Published November 05, 2026
For more than 25 years, Joseph H. treated his chronic back pain with periodic cortisone injections, intermittent physical therapy, a handful of pain medications – and a healthy dose of skepticism about surgical options to fix it.
Joseph, now 65, doesn’t remember exactly when his back pain started. He’s been dealing with it for too many years. At first, cortisone injections helped reduce discomfort and inflammation in his lower back. Physical therapy and stretching exercises also relieved strain and stiffness, often for months at a time.
However, the reprieve was only temporary. As the years went on, the interval between treatments became shorter and the visits to the doctor were more frequent. Pain medications were added to take the edge off. Joseph knew the shots and the physical therapy and the medications were just buying him time because they didn’t address the underlying condition that was causing his pain. He consulted an orthopedic surgeon, who advised that a spinal fusion to fix the herniated discs was the likely outcome he was facing.
Still, Joseph resisted. He’s an active outdoorsman and didn’t want to miss a season of fishing, boating or skiing. He was also apprehensive. Many years before, his mother had undergone back surgery, which was ultimately unsuccessful and left her in even more pain and with less mobility. “I didn’t want surgery. I promised myself I would wait and tough it out as long as I could,” he said.
Eventually, the pain became more than he could manage. Although he had already received a diagnosis and recommendation for surgery, Joseph decided to seek a second opinion. He scheduled an appointment through Yale New Haven Health’s Spine Surgery Second Opinion Consultation program to meet with Maxwell Laurans, MD, a neurosurgeon with Yale New Haven Health who specializes in degenerative spine conditions. Dr. Laurans also serves as senior vice president of Service Lines at Yale New Haven Health and is an assistant professor of Neurosurgery at Yale School of Medicine.
“Spine surgery is a significant decision. When it is being considered, a second opinion can provide clarity, confirm the diagnosis, and provide a patient with a full understanding of their condition and all available treatment options,” Dr. Laurans said.
Yale New Haven Health offers comprehensive second opinions for patients at any stage of diagnosis or treatment. As part of your consultation, a collaborative team of orthopedic spine surgeons, neurosurgeons and pain management specialists work together to develop a personalized, coordinated care plan that aligns with your goals. The team prioritizes non-surgical, conservative care whenever possible.
“If surgery is ultimately needed, our team focuses on minimally invasive approaches to support safer recovery and best possible outcomes,” Dr. Laurans said.
Joseph is grateful for the team approach. His consultation with Yale New Haven Health’s spine team led to the discovery of a previously undiagnosed congenital disorder in his lower back that may have caused nerve problems during a routine spinal fusion. With neurosurgeons involved in developing his care plan, he felt confident moving forward with two separate surgical procedures.
“Yale New Haven Health is like a giant toolbox with the right tool available exactly when you need it,” he said.
Ultimately, Joseph said trust was the deciding factor in his decision to undergo spine surgery. “The most important thing is feeling comfortable with and trusting your doctor. I have complete trust in the spine team at Yale New Haven Health,” he said. “If you're unsure of anything, get a second opinion with someone who makes you feel comfortable and heard.”
Complete this form and a coordinator will contact you within 48 hours to schedule your appointment and assist with gathering necessary medical records and imaging. Appointments are typically available within 5 - 7 business days.
