Product Description
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 an internationally recognized expert in nerve and spinal surgery, 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; explains the difference between acute, chronic, and recurring pain; shows how to keep the spine healthy; and defines 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, and 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.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS (Average Customer Rating: 4.5 based on 15 reviews)

Do You Really Need Back Surgery?: A Surgeon's Guide to Back and Neck Pain and How to Choose Your Treatment by Constance Curts (Kansas City, MO USA)

4 Stars
July 07, 2009
Excellent book for the layman. A disabled person will be tempted to read it all in one night, and sit in one position too long, causing more back pain. Author Aaron G. Filler M.D. is currently practicing in California, and he is considered the world authority on the somewhat rare spinal problem "Piriformis Syndrome" (sometimes misspelled as "Piriformus Syndrome").

Back surgery by Q. Ali

1 Stars
April 06, 2009
The book really doesn't answer the question. It merely just defines different terms and different surgurical options. Thats it!

Great primer and source of independent information by M. Celliste (Denver, CO)

5 Stars
February 22, 2009
This book provides excellent background information on the spine in general and on specific kinds of problems associated with its various parts. I found it to be entirely accurate compared with other sources ranging from www.spineuniverse.com articles to my own consultations with orthopedic and neurosurgeons, and my physiatrist. It can be difficult to decide who to listen to in a for profit medical environment. Given that fusions are irreversible, this book provides valuable guidance on alternatives that enabled me to "audit" the advice I was provided by them.

Informative!!! by David G. Surace (NJ)

5 Stars
November 02, 2008
Very informative book. I highly recomment this to all whoe suffer from back and neck pain. It simply explains what pain is coming from where and what the alternative could be for help. A very good book....

Helpful, concise, and clear information by S. Schlessinger (Switzerland)

5 Stars
May 03, 2008
The appointment with the surgeon about the pending back surgery of my husband let us confused, as the information blended together. By reading Dr. Filler's book, we were able to inform ourselves, and understand the procedure which had been recommended. It was a great help, and obviously written by a professional. Thank you, Dr. Filler!

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