Dr. Tony Holohan:

I would not urge surgery. I am speaking well outside my comfort zone from an expert point of view but my understanding is that many people who are referred to orthopaedic surgeons for lower back problems are amenable to effective intervention by a range of other professions, not just doctors, such as physiotherapists. A number of different innovations have been introduced into the healthcare system to help to deal with some challenges with waiting times and to have other allied health professionals play a role. They are all part of the formal healthcare system.