Back Pain Dilemma: To Cut or Not to Cut?

To cut or not to cut? That is the question that faces every person with chronic back pain. The answer, as presented in this enlightening and somewhat depressing piece on NPR, is that there is no answer, or at least no easy answer. The right route to reduced pain depends on the source of the pain, the degree of the pain, and the lifestyle of the painee. The piece puts the tough questions to Dartmouth Medical School’s Dr. James Weinstein, one of the nation’s leading experts on back pain, and a sufferer himself. Better yet, NPR invites readers to send back pain questions to the good doctor, and to check back on March 9 for answers. Geezer says go for it. This is good.