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Laser Spine Surgery

in New York & New Jersey

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Minimally Invasive. Focused Relief.

Laser Spine Surgery at The Institute for Comprehensive Spine Care

Back or neck pain that doesn’t respond to physical therapy, medications, or injections can leave patients searching for the least invasive surgical solution. That’s where laser spine techniques come into the conversation.

During laser-assisted procedures, a focused beam of light (laser) is employed to remove or shrink tissue near spinal nerves.

While not a standalone solution for all spinal conditions, it can help in specific minimally invasive treatments, particularly for disc-related pain. At the Institute for Comprehensive Spine Care, we understand the impact of spinal health issues on your quality of life. Led by renowned spine surgeon Dr. Gbolahan Okubadejo, MD, FAAOS, we are dedicated to providing a range of surgical interventions, such as laser spine surgery in NJ and NY, and personalized care plans to alleviate your discomfort and enhance your mobility.

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Laser Spine Surgery at a Glance

  • Uses laser energy to target spinal tissue
  • Often part of a broader minimally invasive procedure
  • Small incision, limited tissue disruption
  • Outpatient in most cases
  • Can be used for disc decompression or nerve relief

What Laser Really Means in Spine Surgery

An Overview of Laser Spine Surgery

Laser spine surgery is a minimally invasive medical procedure that utilizes laser technology to address various spinal conditions.

During the surgery, a laser is used to precisely target and remove damaged or problematic tissue, such as herniated discs or bone spurs that are causing pain or nerve compression. The aim of laser spine surgery is to alleviate symptoms, reduce pain, and promote a faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery. The minimally invasive nature of the procedure often leads to smaller incisions, less scarring, and shorter hospital stays.

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Precise Relief From Disc or Nerve Pressure

Conditions Treated with Laser Spine Surgery

When a minimally invasive approach is feasible, laser may be incorporated into treatments for the following spinal conditions:

  • Herniated Discs: Laser spine surgery can effectively treat herniated discs, a condition where the disc’s soft inner material protrudes and irritates nearby nerves, causing pain, weakness, or numbness.
  • Bone Spurs: Laser spine surgery can target and remove bone spurs, also known as osteophytes, which can develop along the edges of the vertebrae, causing pain and limiting mobility.
  • Facet Joint Syndrome: This condition involves inflammation and pain in the facet joints of the spine. Laser spine surgery can treat facet joint syndrome by reducing inflammation and removing damaged tissue.
  • Spinal Stenosis: Laser spine surgery can address spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal that puts pressure on the nerves, leading to pain, numbness, or weakness. The laser is used to precisely remove excess bone or tissue, relieving the pressure on the nerves.

Laser spine surgery is not typically used for fusion procedures, instability, large bone spurs, or severe deformities.

A New Era in Spine Care

What is the laser spine surgery procedure like?

During your consultation and diagnostic workup, Dr. Okubadejo will carefully evaluate your condition to determine whether laser spine surgery is a suitable option. Depending on the specific spinal condition you're experiencing, its severity and location, and how much nerve or tissue compression is present, laser treatment may be employed in your procedure.

In some cases, laser may be used in conjunction with robotic spine surgery for a precise, minimally invasive approach. If laser is the right approach for your procedure, Dr. Okubadejo will walk you through what to expect and how this technique can support a safer, faster recovery. Procedures that incorporate laser typically require only a small incision—typically less than one inch. The guided tools are used to access the affected area. The laser is delivered through a small fiber, allowing Dr. Okubadejo to precisely target the tissue that’s pressing on nerves or contributing to pain. Other tools may also be used to remove disc fragments or stabilize the area. The entire procedure often takes less than two hours and may be performed on an outpatient basis.

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A Small Tool With Real Possibilities

What are the benefits of laser spine surgery?

Laser technology offers benefits such as:

  • Precise targeting of soft tissue or disc material
  • Smaller incision and faster recovery
  • Minimal blood loss and scarring
  • Reduced risk of damage to nearby structures
  • Outpatient procedure in most cases

It’s important to understand that the laser is one tool among many—not a cure-all. Dr. Okubadejo’s role is to determine whether it adds value in your specific case.

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You DeserveRelief

Is laser spine surgery right for you?

If you experience chronic back or neck pain, radiating pain in the arms or legs, or other symptoms associated with spinal conditions like herniated discs or spinal stenosis, laser spine surgery may be a suitable option for you.

However, it’s essential to schedule a consultation to determine if you are a candidate. Factors such as the specific nature of your condition, medical history, and overall health will be considered when evaluating the appropriateness of laser spine surgery for your individual case. Patients with significant spinal instability, multiple disc levels involved, or prior extensive spine surgery may need other solutions. That’s why a clear diagnosis and personalized evaluation matter most.

Faster Recovery

Laser Spine Surgery Recovery

Recovery from laser-assisted spine surgery is generally quick. Most patients return to light activity within a few days and resume work within 1–2 weeks, depending on their baseline health and the specific procedure.

You may be advised to avoid heavy lifting, twisting, or high-impact movement for several weeks. Follow-up care ensures proper healing and helps reduce the risk of future symptoms.

Honest Answers. Advanced Options.

Our Approach to Laser Spine Surgery

We are dedicated to providing personalized care and effective treatment options for spinal conditions.

Our approach to laser spine surgery involves thorough diagnosis, meticulous planning, and ongoing support to ensure a successful outcome and improved quality of life. Working collaboratively with you, we will design a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and goals. Dr. Okubadejo and our experienced team will guide you through the entire process, providing comprehensive care and support at every step.

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Laser Spine Surgery Results

When used in appropriate cases, laser spine surgery can help:

  • Reduce back or neck pain related to small herniations
  • Relieve leg or arm pain from nerve pressure
  • Improve range of motion and reduce stiffness
  • Allow for faster recovery than traditional open surgery

Long-term success depends more on accurate diagnosis and surgical expertise than on the use of the laser itself. Dr. Okubadejo helps ensure that the full procedure delivers the results you're looking for.

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Our commitment to patient satisfaction and positive outcomes is evident in our past testimonials and our patients’ improved quality of life.

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Learn About Laser Spine Surgery

Answers, Insights, and Support

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Laser Spine Surgery Frequently Asked Questions

Laser spine surgery offers several benefits compared to traditional open surgery. It is minimally invasive, resulting in smaller incisions, less scarring, and reduced blood loss.

The targeted approach of the laser allows for precise tissue removal, minimizing damage to surrounding structures. Laser spine surgery also typically involves shorter hospital stays, faster recovery times, and potentially less post-operative pain.

Laser spine surgery can effectively treat conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, bone spurs, and facet joint syndrome, among others. However, the specific suitability of laser spine surgery for your condition will be determined by Dr. Okubadejo after a thorough evaluation.

The suitability of laser spine surgery depends on various factors, including the specific spinal condition, the location and extent of the problem, and your overall health. A thorough evaluation is necessary to determine if laser spine surgery is the right choice for you.

Laser spine surgery is generally associated with minimal pain and discomfort. The procedure is performed under local or general anesthesia, ensuring a comfortable experience for the patient. Dr. Okubadejo will provide appropriate pain management strategies as part of your overall care plan.

Recovery times can vary depending on the specific procedure and the individual patient. Laser spine surgery is minimally invasive, which often leads to shorter hospital stays and faster recovery compared to traditional open surgeries. Our team will provide personalized guidance on your expected recovery timeline.

Physical therapy is often recommended as part of the recovery process after laser spine surgery. It helps restore strength, flexibility, and mobility, promoting optimal healing and long-term success. Dr. Okubadejo will prescribe a tailored physical therapy program based on your specific needs and goals.