“I have severe back pain at the bottom of my spine. Do you think a surgery might be required?”

Start with meds/PT/injections.

You need to be evaluated by a fully licensed physician (MD or DO) to see if you need surgery. This will include a detailed history, physical exam, and likely imaging studies. Osteopathic Treatment has been shown in research to reduce and improve low back pain, however depending on your specific dysfunction and pathology you may still need surgical intervention.

I recommend you see a spine specialist 1st and get evaluated. Surgery is usually the last resort to treat back pain. You likely will improve with less invasive treatments.

Poor you. Well, surgery should always be the last resort. How long have you had the pain? What do you think started it? Is it worse sitting, standing, or lying down? It could be coccyx. You may even have a fracture (tail bone). Did you fall? How old are you? I would see a physiatrist or sports medicine doctor. Keep away from surgeons. You must understand surgeons are trained to cut, not to rehabilitate, just cut. Please get a diagnosis first, then it is simple to get a treatment plan. Pills will only mask the problem. Sports medicine doctor is also okay. But get checked out to find out why you are in pain. Baths with Epsom salts may help, and anti-inflammatory cream. I use natural with peppermint oil and plant extracts. Very effective, no side effects, but please get a diagnosis.

Physical therapy may be part of a comprehensive treatment plan prescribed by your doctor. Physical therapy includes both passive and active treatments. Passive treatments help to relax you and your body. They also prepare your body for therapeutic exercise, which is the active part of physical therapy. If after you receive therapy, if the pain did not improve overall, then surgery may be an option. There are several types of surgical procedures used in spine surgery, and your spine surgeon will recommend the best procedure to treat your pain. His or her recommendation will be based on the spinal condition causing your back pain, and the entire procedure should be clearly explained to you. Don't be afraid to ask any questions you need to in order to better understand the surgeon's recommendation. Remember, the final decision to have surgery is always up to you. You may find it useful to get a second opinion on the recommended spine surgery before deciding.

An exam and X-rays would be needed to find the cause.

You will need an X-ray and maybe an MRI to answer that question.

Surgery is possibly necessary but should be reserved until you have tried a more conservative approach first. I highly recommend receiving regular Chiropractic treatments for 6 weeks before looking into surgery. The Chiropractor will also be able to tell you if they think surgery is necessary for you.