Experts Say Surgery Should Be a Last Resort for Chronic Pain

Nearly one in four U.S. adults reports living with chronic pain, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Chronic pain is defined as pain lasting three months or longer, and it can take a serious toll on a person’s daily life, affecting everything from sleep and mobility to work and mental health.

Despite that, many people never seek medical care—often out of fear that their only option will be surgery. But health experts say surgery should rarely be the first step in pain management. Instead, doctors often recommend a range of non-surgical treatments first, such as physical therapy, lifestyle changes, exercise, or medications designed to help reduce inflammation and improve function.

Mandy Gaither explains why one expert says surgery should be considered only after other treatments have been tried.