Back surgery. It sounds like the answer to the problem of back pain. Go in and take out or ‘fix’ what’s causing the pain. The problem is that it’s not as easy as it sounds nor are the outcomes always as positive as hoped. Johnson Chiropractic helps back pain sufferers avoid back surgery if they want a non-surgical alternative. There is a place for back surgery. The key to its success for the individual back pain sufferer is determining when and if back surgery is appropriate. Richmond chiropractic patients know they can rely on Johnson Chiropractic to guide that decision.
The New York Times featured an article discussing back surgery and its use. The author points out that even after clinical trials completed by the early 2000’s showed that spinal fusion did no better than non-surgical alternatives, surgeons continued doing these surgeries until 2012 when a large insurance carrier, Blue Cross Blue Shield, quit paying for them. Dr. Richard Deyo, a respected and prolific spine researcher, even said “It may be that financial disincentives accomplished something that scientific evidence alone didn’t.” (1) Johnson Chiropractic recognizes that it’s important to keep up with the latest in spinal treatment approaches and their research outcomes for Richmond back pain patients.
A new research study reports that women have poorer surgical outcomes than men for lumbar disc herniation. They both get relief with surgery, but one year later, women experience poorer outcomes. Why? Pre-operatively, women use more analgesics, walk less distance, have more back and leg pain, report a lower quality of life and higher disability. This remains the same one year after back surgery. (2) Johnson Chiropractic’s non-surgical approach to back pain relief may well help both men and women get the relief they are seeking and improve their quality of life along the way.
Post-surgical lumbar spine patients don’t get enough moderate-intensity exercise (Only 25% do.) or energy expending activity (Only 35% do.) in their lives after surgery. This sets them up for possible re-repeat surgery, postoperative back pain, and degenerative diagnoses. (3) Johnson Chiropractic always asks our Richmond post-operative back pain patients if they exercise or do rehab. If not, Johnson Chiropractic encourages exercise. Even as simple an activity of walking can start a positive habit of walking more and walking further as you feel stronger and better.
To help improve your strength and quality of life, Johnson Chiropractic offers the research-documented, pain-relieving treatment protocol called Cox Technic. Richmond chiropractic patients appreciate its gentleness, its safety and its relief. Richmond chiropractic patients actually enjoy coming to Johnson Chiropractic!
Contact Johnson Chiropractic. Richmond female and male patients, post-surgical or surgery-contemplating, are welcome to explore all Johnson Chiropractic has to offer in the realm of chiropractic, non-surgical care, especially today when back surgery may not be the answer for your particular back pain relief.
