Chronic Back Pain: Rehabilitation and Time Often Better Than Surgery

Chronic back pain? Very common. So are surgeries meant to fix the chronic back pain. But be sure to think twice and think again before agreeing to surgery.

"Always get a second opinion. Rosen, who founded the Association for Medical Ethics, also recommends asking about a doctor's ties to companies that make spine-surgery products. That way you'll feel assured that a recommendation to cut doesn't come from a too-cozy relationship."

Only a small percentage of people with chronic back pain will benefit from surgery, but even so, the rate of spine surgeries being performed is on the increase. It is not unusual to go through the rigors of spine surgery and come out of it no better, or in some cases in worse pain than before the surgery.

Sometimes the best treatment for chronic back pain is time and rest. Rehabilitation programs can make a big difference for some. The focus in a rehabilitation program is on making muscles supporting the spine stronger. This type of treatment is often successful.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100608/ap_on_he_me/us_med_overtreated_back_pain