Though spine surgery has advanced greatly in the last decade, even endoscopic and minimally invasive spine surgeries can be major operations. That’s why it’s important that you carefully consider if surgery is the right treatment for your back pain before you commit to an operation. To decide if spine surgery is right for you, ask yourself these questions: Do you have a specific diagnosed problem? Spine surgery is more effective if your surgeon can identify the specific cause of your problem. Just because there is a bulging disc on your MRI doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s the cause of your pain. In fact, an MRI on its own does not show “pain.” You may have other conditions, like spinal stenosis or arthritis, that are the actual causes of your back pain. An MRI must always be interpreted in the context of your symptoms and examination. That’s why Faisal Siddiqui, MD, … [ read more ]