You are trying to access subscriber-only content.

If you are a subscriber, log in here.

If you are not a subscriber, or are only subscribed to the print edition, click here to subscribe now. Digital subscribers have unlimited access to our magazine articles and more!

Only a small minority of people who battle low back pain will need surgery. Back pain surgery is either done in an emergency or electively (by choice). In this chapter, we’ll consider what goes into the decision to choose elective surgery as well as the situations that create the need for emergency surgery. We’ll also […]