The MRI did not reveal a problem. Should I have surgery anyway?

Question: The MRI did not reveal a problem. Should I have surgery anyway?

Answer: Doctors determine the need for surgery on the basis of MRIs and other medical imaging methods. The mere presence of back pain does is not a sufficient indicator that surgery is necessary. This is because having back surgery results in changes to the anatomy of the spine -- surgeons must locate specifically where they need to work, and on what. The cause of the back pain must be located on an MRI before the doctor can know if surgery is warranted.


Date Created: February 20, 2006