Back surgery: Modern medical pitfall.

Area of Science:

• Healthcare research
• Medical iatrogenesis
• Spinal manipulation therapy

Background:

• Medical iatrogenesis, or harm caused by medical treatment, is increasing, with significant deaths, disability, and costs.
• Failed back surgeries are a major concern due to ineffective treatments and disproven medical theories.
• Warnings from major health organizations highlight the growing problem of iatrogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the rising rates of medical iatrogenesis, particularly in failed back surgeries.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) as an alternative treatment for low back pain.
• To identify the barriers limiting the adoption of cost-effective treatments like SMT.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on medical iatrogenesis and failed back surgeries.
• Analysis of research comparing SMT outcomes with traditional medical and surgical interventions for low back pain.
• Examination of healthcare policy and economic factors influencing treatment accessibility.

Main Results:

• Medical iatrogenesis and failed back surgeries are significant contributors to healthcare burdens.
• Spinal manipulative therapy demonstrates superior or comparable results to conventional treatments for low back pain.
• Medical and insurance programs frequently restrict or deny coverage for SMT, despite its efficacy and cost-effectiveness.

Conclusions:

• Addressing the epidemic of failed back surgeries and reducing medical iatrogenesis requires a shift towards evidence-based, cost-effective treatments.
• Overcoming political and economic barriers is crucial for integrating effective therapies like spinal manipulative therapy into mainstream healthcare.
• Lowering healthcare costs and improving patient outcomes necessitates reforming insurance policies and medical practices to favor proven, less invasive treatments.