A new study by researchers in the United States has revealed that despite the billions of dollars spent in recent years on treating back pain, many people gain little relief. The scientists from the University of Washington in Seattle say costs are driven by more being spent on prescription drugs, better diagnostic tests and more outpatient visits, as well as greater patient demand for treatment and increased use of spinal fusion surgery and instruments.

However they say people with back problems actually feel worse. The research in some respects supports a number of recent studies which have shown that some patients who decide against surgery for back pain, over time do as well as those who have the surgery, which has prompted many specialists to advise a wait and see approach.

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