The trend in medical research lately has been towards less treatment. This seems to be borne out again in a new study from the University of Pittsburgh. Scientists at Pitt examined the outcomes of older patients with spinal stenosis who opted for physical therapy rather than back surgery. The results indicate that more patients should go the physical therapy route before undergoing the knife. In some cases, the patients still need surgery. But, they were able to delay getting an operation for up to two years. Given that back surgery is equal parts art and science, it makes sense to turn to that option last. Avoiding, or at least delaying, back surgery can also have significant financial consequences. If you have spinal stenosis, ask your doctor if you should go through physical therapy long before even discussing surgery.
More Evidence That Less Is More
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