Published March 20, 2017
Researchers analyzed patients with documented herniated lumbar (low back) discs. They analyzed the level of their pain, their physical function, nerve symptoms, such as numbness and weakness, and overall quality of life. Some of the patients went on to have the discs surgically removed. The others preferred conservative measures, such as rest and physical therapy. The patients were evaluated at six weeks, three months, one year, and two years. The surgical patients did better in the short term. There were no differences in any of the other measurements at any time, including reduction in numbness and weakness and quality of life. And at the two-year mark, there was no difference in any of the measurements.
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