Even when it is performed using minimally invasive techniques, surgery is a major trauma on your body that carries with it the prospect of additional risk. Because of this, many patients want to do anything and everything they can to avoid going under the knife. So what are your options if you are dealing with back pain and are hoping to avoid the need for surgery? We explain what treatments you’ll likely pursue if you want to stay out of the operating room.
The Best Non-Surgical Treatment Options For Back Pain
Before we dive into some of the most effective non-operative treatments for back pain, know that you are best suited by getting a comprehensive diagnosis from a spine specialist who can tailor a treatment routine to your specific needs. While non-surgical treatments are often effective, they may not get the job done if you mistakenly believe you are dealing with one condition when you’re actually affected by something else. A professional can help to assess your spine and provide you with some individualized treatments for your issue, which will give you the best chance of avoiding surgery.
Here’s a look at some of the most commonly recommended forms of treatment for a variety of spinal issues.
- Physical Therapy – Physical therapy can do wonders for your spine. It can strengthen structures after they’ve been weakened by injury, it can help to expand your comfortable range of motion, and it can help to correct underlying posture issues that may be contributing to your discomfort. Controlled physical therapy exercises will help you achieve progress while also reducing your risk of additional injury since the exercises are performed under the guidance or with the recommendation of a professional.
- Weight Loss – Many people are surprised to learn that weight loss is oftentimes a recommendation for people suffering from a variety of spinal conditions. Weight loss will help to take a significant amount of stress off your spinal column, which is oftentimes a contributing factor to back pain. Of course, the methods for achieving weight loss (diet and exercise) provide the right type of environment for a healthy spine as well, so it’s not just the weight loss that helps alleviate spinal discomfort.
- Low-Impact Exercise – Exercise is oftentimes recommended for patients experiencing mild to moderate back pain. Low-impact exercise can strengthen the muscles and soft tissues that support your spinal column while also improving your circulation, which ensures key areas of your spine get the nutrients they need to function properly or heal after an injury. Low-impact exercise may be preferred to moderate- or high-impact exercises like running or jumping workouts, as landing hard on your feet will also be felt in your spine.
- Ice/Heat – Icing and heating can also help to calm symptoms or relieve inflammation in a specific area of your spine. Ice helps to limit swelling after an injury, while heat will naturally open up blood vessels, making it easier for healthy blood and fluids to make their way in and out of a specific area. Ice packs and hot pads can be a perfect compliment to the active treatments listed above.
- Corticosteroid Injections – We talked about the benefits of temporary and permanent spinal nerve block injections on the blog last week, and they are oftentimes seen as a last line of treatment before surgery is considered. A spine specialist will inject a numbing agent into the affected area to provide temporary relief. While pain is alleviated, you’ll want to dive into some of the previously listed active treatments to hopefully resolve some of the underlying issues contributing to discomfort.
These are just a few of the more commonly recommended forms of conservative treatment for a number of spinal issues, and just know that it’s rare for your doctor to only recommend one type of treatment. In many instances, they’ll prescribe a few of the above treatments alongside passive options to control symptoms, like rest and medications. If you really dive into these treatments and give it your all, you may be able to avoid a surgical procedure once and for all.
For more information about any of the above techniques, or for assistance with a different back issue, reach out to Dr. Sinicropi and the team at The Midwest Spine & Brain Institute today at (651) 430-3800.
