If you suffer from chronic back pain, chances are you are looking for a way to alleviate this pain. Interdisciplinary chronic pain management and back surgery are two common methods of treating chronic back pain. Both have their pros and cons, and it can be difficult to decide which is the best option for you. In this blog post, we will compare and contrast chronic pain management vs. back surgery. We will define each treatment method, discuss their pros and cons, and help you make an informed decision about which route to take.
Interdisciplinary Chronic Pain Management
Interdisciplinary chronic pain management is an umbrella term for a variety of treatment options that can be administered by a team of medical professionals. These teams may include physical therapists, occupational therapists, nurses, mental health specialists, and physicians. Some common treatments under the interdisciplinary chronic pain management umbrella are:
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Patient education
- Support groups
One of the main principles of interdisciplinary chronic pain management is to teach the patient to manage their own pain instead of relying solely on a doctor to “fix” the pain. Studies show that chronic pain management programs can produce similar results to having back surgery.
Pros of Interdisciplinary Chronic Pain Management:
- Patients are taught how to manage their own pain
- Treatments can be tailored specifically to the individual
- Can be less expensive than back surgery
Cons of Interdisciplinary Chronic Pain Management:
- Requires commitment from the patient
- May not work for everyone
Back Surgery
Back surgery is a surgical procedure that is used to treat an anatomical lesion that is responsible for causing chronic back pain. There are a variety of different surgeries that can be performed, depending on the cause and location of the pain. Some common procedures include:
- Laminectomy
- Spinal Fusion
- Discectomy
It is important to note, however, that spinal surgery is reserved for cases that have identified a specific cause of the pain, and that exploratory surgery is rarely recommended. This also means that surgery is not performed simply because other treatments have failed.
Pros of Back Surgery:
- Can provide significant relief from chronic back pain
- May improve quality of life
Cons of Back Surgery:
- Risks of surgery include infection, blood clots, and anesthesia complications
- May not be successful in relieving pain
- Can be expensive
Which is Best?
So, which is the best option for you? It depends on your individual situation. If you are willing to commit to undergoing interdisciplinary chronic pain management treatments, these may be a good option for you. Chronic pain management also works well for those who:
- are uncertain about having back surgery
- have addictions to painkillers
- have unrealistic expectations about back surgery
- may have poor surgical outcomes
However, if you have tried other treatments without success, or if your pain is severe, back surgery may be a better choice. Back surgery may also work well for those who:
- have a specific anatomical structure that is contributing to their pain
- are an ideal candidate for surgery
- wish to increase their function and decrease their pain
Overall, interdisciplinary chronic pain management and back surgery are both effective options for treating chronic back pain. Neither option is better than the other, since they each have their pros and cons. Therefore, it is up to you and your doctor to decide which route is best for your individual situation. If you think that either of these treatments could be right for you, contact your local spinal specialist for more information.
