Most cases of neck pain or back pain, whether acute or chronic, can be successfully treated without surgery. Non-surgical treatment of back pain may include a combination of the following: chiropractic care, physical therapy, gentle massage, activity modification and anti-inflammatory medication.  These approaches do not help all types of back pain.  Back surgery is required in a small percentage of cases.  The most common reason for surgery is to remove pressure from a herniated "slipped disk" when it compromises a neighboring nerve and contributes to extremity pain and weakness that has not responded to more conservative care.  In some cases surgery may be necessary to remove the excessive bone to make room for the spinal cord and nerves within the spine.

When Can Surgery Help?

The mere presence of pain does not mean you need surgery.  For some individuals, surgery can lead to increased pain.  In most situations a back operation will not be considered unless conservative measures have failed or the condition represents a medical emergency.  Even if conservative treatment fails this does not mean that back surgery is inevitable.  Surgery is generally reserved for conditions where there are no other options or there is a potential for serious deterioration.

Your attending physician may refer you to a spine surgeon or recommend back surgery if you have neck or back pain accompanied by signs and/or symptoms of nerve damage. These signs and symptoms include:

• Pain that radiates into the arms or legs
• Numbness, weakness or tingling in the arms and legs
• Loss of bladder or bowel control

Back problems which may be helped by back (spine) surgery include herniated disc, back pain secondary to degeneration, spinal stenosis, fractures, spinal deformities, infections and tumors and spinal instability.