Surgery

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People whose back pain is associated with certain nerve problems or conditions such as fractures or dislocations have the best chance of being helped by surgery. Although some conditions are emergencies, decisions about surgery do not have to be made right away in most cases. Most back surgery can be delayed for several weeks without making the condition worse. It is also a good idea to get a second opinion. For some people, surgery may cause more problems, which are most likely to occur if the only symptom is back pain. If your doctor or other healthcare professional recommends surgery, be sure to ask about the following:

• the reason for the proposed surgery
• the risks involved in the surgery
• the benefits you might expect