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Surgery provides better results than nonsurgical treatment for most patients with back pain related to a herniated disk - but not for those receiving workers' compensation for work-related injuries, according to a study in the journal Spine.

Workers' Compensation Patients Get Less Benefit from Back Surgery

Advantages of Surgery for Herniated Disks May Not Apply to Patients on Workers' Compensation

27/Jan/2010

Surgery provides better results than nonsurgical treatment for most patients with back pain related to a herniated disk - but not for those receiving workers' compensation for work-related injuries, according to a study in the journal Spine. There appears to be "no added benefit" of surgery for patients on workers' compensation, according to the new study, led by Dr. Steven J. Atlas of Massachusetts General Hospital. 

 Link to full release from journal.

Media Contacts: Sue McGreevey, smcgreevey@partners.org, 617 724-2764

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