Science and Health

There is no question that in the last 150 years science has dramatically improved our knowledge of what really causes disease and pain.

Unfortunately, the scientific method that was used to gain this knowledge can't always be applied towards actually treating diseases and easing pain.

For example, a recent study indicates that intensive rehabilitation is more effective then spinal fusion for treating chronic back pain.

Does that mean that science indicates you should pursue physical therapy rather than spinal fusion if you have chronic lower back pain?

No. This is just one study, and one study is not enough to draw an absolute conclusion one way or the other. There are many factors that contribute to each person's pain, and there are variables in the skills of different surgeons and in the skills of different physical therapists. The best course to take for your own pain relief is dependent on all these factors.

Science alone can't pick your treatment path.

This study shows that a non-invasive physical technique for treating chronic pain works in some cases. Surgery was slightly more effective than the physical therapy, but there were complications in 11% of patients treated with surgery versus no complications in the rehabilitation group.

Everyone must make their own choices, but non-invasive techniques can often be pursued before those that are non-reversible and before those that have a higher risk of complications. This is a very hard choice to make when the "safer" treatment may itself be painful and may take much longer to ease your pain than the "quick fix" option, but in some cases the longer path back to health may be the better choice.