Laser Disc Decompression
Laser disc decompression is an exciting new technique for the treatment of spinal pain and nerve root compression resulting from painful, degenerated, and herniated discs in the neck and lower back. Developed by Dr. Daniel Choy of Columbia University, New York and Dr. Peter Ascher of the University of Graz, Austria in 1986, laser disc decompression is a minimally invasive technique that treats spinal disc pain without surgery or its complications. Laser disc decompression is cost effective compared to traditional spinal surgery (click for more information). In the 45-minute procedure, a small needle is placed inside the disc under local anesthesia with minimal sedation. An optical fiber then carries a
laser beam into the center of the disc removing a small portion of disc material and relieving internal disc pressure and pain resulting from pressure on nearby nerves. Pain relief begins immediately, and continues for several days thereafter. There is no cutting of skin, bone or muscle, and a bandaid dressing is all that is required. There are no risks, costs, or complications resulting from anesthesia, since only minimal sedation is required. The procedure is 80 percent effective for the relief of neck, back, arm, and leg pain resulting from painful discs, (comparable to regular back surgery), lasts five to eight years and may be repeated if necessary. Recovery, compared to traditional back surgery, is much faster following laser disc decompression. Patients with desk jobs may return to work in five to seven days. Patients with more physically demanding occupations may return to work in two to three weeks, or following additional physical therapy. If unsuccessful, regular spinal surgery or other pain treatments may still be performed if required. The procedure may also provide relief of recurrent back, neck, leg, or arm pain symptoms for patients who have had unsuccessful spinal surgery in the past. Many spinal pain problems have been successfully treated with laser disc decompression. These include neck and back pain from painful discs, sciatica and arm pain when herniated discs put pressure on nearby nerves, and spinal stenosis when bulging discs are involved.
Patients may be selected as candidates for laser disc decompression after thorough clinical examination, review of previous medical records, and review of x-rays and MRI scans. Additional tests such as lumbar or cervical discograms may also be required to precisely pinpoint the painful or degenerated disc or discs that is/are causing the problem. Some patients may not be candidates for the procedure if there is spinal instability, complete disc destruction, or no identifiable disc involvement contributing to their pain problem. Physician specialists at the Foothills Regional Pain Center will be happy to schedule an appointment at the Center to help determine if laser disc decompression is right for you.
Laser disc decompression is covered by many insurance plans. If not, the cost to the patient is the same or less than the out-of-pocket expense (after insurance reimbursement) for regular back surgery. If you are determined to be a candidate for the procedure, a member of our administrative staff will assist you in determining if your insurance company will help to pay for it.
Sideways or “sagittal” MRI image of large herniations of the bottom two discs (L4-5, and L5-S1) in this 35 year old woman with severe back pain and sciatica. The four discs above these levels are normal. (Courtesy of Dr. Daniel S. J. Choy)
Before Laser Disc Decompression
After Laser Disc Decompression
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