The book you've been looking for Most people have back surgery to relieve pain, but all too often it doesn't help. For the half million people who undergo back surgery each year, and the additional million who are seriously contemplating it, Do You Really Need Back Surgery? is a godsend — an informed, reliable guide to when you should consider surgery and when you should not. Written by the internationally recognized expert in nerve and spinal surgery, Dr. Aaron Filler, MD, PhD, this highly readable guide covers everything back patients need to know to make informed decisions about their treatment. The book discusses the details of spinal anatomy; the difference between acute, chronic, and recurring pain; shows how to keep the spine healthy; and explains such terms as spurs, stenosis, and slippage. It also reveals what clues your physician uses to predict whether a given type of pain is likely to go away with rest and exercise, and which types may become emergencies. Dr. Filler discusses the risks of surgery, the decisions you may be faced with and what options you have, and your expectations for recovery. He provides detailed explanations of the wide array of spinal injections and surgeries, including discectomies and fusions, as well as innovative procedures such as electrothermic and laser techniques and artificial disks. He explains the various medical imaging and diagnostic tests available and even covers the complexities of health insurance. From Pilates to pedicle screws, from osteoporosis to spina bifida, Do You Really Need Back Surgery? covers all the questions your doctor usually doesn't have the time to answer. Featuring more than 80 illustrations, it is an essential manual for every neck or back pain sufferer.
Five-Star Recommendations from Amazon reviewers "I am facing major back surgery soon and this book was invaluable...it provided me with a thorough understanding of the anatomy of the spine and the details of the surgery which I will have. It is easy for a layman to understand and you can skip to the chapters that are appropriate for your particular ailment. I have already recommended it to two of my friends who also have severe back problems. It should be on the 'MUST READ' list of anyone who has a back problem, no matter how large or small." — Carol A. Surabian
"This is an excellent book for those who want to be in control of their health. I run a specialist clinic, Core Concepts, for back pain in Singapore. For our patients that want to have a thorough understanding of their condition and treatment options, we strongly recommend this book. "In fact, our copies of the book are rarely in the clinics but are out in the hands of our patients to read at home. Improving patient knowledge is an integral part of our philosphy in active treatment. We want patients to understand how we are helping them instead of playing a passive role in their treatments. This book helps us to that." — Victor Khoo Boo Yam
"After a few years of worsening spinal stenosis I recently had to have a multiple laminectomy. There have been some post-operational complications or further problems, and I am trying to sort things out. I may have to decide to have further surgery or not. "Dr. Filler's book has been very helpful to me in understanding my situation regarding my spinal problems and my possible options for addressing them. The book presents basic, practical information in a comprehensive, well organized, and detailed manner. The writing is clear and straight forward. Dr. Filler clearly has a lot of knowledge and experience, and he shares it in a way that is very useful for patients." — L. Whitney
"Facing the prospect of a cervical spine fusion, I wanted all the information I could find. Dr Filler's book is a very easy and enjoyable read. The book has general chapters on spine health, conditions and diseases that may necessitate surgery, and diagnostic and surgical procedures. Dr Filler then dedicates chapters to specific conditions and specific areas of the spine. He concludes with postoperative considerations and the future. I'm no stranger to major surgery. This is the best book of its kind that I have read. I shared the book with family members. It helped me understand my condition and better communicate with my surgeon." — Dsquared
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