At a Continuing Legal Education class I attended some time ago, a spine specialist noted he often provided a copy of a New Yorker’s article called “A Knife in the Back” to patients who were interested in a spinal fusion to treat their chronic pain. The article can be found here.
This article takes a cautionary tone towards fusion to resolve chronic pain issues, as opposed to fusions that are (according to the article) “necessary” such as “when vertebral bones that have been dislocated or damaged by diseases are endangering the spinal cord or the nerves.”
Please keep in mind the article was written in 2002. You should discuss any issues and concerns with your medical provider.
Dane D. Ostrander
Williams, Wyckoff & Ostrander, PLLC
