LASE Disc Decompression

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LASE stands for "Laser Discectomy", a procedure where laser light is used to correct problems with discs in the spine.  The procedure is common and less invasive than other alternatives.

The aim of percutaneous laser disc decompression is to vaporize a small portion of the nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disc, thereby reducing the volume of a diseased disc and the pressure within it.

A small amount of tissue is excised from the center or nuclear part of the disc, which is believed to exert an effect on a noncontiguous portion of nucleus that is protruding through the annulus fibrosus and abutting an exiting nerve root. First described by Hijikata in relation to the percutaneous discectomy method, the central cavity created by laser is believed to allow the nuclear protrusion to move back within the disc. A small change in disc nucleus volume can exert disproportionately large changes on the disc. 

LASE - bridges the gap between conservative therapy and surgery for the treatment of contained herniated discs. The LASE procedure is a cost-effective, minimally-invasive treatment for those patients who prefer to avoid conventional back surgery. LASE often provides relief from the pain and a fast return to routine activities. Because it is minimally-invasive, it is appropriate for many patients whose health or age may exclude them from more aggressive surgical intervention.