Back surgery: When is it a good idea?

Back pain is extremely common, and surgery often fails to relieve it. Find out why your back hurts and whether surgery might help.

Oh, your aching back. Not simply an ache. This pain is serious. You wonder — Could back surgery end the discomfort once and for all?

Trauma, aging, improper body mechanics and normal wear and tear can all injure your spine. And damage to any part of your back — especially pressure on your nerves — can cause pain and other symptoms.

Most back problems respond to nonsurgical treatments, such as anti-inflammatory medication, ice, heat, gentle massage and physical therapy. When conservative treatments don't help, back surgery may offer relief. But it doesn't help every type of back pain. In fact, back surgery is needed in only a small percentage of cases. Do you need back surgery?

Most people will have back pain sometime during life. And 90 percent of these people will get better, without treatment or with conservative therapies, within four to six weeks. Only 5 percent remain disabled longer than three months.

In most situations, an operation won't be considered unless conservative measures have failed, and even then it's not often indicated. Back surgery is usually reserved for times when a nerve is pinched, the spinal cord is compressed or there's too much movement between the spinal bones.

By: Mayo Clinic Staff
Article Source: Mayo Clinic