Krishnaney AA, Park J, Benzel EC.

Cleveland Clinic Center for Spine Health and Department of Neurosurgery, Cleveland Clinic Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Ave., S-80, Cleveland, OH 44195-001, USA.

Surgical intervention for neck pain and low back pain may be of benefit to some patients. It should be considered, however, only in cases where medical management has failed and there is a clearly identifiable anatomic lesion that likely is the pain generator. Indications, preoperative evaluation, and common surgical procedures are reviewed.