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Myths About Back Pain Surgery |
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Back pain is as frequent as common cold
because it is the second most sought after reason for visiting health
care provider in the United States. Out of every 10 Americans 8 suffer
from chronic back pain. So, various treatment options are available for
its cure. Back surgery, one of the treatment of back pain often
generates fear in the minds of the patient and therefore patients have
discovered their own misconceptions or myths about the back surgery.
Some of these myths are:
Myth1- People think that back surgery is dangerous
Fact-
Surgery is recommended when other conservative treatments fail to
diminish the pain. Most back surgeries do not involve spinal cord.
Also, with highly accurate imaging systems like CAT and MRI scans and
new microsurgical techniques, you can have accurate picture and
precise methods of surgery resulting in speedy recovery with less pain
and hospitalization.
Myth2- A herniated disc surely needs a back surgery.
Fact-
According to some studies, it has been shown that disc shrinks
naturally over time. So patients who have herniated disc do not
indicate a sure reason for the need of surgery.
Myth3- Most cases of back pain require surgery
Fact-
This is absolutely wrong as only about two percent of patients with
back pain need surgery.
Myth4- I will be disabled if I undergo a back surgery.
Fact-
This is a wrong statement as most people return to their original work
after such surgeries. It is only high lifting and impact activities
that are prohibited.
Myth5- Factors like smoking and weight do not affect back surgery
Fact-
Factors like obesity, smoking, injury related litigation and other
patient-specific characteristics have a big impact on the success or
failure of spinal surgery for back pain.
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