Back pain, especially reoccurring pain, can become incapacitating. In fact, 90% of patients will have an improvement in their back pain within 6 weeks without having surgery. However, it is important to know if you have symptoms including pain radiating below your knee or elbow, fever associated with back pain, numbness in your extremities, or loss of bowel or bladder function, you should see your doctor as soon as possible.
For those who make it past the 6-week mark and still have pain or lack of improvement, it is important to have an expert review your MRI exam. A fresh look at the exam by a radiologist specialist performing a second opinion on the scan is critical to reevaluate the root cause of the issue and a fresh assessment for any surgery. Just over 50% of first spinal surgeries are successful, with any additional surgeries having poorer results (30% for second surgery and 15% success for third spinal surgery).
The Medical Consultant wants to help you make the most informed decision regarding back pain and potential surgery. Our radiologist specialists take their time to review each case, evaluate all the relevant information, history, and previous recommendation before we give you the most accurate opinion possible. We want you to be informed so that you can make the best decision possible for your treatment.
