Is surgery necessary?

Is surgery really necessary?

Most musculoskeletal pain can be treated without surgery. Many conditions for which surgery is recommended, such as a herniated disc, a partial rotator cuff tear, or frozen shoulder, can improve with non-surgical treatment. However, surgery is necessary in emergency situations such as progressive nerve damage, muscle weakness, or bladder and bowel dysfunction.

When non-surgical treatment is an option

  • Herniated disc: More than 90% improve without surgery. In many cases, the herniated disc is naturally reabsorbed over time.
  • Partial rotator cuff tear: If the tear is small and function is preserved, rehabilitation is often enough for full recovery.
  • Frozen shoulder: Most cases resolve on their own within 6 months to 2 years, and circulation therapy can shorten the recovery period.
  • Spinal stenosis: If symptoms are not severe, it can be managed with medication, injections, and physical therapy.
  • Knee cartilage damage: Degenerative changes or mild damage can improve with non-surgical treatment.

When surgery is necessary (emergencies)

If you have any of the following symptoms, you need to see a specialist immediately:

  • Loss of bladder or bowel control (cauda equina syndrome)
  • Sudden loss of strength in the foot or hand
  • Rapidly progressing muscle weakness
  • Fracture or dislocation caused by trauma
  • Suspected infection or tumor

What to check when surgery is recommended

Have you tried non-surgical treatment?

If you haven’t sufficiently tried systematic non-surgical treatment (injections, physical therapy, movement correction), it’s worth trying non-surgical treatment first.

Is it an emergency?

Unless nerve damage is progressing or muscle strength is rapidly declining, you can take your time to decide.

The Yonsei SM approach

We first aim for maximum recovery through non-surgical treatment. By using circulation therapy to reduce inflammation and restore function, many patients can return to daily life without surgery. When surgery is needed, we refer you to an appropriate specialist institution.

Non-surgical treatment starts with circulation therapy

Before deciding on surgery, try systematic non-surgical treatment.

  • Circulation HD: Releases adhesions around the compressed nerve and reduces inflammation.
  • Circulation PT: Strengthens weakened muscles and restores joint function.
  • 3-step circulation: Calm down → wake up → connect, guiding you toward fundamental recovery.

Frequently asked together

Before surgery, try non-surgical treatment first

Our medical specialists provide an accurate diagnosis and guide you to the best treatment option.

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References

  • Weinstein JN et al. Surgical vs nonoperative treatment for lumbar disk herniation: the Spine Patient Outcomes Research Trial (SPORT). JAMA. 2006;296(20):2441-2450. PMID 17119141
  • Peul WC et al. Surgery versus prolonged conservative treatment for sciatica. N Engl J Med. 2007;356(22):2245-2256. PMID 17538084
  • Kukkonen J et al. Treatment of nontraumatic rotator cuff tears: a randomised controlled trial with one-year clinical results. Bone Joint J. 2014;96-B(1):75-81.
  • Gibson JN, Waddell G. Surgical interventions for lumbar disc prolapse. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2007;2:CD001350.