Chronic back pain is the most common type of chronic pain. It can cause significant disability, loss of function, and loss of time at work. Back surgery is often the only way to relieve pain. There are times and places for back surgery. It is used to treat severe radiculopathy (sciatica, pinched nerve) or spinal instability. It is important that patients understand there are viable alternatives to back surgery and that surgery is not always the best option.

What are the alternatives to back surgery?

Alternative treatments to back surgery are often beneficial for a large number of patients. Patients who are not candidates for back surgery can avoid the risks and recovery time associated with the procedure by choosing non-surgical or minimally invasive alternatives.

Patients with multiple chronic medical conditions known as comorbidities can have difficulty receiving anesthesia safely. Some patients prefer to postpone surgery until their lives are …