Spinal Surgery for Chronic Low Back Pain: A ‘Magic Bullet’ or Wishful Thinking?

Considering surgery for your chronic low back pain? Most people will do anything to get rid of their back pain, but it isn’t always necessary to opt for surgery. 

If a spine surgeon doesn't ask you about your family, your work, and other aspects of your life, "seek a second opinion," advises Herring. 

Most people who seek surgery for chronic back pain have underlying health conditions, which have an adverse effect on back surgery where symptoms of back pain never subside. For those that are healthy, back surgery failed to provide even those patients with complete relief of symptoms or normal function.

Why do most back surgeries fail?

For one, the symptoms were misdiagnosed and the operation did not treat the affected area. 

Secondly, surgery can make the back unstable. One way you can stabilize the back is strengthening the muscles and the ligaments through various easy methods such as the use of a NeuroMuscular Electrical Stimulator (NMES). 

Another failed back surgery could be caused by having two conditions. One condition was resolved with surgery, but the second condition was never addressed. Ross Huaser, MD gives a great example of a loose hinge on a door. See his video here. Dr. Hauser refers a loose hinge to the discs in your back; one loose hinge creates another loose hinge, etc.

Consider surgery as your last alternative, unless your doctor advises immediate surgery. Instead, try exercising, stretching, practice good posture, physical therapy, ice and heat treatments, NSAIDs, and maintain a healthy diet or lifestyle.