If you’re thinking about having back surgery, you should know that the spinal fusion surgery is a risky procedure that’s most likely to fail. It has failed so often, it has become associated with a special, diagnostic category – Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS). This means that the vertebral bones operated upon have failed to heal, solid fusion has failed to occur, back pain will continue unrelieved and, most likely, you’ll need another operation.
Many knowledgeable physicians and surgeons have studied the issue. What do they have to say about the risks vs. benefits of spinal fusion surgery?
“It’s amazing how much evidence there is that fusions don’t work, yet surgeons do them anyway.” Sohail Mirza, MD, Chairman, Department of Orthpaedics, Dartmouth Medical School, Hanover, New Hampshire.
“... among patients having surgery for degenerative disc disease, those who had spinal fusion surgery had nearly twice the rate of reoperations compared to those who did not have surgery ...” Richard A. Deyo, MD, MPH, University of Washington, School of Public Health and Community Medicine.
"This procedure is offered to improve pain and function, yet objective outcomes showed increased permanent disability, poor return to work status, and higher doses of opioids."
Dr. Trang H. Nguyen of University of Cincinnati College of Medicine.
Don’t let your back pain drive you to the spine surgeon. Lumbar pain is a self-limiting condition and you’ll eventually recover without any treatment whatsoever. If the pain persists after 6 weeks, find a good physical therapist.
The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends conservative treatment for those who suffer chronic low back pain. This includes restricted bed rest (not to exceed two days), continued activities, medication and rehabilitation (which can include chiropractic care). Read all the details about the risks and complications of back surgery and the superior benefits of conservative treatment in the new book (soon to be published) Back Surgery – Avoid the Nightmare by Benjamin Goode.
