Interactive Tool: Should You Consider Surgery for Your Low Back?

What does this tool measure?

Click here to find out whether surgery may help decrease the symptoms of a back problem .

This interactive tool will not diagnose a back problem, but it will tell you whether surgery might help decrease or eliminate symptoms related to your low back problem. There is always a risk with any surgery, so most people don't want to have surgery unless there is a very good chance it will help them. Although research shows that surgery is very likely to be effective for some problems, it rarely helps with others. This tool will help determine whether your own low back problem might be helped by surgery. You will want to talk to your doctor about surgery and your other options.

This tool is not meant for people in emergency situations. Talk to your doctor immediately if you are concerned about your symptoms or if you have any of the following problems:

• Bladder and/or bowel problems, including not being able to go to the bathroom as you normally do or not being able to control bowel movements or urination
• Loss of feeling or rapidly decreasing feeling over your feet and heels or in your “saddle area”—this includes any part of your skin that might touch a saddle if you were on a horse, including your buttocks, your inner thighs, and the backs of your legs
• Increasing weakness or problems with coordination in one or both legs

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Author:	Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH	Last Updated February 14, 2007
Medical Review:	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.