Back surgery is performed over 500,000 times per year in the United States. Yet study after study shows the majority of patients who have surgery could have achieved equivalent outcomes with targeted non-surgical treatment.
What the Research Shows
- SPORT Trial (disc herniation): Patients who had surgery and those who did not showed nearly identical outcomes at 4 years
- SPORT Trial (spinal stenosis): Surgery provided faster short-term relief but equivalent long-term results for many patients
- Lumbar fusion: Multiple studies found limited evidence of superiority over structured rehabilitation for non-specific chronic low back pain
When Surgery IS the Right Answer
- Progressive neurological deficits — worsening weakness, bowel or bladder dysfunction
- Cauda equina syndrome — a surgical emergency
- Spinal instability, fractures, or tumors
- Failure of 6+ months of comprehensive non-surgical treatment
What Non-Surgical Interventional Care Can Do
- Epidural steroid injections to reduce disc-related nerve inflammation
- Radiofrequency ablation for long-lasting facet joint pain relief
- Spinal cord stimulation for complex, refractory pain
- PRP and regenerative injections to promote healing
If you've been told you need back surgery and want a second opinion, call us at (281) 982-2144 — same-week appointments are available.
This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Qureshi at (281) 982-2144 for personalized guidance.