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Dr. Marion McMillan, medical director of the Foothills Regional Pain Center in Seneca, demonstrates Laser Disc Decompression. The center is the only one in South Carolina that offers the procedure, an alternative to back surgery. |
David WilliamsBy David Williams
Independent-Mail
October 1, 2003
SENECA — An alternative to back surgery now is available for people who suffer back, neck, leg and arm pain caused by herniated or bulging discs.
The procedure, Laser Disc Decompression, uses laser energy delivered through an optical fiber to shrink bulging or herniated discs in the neck or lower back.
Dr. Marion McMillan, medical director of the Foothills Regional Pain Center, said the 45-minute outpatient procedure uses minimal sedation and requires no open surgery or general anesthesia.
Dr. McMillan said he has treated about 50 patients from 26 to 80 years old and his center is the only one in South Carolina to offer the procedure.
"I suspect that will change as the procedure becomes more widely known" Dr. McMillan said.
"Back pain is second to the common cold for medical disability and more than $25 billion a year is spent on related back pain procedures and medications," Dr. McMillan said.
Laser Disc Decompression is a first line alternative for most patients considering traditional back or neck surgery and is 80 percent effective in relieving severe back pain, Dr. McMillan said.
A needle is inserted in the back and an optical fiber is inserted that allows the laser to treat the afflicted disc. The procedure also is beneficial for elderly patients who may be too frail for surgery.
"The cost is one-third to one-fourth that of traditional back surgery and the savings in productivity to industry alone will be tremendous," Dr. McMillan said.
The procedure was first developed in 1986 by Dr. Daniel Choy with Columbia University in New York, who has trained about 200 doctors including Dr. McMillan. The Food and Drug Administration, Medicaid, Medicare and major insurance companies now approve the procedure.
Several of Dr. McMillan’s patients said they are pleased with their results.
Brad Moore, 35, a maintenance technician, said the procedure has enabled him to return to work, but not the softball field, yet.
Patsy Pilgrim, 48, used a walker and a cane before the procedure and Carolyn Houston, 46, said she now can hold her 4-month-old grandchild.
David Williams can be reached at (864) 882-0522 or by e-mail at williamsde@IndependentMail.com
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