
Are there alternatives to surgery for chronic pain?
Unnecessary Spine Surgery: Why does it happen in the USA and Worldwide?
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It is estimated that 80% of spine surgeries are not necessary. Unnecessary spine surgery (USS) is often performed without clear indications that the surgical intervention was necessary.
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Overreliance on MRI findings, wrong diagnoses, lack of knowledge of pain management options, market competition, and financial gain are major contributing factors.
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USS poses risks to patients and increases healthcare costs, with an estimated annual cost of $4 billion in the USA, which has increased significantly in the last 20 years.

Contributing Factors to USS
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MRI is not a reliable tool for identifying the source of pain in patients with back or neck pain.
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Degenerative findings are common in asymptomatic patients, leading to unnecessary surgeries.
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Lack of consensus in the management of low back pain and variability in spine practices contribute to USS.
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The two most common answers surgeons provide for performing unnecessary surgery are: “we have always done it this way” and “financial gain, renown or both”.
The Solution for USS
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Always get a second opinion before choosing surgery.
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Meet with a physiatrist (pain doctor), like Dr. Bruce Witmer, to discuss an alternative treatment plan that does not include surgery.
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Create a multidisciplinary care plan with your pain doctor that includes diet and exercise experts.
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You can read the complete article by Dr. Khaled Fares AlAli, Unnecessary spine surgery: can we solve this ongoing conundrum?