Laser spine surgery: Can you benefit from it?

At this time, we are not a proponent of laser spine surgery as the current application of a laser with spine surgery is merely as a cutting device.

This may change in the future as new technology is developed. But at this point, in our opinion, the use of a laser is intended more as a marketing approach to attract patients to a surgery that is not really different from a traditional spine surgery.

New “minimally invasive spine surgery” approaches used by spine surgeons can now shorten the incision, lessen time in the hospital, and speed the return to activity with a less painful recovery.

Another area of concern about laser spine surgery ads, in our opinion, is that they may entice a person to have spine surgery unnecessarily. Many times a person can resolve symptoms like radiating pain into a leg or arm, or even numbness, with nonsurgical treatment options like spinal injections or spine therapy.

For more than 10 years, Dr. Mark Downey at SpineGroup Alabama has helped many patients across Alabama get back to activity with spinal injections that relieve pressure on nerve roots. These injections can act as a bridge to spine therapy, where patients learn special stretches that make the back stronger, more flexible and resistant to future strain.

Mark Downey, MD

As a physiatrist, Dr. Downey specializes in diagnosis and non-surgical treatment of pain-related spinal disorders. He is board certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) since 2007 and uses his comprehensive spine and musculoskeletal training to determine the appropriate line of treatment for a variety of spinal conditions.

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Alex Cotter, MD

Dr. Alex Cotter uses his background in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation as well as Pain Medicine to provide comprehensive non-surgical treatment for a variety of spinal conditions. Specializing in interventional spine, he offers fluoroscopic spinal injection procedures to relieve spine-related pain and restore patients’ normal activities and function.

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Testimonials

"Dr. Downey is a Godsend. He’s caring and compassionate. If you have back problems this is the doctor for you."
"He is a doctor that I would highly recommended to anyone. I was in so much pain, but he took the time to listen."
"Dr. Downey is a very compassionate, kind, nice doctor. He has a great bedside manner and listens to you as long as it takes for what you have to say."
"Fast friendly service. Dr. Downey is very detailed in his treatment of my back issues. Great bedside manor, friendly staff."

Home Remedy Book

As a community service, Spine Group Alabama mails out a free 36-page Home Remedy Book with customized stretches that can relieve some back and neck pain symptoms. Enter your name and address and we will mail you a copy.

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Back to Life Journal

Download our free 16-page Back to Life Journal that shows how to get back to golf, tennis, hiking and more with home remedies. Insert your email to subscribe and download.

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Symptoms Chart

Some symptoms can become permanent if you don’t see the physician with in 24 hours. Find out when you can use “watchful waiting” and when you have an emergency symptom.

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Need an Appointment?

Spine Group Alabama specializes in the treatment of back pain, neck pain, herniated discs, and all types of ligament strain related to the neck and low back. Spine Group Alabama is referred back and neck pain patients from across Alabama, including Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Auburn, Hunstville and Montgomery.

Office Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 8am - 4:30pm
Friday: 8am - 2:30pm
Saturday/Sunday: Closed
(205) 271-6511

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