A practical guide to consulting laser spine surgery doctors

If you’ve suffered chronic back pain over an extended period of time, you’re not alone. A study conducted by Statistia – The Statistics Portal says that nearly 50% of Americans have experienced back pain for more than 5 years. The most common problems are herniated or bulging discs, pinched nerves, bone spurs, malformation of the spine, sciatica, and such.

Surgery is usually the last resort to relieve pain, tingling, numbness, and mobility restrictions caused due to spinal problems.

How is traditional spine surgery different from laser spine surgery?

• In the traditional spine surgery method, the surgeon makes a large incision and opens up the area to access the spine.
• When using lasers, a small incision of 1 to 5 inches is made, and an endoscopic video camera is inserted for greater precision and accuracy.
• The laser beam is targeted at the specific area to be operated on.
• Traditional surgery is an in-patient procedure requiring hospitalization and general anesthesia.
• Laser spine surgery doctors conduct it as an outpatient procedure, however.
• Traditional spine surgery may require extensive post-operative care. There may be complications and risk of infection.
• Laser procedures are minimally invasive and therefore more convenient.
• They cause less damage to the surrounding muscles, tissues, blood-vessels, and nerves.
• The recovery time in traditional techniques can stretch for up to 6 months, while laser surgery recovery times can be as short as a few days to a few weeks.
• Additionally, a laser procedure decreases blood loss and scarring.
• It requires only twilight anesthesia in most cases.

What should you know before choosing this option?

• It is crucial to get the right diagnosis.
• If the problem is muscular, surgery won’t be beneficial. It is usually the last resort suggested by specialists.
• The first line of treatment includes anti-inflammatory medication, physiotherapy, weight-loss, exercise, lifestyle modification, and proper nutrition.
• It may not be the right option for your particular condition, so do not hesitate to take a second opinion.
• It is not taught in medical school, and the surgeon need not be a spine specialist.
• Seek an opinion from a spine specialist rather than a laser surgery expert.

Is it effective in all cases?

• It is the most effective in case of minor spine conditions.
• It may not be useful in addressing back instability and malformation of spine.
• It’s not yet endorsed by a large number of specialists.
• Laser spine surgery is used by doctors for specialized procedures like decompression of nerves to eliminate the root cause of pain.
• Laser discectomy fusion is a technique used to replace a faulty disc with an implant.
• Lumbar and cervical discs can be fused or replaced with implants.
• It is helpful if you have diabetes, as the healing time is minimized.
• Heat and the varying length of the laser beam can make it difficult to control if not operated by skilled and experienced surgeons.

How much does a laser spine surgery cost?

• Laser spine surgery may not be covered by health insurance.
• Medicare will cover the doctor’s fees and the medical professional fees.
• Traditional spine surgery costs include pre/post-operative appointments, operating room fees, surgical materials, anesthesia and associated fees, hospitalization, malpractice insurance, and such.
• Some of these costs may be common to both traditional and the laser procedures.
• The average costs of laser spine surgery are based on complexity, area to be worked on, type of lasers used, and geographical area in which facility is located.
• Factor in after-care, follow-up visits, and pain relief medications.
• Average cost of laser spine surgery could range from $22,000 to $30,000 in the US, including out of pocket costs. This depends on various other aspects.
• Low cost procedures are available in other countries like India and Thailand.

How do I know of a best place for laser spine surgery near me?

• Finding a laser spine facility close to your home or place of work is convenient.
• Since it’s an outpatient procedure, you’ll need help to go back home post-surgery.
• Laser spine surgery doctors use twilight anesthesia instead of general anesthesia.
• Get a family-member or friend to stay with you throughout the entire duration.
• Your physician, physiotherapist, or orthopedic specialist can provide information on the best place for laser spine surgery near you.
• Choose reliable, reputed, and well-established facilities.
• Read reviews, patient feedback, and clinical opinions in respected journals.
• Your insurance provider can give you information on which laser spine surgery institute offers the best coverage.
• If you need to pay the costs yourself, avail third-party financing or check with the laser spine surgery facilities for options like easy payment terms.