Why Spinal Surgery Should Only Be Considered As A Last Resort [Research]

October 23, 2017Dr. Grant Radermacher

Surgery Doesn’t Come Without Risks!

Traumatic injuries, the aging process, poor biomechanics and the normal wear and tear of daily life can all take a toll on your spine. Damage to any part of your spine or pressure on the nerves exiting it can lead to back pain, something that 80% of all Americans will experience at some point in their lives. If you’ve dealt with chronic pain, you may have wondered if spinal surgery might help.

However, most health professionals agree that surgery is necessary in only a small percentage of back pain cases, and only after trying conservative treatment first. In fact, research shows most back pain conditions, even more serious conditions such as sciatica or disc herniations, can be effectively corrected through nonsurgical options such as low-force chiropractic care in combination with massage or ice and heat therapy, which is why many in Brookfield choose Ascent Chiropractic as their chiropractor when searching for treatment options.

Surgery should only be considered as a last resort, because as a recent study out of the University of British Columbia points out, there’s a surprisingly high risk of complications with any type of spinal surgery.

Spinal Surgery Risks

Just how much of a risk is there? The facts may surprise you:

• 87% of back surgery patients experienced at least one complication
• 39% of these complications were serious enough to prolong their time in the hospital
• 73.5% of patients experienced complications following surgery (such as healing complications, pneumonia, neuropathic pain)
• 10.5% of patients experienced complications during surgery
• 1.5% died

All invasive medical procedures have risks, but surgery on your spine especially shouldn’t be taken lightly and avoided if at all possible. So before considering back surgery, get a second opinion from your chiropractor or other qualified spine specialist. You’ll be thankful you did!

The Ascent Chiropractic Difference

At Ascent Chiropractic we correct problems in the spine using a gentle, low-force adjusting technique that’s both safe and effective for patients of all ages ranging from children to seniors. If you’re in the Brookfield or New Berlin areas and suffering with pain or dysfunction in your spine, we’d love to help. To make an appointment at Ascent Chiropractic, call 262-345-4166 or schedule an appointment with our online scheduling app.

Source: Street JT, Lenehan BJ, DiPaola CP, Boyd MD, Kwon BK, Paquette SJ, Dvorak MF, Rampersaud YR, Fishis CG. Morbidity and mortality of major adult spinal surgery. A prospective cohort analysis of 942 consecutive patients. Spine Journal 2012 Jan;12(1):22-34.

About the Author

Dr. Grant Radermacher

Dr. Grant Radermacher is a Brookfield, WI chiropractor providing unmatched results through gentle, evidence-based sports & wellness musculoskeletal care. Our mission is simple: get you out of pain so you can get back to being you, only better.

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