Data Analysis
Descriptive statistics including means and standard deviations were used to characterize continuous variables, such as age, pain ratings, activity limitation items, and value of the educational information received. Frequency distributions and percentages were used to characterize categorical variables, including demographics, pain presence and location, surgical characteristics, and medical history. T tests were used to examine differences in pain severity, edema, and activity limitations for different groups (free or pedicled and immediate or delayed) and back pain prior to surgery. All measures were analyzed using the SPSS Statistical Packageฎ, version 14.0 (SPSS Inc.).