Orthopaedic surgery (surgery for problems related to bones, joints, tendons and ligaments) is the most common reason more than 100,000 Australians go under knife. While many of these surgeries may be necessary for various reasons including relief from chronic musculoskeletal pain, three common surgeries are found to be little or no benefit to patients.

• Spinal fusion for back pain: As per this trial, the available evidence does not support a benefit from spine fusion compared to non-operative alternatives for back pain associated with degeneration or thoracolumbar burst fractures.

• Arthroscopy for knee pain: In this controlled trial involving patients with osteoarthritis of the knee, the outcomes after arthroscopic lavage or arthroscopic débridement were no better than those after a placebo procedure.

• Arthroscopy for shoulder pain: This trial concluded that surgery might not provide clinically significant benefit over no treatment.

The evidence acknowledges that chronic musculoskeletal pain is one of the most intractable clinical problems faced by clinicians and can be devastating for patients. Unfortunately, treatments for chronic pain are woefully inadequate and often worsen clinical outcomes. Developing new treatment strategies for patients with chronic pain is of utmost urgency.

As per research, chronic musculoskeletal pain, by its very nature, is associated with negative emotions and psychological distress. There are individual differences in personality, coping skills, behavioral adaptation, and social support that dramatically alter the psychological outcomes of patients with chronic pain.

Ayurveda offers some very effective, non-invasive, safer approaches to treat chronic back, neck and knee pain.

Important: We are not at all suggesting to avoid surgery. If someone needs a surgery, they need it- period. There is nothing like modern medicine to treat acute conditions. We are also not suggesting that Ayurveda can cure everything or guarantees relief.

However, if you are experiencing chronic pain- musculoskeletal pain related to bones, joints, tendons and ligaments- or any other chronic pain- ask yourself these questions:

1. Am I more likely to get better with surgery than without it?

2. What are the risks of having this surgery? Both during surgery (for example, anaesthesia) and after surgery (for example, complications). For example, lumbar spine fusion is a common procedure associated with a high cost burden and risk of serious complications.

3. Have I received enough information about the benefits and risks of having surgery compared to other treatments (including doing nothing). Don’t rely too much on Dr Google but research on authentic materials your doctor gives and credible web sources. Use reliable decision making tools as necessary.

4. What happens if I choose not to have surgery?

5. Have I explored all plausible alternative pathways available to me, prior to surgery?

If you wish to know more about Ayurvedic pathways to treat chronic pain, click here or book a consultation with us.