Treatment of neck and back pain can be divided into 2 groups. Those that definitely need to be done to prevent paralysis and disability, and those that are done simply to improve the quality of life. The former needs to be done as soon as possible, whereas the latter is optional. With the basic needs of living being met, i.e. food, water, shelter, there is an increasing emphasis on living life to the fullest. And having chronic pain detracts from that.
Treatment of pain with medications and procedures and operations should not be seen simply as an escape from suffering, but as a waypoint on the journey towards being empowered to pursue ones dream without encumbrance. Without a goal or focus, the pursuit of pain relief in itself will ultimately need to dissatisfaction.
So what are you living for?