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HWN Suggests

The Laser Myth in Spine Surgery

“Do you use a laser in your spinal surgeries?” That question makes the hair stand up on the back of my neck. I reply calmly and with authority, “No.” I continue, “I am trained in laser surgery. It has almost zero usefulness in your spine surgery and in fact, may be harmful.” Let me explain. Lasers have always connotated cutting-edge precision. It is only natural that introducing this into surgery could be considered by the public as something that might benefit and enhance procedures. In fact, lasers in certain areas of surgery have been very helpful. For instance, in lipomeningocele surgery, used to remove fatty tissue that is unnaturally and dangerously pressing or pulling on the spinal cord,…

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Articles of Interest

Clearing Up Myths About Laser Spine Surgery

Millions of people have back pain. In fact, The National Pain Foundation, reports low back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide. To feel better, many people look to laser spine surgery, a technique some say can provide immediate relief – even when other options have failed. The advertisements are so convincing that it’s natural to wonder: Does laser spine surgery work? Here, we clear up the myths.

Laser Back Surgery vs. Traditional Spine Surgery

The upshot? LASER in my opinion isn’t a viable alternative to traditional low back surgery. In fact, I now have to give the above air quote when I talk about “LASER” spine surgery with my patients. Alternatively, regenerative stem cell and platelet treatments actually seek to improve disc and nerve health. So save your money and consider non-surgical back surgery alternatives.

Laser Disc Decompression for Spinal Stenosis: Does it Work?

As a practicing spine surgeon, I am often asked by patients if their disc decompression surgery can be done with a laser. There is a perception by the general population that lasers are a modern, almost futuristic, up and coming technology. The reality is that lasers have been around for a long time and are almost completely useless when it comes to spine surgery.

Laser Spine Surgery: A Real Business or A Real Scam

Recently there has been a rash of people blogging about a controversial company called the Laser Spine Institute...

Laser Spine Surgery’s Profits Beat Google’s Amid Complaints

Bonnie Balch searched online for a back surgeon and found a pitch she called irresistible: Laser Spine Institute LLC promised to ease her pain and have her out the door in a few hours.