Busting the Myth: Do Doctors Choose Surgery First for Pain?
When you're dealing with pain, it’s natural to worry that surgery might be the first thing a doctor suggests. Here’s the truth—surgery is rarely the first option for managing pain. Depending on your specific condition, your doctor will focus first on safer, noninvasive treatment options to help ease your pain. Let’s take a closer look at why surgery is usually the last step, not the first.
Why Surgery Isn’t the First Answer to Pain
- Pain is More Than Physical
Doctors understand that pain isn’t just about the body. Your emotions, stress and daily life all play a role. Treatment plans look at the bigger picture, not just the physical symptoms.
- Non-Surgical Options May Work Well
Some pain may be managed with treatments that don’t involve surgery, such as:
- Medications like ibuprofen, acetaminophen or nerve pain medicines.
- Physical therapy to build strength and improve movement.
- Injections or nerve blocks to target pain areas.
- Talk therapy like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for chronic pain.
- Combining Treatments Helps
Doctors often recommend a combination of treatments (like medication, physical therapy and stress management) to provide a higher chance of reducing pain.
- Surgery Has Risks
Surgery comes with risks like infection, long recovery times and side effects. Most doctors avoid these risks unless it’s absolutely necessary.
- Every Plan is Personal
No two people experience pain the same way. Doctors create plans based on your health, pain type and personal goals. Surgery may only be considered after trying other nonsurgical treatments.
When is Surgery Considered?
Surgery is only recommended when:
- There's a clear cause for pain that surgery may be able to treat.
- Pain affects daily life despite trying other noninvasive treatments.
- Other options have been explored and haven’t worked.
Doctors don’t rush into surgery. They take time to understand your pain and try treatments that carry less risk first. If you’re worried about being pushed into surgery, know that your care team is focused on finding appropriate treatment options for your condition, and that often means starting with noninvasive treatment options.