Yes. At this point, laser surgery for the spine is used primarily for disc problems. Lasers are not widely used now, but they appear to leave less scarring after spine surgery. A procedure called thermodiskoplasty uses lasers to shrink collagen and fibrocartilage to change the shape of the disc.

No. Bed rest is rarely prescribed and even then should only be used for very short periods, usually two days at most.  Too much bed rest can actually make your problem worse, as your muscles and joints get weaker and stiffer. The key is to help you get back to doing normal activities as early as possible.  Also, gentle exercises can actually help your pain go away.

When back pain or injury becomes chronic, health-care costs escalate dramatically. By offering effective treatment right away, chronic problems might be avoided and costs reduced.  But which treatments work best to keep back problems from becoming chronic?

Stop! That one word is likely the most helpful advice health practitioners can give to their spine patients who smoke. Many times, patients will quit the habit when they are treated by a health professional who takes the time and effort to help. Too often, however, medical professionals don't bring up the issue with their patients.

As in other visits, your doctor will begin by asking you questions about your health history and your current symptoms. Then your doctor will physically examine you. In the case of spine problems, there are some common parts of the physical exam:

Spine problems don't usually cause emergencies. But there are some symptoms that mean you need to get medical attention immediately.

Maybe. Firm mattresses are usually the best choice for people with back pain. Very soft mattresses or waterbeds don't give the spine enough support. But there are some ways that may help you get the support you need without buying a new mattress.

When heading out to the slopes to snowboard or ski, it's nice to know the risks that lie ahead. Both sports carry a high risk of injury. But according to this recent study, snowboarders have four times the risk of having a serious spine injury.

Avoid doing anything that makes the pain worse or carries the risk of re-injuring your back. What exercises are safe to do depends on the activity and on what exactly is wrong with your back. Your best bet is to start slowly and gradually begin doing your usual activities. If you normally do intense exercise or sports that involve twisting your back, like golf, you need to wait until your back is better. Walking and swimming are probably the best exercises for rehabilitating your back.

Back surgery is usually optional. Most of the time, patients weigh the pros and cons and decide whether it will work for them. Down the road, research shows that a group of people who had back surgery fared no better--and no worse--than people who did not.