Dayton Laser Spine Center—A Riverview Health Institute Solution

About Lawrence B. Rothstein, MD
Lawrence B. Rothstein is a graduate of Miami University, Oxford, Ohio and The Ohio State University School of Medicine. He completed his internship, residency and his fellowship in Anesthesia at the Cleveland Clinic where he was named Chief Fellow. He is board certified in Anesthesia.

Dr. Rothstein is a Diplomate of the American Academy of Pain Medicine and holds memberships in the American Association of Pain Management, American Physical Society, and the American Society of interventional Pain Physicians. Dr. Rothstein new approach to ELD is attracting physicians from across the country to learn his innovative technique.

…getting you BACK into life

Back pain affects your every movement. Even getting into your car can be excruciating. And the problem is growing: four of every five adults will suffer from low back pain at some point in their lives. Relieving debilitating back pain — with the help of the Dayton Laser Spine Center — can transform your life.

Back Pain
A major cause of low back pain is a ruptured or herniated disc, sometimes known as a “slipped” disc.

Normal Function:
Discs function as cushions between the vertebrae that form your spine.
Discs are composed of:

nucleus – the soft, springy center of the disc, which allows the disc to absorb the many daily shocks caused by walking, running and standing
annulus – the donut-shaped tissue which surrounds the nucleus.

Injury:
When overuse or injury compresses the disc, the nucleus is forced outside the annulus and puts pressure on one or more of the spinal nerves. This often causes pain, weakness, or numbness radiating from your lower back down your leg to your foot, a condition called sciatica.

Epiduroscopic Laser Discectomy (ELD)
ELD at the Dayton Laser Spine Center is a minimally invasive procedure used to both diagnose and treat ruptured vertebral discs.

Using x-ray for guidance, Dr. Rothstein inserts an endoscopic fiber optic scope, like a small tube, into a small incision at the base of the spine.
Dr. Rothstein examines each disc of the lower back to identify any ruptures or other abnormalities.
Dr. Rothstein then uses a laser to shrink the ruptured disc and relieve pressure on the spinal nerve(s).
The procedure is usually completed in 30 to 40 minutes. Most patients experience immediate relief.
Patients are returned to Riverview’s recovery area in a wheelchair and are usually discharged approximately an hour after surgery. Most patients can walk the same day as their procedure and they are given a prescription for pain medication if needed.
Patients usually can return to work and resume normal activities the following day.

Dayton Laser Spine Center’s approach to ELD was pioneered by Dr. Lawrence B. Rothstein and is performed in only one other medical facility in the world.

The ELD procedure is usually performed on an out-patient basis.

The Benefits
ELD is a minimally invasive procedure that results in:

Small incisions
Minimal scarring
Minimal risk of damage to muscles, bone, nerves or blood vessels
The structure of the disc is maintained
Less pain after the procedure
Rapid recovery
95% success rate

ELD at the Dayton Laser Spine Center is a welcome relief for agonizing back pain. It can transform your life.