Report: Too many Americans undergoing back surgery
Rehab Regs, June 2, 2006
Americans have back surgery 40% more often than any other country, according to an ABC News World News Tonight report.
The removal of herniated or slipped discs and the fusion of unstable backbones are the most common types of surgery, though physical therapy may be a better option for people with fused vertebrae, the report said.
Richard Deyo, MD, of the Harborview Medical Center, told ABC News that it "wasn't clear there was any advantage of surgery over the nonsurgical treatment."
The report blamed the overuse of surgery on the over eagerness of surgeons to operate and patients' desire for quick results.
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