1. The patient has a herniated, symptomatic bulging, extruded, or protruded disc (or several). It is pressing on the nearby nerve causing pain, numbness and perhaps weakness. The video in the next pane will give you a quick overview.

Comment: Note that micro-instruments are used. No fusion is necessary

Your imaging studies resemble the changes in anatomy

Comment: The pressure and irritation on the nerve root can cause horrible pain

The components assembled in the surgery suite include: Holmium 22 digital laser, operating microscope, micro-instruments, ceramic retractor/shield,

Comment: MicroLaser surgery continues to evolve and as laser technology advances, the tools used for surgery advance as well.

2. Under a general anesthetic, used to make sure there is not movement, a small window is created in the lamina and the laser fiber guided into place with a ceramic shield in place. Exit stenosis, spurs, and scar are exposed under direct vision

Comment: MicroLaser is a precision surgery working at tolerances of millimeters, like eye surgery. 

3. Under direct vision and with no or minimal retraction necessary, the abnormalities are corrected without effecting the stability of the spine.

Comment: Crucial to success is correction of exit stenosis, scar, spurs, and anything pressing or irritating the nerve root. Attention to detail makes MicroLaser® an effective tool in taking care of this problem.

4. The surgery is now done and after a recuperative period rehabilitation starts. Dr Burres recommends the UltraBack Video Exercise program

This two-volume VHS or DVD will show you how to do activities without damaging your low back and then demonstrate every good exercise for low back pain sufferers or those in rehabilitation