For those long-suffering with back pain and haven’t found relief, some may consider spine surgery. Often individuals think surgery must be the option because they were told their x-ray or MRI showed some “abnormality.” Did you know, many of those “abnormalities” commented on by radiologist and surgeons are just normal changes with age? Brinjikji in 2014 compiled data showing even people in their 20’s showed signs of spine “abnormalities” and didn’t have pain.

Too often surgery is perform because someone had an x-ray or MRI and were told some finding was the cause of their issue. Re-read the Brinjikji data about “abnormal” findings in people without pain.

We must stop rushing to blame “structures” within our body as the “source” of pain. Our bodies change with age. The skin wrinkles. Hair turns gray or may be lost. Our internal organs and spine change as well. We are conditioned to think by the medical community that we must “FIX” things that do not or are not necessarily the cause.

What or who will change this paradigm?

Will this change be dictated by insurance companies? The government? Surgeons/hospital systems? Or possibly through patient education to reduce the number of people pushing for surgeries? Ready or not a change will soon be coming. The system cannot continue in the failing manner it has.

Interestingly David Hanscom, MD wrote a piece on why he is STOPPING spine surgery (please read). There is growing data that success of spine surgery is horrible (like less than 50%). To the degree that outside of the reasons I wrote above- it should never be done.  A review study by Epstein in 2011, noted 17% of spinal surgeries from one particular neurosurgeon were unnecessary. Yes, this is 1 surgeon but if we extrapolate the data, the numbers become staggering. Between 1998-2008 the cost for spinal fusions in the US rose 690% to the tune of about $100K per surgery (and nearly a half million performed) which equals over 50 Billion dollars.

But are there reasons for spine surgery? Yes, but this list is going to be small. 1) A person develops new onset of bowel or bladder issues in conjunction with their back pain 2) An individual loses the ability to control their leg/foot 3) Some kind of major trauma resulting in true instability (a fracture) of the spine- not too common 4) Secondary issue as a result of treatment for cancer.

Outside of these reasons, surgery is NOT NECESSARY and NOT ADVISED AT ALL. This is not to ignore pain or inability to live the way a person wants. This just means surgery is not the answer, something else is.

What is the answer?… Not waiting and seeing if it just gets better. Taking pain medication or having injections is not solving any problem. Demanding imaging is not going to change treatment, except in those 4 scenarios above. And again, surgery is not the solution. The answer…finding a provider who will not offer any of those things mentioned. Someone who will listen to you and help develop a more natural plan to get you moving again. Movement and exercise will be key…even if it hurts some. Avoiding movement is the worst thing someone can do with back pain.

I am sure you have more questions. Try starting HERE by claiming some FREE information on self-treatment for back pain. If you desire faster, more specific advice to you, then REQUEST More Information and A CALL back from a back pain expert.

Here is to healing your back, a more natural way. Please share with someone you know suffering with back pain.