Concerns About Elderly Being Over Treated With Costly Back Pain Surgery

Complex back surgery has been going through a large upswing in use for elderly patients.  While doctors are still looking into it, they are worried that among patients, and primarily the elderly, they may be getting surgery when it may not be necessary- especially when so many other options exist. 

For conditions as common as arthritis and spinal stenosis (a common condition in the elderly in which the spinal canal narrows, causing pain in the back and legs), there are many treatment options.  Yet, many are being told they need complex surgery, in place of other treatments that are far less invasive.

The main issues faced with the overuse of surgical methods are an increase of harmful and life-threatening complications and adding on to the high costs of health care.  Especially when there are many other treatment options available for even seniors, from physical therapy to much more minor procedure to remove bone growths. 

When there are so many non-invasive options, spinal surgery and vertebrae fusing especially, while an option in many cases, seems to be experiencing an issue with being overused.  

While there are a number of people out there who typically thing that more ‘doctoring’ and more medical procedures mean more healing, this isn’t always the case.  Sometimes a far simpler and more ‘natural’ treatment may instead offer easier and far less painful (or invasive) healing for patients'.  There are many other options for those with many different kinds of back pain, and the worry stems from certain treatments being a first resort as opposed to a last. 

While there is no doubt that in some cases, the surgery may be necessary and any benefits would far outweigh the risks.  With the newer face of health care, many are looking into finding better alternatives for patients, and that sometimes may mean that surgery may be instead used in cases where it is completely, (and without a doubt) necessary.