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When is Spine Surgery the Next Right Step?

In cases that don’t involve a traumatic spine injury (surgical consideration for some of these types of injuries is evaluated differently), back surgery is and should be considered the last resort after a concerted attempt at more conservative treatment options has failed to provide adequate relief from the pain. Conservative treatment options may include physical therapy, epidural steroid injections, chiropractic treatments, and medication therapy, to name a few. No matter the cause, persistent (chronic) pain is the most common denominator in whether spine surgery should be considered. Other factors include disability (perhaps the condition has become so severe that the patient is wheelchair-bound)…

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Featured

 Common Misconceptions About Spine Surgery

Here are some common thoughts people have about spine surgery. Did you know the right answers?

Articles of Interest

Common Types of Back Surgery

To ensure you make informed decisions about your treatment, it is essential to understand the most common back surgery procedures available.

Spine Surgery Myths

Facing the possibility of spine surgery can be scary for many people. However, there are many myths about spine surgery that cloud people’s judgment when it comes to making the best decisions for their health.

Spine Surgery: When It Works and When It Doesn’t

If you’re experiencing back pain that stems from your spine, you want to find answers that allow you to return to normal life. After failed non-surgical attempts at recovery, you may consider spine surgery. Back surgery is an ideal solution for some people, but it may not be the right fit for everyone.

The Medical Riddle of Steve Kerr’s Back Pain

Golden State Warriors coach’s herniated disk highlights question of whether to get surgery or try rehab.

The Snake Oil in Spine Surgery: One Spine Surgeon’s Perspective

Spine surgery is an organic field. It’s ever changing and much of the equipment, implants, and techniques used 10 years ago are different today. As the field has evolved, so too has our ability to predict who will benefit from surgery.

Why You Should Never Get Fusion Surgery For Plain Back Pain

A recent Bloomberg article should put the fear of God in anyone who wants to get a fusion operation for low back pain blamed on worn-out spinal discs.

Why ‘Useless’ Surgery Is Still Popular

Take what happened with spinal fusion, an operation that welds together adjacent vertebrae to relieve back pain from worn-out discs. Unlike most operations, it actually was tested in four clinical trials. The conclusion: Surgery was no better than alternative nonsurgical treatments, like supervised exercise and therapy to help patients deal with their fear of back pain. In both groups, the pain usually diminished or went away.

Resources

International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery

The International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery - Is a global, scientific and educational society. SAS is dedicated to advancing major evolutionary steps in spine surgery.