Rehabilitation versus Spine Surgery: A Narrative Review of Role of Rehabilitation in Lumbar Degenerative Spine Conditions

Abstract

This article presents a focused review on the role of rehabilitation in lumbar spine pain. Rehabilitation treatments are commonly used in the treatment of spine pain, before and after surgical operations. There is broad variation in rehabilitation treatments which makes assessment of effect very difficult. Rehabilitation is effective in the treatment of lumbar spine pain, and in some cases is as effective as surgery. Surgical outcomes can be superior for nerve compression and instability. Physical activity immediately after common spine operations improves outcomes but the incremental benefit appears small for most patients. When compared to surgical treatment, rehabilitation is remarkably safe. For patients with complex pathology, complicating medical conditions, difficult psychological or social situations, or those who do not improve after surgical intervention, intensive rehabilitation can often improve pain and function over many years.