An expert's suggesting treating chronic pain by undergoing surgery, is an outdated medical practice

Orthopaedic surgeon Professor Ian Harris spoke at the New Zealand Pain Society conference in Dunedin over the weekend.

The Otago Daily Times is reporting he wants to raise awareness that surgery isn't a silver bullet, and is often ineffective in treating musculo-skeletal conditions.

Harris says studies show very little evidence for performing surgery on people with chronic pain in areas such as their necks, backs, knees and hips.

He says it's a complex condition that often has many factors contributing to it.