Patients’ Guide To

Laser Spine Surgery

A pinched spinal nerve is a common cause of neck and back pain. The term pinched nerve refers to pain caused by impaired nerve function usually because of irritation or entrapment.

About Spinal Nerves

Nerves extend from the brain into the spinal cord and branch outward into the entire body. Nerves enable movement and feeling. Each is microscopic in size, and a nerve fiber may run several feet long. The nerves in the brain and spinal cord are the central nervous system. Nerves branching out from the spinal canal throughout the body are the peripheral nervous system. Both systems are complex and work together to send messages between the brain and the body.

When a nerve is pinched, the flow of nerve impulses and nutrients feeding nerve cells is blocked. If a nerve remains pinched (compressed), eventually the nerve cell begins to lose its ability to send and receive impulses and may die.

Common Causes

Causes of a pinched nerve include:

• A bulging or herniated disc
• Degenerative disc disease
• Bone spurs (osteophytes); often associated with spinal arthritis (spondylosis)
• Poor posture and body mechanics
• Trauma
• Spinal tumor (rare)

Common Symptoms

Early symptoms of a pinched nerve include burning sensations, muscle spasms, numbness, tingling, or shooting pain. Where symptoms are felt depends on the area of the spine affected. A pinched nerve in the neck can cause pain and symptoms in the upper back, shoulders, arms, and hands. A low back pinched nerve can cause symptoms to develop in the back, buttocks, legs, and feet.

When nerve pressure is constant, symptoms may worsen to include weakness. There may be a loss of reflexes, skilled movement, or muscle atrophy (withering).

Laser Spine Surgery

Although many patients respond well to different types of non-surgical treatment, sometimes spine surgery is recommended. Instead of traditional open back surgery, some patients are candidates for minimally invasive laser-assisted procedures.

Percutaneous Arthroscopic Discectomy, foraminotomy, and laminotomy are types of minimally invasive laser spine procedures performed to treat pinched nerves. A laser spine procedure can remove the bone spur, disc, or other tissue pressing against a nerve. These laser-assisted techniques are performed as outpatient surgery, which means fewer risks, no hospital stay, and a speedier recovery.

Post-operative Recovery

When the laser spine surgical procedure is complete, the patient is monitored for 1 to 2 hours before being released to go home. The patient is encouraged to walk the afternoon or evening of their procedure and returns the next day for post-operative follow-up and medical clearance to return home. Physical therapy and a home exercise program are recommended to build strength and flexibility. A regular exercise routine not only benefits long-term back health, but is a great way to stay healthy and in shape!