Back pain and surgery: back surgery alternatives and spinal stenosis surgery
BOSTON, MA — Low back pain is an extremely common condition: 80% of Americans experience at least one bout of it some time during their lives. Usually, rest, some pain relievers, and perhaps some exercises help it go away. But for many millions, the pain lingers and may become severe and debilitating. How do you know when back pain warrants surgery? The February 2007 issue of the Harvard Health Letter investigates.
Deciding to have surgery is never simple, but it’s especially difficult when the back is involved. Many studies of back surgery have been small. Popular procedures have been questioned, and new ones get introduced before we really know how well they’ll work over the long haul. It’s hard enough for doctors to figure out what to do about surgery for back pain. Patients are often even more confused.
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