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Laser Spine Surgery
Specialists in NJ & FL

Laser spine surgery is a treatment option for a variety of painful spine conditions. With the aid of a specialized laser, surgeons and spine specialists repair damaged spinal discs with minimal trauma to the body.

Dr Scott Katzman, Spine SurgeonBoard-certified surgeon Dr. Scott Katzman is one of the most sought-after laser spine surgeons in the country. He is renowned for his minimally invasive techniques which often result in faster recovery and less down time for you.

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What is Laser Spine Surgery?

Laser spine surgery is a minimally invasive treatment option that uses a small incision, microscope, and laser techniques to access and repair the damaged spinal disc. When a nerve is compressed or irritated, it can cause a range of pain from a dull ache to severe throbbing.

People who need laser spine surgery are suffering from chronic neck or back pain and have exhausted all conservative, non-surgical treatments with little to no progress to show for it.

Why is Laser Spine Surgery Performed?

With any spine surgery, it is best to exhaust all non-surgical treatment options before turning to surgery. If you have not found relief with conservative treatments, such as physical therapy and medication, or your condition has worsened, you may be a candidate for laser spine surgery.

There are many different types of laser spine surgeries and each is recommended based on your specific condition. There are a number of spine conditions that could lead to spinal nerve pain, such as:

    • Bulging Disc
    • Disc Degeneration
    • Disc Tear
    • Failed Back & Neck Surgery
    • Foraminal Stenosis
    • Herniated Disc
    • Lower Back Pain
    • Pinched Nerve
    • Radiculitis
    • Radiculopathy
    • Sciatica
    • Spinal Stenosis

If you are suffering from a painful, chronic spine condition, and conservative treatments have failed to provide lasting relief, the team of spine surgeons and specialists at the International Spine & Sports Institute can help. 

How is Laser Spine Surgery Performed?

Laser back surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a laser to treat conditions in the spine. It’s less invasive than traditional spine surgery, which requires large incisions, and can result in less scarring and injury to nearby structures.

    • Your surgeon will make a small incision, usually a few inches, along the spine with a scalpel to access the affected nerve or disc
    • An endoscope with a camera will then be inserted into the incision to help locate the problem
    • A small, pen-like device containing a laser is passed into the core of the affected disc using imaging technology
    • The laser’s energy is used to cut, vaporize, or coagulate soft tissue that’s compressing nerves or reducing the size of spinal discs
    • Your surgeon will remove any disc portion and close the incision

To find out if you are a candidate for laser spine surgery try our candidacy check tool.

What to Expect After a Laser Spine Surgery

After laser spine surgery, you can expect to experience some pain and soreness as the anesthesia wears off. Your doctor may prescribe painkillers or over-the-counter medication, but you shouldn’t need heavy pain medication. You may also experience other side effects, such as:

    • Numbness and tingling around the incision
    • Sensitivity around the incision
    • Temporary leg pain or numbness
    • Stiffness and fatigue
    • Difficulty sitting or standing for long periods

During the next 5-6 weeks, you will slowly build up to your normal activities, with the help of physical therapy. Often, physical therapy will start the day after surgery. Within a week, most patients will be able to return to work. If you have a physically demanding job, the time off will be longer.

Frequently Asked Questions About Laser Spine Surgery

Q: What are the side effects of laser spine surgery?
A: It’s not uncommon to feel the following effects after laser back surgery: incision site irritation and redness, warm sensation during treatment, and an increase in pain or discomfort. These reactions are temporary and should subside within a few hours or days.

Q: Can laser spine surgery really fix your back pain?
A: Because lasers evaporate the offending tissue in your spine and relieve compression on your nerves, you should feel immediate relief of your pain. The heat from the laser can also prevent the pain from coming back.

Q: What are the benefits of laser spine surgery?
A: The benefits of laser back surgery are numerous. It is an outpatient surgery, so there is no hospital stay required, and it boasts up to a 70 percent success rate in relieving lower back pain or neck pain.

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