To Op or Not? Surgical vs Non-Surgical Intervention for Low Back Pain

5 Key Points to Consider

1. Pain isn't always linked to damage!

This is a really important point that more and more evidence is emerging to support. Simply put, pain is a really complicated thing and simply operating on it may not solve the issue, or may not be even needed… as is the case far more often than not!

2. Surgery can definitely help in some cases

In some situations operations are warranted and can be really useful to relieve symptoms. If you are experiencing symptoms like:

• Numbness in the legs, in the buttocks or groin, that haven't resolved in a 6 week period
• Changes to bodily functions like your bowel and bladder
• Significant trauma, like a car accident or a fall

It's probably a good idea to visit a doctor for some further testing. Always better to be safe!

3. Exercise!

Exercise has some of the strongest evidence for getting though a bout of back pain. In most cases it doesn't even matter what the exercise is, as long as you're moving and you stick to doing it! There's also good support that it's unlikely that exercise will wear out your tissue or cause further damage… Remember 'motion is lotion'!

4. Better Long Term Results from Exercise and Manual Therapy

In most cases of back pain, exercise and manual therapy show less immediate relief than surgery, but better long term effects. If you don't fit the criteria for surgery… Stick with the non-surgical solutions for a better long term relief! These can even include:

• Sleep management strategies
• Stress management techniques
• Psychological support

5. Use an Osteopath!

If you're still unsure of where you stand (i.e., if your back pain is a potential candidate for surgery)… contact a well trusted professional.