The Facts About Back Pain Surgery

It once was that if someone suffered from chronic back pain, their doctor would advise surgery to fix the problem. After the surgery, the person would normally be on bed rest for several weeks, after which, if all went well, their back would be better – unless, of course, it wasn’t.

Experts agree that, traditionally, doctors have fallen back on surgery much too soon in most cases of back pain. A lot of people didn’t benefit from the surgery at all, and in some instances were in even worse shape post-procedure. Surgery was certainly no panacea for back pain, that much was sure.

Lately, studies have demonstrated that, in most cases, back problems will get better without surgery. In the majority of cases, a range of other therapies should be undertaken before undergoing surgery. Although 80 percent of the population experiences an aching back at one time or another, less than one percent of people will have need of surgical treatment for their condition.

Normally, health care professionals propose surgery only in situations where other alternatives have been attempted and were unable to fix the problem, or if the pain reappears. Surgery may be necessary if the pain causes the patient’s normal activities to be negatively affected.

Physical therapy can be a good way to help the spine heal. Along with targeted exercises, often the physical therapist will use processes such as ultrasound, massage, cold or heat therapy, TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation), spinal traction, and water therapy. Chiropractic care is another effective way to get relief from pain in the back. There are non-conventional methods for treating back pain as well, including acupuncture, biofeedback and herbs.

Spinal injections are sometimes used as an alternative to surgery for back pain, and they also assist your health care provider to pinpoint the true cause of the pain. These injections will be given in conjunction with physical therapy, exercise and other forms of treatment, and are only available on the recommendation of your doctor.

What’s the best form of sciatica pain relief? How can you keep your back healthy to avoid injury and pain? Find out at the Back Pain and Sciatica Relief site.