Main content
    Interactive Tool: Should I Consider Surgery for My Low Back Problem?

    Interactive Tool: Should I Consider Surgery for My Low Back Problem?

    What’s next?

    If you are concerned about back pain or other related symptoms such as leg pain, numbness, or weakness, talk to your doctor about what steps you can take. If surgery is unlikely to help, you can still take action to reduce and control your symptoms.

    Return to the topic:

    Works consulted:

    Carragee EJ, Hannibal M (2004). Diagnostic evaluation of low back pain. Orthopedic Clinics of North America, 35(2004): 7–16.

    Hu SS, et al. (2006). Lumbar disc herniation section of Disorders, diseases, and injuries of the spine. In HB Skinner, ed., Current Diagnosis and Treatment in Orthopedics, 4th ed., pp. 246–249. New York: McGraw-Hill.



    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.
    Click here to learn about Healthwise

    Topic Contents
    What does this tool measure?
    Health Tools Click here to view Health Tools.
    What do your results mean?
    What’s next?
    References
    Credits