No one wants surgery, much less a 2^nd one. So when considering the back it is ever more prudent to avoid that 1^st surgery. Because statistics say that IF a person has a spine surgery they are likely to have a 2nd surgery within 10 years. Just let that sink in for a moment.

You were not all that excited about having a 1^st surgery, and now you might need another one down the road. Who really wants to sign up for something like that? Now I am sure you would do everything possible to avoid it. But when nothing was able to take the pain away, how easy would it be for the surgeon to convince you?

I can hear the wheels grinding up there. You are thinking about how and why this may be the case if the surgeon FIXED the problem. And that may be true. However, the normal anatomy of the spine was altered along with the muscles that support the spine. These elements are highly correlated with the development and persistence of altered spine mechanics and stress. These factors ultimately lead to increased stress and strain on the muscles/joints resulting in “breakdown” of the system and pain.

So how then can all this be avoided?

Well, for starters not having surgery in the first place. Now there are valid medical reasons for surgery, and they should be done in those instances. Unfortunately though too many operations are performed that could possibly be prevented given enough time and the right care.

The medical system as currently constructed is great at moving people to higher levels of care and toward more invasive procedures (injections and surgery) and away from more conservative measures such as physical therapy. Sure the system often requires physical therapy before and MRI or surgery. But far too often people are told it will not work so they are less open to the possibility of success, just wanting to check a box to get and MRI and see a surgeon. Not only that but given enough time, the body can begin to heal itself.

People want things FIXED (and now) but fixed medically does not always result in no pain afterward. And there is NO GUARANTEE that surgery will relieve pain. It is often written in the fine print before surgery. Yet every year tens of thousands of back surgeries happen. What should happen and the 1^st step for anyone with back pain is time with a physical therapist. Only after an appropriate course of care that does not result in progress should a person move onto the next level of medical care.

Did you know that over 50% of people over the age of 40 have what would be considered abnormal findings on MRI but have ZERO, I repeat ZERO pain. That MRI just does not tell the whole story.

What to do if you already had a surgery?

If you are not currently working with a physical therapist get back working with one. Work to improve your flexibility and strength to be as protective of you new normal as possible. Nothing takes a person back into surgery faster than developing weakness and becoming inactive following surgery.

Still not sure what to do?

Click the following LINK to request a personalized consult and learn the steps you can take to prevent either that 1^st or 2^nd surgery.