GREAT BACK SURGERY NEWS
The great news about back surgery is that for almost everyone, it is not necessary. Both disk and spinal fusion surgery are enjoying a surge in popularity. Most of the disk surgeries are based on scans or MRI’s that show an obvious ruptured disk. The patient is usually in pain–located in the back, leg, and/or along the sciatic nerve. There may be weakness and/or numbness in the leg or foot.
It is not unusual for surgeons to tell patients that they may suffer permanent nerve damage, permanent muscle weakness, or even end up paralyzed if they delay surgery. In fact the rate of disk surgery in certain areas of the United States is 15 times higher than other regions and other countries. This statistic alone should tip you off that there is something amiss with all the spinal surgeries.
It is not unusual for surgeons to tell patients that they may suffer permanent nerve damage, permanent muscle weakness, or even end up paralyzed if they delay surgery. In fact the rate of disk surgery in certain areas of the United States is 15 times higher than other regions and other countries. This statistic alone should tip you off that there is something amiss with all the spinal surgeries.
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Natural Recovery The truth, according to the Journal of American Medical Association (November 2006), is quite different. The results of a study of 2,000 patients in 13 spine clinics nationwide replicated a study done in Norway over 30 years ago: People with severe back pain due to a ruptured disk usually recover whether they have surgery or not. And this is generally what I have found over my 30 years in this profession. |
The real truth about ruptured disks and almost all other findings on MRI’s is that they usually all heal. Conservative treatments such as chiropractic, proper rest and exercise, therapy, and bone nutrition all serve as alternatives to disk surgery. While surgery can often offer quicker relief, there can be side effects. And by 2 to 4 years, all patients in the study ended up about the same, whether they had surgery or not.
The side effects of surgery can be small (as in anesthesia mishaps), large (as in scarring): or very large (as in nerve damage, which can be permanent). There are about 300,000 disk surgeries performed each year in the United States. And there are some crack surgeons. But there is no evidence to support the growth in these and other spinal surgeries. There are huge financial interests involving surgeons, hospitals, equipment makers` nurses, therapists, and more.
Spinal surgery is best left to the areas where it is critical and excellent. These are with fractures. cancer, and spinal abnormalities like spondylolisthesis. As for the fear factor, remember that most of the horrible things you see on x-rays and MRI’s heal by themselves. And the warnings of permanent injury and damage if you avoid surgery? They are unfounded. These studies simply confirm these facts.
More Facts About Spinal Problems
Since I have seen thousands of patients with spinal problems, I have a great deal of experience with spinal findings. Almost all spinal problems heal on their own given the correct nutrition and treatment. For me, when I hurt my back, I go to my chiropractor. He is knowledgeable in all types of adjusting. I prefer the Activator Method, which uses no force, but all forms of adjustments can be miraculous.
Health Alert Dr Bruce West MD Volume 24 Issue 4
The side effects of surgery can be small (as in anesthesia mishaps), large (as in scarring): or very large (as in nerve damage, which can be permanent). There are about 300,000 disk surgeries performed each year in the United States. And there are some crack surgeons. But there is no evidence to support the growth in these and other spinal surgeries. There are huge financial interests involving surgeons, hospitals, equipment makers` nurses, therapists, and more.
Spinal surgery is best left to the areas where it is critical and excellent. These are with fractures. cancer, and spinal abnormalities like spondylolisthesis. As for the fear factor, remember that most of the horrible things you see on x-rays and MRI’s heal by themselves. And the warnings of permanent injury and damage if you avoid surgery? They are unfounded. These studies simply confirm these facts.
More Facts About Spinal Problems
Since I have seen thousands of patients with spinal problems, I have a great deal of experience with spinal findings. Almost all spinal problems heal on their own given the correct nutrition and treatment. For me, when I hurt my back, I go to my chiropractor. He is knowledgeable in all types of adjusting. I prefer the Activator Method, which uses no force, but all forms of adjustments can be miraculous.
Health Alert Dr Bruce West MD Volume 24 Issue 4