If you’re living with chronic lower back pain caused by a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or sciatica, you’re not alone. According to the National Institutes of Health, nearly 80% of adults experience lower back pain at some point in their lives. For many, the pain becomes debilitating, but invasive spinal surgery may seem like an overwhelming option.
At Ortho Sport & Spine Physicians, we offer a minimally invasive alternative: Percutaneous Laser Disc Decompression (PLDD). This outpatient procedure provides targeted relief for lower back pain, often with less downtime, no scarring, and faster recovery than traditional surgery.
What Is PLDD?
PLDD is a minimally invasive laser treatment developed to reduce pressure inside a herniated disc. It has been used safely and effectively since the 1980s and is ideal for patients who have not responded to conservative treatments but want to avoid open surgery.
In this procedure, a fine needle is inserted through the skin and guided to the herniated disc using fluoroscopy (real-time imaging). A laser fiber is then introduced through the needle, delivering focused energy to evaporate a small portion of the disc’s nucleus pulposus — the jelly-like center of the disc.
By removing excess fluid, the disc’s internal pressure is reduced, relieving compression on nearby nerves and alleviating pain, numbness, and inflammation, particularly from sciatic nerve compression.
Conditions Treated with PLDD
PLDD is commonly used to treat:
- Lumbar disc herniation
- Sciatica (lumbar radiculopathy)
- Spinal stenosis
- Failed back surgery syndrome
- Radiating lower back pain
While it’s especially effective in the lumbar spine, PLDD can be performed at most vertebral levels, with the exception of T1-T4. The procedure is particularly helpful for patients with “contained” herniated discs, where the disc’s outer wall is still intact.
Benefits of PLDD
Unlike traditional back surgery, which often requires general anesthesia, lengthy recovery, and hospitalization, PLDD is performed under local anesthesia and typically takes less than an hour. Benefits include:
- Outpatient procedure – No overnight hospital stay required
- Minimal recovery time – Most patients return to work within a few days
- No large incisions or scarring
- Preserves spinal stability – No hardware or spinal fusion required
- Doesn’t prevent future treatments – If needed, additional procedures remain an option
According to studies published in medical journals, PLDD has shown long-term pain relief success rates of up to 75–90% in carefully selected patients.
Is PLDD Right for You?
If you’ve been struggling with lower back pain and want a treatment that delivers results without the extended downtime of surgery, PLDD may be your answer. At Ortho Sport & Spine Physicians, our specialists can evaluate your condition, review imaging, and determine if you’re a candidate for this advanced, minimally invasive solution.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how Percutaneous Laser Disc Decompression could help you move toward lasting pain relief and a better quality of life.
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