On average, the procedure takes about an hour. X-ray exposure is minimal. Typically there is no pain or discomfort. There are no stitches. Upon completion, the probe is removed and a small Band-Aid is placed over the tiny opening. The amount of nucleus tissue removed varies, and the supporting structure of the disc is not affected by the surgery. In comparison to large incisions required for open surgery, the access route to the disc in non-traumatic surgery consists of only the small puncture site, usually the size of a freckle.

A Non-traumatic Discectomy is different from traumatic lumbar disc surgery because there is no traumatic back muscle dissection, no bone and joint removal, no ligament removal and no large skin incision. Traumatic lumbar disc surgery means traumatic cutting or removal of the muscle, ligament, bone or joint, causing permanent changes. This trauma is done with large arthroscopic, tubular access approaches or larger openings. The risk of complications from scarring, blood loss, infection, and anesthesia that may occur with the old style surgery are drastically reduced or eliminated with the non-traumatic procedure. Non-traumatic discectomy was invented to be an effective treatment for herniated discs while avoiding these risks.

• Major surgery is not the only alternative to living with back or leg pain, numbness or weakness.

• The Back Institute offers the low risk, simpler alternative you've been searching for: OUTPATIENT NON-TRAUMATIC DISCECTOMY.

• This procedure has provided relief for thousands, and it's covered by most insurance

• NO STITCHES, NO GENERAL ANESTHESIA

• This OUTPATIENT procedure is performed by board certified physicians at one of L.A.'s most prestigious health care facilities.

• Patients are typically discharged within two hours of the procedure with just a band-aid in place.

• Patients routinely have the procedure on one day and fly home to another state the next day.