This procedure is used on patients with contained herniated and bulging discs to decompress the disc. There are two different procedures to treat the disc. In the cervical and thoracic spine, with the assistance of fluoroscopy, a needle is inserted into the disc. A laser fiber is then inserted into the disc and heats the annular fibers in the back of the disk to stop the neck or back pain and to shrink the bulging or herniated disc.
The Second procedure to treat herniated and bulging discs in the lumbar spine is called Endoscopic Discectomy. This procedure is performed through an incision no longer than half of an inch between the upper buttocks. A 2mm endoscope is inserted through the incision into the spinal canal through a natural opening in the bone. This procedure is performed at the hospital using intravenous sedation. The patient is typically released from the hospital 1-2 hours after the procedure is finished. There is minimal pain during recovery from the surgery. This procedure can take the place of an open spine surgery.