According to Dr. Nathaniel Tindel, there is an alternative to back surgery in 19 out of 20 cases. This authoritative and plain-spoken guide to what back surgery can and can't do reveals behind-the-scenes information on back pain, back doctors, and back treatments delivered candidly, using case studies and clinical evidence. It arms readers with the information and the courage to ask the right doctors the right questions, so that they can make the right decisions. Topics covered include: What causes back pain and sciatica -- Why surgery doesn't always work -- The truth about disc replacement -- The key to successful pain management -- Back-pain emergencies -- Types of surgery and non-surgical alternatives -- Surgical risks--Publisher.

An internationally recognized expert in nerve and spinal surgery covers everything a back patient needs to know in deciding whether or not to have surgery, discussing the various types of surgery available, the risks of surgery, and the options one may have.

The acclaimed author of Carved in Sand—a veteran investigative journalist who endured persistent back pain for decades—delivers the definitive book on the subject: an essential examination of all facets of the back pain industry, exploring what works, what doesn't, what may cause harm, and how to get on the road to recovery. In her effort to manage her chronic back pain, investigative reporter Cathryn Jakobson Ramin spent years and a small fortune on a panoply of treatments. But her discomfort only intensified, leaving her feeling frustrated and perplexed. As she searched for better solutions, she exposed a much bigger problem. Costing roughly $100 billion a year, spine medicine—often ineffective and sometimes harmful —exemplified the worst aspects of the U.S. health care system. The result of six years of intensive investigation, Crooked offers a startling look at the poorly identified risks of spine medicine, and provides practical advice and solutions. Ramin interviewed scores of spine surgeons, pain management doctors, physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians, exercise physiologists, physical therapists, chiropractors, specialized bodywork practitioners. She met with many patients whose pain and desperation led them to make life-altering decisions, and with others who triumphed over their limitations. The result is a brilliant and comprehensive book that is not only important but essential to millions of back pain sufferers, and all types of health care professionals. Ramin shatters assumptions about surgery, chiropractic methods, physical therapy, spinal injections and painkillers, and addresses evidence-based rehabilitation options—showing, in detail, how to avoid therapeutic dead ends, while saving money, time, and considerable anguish. With Crooked, she reveals what it takes to outwit the back pain industry and get on the road to recovery.

Dr. Altrocchi, a low back pain MD-expert, directs his book to the 250 million people who have had, now have or will have lumbar back pain. The traditional MD-approach emphasizing “herniated discs,” “pinched nerves” and surgery, has failed for 75 years, causing widespread chronic back pain, disability and human tragedy. In fact, over 90% of back pain is caused by mechanical spine problems, easily diagnosed and treated by logical, anatomical hands-on methods, clearly explained by Dr. Altrocchi, a former Professor of Neurology at Stanford Medical School with 40 years of clinical experience. If patients are seen immediately, they can be cured promptly by simple, logical, non-painful manual treatment without expensive, misleading scans which too often lead to useless and harmful surgery.

Low back pain is a very common problem that is increasingly being treated surgically. This book aims to evaluate carefully the possible surgical approaches to low back pain, with detailed appraisal of the factors leading to their success or failure. It begins by explaining the scientific basis for surgery and considering the different diagnostic techniques that may be employed, thereby elucidating the surgical rationale, indications, and contraindications. The value of conservative options is also assessed to help the reader weigh the need for surgery. The various surgical modalities, including the most recent, are then fully described and evaluated with the aid of numerous illustrations. The book concludes with a chapter devoted to evidence-based analysis of the outcome of surgery in patients with low back pain. This book will be invaluable to orthopaedic and neurosurgeons, rheumatologists, neurologists, and all who are concerned with the effective treatment of this often debilitating condition.

Drs. Groopman and Hartzband reveal a clear path for making the right medical choices. Such factors as authority figures, statistics, other patients' stories, technology, and natural healing are key factors that shape choices.