Laser spine institute: The Use of Lasers in Spine Surgery

The most common use of laser spine surgery involves the removal of a disc, a process known as disc ablation. However, surgeons can also use lasers to destroy nerve fibers that carry pain signals from the body to the brain. For example, those who suffer from a pinched nerve or failed back syndrome can sometimes achieve pain relief when a surgeon deadens dysfunctional nerves with the heat emitted from a laser.

During laser spine surgery, the doctor uses small, puncture-like incisions to gain access to the affected area. In most cases, your surgeon will make these incisions in your back (referred to as a posterior approach). Using very small, tube-shaped instruments, the doctor works around major muscle groups and ligaments, resulting in less damage to the body. Employing an endoscope—aka, a tiny camera—the doctor pinpoints the exact region in which to use the laser. Then, the heat generated from the laser burns away any troublesome tissues or inflamed nerves.

In rare instances, laser spine institute shows clearly that laser spine surgery that may be appropriate for you when combined with other surgical procedures.