’s best to get a second opinion from specialists before choosing to opt for this technique.
• Evaluation must be conducted to assess whether you have made the right choice.
• A well-established, reputed laser spine surgery institute has experienced, qualified, board-certified doctors and surgeons specializing in spinal surgery.
• Make a personal visit to ensure that the facilities use state-of-the-art equipment, that the place is hygienic with low infection, and to know the complication rates.
• Read reviews and patient feedback, along with the patient satisfaction scores.
• Ensure that the facility has national accreditation.
• Have their procedures been recommended by your health-care providers and insurance carrier?
• Check whether their laser spine surgery doctors teach laser spine surgery techniques, conduct seminars, or have published literature on the subject.