(NU) - Slipped discs, a condition responsible for severe back pain in thousands of Americans each year, can be treated successfully today through advanced laser surgery. Laser surgery, which uses a concentrated light beam much like a scalpel, has long been used to treat a number of other medical conditions from cataracts and glaucoma to gallstones and torn knee ligaments.

Only recently, and in only a few medical centers nationwide, has laser surgery been used for patients suffering from herniated disc (often called "slipped discs").

The Florida Spine Institute in Clearwater, Fla., is among the pioneers in this type of surgical spine repair and one of the most successful in achieving long-term recovery for patients of all ages.

"With traditional surgery, back patients used to spend days in the hospital and have months of at- home recovery." said Florida Spine Institute surgeon Dr. Douglas Weiland. "Today, many of these patients can undergo laser surgery in the morning, be discharged by afternoon and be back to their regular activities within three weeks."

Unlike traditional surgery, laser surgery is minimally invasive (the incision is less than a half-inch long), is almost bloodless, leaves virtually no scar and recovery is rapid - within days for most patients. Because it is so minimally invasive, it is also generally considered safer for patients.

"It's remarkable to see patients walk out of the hospital on the same day as the surgery, after having been told that nothing can be done for them." said Dr. Weiland. "Before anyone agrees to undergo traditional back surgery for a herniated disc, it's important to ask, 'Am I a candidate for laser surgery?'"

WHO IS A CANDIDATE

Not all patients with herniated discs are candidates for this treatment. Those who are, however, are fortunate indeed.

The Florida Spine Institute has prepared an educational video about spinal laser surgery that is free to the public. To receive a copy, call 1-800-477-7746. Phones are answered by registered nurses or physician's assistants who can answer questions as well.

The Florida Spine Institute is the largest physician-directed center for the care and treatment of the spine in Florida. A total of 107 staff members - physicians, surgeons, radiologists, rehabilitation specialists, physical and occupational therapists, and others - provide many forms of treatment for all types of chronic neck, back and leg pain.

Surgery is considered a last resort and, in fact, more than 85 percent of patients treated do not undergo surgery. Conservative methods including physical therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes are often all patients require to recover fully.

(Reprint, News USA)

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