Why Do So Many Surgeries Fail?

The…patient should be made to understand that he or she must take charge of his own life. Don’t take your body to the doctor as if he were a repair shop.

—Quentin Regestein, MD

Are You Considering Spine Surgery? Get a Second Opinion.

Do you believe that having a surgeon cut away the problem will make it go away? Is that really your best choice? This is like having a toothache and believing you automatically need to pull the tooth. Remember that 80 percent of back pain is mechanical in nature and can be managed without surgery. Surgery should be a last option. Many people do not correctly understand the anatomy of the spine or musculature. Open-back surgeries are highly invasive and often weaken the spine, create scar tissue, increase risk of infection, require time off work, and can set you up for future problems. All of the above can lead to an eventual second or third procedure. The good surgeons understand this and want you to try every form of conservative treatments before they recommend surgery.

Every year, about half a million spine surgeries are performed in the United States, about twice the rate of other countries. Some experts believe that about half of these back surgeries are unnecessary. Some people also come out of spine surgery with persistent symptoms. The spine is a very complex structure—it is not a simple as just cutting out the pain. There is occasionally a time and a place for surgery, usually most successful in acute emergencies, but research tells us that many who have lower back surgery experience only initial short-term relief. A recent study compared conservative lower back therapy (like computerized spinal decompression therapy, muscle balance therapy, electrical muscle stimulation therapy, and lifestyle modifications) with surgery. One group of patients had surgery; the other had conservative treatment. They were then followed for 10 years to determine their progress. After four years, there was no difference between the group that had surgery and the group that did not have surgery. Many studies show that with conservative care and time, disc herniations decrease along with the innate intelligence of your body to heal itself, particularly when various stressors are reduced. This is great news for the patient who suffers with a herniated disc and other ailments.

You can’t afford to not do something! In a recent study, it was projected that chiropractic patients would save more than $21,000 over a five-year period.

Before you decide to have surgery, I would love the opportunity to take a look at your problem and help you to make a more informed decision.  325-695-9355 give our office a call and ask about our new patient special.

Stop by the office at 4549 Catclaw Dr. Abilene,TX and get your copy of my latest book 21st Century Back Pain Solutions or click here download your today!

Dr. Jake Morgan