Surgical decompressive procedures for low back pain (radical) will be carried out all over this country today with a minimal likelihood of success. Don’t get me wrong, the surgeons performing the procedures consider each and every one of these operations a resounding success. The problem is; the average patient undergoing these procedures will have the same amount of pain or more 2 years postoperatively. Yes, that’s right, a 2013 study conducted over a 12-year period at Harvard Medical School indicated that 95% of those who have back surgery will have the same amount of pain or more 2 years post-op. Not exactly what I would classify as a resounding success!
Axial decompression is a therapeutic mechanism (conservative) based upon the premise of taking pressure off of the structures causing pain and restoring functionality. “Eighty-six percent of ruptured intervertebral disc (RID) patients achieved ‘good” (50-89% improvement) to ‘excellent’ (90-100% improvement) results with decompression. Sciatica and back pain were relieved.” “Of the facet arthrosis patients, 75% achieved ‘good’ to ‘excellent’ results with decompression.” Shealy, Norman MD; Borgmeyer, Vera RN MA, Emerging Technologies: Preliminary Findings: Decompression, Reduction, and stabilization of the lumbar spine: A cost-effective treatment for lumbosacral pain. American Journal of Pain Management, 1997; 7(2).
Why do so many people opt for Surgical Procedures for low back pain when there are conservative options? Because Spinal Surgery is covered by Insurance and Non-surgical decompression therapy is not!!! There is a misconception that so many people have about insurance coverage. They have the erroneous belief that if a procedure is covered by insurance, it must be scientifically valid. NOPE… In 1992 the USPSTF (United States Preventive Services Task Force) was prepared to publish the results of their 10-year study on Best Practices for Low Back Pain. The study indicated that “Back Surgery for Back Pain is Not Efficacious”. When the preliminary results were sent out for review, the American College of Orthopedic Surgeons initiated a political campaign to decimate the funding of the agency which forced them to withdraw their findings. 31 years later, back surgery for back pain is still one of the most common surgeries performed.
ALWAYS TRY CONSERVATIVE FIRST BEFORE TRYING THE RADICAL!!!