Choosing back surgery over exercise to treat a herniated disc generally provides more relief, but the difference is minimal and fears related to skipping surgery are unfounded, researchers said on Tuesday.
A study involving more than 1,200 patients at 13 U.S. hospitals found either surgery to remove a bulging back disc or a course of physical therapy both helped ease the pain and discomfort two years after treatment.
A herniated disk, where the doughnut-shaped soft tissue cushioning the vertebra protrudes and impinges on nerves running along the spine, is a common problem that can recede with time and with the help of exercise, the report in the Journal of the American Medical Association said.
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