Neurological spine surgeon Dr. Robert S. Bray discusses why many people are being urged into spine surgeries they may not really need. Dr. Bray recommends people with neck or back pain who are considering spine surgery to think about several indicators: is there progressive neurological damage, has conservative therapy failed to stop the incapacitating pain, and does the injury cause persistent flare ups?
“I often see patients after other doctors have told them they need major, scary sounding spine surgeries…that they risk danger if they don’t do it right away. That’s exactly when they should seek a second opinion,” says Dr. Bray. “Patients should be given a clear reason for surgery vs. conservative care, and then they should be able to consult another specialist before making that decision.”
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