Individuals in the Greater Toronto Area who suffer from back pain may be interested in some new research looking into surgical and non-surgical treatment for herniated discs. According to U.S. researchers at the Dartmouth Medical School in New Hampshire, there is no significant difference in improvement for herniated disc patients who receive surgery compared to patients who are treated with physical therapy.
The study looked at 1,200 patients with herniated discs over a four-year period. After two years, patients who received either surgery or physical therapy saw substantial improvement. Although patients who had surgery tended to fare slightly better than patients who did not, researchers did not think that the difference was noteworthy. Researchers also commented that patients who decided to opt for surgery tended to be in more pain and have a greater expectation that the treatment would work for them.
According to a doctor at Stanford University Medical Center, common fears surrounding herniated discs lead many patients to have unnecessary surgeries. He also refuted the common misconception that not removing a disc herniation through surgery could result in paralysis. With this knowledge, patients can make a decision about what treatment would work best for them based on how much pain they can tolerate over different periods.
Whether patients decide to undergo surgery or physical therapy for a herniated disc, recovering from this type of injury can result in lost earning capacity due to limited mobility. If the injury was caused by factors outside of the victim’s control, there may be a party that holds liability for the injury. A lawyer may be able to help an individual to recover some financial compensation from the liable party by filing a personal injury claim.
Source: CBC News, “Surgery, physical therapy about equal for herniated discs: studies“, November 21, 2006
