Upstate orthopedic surgeon Daryll Dykes, MD, JD, PhD, says the majority of cases of back pain are treated not with surgery, but with proper rest and anti-inflammatory medications. He explains when back pain is an emergency, and the problems that eventually may require surgery. He also dispels some of the myths and misconceptions about back pain. For example: Your posture contributes less to back pain than your weight does. Dykes specializes in spine surgery for adults and children.