Back Pain Doesn't Need to Be Debilitating

It's a sad but true fact of American life. At some point, about 80% of us will experience some kind of back or shoulder pain. The resulting cost of this type of ailment amounts to $100 billion annually, in both medical costs and lost wages. Back pain shows no regard for age, sex or ethnic group. It has become the second most common cause of disability in the United States. The reasons for this alarming increase are directly related to the changing nature of the workforce, as manufacturing jobs decline and more service-oriented jobs are created. That translates to more people sitting at a desk instead of being on their feet and moving.
The changing work force coupled with an increase in the obesity rate for Americans creates a scenario where more and more back pain is prevalent and spine surgery becomes a distinct possibility. When you're looking for the best spine surgeons in Jacksonville, FL, and the surrounding areas, there are a few things to consider. 

What Approach to Take
When your back pain becomes so acute it begins to interfere with your quality of life, you need to find a good surgeon. It is important to understand how your pain affects your activity and decreases your ability to maintain your lifestyle. Unless your spine has been injured in an accident, a conservative approach is the first best option. You want to find a doctor who is willing to listen to your symptoms and together you can discuss treatment options and tailor an individualized plan. Make certain the doctor describes a course of treatment in layman's terms, so there is no misunderstanding of what is expected and what the possible outcome would be. The goal should be to restore a pain-free motion so you can resume your life. Only after trying a conservative approach should surgery be discussed. 

Types of Surgery
Advances in medicine with regards to spine surgery have reduced the need for an extended hospital stay, in many cases. Should surgery be deemed necessary, discuss the option of a minimally invasive treatment first. This type of surgery can often be done on an outpatient basis, or perhaps a short hospital stay. A more lengthy surgery should only be a final option. In that case, you need to find a surgeon who is board-certified and fellowship-trained, and who uses the latest in cutting-edge technology. These are some of the considerations you need to take into account when searching for the best spine surgeons in Jacksonville, FL, and the surrounding areas.