In the United States, back pain is the most common complaint. More than 6 million cases are treated annually. The medical advancements available now allow those suffering from chronic back problems to enjoy their lives again. It is important to know the difference between reality and fiction when it comes to back pain treatment options.

Fact: When treating back pain, conservative treatment should be your first choice. As many as 50% of cases will see back pain disappear or diminish within one month with the help of supportive treatments. Surgery may be recommended if conservative measures fail to relieve pain within a few weeks.

Fiction: It is possible to diagnose the exact cause of back pain. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Diseases has a booklet that explains the condition. “Only with a medical history and exam — and sometimes medical tests — can a doctor diagnose the cause of back pain. Many times, the precise cause of back pain is never known.”

Fiction: All centers that perform laser spine surgery can achieve the same results. Although the United States is the country with the highest quality of healthcare, there are many options. These vary based on the experience of the surgeon performing minimally invasive laser spinal surgery.

Fiction: All minimally invasive and painless laser spine surgery is performed.

They are the same. Minimally invasive surgery refers to a broad range of procedures. The common goal is to make the procedure less painful and allow for faster recovery. There is a risk involved in any spine surgery. However, a true minimally invasive procedure performed by an experienced and skilled surgeon will dramatically impact your chances of experiencing back pain relief.

The Bonati Institute only performs the Bonati Procedures. Alfred Bonati M.D. invented and perfected The Bonati Procedures. These procedures require a small incision (less than one-half inch) and use a series of arthroscopic dilation tubes, lasers, and other instruments to reach the target area. The Bonati Institute is the only place where more than 35,000 The Bonati Procedures were performed.

Fiction: You have no other options if your back surgery fails. Open spine surgery is a successful procedure with a 90% success rate according to most statistics. However, physicians report that the actual success rate is closer at 50%. Patients who still feel pain even after surgery can use The Bonati Procedures. “open”There is hope for laminectomy and fusion surgery performed in other medical facilities.

Visit www.bonati.comFind out more about The Bonati Procedures.

Today’s life is very fast. People can check their kids’ soccer scores on the phone, while also sending emails to work with the help of digital technology. Consumers can expect the same conveniences and benefits from all businesses, except their insurance companies, thanks to the internet age. For many people struggling to pay their medical bills, this can seem like a long wait, even though 98 percent of claims for health insurance are processed in 30 days.

It is no longer enough to be insured, as nearly two-thirds of American households have less income than 2002. It is important to find out how fast and easy your insurance company processes and pays claims. This is critical for both financial recovery and physical recovery.

According to a recent survey, 66% of workers would struggle to pay for the financial burdens associated with serious injuries and illnesses. Only 49% have enough money to cover out-of pocket expenses. Employers are being forced to take cost-saving measures due to rising health care costs, which is putting even more financial pressure on employees.

* Increasing employees’ health care insurance copayments.

* Increasing employees’ share of premium.

* Implementing high-deductible health plans with health savings accounts.

Some people might have to wait as long as a month to receive their insurance payments. Many insurance companies are able to provide customers with fast service thanks to modern technology and better understanding of their needs. This is just one example. AflacIn the insurance industry, it is rare to find policies that allow for claims approval, processing, and payment within one day.

Fast payment policies are no longer luxury items of the past. It is a necessity in today’s world. It’s vital to have funds readily available for serious illness or injury. You should ensure that your insurance company can move at your pace.

Aflac’s One Day Pay Promise can be found at aflac.com/onedaypay.