If you’re suffering with back pain and are trying to decide whether pursuing surgery or doing natural treatments like chiropractic and rehab is the best choice, this article is for you.

In this article, we’ll compare these 2 options using these factors:

• Type and severity of injury
• Effectiveness
• Risks
• Financial Cost
• Time & Energy Investment

Type and Severity of Injury

If you’re wondering what exactly is causing your back pain and how severe your injury is, you can book an orthopedic exam with one of our experts here, and we can help you determine what would be the best next step for your recovery.

Effectiveness

In this comparison on effectiveness, we’re asking: does the treatment decrease back pain long-term?

Surgery

Natural Treatments

Back surgery significantly varies in effectiveness depending on the type of surgery performed, the expertise of the surgeon, the health and wellbeing of the patient, whether complications arise during the surgery or during recovery, and more. The overall effectiveness of back surgery can be seen in these studies:Up to 40% of individuals have “failed back surgery syndrome,” where their back pain is the same or worse after recovering from surgery. This means the surgery was ineffective at fixing the pain or their condition. [8]Approximately 23% of patients who undergo back surgery end up needing a second surgery or a revision procedure within 10 years. [9] After a second back surgery, the chances of success drop significantly. This means that if the first surgery doesn’t work, it’s unlikely that future surgeries will help reduce pain. [10]

Combining natural treatments can create a synergistic effect, where they work together to produce greater results than using each one alone. It utilizes a 1+1=3 effect.Chiropractic: 100s of studies show that patients with back pain who receive chiropractic care have much less back pain, more range of motion and function, and need less pain medication. [11] [12]Rehab: The majority of patients doing physical therapy/rehab decrease their pain by 80-90% after only 6 weeks. [13]Dry Needling: Studies show that dry needling decreases pain, improves functionality, and increases range of motion, with these benefits lasting for months after the treatment is completed. [14]Cupping: Has been shown to decrease pain and increase functionality, especially for those with lower back pain related to muscle, tendon, and ligament injuries. [15]

Risks

Surgery

Natural Treatments

Back surgery can be life saving for those who truly need it, but it comes with severe risks. These include:Failed Back Surgery Syndrome – this occurs when back pain persists or worsens even after fully recovering from surgery. Despite weeks or months of surgery and recovery, these patients continue to experience pain. This affects up to 40% of people who undergo back surgery. [8]Thrombophlebitis – this is when the blood clots inside of a vein, causing extreme swelling, inflammation, and pain/discomfort. This occurs in about 70% of orthopedic surgeries. [16]Infection – this involves bacteria infecting the part of the back that was cut open for the procedure. Risk of infection can vary, on average there is up to a 6.5% chance of infection after spinal surgeries. [17]Lung Problems & Respiratory Conditions – one of the main long-term risks of back surgery is adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This condition causes fluid to build up in the lungs, making it hard to breathe and get enough oxygen. It affects about 4% of people who undergo spinal surgery. [18]

Just like anything, the risks with chiropractic care and rehab are present but very unlikely. These can include:Minor soreness or stiffness after an adjustment that lasts hours or days. [19]Muscle soreness after a difficult rehab session that lasts hours or days.Cases of severe injury occurring after a chiropractic adjustment are extremely rare, with about a 0.00001% chance of occurring. [20]

Financial Costs

Surgery	Natural Treatments
The cost of back surgery can range from $5,000 to $140,000, depending on the type of procedure, geographic location, and surgeon fees. [21] How much you pay out-of-pocket depends on your insurance. Typically, insurance covers 60-95% of the total cost, so patients usually pay 5-40%. [22] [23] This doesn’t include costs for time off work, post-surgery equipment, or recovery care fees.	The cost of natural care varies widely, depending on the type(s) of care required, length of care, and individual provider fees. At Kaizo Health, we work with most major insurance companies, and have specific wellness plans for those who prefer to pay out-of-pocket. On average, costs of care from chiropractic, rehab, and other natural treatments are significantly less than surgeries.

Time & Energy Investment:

Surgery

Natural Treatments

Pre-surgery, there are few things patients can put time and energy into that will improve surgical outcomes, including getting a physical from a doctor consuming a specific diet, exercising, stop taking specific types of medications, and more depending on your doctor’s advice. [24] The typical recovery time for surgeries varies between a few weeks to about 1 year. [25] Post-surgery, rehab and specific activities are often recommended, sometimes relying on a loved one or professional help to assist with your care. [26] Overall, the time and energy investment with surgery can take multiple months of conscious planning, exercise, and effort.

The time and energy investment with natural care varies widely, depending on the type(s) of care required, length of care, and speed of recovery. At Kaizo Health, our care plans typical length is 6-12 weeks, with patients attending care 2-3 times a week. Both options require a conscious level of effort for multiple weeks or months to recover.

Both options have pros and cons, and this analysis shows that starting with conservative treatments first is more advisable. This means trying natural treatments like chiropractic care and rehab before considering surgery.

Contact us to let us know if you have any questions about your health!