Cervical disc surgery with laser | Benefits and post-operative care

Last updated: October 25, 2025 Cervical disc surgery with a laser is a minimally invasive method that by inserting an optical fiber into the disc, a part of the gel material inside evaporates and the pressure on the nerve is reduced. This method reduces pain and inflammation and does not require extensive surgical incision. Its benefits include reduced bleeding, short recovery time, and maintaining the normal structure of the neck. Possible disadvantages include minor postoperative pain and the need for strict postoperative care. This method is suitable for those who have failed non-surgical treatments and want to avoid open surgery.

Cervical disc laser therapy

There are several methods for treating cervical disc such as rest, ice or heat compress, using a soft neck brace, avoiding heavy activities, physical therapy and drug therapy. If these methods are not effective after six weeks and symptoms persist, cervical disc laser therapy is the next option, especially in cases of severe pain, numbness, weakness, or problems with movement and bladder and bowel control. This method is one of the types of cervical disc surgery that targets the protruding part of the disc with a minimal incision, and often there is no need to remove the entire disc or use an artificial disc.

In certain situations, a bone graft or metal hardware may be used to maintain neck stability. Cervical disc laser therapy provides a shorter recovery period than traditional surgeries by reducing invasiveness and complications.

What is cervical disc surgery with laser?

In this method of Cervical disc surgery, in the stage with the help of a radiology photo, the surgical site is analyzed and in the next step, a thin needle is inserted into the ruptured disc. In the next step, a special optical fiber is inserted into the body of the person undergoing surgery and the laser energy is transferred to the ruptured disc through this fiber.

Laser radiation to the cervical disc causes various parts of the gelatinous liquid inside the cervical disc to evaporate gradually. Then the remaining materials are taken out from the target area and the spinal cord and nerve roots are freed and the inflammation and pain subsides. Another advantage of this method is the small changes in the neck area of the operated person, which makes it unnecessary to use an artificial disk in the neck area.

This method treats the damaged disc using a laser, with only a small incision and without damaging the bone or soft tissues. Patients leave the ambulatory surgery center immediately after the procedure and report new freedom from chronic pain. Deuk Spine

Advantages of cervical disc surgery with laser

In laser cervical disc surgery, incision is needed and as a result, bleeding or its consequences are minimal. Meanwhile, in other methods such as neck disc surgery from the front, neck disc surgery from the back, endoscopic neck disc surgery, this is done by creating a cut (depending on the type of surgery).

Besides this, in these methods, it is sometimes necessary to remove a part of the cervical disc and also to remove the protruding fluid with the help of a surgeon, but in cervical disc surgery with laser, there are no such cases, and the protruding fluid is removed with a laser, and there is no need for cutting. Therefore, in cervical disc surgery with laser, the risks and complications are minimal, and this causes the patient to recover faster and more comfortably during the recovery period.

In some traditional cervical disc surgery procedures, a portion of the disc may be removed and a cervical artificial disc replacement may be required to maintain the stability and normal movement of the neck. This option is especially useful when complete removal of the disk is necessary.

About the benefits of laser cervical disc surgery, American neurosurgeon Dr. Ara Deukmedjian stated:

"Duke laser disc surgery is a minimally invasive surgical procedure designed to treat chronic neck and back pain caused by herniated discs, bulging discs, annular tears, sciatica, spinal stenosis, nerve compression, and other painful spinal conditions. This procedure uses a laser to treat the damaged disc through only a small incision and without damage to bone or soft tissue. Patients are discharged immediately from the surgery center. They walk out and report new freedom from chronic pain.”Deuk Spine

Disadvantages of cervical disc surgery with laser

1. Possibility of pain or slight swelling in the neck area after the operation.
2. need to strictly follow post-surgery care to prevent the return of symptoms.
3. In rare cases, there is a possibility of minor damage to the nerve or tissues around the disc.
4. Some patients may not experience full recovery and need additional treatments.
5. Limitation in the treatment of very complex or severe discs that may require open surgery.

Steps of laser neck disc surgery

The steps of neck disc laser surgery begin with accurate diagnosis of the damaged disc location and patient preparation. Then, depending on the patient's condition, local anesthesia or general anesthesia is performed and a thin needle is inserted into the disc to transmit the special optical fiber of the laser energy to the disc. Laser radiation evaporates part of the gel material inside the disc and reduces the pressure on the nerve roots.

After that, the remaining material is removed and the surgical area is repaired without a large incision or damage to the surrounding tissues. Finally, the patient is usually discharged from the outpatient surgery center on the same day or the next day and enters a short recovery period.

Does cervical disc surgery with laser hurt?

Cervical disc surgery with laser is performed after applying general anesthesia or local anesthesia. This causes the person undergoing surgery not to feel pain during surgery. Usually, after the recovery and reawakening of the operated person, there is a possibility of pain in the neck area, during hospitalization or clinic, it is possible to inject painkillers and when the operated person is discharged, it is possible to use oral painkillers.

There is not much significant pain after cervical disc surgery with laser, but the operated person should be alert in this field and inform the surgeon of the occurrence of severe pain or prolonged pain.

Suitable candidate for cervical disc laser surgery

People whose non-surgical treatments such as rest, physical therapy, drug therapy or steroid injections have not been effective after 6 weeks and still have severe symptoms are usually considered candidates for cervical disc laser surgery. These include those who experience uncontrollable neck pain, numbness or weakness in the arms, movement problems, difficulty standing or walking, and loss of bladder or bowel control.

Also, patients who want to avoid open surgery and extensive incisions and are looking for a shorter and less invasive recovery period are a suitable option for this method.

Cost of cervical disc operation with laser

The cost of cervical disc surgery with laser depends on various factors. These factors include the hospital or surgery clinic, insurance coverage, and the choice of the surgeon, who naturally demand different wages according to their experience, skill, and reputation. The condition of caution in this field is choosing the best surgeon and surgical method. This will lower the risks and complications after laser neck disc surgery, as well as increase the chances of its success and the patient's significant recovery.

Ultimately, the success of the operation reduces the complications of the disease and its subsequent costs. Therefore, it is better for the patient to focus on the quality of the services provided and the surgery instead of the quantity of the price.

Care after cervical disc surgery with laser

The recovery period after neck disc surgery with laser is very important and requires strict adherence to the doctor's recommendations. Possible side effects that should be reported to the doctor include fever over 101.5 degrees, severe pain, persistent nausea or vomiting, surgical site infection, swelling or tenderness in the leg, tingling or new numbness, and dizziness.

Important things during recovery:

• Avoid bending or twisting the neck.
• Do not lift or move objects heavier than 2 kg.
• Avoid strenuous activities such as heavy work, housework or sex.
• Do not drive until your next visit. Identify the symptoms of cervical disc and inform the doctor if they return.
• Perform neck physiotherapy 4 weeks after surgery and for 6 to 12 weeks.
• Avoid smoking, hookah and any product containing nicotine.
• Alcohol consumption is prohibited and should not be combined with painkillers.

Frequently asked questions about cervical disc surgery with laser

Is recovery after cervical disc laser surgery definitive and permanent?

This method provides significant improvement and long-term pain relief in many patients, but complete success depends on the condition of the disc and compliance with post-operative care, and may require additional treatment in rare cases.

How long will it take to return to work and normal activities?

Patients can usually resume light daily activities within 1 to 2 weeks, but doing heavy work and intense sports requires consulting a doctor and following a course of physical therapy.

Is there a need to be hospitalized?

In most cases, laser surgery of the cervical disc is performed on an outpatient basis and the patient is discharged the same day or the next day, unless in special circumstances a short-term hospitalization is recommended.

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Dr. Yazdan Panahi

Student of Shahid Beheshti University of Tehran. The top rank of the specialized board of neurosurgery. 7-year history of performing complex operations on the base of the skull and brain and spinal cord tumors, 7-year history of complex operations on the spine

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